Archives for December 2011

'Today, however, the Sabres are reeling. With losses in five of six and seven of 10, they’re officially a team in crisis. Their latest setback, a 4-1 loss in which the scorching Detroit Red Wings outclassed them early, proved how far the Sabres must climb to hang with the NHL’s elite.' … [Read more...] about Sabres fall fast to Red Wings

'“I’ve had some time look at the habits of other guys and get my body stronger,” Ennis said. “I’ve just been able to kind of focus on how I’m going to play when I come back. I’m ready to do that now. It’s a fresh start almost. I’m real excited. I feel good. I feel healthy.”' … [Read more...] about Ennis happy to return to lineup

'This small-market team splurged big-time in the free-agent market and even has a bigger payroll (right at the $64.3 million salary cap) than the Red Wings ($58.6 million). But Buffalo isn't getting its money's worth from a lot of players, as its 13-10-1 record shows.' … [Read more...] about Sabres still waiting for former Red Wing Ville Leino to pay dividends after big-money deal

'“It's fun that I've gotten to play against him,” said Drew Miller, who has faced his older brother just three times in the NHL. “And it's always fun for our parents and family and friends to come and watch. I think it's great for both of us being brothers and as close as we are. There's not a lot of that happening in the NHL.”' … [Read more...] about Miller brothers cherish family bond

Wings sink Sabres after three-goal first period (Detroit News) Wings on quest for road mastery (Detroit News) Red Wings win seventh straight (Detroit Free Press) Red Wings recall Chris Conner to help spark offense (Detroit Free Press) Red Wings notes from win over Sabres (Detroit Free Press) Photo gallery (Detroit Free Press) Strong start, another solid defensive effort … [Read more...] about Saturday’s Detroit Coverage

'Kassian worked over the summer months with Sabres assistant coach and former Toronto Maple Leafs centre Kevyn Adams, and at the start of the current season in the AHL with Rochester assistant coach Chris Taylor. "A lot of skill stuff," is what Kassian listed as his off-season to-do list.' … [Read more...] about Kassian makes an impact

'“That first period showed how a top team plays in the NHL,” Sabres defenseman Robyn Regehr said. “We have to be a lot sharper right off the bat. We have to work much harder and be harder on the pucks. Once (Detroit) gets the puck, they make very disciplined decisions.”' … [Read more...] about Red Wings win 7th straight, beat Sabres 4-1

'Miller, who hasn’t played since sustaining a concussion when Boston’s Milan Lucic(notes) bowled him over in Buffalo’s loss to the Bruins on Nov. 12, is expected to back up Jhonas Enroth(notes) against Detroit. Miller may get his first start since the injury on Saturday when the Sabres play at Nashville.' … [Read more...] about Miller set to return for Sabres

'"They cashed in on the opportunities they got," Pominville said. "But it falls on us to make sure we put ours away. We have to be better in that aspect because it's happened the last couple games."' … [Read more...] about Detroit 4, Buffalo 1

'The loss drops Buffalo to 5-8-1 at First Niagara Center.' … [Read more...] about Wings Take Down Sabres 4-1

'“It feels exactly like opening day. I haven’t played in six weeks, so I feel fresh and excited and I think that’s good that we’re 20 some odd games into the season and it feels like day number one.”' … [Read more...] about Sabres Ennis can’t wait for the game

'“We have to be a lot sharper right off the bat. We can still work much harder, be harder on the pucks [like Detroit],” he explained. “That's one of the things they're pretty much the best in the league at is once they do get the puck, they make very good, disciplined decisions. They're also very hard to knock off the puck. They really battle hard and they get pucks and people … [Read more...] about A hard lesson to learn

Amerks' Rankin shines in loss (Rochester D&C) Aeros rally behind rookie goalie, beat Rochester 4-3 (Houston Chronicle) Amerks drop 4-3 decision to Houston (Amerks.com) Aeros postgame (Aeros.com) NHL not too far away for Foligno (WGR-AM) … [Read more...] about Saturday’s Rochester Coverage

'"I really just took it upon myself to focus on things I can control and that's trying to play a real simple, solid brand of hockey," Finley said after joining his new teammates for practice Thursday. "I've been fortunate to do that so far."' … [Read more...] about Curiosity surrounds Finley in debut

'The Sabres have been out of sorts for the better part of three weeks and haven't offered many, if any, indications they're built for anything but a first-round playoff knockout.' … [Read more...] about Sabres’ season at crossroads