Buffalo Hockey Beat - WNY and Buffalo NY Hockey Coverage

With Conor Timmins available to play, Sabres could scratch Zach Metsa

BUFFALO – Ninety-seven days after breaking his leg, Sabres defenseman Conor Timmins is expected to play tonight against the Boston Bruins.

Timmins, who has missed the last 38 games, was one of the first six defensemen to depart this morning’s optional skate. Meanwhile, rookie Zach Metsa, who has recently enjoyed semi-regular duty, stayed on the ice for extra work.

Sabres coach Lindy Ruff said Timmins, who began practicing March 14, is available to play ... Read the full article

Sabres goalies Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, Alex Lyon forming dynamic tandem

BUFFALO – After sitting out last game, Sabres goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen is expected to start Wednesday against the Boston Bruins, his eighth nod in the last 16 contests.

Meanwhile, crease mate Alex Lyon, whose franchise-record 10-game road win streak ended Sunday, will likely get a full night off – that means not even dressing – like Luukkonen did for Sunday’s 6-5 overtime loss to the Anaheim Ducks.

Right now, as Luukkonen and Lyon alternate starts, ... Read the full article

Sabres sign prospect Gavin McCarthy to entry-level contract

The Buffalo Sabres on Tuesday signed defense prospect Gavin McCarthy, who served as captain of Boston University as a junior this season, to a three-year, entry-level contract.

The Sabres drafted McCarthy, a Clarence native, in the third round in 2023, 86th overall.

His college career ended Saturday when the University of Connecticut defeated the Terriers 5-3 in the Hockey East Tournament quarterfinal.... Read the full article

After trades, recalls, newcomers Sam Carrick, Noah Ostlund and others play huge roles in Sabres’ success

BUFFALO – As Sabres center Sam Carrick warmed up prior to Saturday’s 3-2 shootout win against the Toronto Maple Leafs, a placard along the glass featuring a drawing of his head grabbed his attention.

Other than the length of his hair – “I’ve had a snip since then,” the newcomer said – the portrait accurately depicted Carrick.

“Yeah, it was pretty impressive,” he told the Times Herald following Monday’s practice in LECOM Harborcenter.... Read the full article

Sabres bounce back after rare loss, beat Maple Leafs in shootout

BUFFALO – You must go back more than three months – 97 days and 38 games, to be exact – to find the last time the Sabres lost two consecutive contests in regulation.

A heck of lot has gone into their stunning 30-6-2 run that has vaulted them into first place in the Atlantic Division. They’ve excelled in essentially every facet of the game.

Their ability to quickly bounce back and handle the mental gymnastics ... Read the full article

Conor Timmins skates with Sabres after breaking leg; Alex Tuch likely to return from injury

BUFFALO – Sabres defenseman Conor Timmins said when he and teammate Jordan Greenway got their skates tangled and he fell to the ice almost three months ago, he could feel his leg break.

“When I fell there, it became unbearable,” Timmins said of the pain experienced Dec. 18 late in the Sabres’ 5-3 win over the Philadelphia Flyers.

Earlier that night, Timmins, 27, said he had blocked a shot that “did a little damage.” Still, ... Read the full article

After trade adds defense depth, Sabres’ Michael Kesselring sits out as scratch

BUFFALO – When the Sabres acquired defensemen Luke Schenn and Logan Stanley last week before the trade deadline, Michael Kesselring knew what was about to happen.

Kesselring, 26, has endured a difficult season after arriving in an offseason trade, battling injuries from the get-go and struggling to find a groove.

Adding two established talents to one of the NHL’s deepest blue lines meant he would likely be pushed out of the lineup.

“Once we made ... Read the full article

Sabres’ Alex Tuch could play Saturday; Mattias Samuelsson might miss game with injury

BUFFALO – If the Sabres were in the playoffs right now, winger Alex Tuch would likely be playing. But they want to be prudent dealing with his lower-body injury, so they held him out of Thursday’s 2-1 loss to the Washington Capitals.

Tuch said he felt “really good” after practicing today in LECOM Harborcenter. Coach Lindy Ruff said “it’s a possibility” the veteran could return for Saturday’s game against the Toronto Maple Leafs in KeyBank ... Read the full article

Sabres notes: Luke Schenn teammates with another Doan; Alex Tuch misses game with injury

BUFFALO – Jeska Peczek recently told her husband, Sabres defenseman Luke Schenn, you can tell you’re getting old when a former teammate’s son welcomes you to your new team.

“At one point, it’s Shane Doan and his wife welcoming you to the team (the Arizona Coyotes), and next thing you know, it’s Josh and his girlfriend,” Schenn said Thursday prior to making his Sabres debut in a 2-1 loss to the Washington Capitals in KeyBank ... Read the full article

Sabres pummel Capitals early, struggle late as win streak ends

BUFFALO – As Tage Thompson kept firing away from the left circle, unleashing four consecutive one-timers late in the first period as the Sabres enjoyed a power play, the anticipation from the capacity crowd in KeyBank Center grew.

How often do you get to see one of hockey’s most lethal shooters let loose like that?

“I think they were tired,” Thompson said after a 2-1 loss ended the Sabres’ eight-game win streak. “It’s tough for ... Read the full article