Archives for January 2016

'“He’s definitely a great player. He plays hard every night, plays the right way,” said Boston center and former Selke Trophy winner Patrice Bergeron. “I think you follow guys like that. Eichel is definitely an amazing player and has years ahead of him to become a superstar in this league. Ryan O’Reilly is still young too, and people don’t realize that. Every year he seems to … [Read more...] about Trade to Sabres has brightened O’Reilly’s star

'Having Eichel around will certainly help the foundation’s bottom line. Matching his first jersey will be a tall order. He scored during his highly anticipated arrival, signaling the start of what fans hope is a long, successful career.' … [Read more...] about Eichel’s jersey auction a jackpot for Sabres’ Foundation

'John Rigas is 91 years old, and cancer has spread throughout his body. His friends say he weighs less than 100 pounds and does not have long to live.' … [Read more...] about The push to bring John Rigas home

'"I am a different coach than I was at the end in Buffalo," Ruff said. "I think there was some frustration in my coaching, and I tried to move forward with the mind-set that what's ahead of you is more important than what's behind you."' … [Read more...] about How grizzled veteran Lindy Ruff – who connects with Stars’ youth because he’s so hip – found his coaching stride after being fired by Buffalo

'O'Reilly was a one-timer left shooter during Heat 2 of the Gatorade NHL Skills Challenge Relay, receiving passes from Jaromir Jagr. O'Reilly was camped out on the goal line to the right of the net on a sharp angle. He needed to score on two one-timers and was able to do so on his sixth and seventh attempts.' … [Read more...] about O’Reilly takes part in 1st All-Star skills competition

Amerks squander early lead and lose to Utica (Rochester Democrat and Chronicle) Matt Donovan hopes regular duty with Amerks helps earn recall to Sabres (Olean Times Herald) Zalewski scores twice in Comets' victory over Amerks (Utica Observer Dispatch) Photo gallery (Utica Observer Dispatch) Amerks head into All-Star break with 4-2 loss to Comets (Amerks.com) Annual Wendy’s … [Read more...] about Sunday’s Rochester Coverage

'O'Reilly said he's most interested in playing with Atlantic captain Jaromir Jagr, the ageless 43-year-old who has led the Florida Panthers to the top of the division. "He's a legend and has been so around long and done so much," O'Reilly said. "It will be exciting to meet him."' … [Read more...] about O’Reilly revels in first trip to All-Star Game

'"We love Southern Ontario Leafs fans," says Michael Gilbert, VP of public and community relations for the Buffalo Sabres. "When the Leafs are in town, thirty to forty per cent of fans holding tickets are from Southern Ontario," he adds.' … [Read more...] about Shuffle off to Buffalo to watch the Leafs

'There’s $1 million on the line for the winning team and O’Reilly thinks that will make it competitive, “Absolutely, with a little prize on there too. I don’t think it’ll be physical with guys getting on each other that way, but it’ll still be quick with guys trying to score.”' … [Read more...] about Sabres’ O’Reilly looks forward to the All Star Game

'"It's going to be kind of exhausting. Most All-Star Games you can relax a bit and take a little bit off, but here, you have to skate or you're going to be exposed," O'Reilly said. "It's automatically going to bring the pace up. For myself, I hope I'm in good enough shape to play decent, I guess.' … [Read more...] about O’Reilly ready for 1st All-Star experience

Buffalo bond: Fred Jackson cheers for Patrick Kaleta (Rochester Democrat and Chronicle) Sabres goalie prospect Linus Ullmark happy with Amerks (Olean Times Herald) B-Sens use balance to snap four-game skid (Binghamton Press and Sun Bulletin) Sabres prospect Justin Bailey making strides in Rochester (WGR-AM) Winning streak snapped in 5-2 loss to Binghamton … [Read more...] about Saturday’s Rochester Coverage

'Ryan O’Reilly: There’s little doubt who has the inside track for team valedictorian. O’Reilly not only leads the Sabres in most offensive categories, he’s in the league-wide conversation with 17 goals (29th in the NHL), 23 assists (45th), 40 points (24th), 17 power-play points (10th) and 21:52 of ice time per game (first among forwards). He’s taken the most faceoffs in the … [Read more...] about How did the Sabres fare in the first semester? John Vogl hands out the grades

Hard work paying off in points for Amerks' ERod (Rochester Democrat and Chronicle) … [Read more...] about Friday’s Rochester Coverage

'With 16 goals and 18 assists over the first 50 games of his NHL career, Eichel is on pace for a solid rookie season. The 19-year-old’s current numbers translate to 26 goals and 56 points over 82 games.' … [Read more...] about At the break, Eichel living up to the hype

'"I think it's the change I needed in my life," he said. "I wanted a bigger role and to kind of be looked at as one of the top guys on the team. And here was that opportunity."' … [Read more...] about Ryan O’Reilly making All-Star impact in 1st year in Buffalo