{'byline': 'by Paul Hamilton', 'hosts': '', 'byline_sources': 'WGR Sports Radio 550', 'audience_id': '', 'original_station': [{'station': 'wgr550', 'path': 'wgr550/sports/sabres/tuch-returns-from-sickness-to-play-sharks-in-san-jose'}], 'syndicated_items': [{'station': 'wcmf', 'path': '/wcmf/sports/buffalo-sabres/tuch-returns-from-sickness-to-play-sharks-in-san-jose'}, {'station': 'thefanrochester', 'path': '/thefanrochester/sports/buffalo-sabres/tuch-returns-from-sickness-to-play-sharks-in-san-jose'}], 'original_item': {'_index': 'published-content_v44', '_type': '_doc', '_score': None, '_source': {'date': '2026-03-19T17:30:00.000+00:00', 'lead': [{'data': {'title': 'Which Sabres players deserve more praise', 'thumbnail_url': 'https://s2.dmcdn.net/v/aIrOA1flA8EGXCQ1O', 'id': 'xa2j7d6', 'created_time': 1773873230, 'mode': 'vod', 'private_id': 'k6DUeJ8RfT0pMkFcX7Y', 'owner': 'x2yitd8', 'description': 'Mike Schopp and Chris "Bulldog" Parker discuss which Sabres players this season deserve the credit for helping turn the team around.', 'channel': 'sport', 'tags': ['wgr', 'buffalo sabres', 'nhl', 'hockey', 'schopp and the bulldog'], 'private': False, 'addPublic': True}, 'original_ref': 'www.audacy.com/_components/dailymotion/instances/cmmy7uqsq000g357xvuozobmc@published'}], 'slug': 'tuch-returns-from-sickness-to-play-sharks-in-san-jose', 'tags': ['WGR', 'All Local', 'NHL', 'Buffalo Sabres', 'San Jose Sharks', 'Alex Tuch', 'Lindy Ruff', 'Hockey'], 'feeds': {'msn': True, 'rss': True, 'postup': True, 'facebook': True, 'newsfeed': True, 'sitemaps': True, 'frequency': True, 'smartNews': True, 'apple-news': False, 'smart-news': True, 'most-popular': True, 'reversechron': True, 'google-news-feed': True}, 'hosts': [], 'adTags': {'original_ref': 'www.audacy.com/_components/ad-tags/instances/cmmxwznbm003s01slp70rga7w@published'}, 'byline': [{'names': [{'name': 'Paul Hamilton', 'text': 'Paul Hamilton', 'slug': 'paul-hamilton'}], 'sources': [{'text': 'WGR Sports Radio 550'}], 'hosts': [], 'prefix': 'by'}], 'teaser': 'Tuch returns from sickness to play Sharks in San Jose', 'authors': ['Paul Hamilton'], 'content': [{'data': {'text': "<strong>San Jose, Calif. (WGR Sports Radio 550) -</strong> After missing Tuesday's win over the Vegas Golden Knights, Buffalo Sabres winger Alex Tuch took part in Thursday's morning skate and will return to the lineup against the San Jose Sharks.", '_version': 2, 'componentVariation': 'paragraph'}, 'original_ref': 'www.audacy.com/_components/paragraph/instances/cmmxwznbm003w01slend7gynw@published'}, {'data': {'text': '<iframe width="100%" height="165px" frameborder="0" src="https://player.amperwavepodcasting.com?&feed-link=https%3A%2F%2Frss.amperwave.net%2Fv2%2Fepisode%2F8046880_2026-03-20-012020&withPlaylist=false&theme=blurred&playerDisplay-logoType=Audacy" allow="clipboard-write"></iframe>', 'isIframe': True, 'componentVariation': 'html-embed', 'fbInstantArticleHtml': '<iframe width="100%" height="165px" frameborder="0" src="https://player.amperwavepodcasting.com?