Archives for April 2015

'Nolan is who he is and I have plenty of respect for him. The job of NHL coach has changed a lot since he was last here. Analyzing your opponent, exploiting their weakness while hiding yours. Match ups and zone starts matter. They matter to Tim Murray. Nolan to me sealed his fate when he was openly dismissive of this sort of thing. It doesn't have to be your area expertise. It … [Read more...] about Tough spot

'“I would like to take this opportunity to thank Kim and Terry Pegula, Pat Lafontaine, my coaches and the Sabres management, players, medical, training, arena and public relations staff for all of their support over the past two seasons. Above all, I want to thank the fans and the beautiful people of Buffalo! THANK YOU BUFFALO!!! Yours in spirit, Ted.”' … [Read more...] about Nolan has a statement

'The Buffalo Sabres today announced the team has assigned the following players to the Rochester Americans (AHL): Forwards Mikhail Grigorenko, Johan Larsson and Phil Varone; defenseman Chad Ruhwedel and goaltender Matt Hackett.' … [Read more...] about Sabres assign five to Rochester

'In addition to Nolan, three of his assistant coaches also won’t return: Danny Flynn was fired, while Bryan Trottier and Tom Coolen won’t have their contracts renewed.' … [Read more...] about Murray ends Nolan’s tenure

'“It’s a big offseason for everyone on this team. We all have to take a look in the mirror and understand that what happened this year isn’t acceptable, and we better be willing to put the time in and the effort in to make sure this doesn’t happen again.”' … [Read more...] about Changing losing culture is No. 1 goal for Sabres

'“At the end of the day, it’s the guys who are going to be here, the guys that played this year who are going to be around next year, we need to be better,” Gionta said Sunday morning as the Sabres held their annual locker cleanout. “We need to improve some things. Obviously the roster is going to be changed. A lot of spots opened up and we’ll see how that goes.”' … [Read more...] about Gionta not content to look forward

'To help with transparency, the NHL will post the chart of assigned combinations on its website Friday. The complete process, including video of the actual lottery, will also be posted on NHL.com following the televised announcement.' … [Read more...] about McDavid or Eichel? Saturday at 8 p.m. will tell the tale

'Nolan was hired by Pat Lafontaine, who left the organization last season in an apparent dispute over power in the hockey department.' … [Read more...] about Buffalo Sabres fire coach Ted Nolan

'“I don’t think it was a bad fit,” Murray said. “I don’t think it was a great fit. We both said after it’s too bad it didn’t work out. Is it chemistry? Maybe it’s just chemistry, maybe it’s just two different personalities. You need chemistry on the ice, and you need chemistry off the ice.”' … [Read more...] about Former Sabres coach Ted Nolan and GM Tim Murray never meshed

'“I would do anything to be back here next year or years to come or whatever the case may be,” he said. “If I can give my right arm to be here, I would. I’d try to play with one arm if I had to.”' … [Read more...] about Patrick Kaleta wants to return to Sabres: ‘I would do anything to be back here’

'The moved sparked speculation that billionaire owner Terry Pegula will take a hard run at landing Mike Babcock in the event the Red Wings coach doesn’t return to Detroit.' … [Read more...] about As expected: Sabres fire coach Ted Nolan

'Here's hoping Nolan gets another shot. What happened in Buffalo this season wasn't his doing.' … [Read more...] about Buffalo Sabres fire coach Ted Nolan: Expected, unfair

'"I know this isn't a popular thing," Murray said. "To me, it's about getting better. I feel this was an opportunity for us to improve and keep improving. And that's certainly no disrespect to Ted."' … [Read more...] about Buffalo Sabres fire coach Ted Nolan

'Nolan also had a poor working relationship with general manager Tim Murray, as the two barely consulted this year.' … [Read more...] about Sabres hope worst is behind them after finishing last again

'Buffalo has the best shot of landing the top pick of the 14 non-playoff teams. The odds are based on the standings, with the Sabres having a 20 percent chance of winning followed by Arizona at 13.5.' … [Read more...] about Sabres have best odds in NHL draft lottery set for Saturday