By KEVIN OKLOBZIJA On Tuesday night, Jack Quinn enjoyed a milestone event in what very likely will turn out to be an impactful NHL career by playing his first game for the Buffalo Sabres. The 20-year-old left winger played well, too, drawing praise from Sabres coach Don Granato. And then, 24 hours after taking his rookie lap around the ice of KeyBank Center and facing … [Read more...] about Quinn fully invested in bringing Sabres organization ‘to a better place’
Laaksonen assists on 4 goals in Amerks win, but his defensive gains are more important
By KEVIN OKLOBZIJA The game was barely halfway over and here was Oskari Laaksonen already with a career-high four assists for the Rochester Americans. It was that kind of night, where his shots from the point or his flat, on the tape passes ended up creating goals for the Amerks in what became a 7-6 victory over the Utica Comets on Wednesday at Blue Cross Arena at the War … [Read more...] about Laaksonen assists on 4 goals in Amerks win, but his defensive gains are more important
Looking a lot like his old self, Ruotsalaien helps Amerks upend Hartford
By KEVIN OKLOBZIJA After making a splash as a newcomer to the Buffalo Sabres organization last season, life on the ice has been much more trying for Arttu Ruotsalainen this season. The promise he showed in 2020-21 with the Sabres and Amerks – 5 goals and an assist in 17 NHL games, 5-8-13 in 13 AHL games – faded over time. As did his NHL ice time. As did his stay in … [Read more...] about Looking a lot like his old self, Ruotsalaien helps Amerks upend Hartford
Quinn a little rusty in return, Amerks a little off in loss to Crunch
By KEVIN OKLOBZIJA The Syracuse Crunch hadn’t played in 21 days due to postponements caused by COVID-19 protocols and the American Hockey League’s Christmas break. But you never would have known the Crunch had endured a three-week layoff based on the fast-paced, in-your-face game they played in defeating the Rochester Americans 2-1 on Wednesday night. Meanwhile, Amerks … [Read more...] about Quinn a little rusty in return, Amerks a little off in loss to Crunch
A day of roster zaniness didn’t deter Mersch and the Amerks
By KEVIN OKLOBZIJA It may have been the craziest 36 hours in Rochester Americans franchise history in terms of player transactions. Five players recalled by the parent Buffalo Sabres. Four Amerks regulars sidelined by COVID-19 protocol. Four players signed to pro tryout contracts – except one couldn’t play because his COVID-19 rapid test taken before departure from … [Read more...] about A day of roster zaniness didn’t deter Mersch and the Amerks