&feed-link=https%3A%2F%2Frss.amperwave.net%2Fv2%2Fepisode%2F8046880_2026-03-20-012020&withPlaylist=false&theme=blurred&playerDisplay-logoType=Audacy" allow="clipboard-write"></iframe>'}, 'original_ref': 'www.audacy.com/_components/html-embed/instances/cmmy7wya9000s357xu5fcbg6u@published'}, {'data': {'text': "Tuch was forced to miss Tuesday's game due to an illness, but feels much better ahead of Thursday's contest.", '_version': 2, 'componentVariation': 'paragraph'}, 'original_ref': 'www.audacy.com/_components/paragraph/instances/cmmxx9p0f0024357xjacwbx54@published'}, {'data': {'text': '"I felt good, really good. Better than I thought I was going to a couple of days ago," said Tuch. "But that was a tough one. I felt good to be back out there."', '_version': 2, 'componentVariation': 'paragraph'}, 'original_ref': 'www.audacy.com/_components/paragraph/instances/cmmy8ciiu000y357x4jlkv1f9@published'}, {'data': {'text': 'You always worry about stamina after a player misses time being sick. Tuch says he’s been here before.', '_version': 2, 'componentVariation': 'paragraph'}, 'original_ref': 'www.audacy.com/_components/paragraph/instances/cmmxx9p380025357xnfa5yh37@published'}, {'data': {'text': '"I don’t think I was off for too long, so I don’t think it’ll be an issue," he said. "But maybe the first couple of shifts, keep them short."', '_version': 2, 'componentVariation': 'paragraph'}, 'original_ref': 'www.audacy.com/_components/paragraph/instances/cmmxx9p8q0026357x7eoccwxv@published'}, {'data': {'text': 'Sabres head coach Lindy Ruff feels it’s something that will need watching.', '_version': 2, 'componentVariation': 'paragraph'}, 'original_ref': 'www.audacy.com/_components/paragraph/instances/cmmxx9pbb0027357xdee23jwo@published'}, {'data': {'text': '"I think we’ll get a good read on him early, and we can balance the ice-time off of that," he said after the morning skate.', '_version': 2, 'componentVariation': 'paragraph'}, 'original_ref': 'www.audacy.com/_components/paragraph/instances/cmmxx9pdz0028357x5ojtsfy5@published'}, {'data': {'text': "The Sabres' third defensive pair will, once again, be Zach Metsa and Logan Stanley. They showed well in their first game together in Vegas, according to Ruff.", '_version': 2, 'componentVariation': 'paragraph'}, 'original_ref': 'www.audacy.com/_components/paragraph/instances/cmmxx9piw0029357xermg9f0u@published'}, {'data': {'text': '"I thought that pair did a nice job. Moved the puck well, I thought defended well. There was a lot to like about their game," Ruff said.', '_version': 2, 'componentVariation': 'paragraph'}, 'original_ref': 'www.audacy.com/_components/paragraph/instances/cmmxx9pll002a357xg13rqmsq@published'}, {'data': {'text': 'In the handful of games since Stanley’s acquisition from the Winnipeg Jets, Ruff feels his comfort level with the group is rising.', '_version': 2, 'componentVariation': 'paragraph'}, 'original_ref': 'www.audacy.com/_components/paragraph/instances/cmmxx9q3c002b357xgzgaavoa@published'}, {'data': {'text': '"That’s what we’re trying to get to," Ruff said. "He understands how we need to play. I thought his box-outs around the net were real good, moving the puck, 90% of it was good. I’m sure there’s a couple he wants back, but overall, I think he’s feeling better about his game than the first couple."', '_version': 2, 'componentVariation': 'paragraph'}, 'original_ref': 'www.audacy.com/_components/paragraph/instances/cmmxx9q5q002c357x2kssve4n@published'}, {'data': {'text': 'Metsa plays a very calm game, which Ruff feels helps them be a good pair.', '_version': 2, 'componentVariation': 'paragraph'}, 'original_ref': 'www.audacy.com/_components/paragraph/instances/cmmxx9q8a002d357xrxypiff9@published'}, {'data': {'text': '"Zach’s breakout ability