Buffalo Hockey Beat - WNY and Buffalo NY Hockey Coverage

Sabres’ Tyson Kozak focused on staying healthy after successful NHL stint

BUFFALO – In his first taste of the NHL last season, Sabres center Tyson Kozak learned that if he wants to stick around, he must stay healthy.

Talent isn’t an issue. Kozak, 22, showcased a gritty, mature style that belied his limited experience.

If he can limit his injuries – given his history, that’s a big if – he might someday entrench himself among the Sabres’ bottom-six forwards.... Read the full article

Sabres let go Adam Mair following DUI arrest

The Buffalo Sabres have let go director of player development Adam Mair following his arraignment Thursday on felony charges for allegedly driving under the influence and crashing his car with children in it.

The Sabres placed Mair, 46, on administrative leave after being arrested Sept. 4 in Pittsford.

“Adam Mair is no longer employed as our Director of Player Development,” the team said in a statement. “We wish him well. We will evaluate the best ... Read the full article

Injuries sideline Sabres’ Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, Michael Kesselring

BUFFALO – Injuries will likely keep Sabres goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen and defenseman Michael Kesselring from playing in Thursday’s season opener.

Coach Lindy Ruff said Luukkonen and Kesselring, both of whom left Wednesday’s 5-3 preseason loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins, are “kind of week to week.”

“It’s going to be more than day to day,” Ruff said following today’s pregame skate in KeyBank Center.... Read the full article

With UPL injured, Sabres could turn to Alex Lyon, who loves underdog role

BUFFALO – Sabres goalie Alex Lyon has won 173 games in pro hockey, including 51 in the NHL.

Three years ago, the Yale product notched six straight late-season victories that propelled the Florida Panthers to an unlikely playoff berth. Four years ago, he won 12 times during the Chicago Wolves’ run to the Calder Cup and posted a shutout in the championship-clinching game.

When Lyon, 32, thinks about the finest wins of his career, a ... Read the full article

Sabres goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen being evaluated for injury; Mattias Samuelsson close to practicing

BUFFALO – Sabres goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, who left Wednesday’s 5-3 preseason loss after one period with a lower-body injury, is being evaluated today, coach Lindy Ruff said.

Ruff said the Sabres will know more about Luukkonen’s status later today. He stopped 11 of the 12 shots he faced against the Pittsburgh Penguins before Alexandar Georgiev replaced him.

Luukkonen missed the first week of training camp after tweaking a lower-body injury. Ruff said the Sabres hope ... Read the full article

Sabres lose Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, Michael Kesselring to injuries

BUFFALO – After missing the first week of training camp with a lower-body injury, Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen began practicing and ramping up to begin the season as the Sabres’ No. 1 goalie.

On Wednesday, the Sabres planned for Luukkonen to play the opening 40 minutes in his first preseason action.

The Finn lasted one period before he re-aggravated his injury and was replaced by Alexandar Georgiev for precautionary reasons.... Read the full article

After season in minors, Ryan Johnson making case for roster spot with Sabres

BUFFALO – Right now, the Sabres possess so much notable depth that a strong argument can be made for keeping every bubble player left in training camp.

Center Tyson Kozak’s gritty, mature style grabbed the Sabres’ attention during his 21-game look last season. Josh Dunne’s heavy game might fit nicely on the fourth line. Dunne, one of the AHL’s best all-around centers, has a one-way contract this season.

Goalie Alexandar Georgiev led the NHL in ... Read the full article

Sabres preseason: Buffalo loses another player to injury, gets one back

BUFFALO – Another day, another injury for the Sabres.

Coach Lindy Ruff said this morning winger Zach Benson has “a little bit of an ailment that we’re keeping him off the ice for.” He said the injury is only a “short-term thing.”

Benson joins defensemen Mattias Samuelsson (upper body) and Owen Power (strain) and forwards Jordan Greenway (mid body) and Noah Ostlund (undisclosed) on the sideline.... Read the full article

In mature rookie Radim Mrtka, Sabres have special defense prospect

BUFFALO – About 12 minutes into his third preseason outing, Sabres rookie Radim Mrtka saw an opportunity materialize deep in his own zone and took off down the middle of the ice.

When Mrtka, 18, reached the Detroit blue line, he caught up to forward Konsta Helenius, who held the puck on the left wing, and slipped past a Red Wings defender.

Helenius, 19, then pivoted and adroitly fed a streaking Mrtka, who beat Red ... Read the full article

Sabres lose Owen Power to injury; Jiri Kulich ready to play

BUFFALO – Make that three injured defensemen for the Sabres.

Coach Lindy Ruff said Owen Power missed Tuesday’s practice with a strain and is day to day. He joins defensemen Bowen Byram and Mattias Samuelsson on the sideline.

Ruff said Byram, who suffered an undisclosed injury in Saturday afternoon’s exhibition game, skated on his own Tuesday. Samuelsson is week to week with an upper-body injury.... Read the full article