Archives for January 28, 2013

'“It’s just little things now,” Buffalo defenseman Jordan Leopold said. “It’s not anything big. It’s attention to detail. We had a couple minor mistakes, but it’s a learning curve early in the year. There’s not a lot of time to recoup those points that you end up losing.”' … [Read more...] about Sabres come up empty, drop third straight

'“Overall, it was a good showing for him,” said coach Lindy Ruff, who had Grigorenko come to the rink Sunday morning for additional tutoring. “He’s receptive. He understands there’s some areas he has to get better. He knows that. Overall, I thought it was maybe his best effort.”' … [Read more...] about Grigorenko hopeful after ‘best effort’

Alex Ovechkin scores first goal of season as Washington forges first win (Washington Post) Alex Ovechkin scores and Washington Capitals win, both finally breaking through (Washington Post) Photo gallery (Washington Post) Capitals hold on for first victory of Adam Oates era (Washington Times) Marcus Johansson benched vs. Sabres (Washington Times) Capitals finally give Adam … [Read more...] about Monday’s Washington Coverage

'Tyler Ennis scored in the first period, and Miller made 27 saves for the Sabres, who have lost three straight after opening the season with a pair of wins. Buffalo played without left wing Thomas Vanek, who had been on the ice for all 11 goals in Buffalo's first four games. Vanek sat out with a muscle strain, sustained in the loss to the Carolina Hurricanes on Friday.' … [Read more...] about Ovechkin scores; Caps get 1st win, top Sabres 3-2

'Tyler Ennis and Marcus Foligno each lit the lamp for the Sabres, who have dropped three straight after opening the campaign with two wins. Ryan Miller gave up all three goals on 30 shots in the loss.' … [Read more...] about Washington 3, Buffalo 2

'In the end it's back to the drawing board for Lindy Ruff as Gerbe looked awful with this line. It was evident from the start that Pominville and especially Hodgson missed Thomas Vanek. They have to be better than that. You can't fall apart just becasue your best player isn't available to play.' … [Read more...] about How did missing Vanek work?

'Miller turned aside 27 shots while Neuvirth stopped 22. Mikhail Grigorenko skated for 17:10 and was in on a couple of scoring chances. Now that his fifth NHL game is over, the Sabres must decide whether to keep Grigorenko with the team or return him to juniors.' … [Read more...] about Caps Top Sabres 3-2

'Thomas Vanek is out with a muscle injury. Lindy Ruff said, “He’s day to day really. He skated this morning, but isn’t quite there.”' … [Read more...] about Sabres Vanek is out

'There should only be three major questions asked to come to this decision and conclusion: 1. Has he shown he will hurt us while on the ice? 2. Can he help us win this year? 3. Will he develop better being in Buffalo or back in juniors for the next 3-4 months? … [Read more...] about Grigorenko decision should not be about contract clock

'Without Vanek, the Sabres' offense struggled, especially during a second period that featured only six shots on net for the road team.' … [Read more...] about Ovechkin scores, Oates earns first win as Caps coach

'With Sabres defenseman Alexander Sulzer in the box for clearing the puck over the glass, Ovechkin stationed himself to the right of Miller at the faceoff circle. Mike Green found Ovechkin with a pass from the far boards, and he made no mistake with an absolute laser into the twine for his first of the season.' … [Read more...] about Sabres drop third in a row in Washington