has been so good, that compliments how we need to play. And I think he gave them good outs at times," Ruff said.', '_version': 2, 'componentVariation': 'paragraph'}, 'original_ref': 'www.audacy.com/_components/paragraph/instances/cmmxx9qaw002e357xn0e8diek@published'}, {'data': {'text': '"I think he broke the puck out himself well, so I think those two did play off of each other."', '_version': 2, 'componentVariation': 'paragraph'}, 'original_ref': 'www.audacy.com/_components/paragraph/instances/cmmxx9qdg002f357x4l2azw06@published'}, {'data': {'text': 'Buffalo is working on a team-record road streak, picking up points in 11-straight games. In that streak, they’re 10-0-1.', '_version': 2, 'componentVariation': 'paragraph'}, 'original_ref': 'www.audacy.com/_components/paragraph/instances/cmmxx9qg7002g357xck8zffks@published'}, {'data': {'text': 'Overall this season, the Sabres are 19-11-3 away from home.', '_version': 2, 'componentVariation': 'paragraph'}, 'original_ref': 'www.audacy.com/_components/paragraph/instances/cmmzhe4dh0009357xqjpeip8g@published'}, {'data': {'text': 'It’s Alex Lyon’s turn to be in net for the Sabres on Thursdau. He’s won five-straight games, and since Dec. 8 is 16-2-0 with a 2.22 goals-against average and a .924 save percentage.', '_version': 2, 'componentVariation': 'paragraph'}, 'original_ref': 'www.audacy.com/_components/paragraph/instances/cmmxx9qj5002h357xhxr9iqvp@published'}, {'data': {'text': 'The Carolina Hurricanes won their game in-hand and are back ahead of the Sabres with a points percentage of .676. Buffalo is currently sitting at .662, while the Tampa Bay Lightning are .652.', '_version': 2, 'componentVariation': 'paragraph'}, 'original_ref': 'www.audacy.com/_components/paragraph/instances/cmmxx9qlq002i357xc7djjq9f@published'}, {'data': {'text': 'Tampa Bay is in Vancouver to face the Canucks on Thursday, while Carolina visits Toronto on Friday.', '_version': 2, 'componentVariation': 'paragraph'}, 'original_ref': 'www.audacy.com/_components/paragraph/instances/cmmzhfcl7000d357x12elwhyz@published'}, {'data': {'text': "Macklin Celebrini did score against the Sabres in Buffalo, but that was because of a bad turnover. Ruff feels they did a decent job defending the 19-year-old, who's fifth in league scoring with 35 goals and 60 assists for 95 points.", '_version': 2, 'componentVariation': 'paragraph'}, 'original_ref': 'www.audacy.com/_components/paragraph/instances/cmmzhfr2y000h357xu0fytez9@published'}, {'data': {'text': '“He created a couple of opportunities with just speed and agility that [Lyon] made good saves on," Ruff said. "He’s just a guy you’ve got to be aware of, because if he has a step or he gets inside, or if he gets you flat-footed, he can beat you. But I think for the most part, we got in his way, we bumped him, because you’ve got to slow down the key guys."', '_version': 2, 'componentVariation': 'paragraph'}, 'original_ref': 'www.audacy.com/_components/paragraph/instances/cmmxx9qo6002j357xmm4gj5e4@published'}, {'data': {'text': '<iframe width="100%" height="165px" frameborder="0" src="https://player.amperwavepodcasting.com?&feed-link=https%3A%2F%2Frss.amperwave.net%2Fv2%2Fepisode%2F8046883_2026-03-20-010623&withPlaylist=false&theme=blurred&playerDisplay-logoType=Audacy" allow="clipboard-write"></iframe>', 'isIframe': True, 'componentVariation': 'html-embed', 'fbInstantArticleHtml': '<iframe width="100%" height="165px" frameborder="0" src="https://player.amperwavepodcasting.com?