Archives for January 2016

'The Sabres, more or less, have morphed back into a real team. They have 13 one-goal losses. Players will tell you they’re on the right path. Still, they haven’t seen the results they want to, and that can make it difficult to believe you’re doing the right things.' … [Read more...] about Sabres still work in progress halfway through season

'Ristolainen, 21, is a minus-6 in his last seven games and hasn’t scored a goal in 11 contests. The Finn was a minus-2 in Tuesday’s 5-1 loss to Florida, the Sabres’ fifth straight loss.' … [Read more...] about Sabres’ Rasmus Ristolainen struggling

Friday's matchup: Sabres at Blackhawks (Chicago Tribune) Sabres-Blackhawks Preview (AP) Blackhawks go for sixth straight win, host Sabres (NHL.com) Blackhawks Buzz: Going for six straight against the slumping Sabres (ChicagoBlackhawks.com) … [Read more...] about Friday’s Chicago Coverage

'Ristolainen was on an offensive tear for 20 games where he had 19 points. In his last seven games he has no goals and two assists. In his last six games he’s been minus six making him minus nine on the season. As far as how Ristolainen has played Bylsma said, “It was much like our team game. It wasn’t his strongest game last game, his play with the puck, but we’re talking … [Read more...] about Sabres’ top D pair beginning to struggle

'"I think first and foremost is that compete [level]," he said. "We've got to compete from start to finish, no matter the situation or the game, and then what comes of that is sticking together as a team. Play the systems, play the way we're supposed to play, but play it hard, play with some pride, play with some passion.' … [Read more...] about Sabres look to end skid during 3-game road trip

Former players still cherish their time with Amerks (Rochester Democrat and Chronicle) Cal O’Reilly named to American Hockey League All-Star roster (Amerks.com) … [Read more...] about Friday’s Rochester Coverage

'“I’m sure it’ll be entertaining,” Kane said in First Niagara Center. “I don’t really know what to expect. I expect to win a hockey game. That’s first and foremost for me. I guess everybody will see what happens when it happens.”' … [Read more...] about Kane’s Winnipeg return likely to be cold as ice

'O’Reilly was one of 11 players selected from the Atlantic Division as the NHL has tweaked the All-Star format. The game, which will be played Jan. 31 in Nashville, will be three-on-three with six forwards, three defensemen and two goalies for each divisional team.' … [Read more...] about NHL selects O’Reilly to represent Sabres in All-Star Game

'Despite his quick rise to stardom, Eichel still has a lot to learn about regular life. That’s why he’s living with Moulson, who’s 32 and married with two kids, ages 3 and 2. While Eichel has built his reputation as a budding NHL superstar, his older teammate has helped him learn the simpler things in life. Like how to write a check and pay his bills.' … [Read more...] about Eichel’s period of adjustment

'"I just have to get in some games and get ready," he said. "I've been doing goalie drills, detail stuff. (But) you have to get into the games, read the plays, read the pucks."' … [Read more...] about Robin Lehner anxious to get on the ice for Amerks

'O’Reilly, who was acquired June 26 in a blockbuster trade with Colorado, has 16 goals and 34 points in 40 games this season. He has averaged 21 minutes, 56 seconds an appearance – 46 seconds more than any other forward.' … [Read more...] about Ryan O’Reilly grateful for NHL All-Star berth, opportunity with Sabres

'Hustle and commitment are examples of what Schaller can bring to the Sabres that can help them get out of the five-game losing streak. At times where it seems like nothing’s going right, the little things can make a difference.' … [Read more...] about Schaller excited about chance with Sabres

'The move puts Lehner one step closer to returning since he sustained a lower-body injury in Buffalo's season opener against Ottawa on Oct. 8. Lehner practiced with the American Hockey League Rochester Americans on Wednesday, and is expected to play this weekend.' … [Read more...] about Sabres assign goalie Robin Lehner to minors for conditioning

'What is more significant is his average ice-time this season, which is at 21:56 a game. That is the highest ice-time average in the entire National Hockey League among forwards. The next closest average ice-time to O'Reilly's is Los Angeles Kings forward, Anze Kopitar, who is averaging 21:10 a game.' … [Read more...] about O’Reilly going to the All-Star Game

'"You've always got to find little ways to develop your game," he said. "We've got a great group of young guys that work hard after practice – actually everyone, really. There's always a bunch of guys that want to do extra stuff and just feed off each other. There are so many nuances in the game to practice."' … [Read more...] about All-Star O’Reilly has become Sabres’ ‘heart and soul’