&feed-link=https%3A%2F%2Frss.amperwave.net%2Fv2%2Fepisode%2F8046883_2026-03-20-010623&withPlaylist=false&theme=blurred&playerDisplay-logoType=Audacy" allow="clipboard-write"></iframe>'}, 'original_ref': 'www.audacy.com/_components/html-embed/instances/cmmy8iou90018357xq4oyxrmr@published'}, {'data': {'text': 'The Sharks have lost two in-a-row and five out of their last seven games. They’ve only won five of their last 15 games, which puts them one point behind the Seattle Kraken and Los Angeles Kings for the eighth and final playoff spot in the Western Conference.', '_version': 2, 'componentVariation': 'paragraph'}, 'original_ref': 'www.audacy.com/_components/paragraph/instances/cmmxx9qr9002k357x1jv8kh2o@published'}, {'data': {'text': 'All three teams in the Pacific Division have a points percentage of .530.', '_version': 2, 'componentVariation': 'paragraph'}, 'original_ref': 'www.audacy.com/_components/paragraph/instances/cmmzhibt9000l357xaxxxtq0j@published'}, {'data': {'text': 'Tage Thompson had been on a hot streak that almost hit 40 games, but he’s gone very cold lately, going pointless in four-straight and goalless in five-straight.', '_version': 2, 'componentVariation': 'paragraph'}, 'original_ref': 'www.audacy.com/_components/paragraph/instances/cmmxx9qtr002l357x0cz7f3kg@published'}, {'data': {'text': 'Join Brian Koziol for pregame coverage on WGR starting at 9 p.m. when you’ll hear from Ruff and Zach Benson.', '_version': 2, 'componentVariation': 'paragraph'}, 'original_ref': 'www.audacy.com/_components/paragraph/instances/cmmxx9qwq002m357xq71swfie@published'}, {'data': {'tag': None, 'fill': None, 'items': [{'uri': 'www.audacy.com/_components/article/instances/cmmw81l7c003i01tlivt1iwx6@published', 'url': 'http://www.audacy.com/wgr550/sports/sabres/hamilton-luukkonen-steals-show-in-vegas-with-first-shutout-of-season', 'lead': 'dailymotion', 'pageUri': 'http://www.audacy.com/wgr550/sports/sabres/hamilton-luukkonen-steals-show-in-vegas-with-first-shutout-of-season', 'feedImgUrl': 'https://radioimg.audacy.com/aiu-media/GettyImages2267147711-2f59b35d-d0b9-4934-b7cd-501f4b616838.jpg?crop=16:9', 'urlIsValid': True, 'contentType': 'article', 'canonicalUrl': 'http://www.audacy.com/wgr550/sports/sabres/hamilton-luukkonen-steals-show-in-vegas-with-first-shutout-of-season', 'overrideImage': None, 'overrideTitle': None, 'primaryHeadline': 'Hamilton: Luukkonen steals show in Vegas with first shutout of season', 'ignoreValidation': False}, {'uri': 'www.audacy.com/_components/article/instances/cmmved12g001h01ttw8mimktt@published', 'url': 'http://www.audacy.com/wgr550/sports/sabres/luukkonen-sabres-blank-golden-knights-in-vegas', 'lead': 'image', 'pageUri': 'http://www.audacy.com/wgr550/sports/sabres/luukkonen-sabres-blank-golden-knights-in-vegas', 'feedImgUrl': 'https://radioimg.audacy.com/aiu-media/GettyImages2267138227-22ef07df-0563-42e1-9014-08aaaa5c4ead.jpg?crop=16:9', 'urlIsValid': True, 'contentType': 'article', 'canonicalUrl': 'http://www.audacy.com/wgr550/sports/sabres/luukkonen-sabres-blank-golden-knights-in-vegas', 'overrideImage': None, 'overrideTitle': None, 'primaryHeadline': 'Luukkonen, Sabres blank Golden Knights in Vegas', 'ignoreValidation': False}], '_version': 2, 'articles': [{'uri': 'www.audacy.com/_components/article/instances/cmmw81l7c003i01tlivt1iwx6@published', 'url': 'http://www.audacy.com/wgr550/sports/sabres/hamilton-luukkonen-steals-show-in-vegas-with-first-shutout-of-season', 'lead': 'dailymotion', 'pageUri': 'http://www.audacy.com/wgr550/sports/sabres/hamilton-luukkonen-steals-show-in-vegas-with-first-shutout-of-season', 'feedImgUrl': 'https://radioimg.audacy.com/aiu-media/GettyImages2267147711-2f59b35d-d0b9-4934-b7cd-501f4b616838.jpg?crop=16:9', 'urlIsValid': True, 'contentType': 'article', 'canonicalUrl': 'http://www.audacy.com/wgr550/sports/sabres/hamilton-luukkonen-steals-show-in-vegas-with-first-shutout-of-season', 'overrideImage': None, 'overrideTitle': None, 'primaryHeadline': 'Hamilton: Luukkonen steals show in Vegas with first shutout of season', 'ignoreValidation': False}, {'uri': 'www.audacy.com/_components/article/instances/cmmved12g001h01ttw8mimktt@published', 'url': 'http://www.audacy.com/wgr550/sports/sabres/luukkonen-sabres-blank-golden-knights-in-vegas', 'lead': 'image', 'pageUri': 'http://www.audacy.com/wgr550/sports/sabres/luukkonen-sabres-blank-golden-knights-in-vegas', 'feedImgUrl': 'https://radioimg.audacy.com/aiu-media/GettyImages2267138227-22ef07df-0563-42e1-9014-08aaaa5c4ead.jpg?crop=16:9', 'urlIsValid': True, 'contentType': 'article', 'canonicalUrl': 'http://www.audacy.com/wgr550/sports/sabres/luukkonen-sabres-blank-golden-knights-in-vegas', 'overrideImage': None, 'overrideTitle': None, 'primaryHeadline': 'Luukkonen, Sabres blank Golden Knights in Vegas', 'ignoreValidation': False}], 'missingItems': False, 'sectionFront': 'sports', 'componentVariation': 'inline-related'}, 'original_ref': 'www.audacy.com/_components/inline-related/instances/cmmy8htu30013357x5oayd9z3@published'}], 'feedImg': {'data': {'alt': 'Alex Tuch', 'url': 'https://radioimg.audacy.com/aiu-media/651047782185707246510048053395433859281281872n-d054b378-ad58-4451-97be-eddc42c57f07.jpg', 'width': 1440, 'credit': 'Micheline Michaelina (<a href="https://twitter.com/MiMiV4682">@MiMiV4682</a>)', 'height': 986, 'caption': None, '_version': 1, 'mimeType': 'image/jpeg', 'imageLink': None, 'rendition': None, 'sizeInBytes': '277288', 'borderToggle': None, 'componentVariation': 'feed-image'}, 'original_ref': 'www.audacy.com/_components/feed-image/instances/cmmxwznbm003t01slqlzhkf69@published'}, 'sources': [{'text': 'WGR Sports Radio 550'}], '_version': 24, 'featured': False, 'headline': 'Tuch returns from sickness to play Sharks in San Jose', 'msnTitle': 'Tuch returns from sickness to play Sharks in San Jose', 'textTags': ['WGR', 'All Local', 'NHL', 'Buffalo Sabres', 'San Jose Sharks', 'Alex Tuch', 'Lindy Ruff', 'Hockey'], '_msnTitle': {'shouldOverride': False}, 'apContent': None, 'isOpinion': False, 'pageTitle': 'Tuch returns from sickness to play Sharks in San Jose', 'sideShare': {'original_ref': 'www.audacy.com/_components/share/instances/cmmxwznbm003u01slb5g6iuiq@published'}, 'feedImgUrl': 'https://radioimg.audacy.com/aiu-media/651047782185707246510048053395433859281281872n-d054b378-ad58-4451-97be-eddc42c57f07.jpg', 'feedLayout': 'small', 'showSocial': True, 'stationURL': 'https://www.audacy.com/wgr550', 'articleDate': '2026-03-19', 'articleTime': '13:30', 'breadcrumbs': [{'hidden': False, 'text': 'WGR Sports Radio Buffalo', 'url': '//www.audacy.com/wgr550'}, {'hidden': False, 'text': 'Sports', 'url': '//www.audacy.com/wgr550/sports'}, {'hidden': False, 'text': 'Sabres', 'url': '//www.audacy.com/wgr550/sports/sabres'}], 'contentType': 'article', 'dateUpdated': False, 'seoHeadline': 'Tuch returns from sickness to play Sharks in San Jose', 'stationName': 'WGR Sports Radio Buffalo', 'stationSlug': 'wgr550', 'subHeadline': 'Alex Lyon beat the Sharks in Buffalo, and will play them again on Thursday', 'dateModified': '2026-03-20T22:43:03.429Z', 'featuredNews': True, 'sectionFront': 'sports', 'fullWidthLead': False, 'shortHeadline': 'Tuch returns from sickness to play Sharks in San Jose', 'syndicatedUrl': None, 'unityPageType': 'article', 'featuredSports': True, 'msnTitleLength': 53, 'seoDescription': 'After missing Tuesday’s win over the Vegas Golden Knights, Buffalo Sabres winger Alex Tuch took part in Thursday’s morning skate and will return to the lineup against the San Jose Sharks. Paul Hamilton has his game preview:', 'stationLogoUrl': 'https://radioimg.audacy.com/aiu-media/PH-1ad074f9-acc5-4413-af5c-9d09fefbf005.jpg', 'isContentFromAP': False, 'noIndexNoFollow': False, 'pageDescription': 'After missing Tuesday’s win over the Vegas Golden Knights, Buffalo Sabres winger Alex Tuch took part in Thursday’s morning skate and will return to the lineup against the San Jose Sharks. Paul Hamilton has his game preview:', 'primaryHeadline': 'Tuch returns from sickness to play Sharks in San Jose', 'stationCallsign': 'WGRAM', 'stationTimezone': 'US/Eastern', 'socialDescription': 'Tuch returns from sickness to play Sharks in San Jose', 'syndicationStatus': 'original', 'componentVariation': 'article', 'stationSyndication': [{'sectionFront': 'sports', 'callsign': 'WCMFFM', 'stationSlug': 'wcmf', 'stationName': '96.5 WCMF', 'secondarySectionFront': 'buffalo sabres', 'source': 'content subscription', 'syndicatedArticleSlug': '/wcmf/sports/buffalo-sabres/tuch-returns-from-sickness-to-play-sharks-in-san-jose'}, {'sectionFront': 'sports', 'callsign': 'WROCAM', 'stationSlug': 'thefanrochester', 'stationName': 'WGR Rochester', 'secondarySectionFront': 'buffalo sabres', 'source': 'content subscription', 'syndicatedArticleSlug': '/thefanrochester/sports/buffalo-sabres/tuch-returns-from-sickness-to-play-sharks-in-san-jose'}], 'hasSecondaryBylines': False, 'rollingStandoutCount': 0, 'secondarySectionFront': 'sabres', 'contentPageSponsorLogo': {'original_ref': 'www.audacy.com/_components/google-ad-manager/instances/cmmxwznbm003v01sl7az5zxty@published'}, 'displayLogoSponsorship': False, 'plaintextShortHeadline': 'Tuch returns from sickness to play Sharks in San Jose', '_opinionHeadlineOverride': {'shouldOverride': False}, 'plaintextPrimaryHeadline': 'Tuch returns from sickness to play Sharks in San Jose', 'canBeMarkedGoogleStandout': True, 'isContentFromNoIndexByline': False, 'availableStandoutArticleInventory': True, 'articleWithinGoogleStandoutPublishDateLimit': True, 'canonicalUrl': 'http://www.audacy.com/wgr550/sports/sabres/tuch-returns-from-sickness-to-play-sharks-in-san-jose', 'site': 'demo', 'manualSlugUnlock': False, 'corporateSyndication': None, 'evergreenSlug': None, 'slugLock': True, 'galleryTime': None, 'genreSyndication': None, 'editorialFeeds': None, 'galleryDate': None}, 'sort': [5935020], 'stationSlug': 'wgr550', 'original_id': 'www.audacy.com/_components/article/instances/cmmxwznbm003x01sl7pn1w7s9@published'}}
Skip to contentCondition: Post with Page_List
Search
Latest Stories
Video
Up next
Recent
Listen to 96.5 WCMF
Sign Up for the Club