'"These people are very enthusiastic and they're just waiting for one of the [pro] teams to take the next step," said Housley, a Hockey Hall of Famer who is the fourth-leading career scorer among NHL defensemen. "So they're hungry for a winner, and that is really important to me that we put a good product on the ice that the fans will want to come and see."' … [Read more...] about Quietly competent Phil Housley ready to turn Buffalo Sabres around
Archives for September 2017
2017-18 NHL Team Preview: Buffalo Sabres
'Success will be defined by the playoffs for the Sabres this season, but missing out may not necessarily constitute a disappointment. As long as they are in the playoff race until late in the season there will finally be a sign of life here. But the Eastern Conference will be a tough top eight to crack.' … [Read more...] about 2017-18 NHL Team Preview: Buffalo Sabres
Gamenight: Hurricanes upend Sabres 3-2 in OT
'Five minutes in, and the Sabres are very active not only in the offensive zone, but in the defensive end as well. You can hear the chatter from the ice up here, and all five players on the ice are pressing the play in order to keep the puck from reaching Lehner's crease.' … [Read more...] about Gamenight: Hurricanes upend Sabres 3-2 in OT
5 Observations: Hurricanes top Sabres 3-2 in OT
'Although it's a small sample size, we saw that against the Hurricanes. It seemed like whenever I looked up there was a defender jumping into the play. This was most evident in the second period when both Taylor Fedun and Jake McCabe jumped into the play, rushing down the ice. McCabe converted on a nice pass from Fedun, firing a wrist shot top corner to tie the game at two.' … [Read more...] about 5 Observations: Hurricanes top Sabres 3-2 in OT
Sabres fall 3-2 in OT to Carolina in preseason opener
'“A little bit of nervousness, you know. But as the game went on just felt comfortable,” Housley said. “I’m just really happy to be apart of the Buffalo Sabres again. I think it’s a great city it’s a great organization to be a part of and I’m really looking forward, as we move through training camp, to continue to build our game.”' … [Read more...] about Sabres fall 3-2 in OT to Carolina in preseason opener
Sabres shake off rust, see areas to build on in OT loss to Canes
'Rust was evident on both sides in the early going of an eventual 3-2 overtime win for the Hurricanes. Phil Housley put it this way: the Sabres had a hard time executing on breakout passes, and when they did make a pass they had a hard time catching it.' … [Read more...] about Sabres shake off rust, see areas to build on in OT loss to Canes
Guhle, Risto will skate together as Sabres look to push tempo in opener
'"I know there's a lot of things coming at these guys, a lot of information, so my message is just go out and work hard," Housley said. "Don't' hesitate in anything you do. If you make a decision to go, go. We'll deal with mistakes as they come, but I want us to play with speed and attitude tonight."' … [Read more...] about Guhle, Risto will skate together as Sabres look to push tempo in opener
Asplund, Davidsson among European prospects starting up
'If the first game is any indication, Asplund, who finished last season ranked third in the Swedish Hockey League for junior-aged scorers with six goals and 19 points in 39 appearances, is already on a nice track towards achieving the 30-point benchmark he stated as a goal for himself in July when in Buffalo for development camp.' … [Read more...] about Asplund, Davidsson among European prospects starting up
Sabres' Girgensons seizing chance at expanded role
'"It's new coaches, new management, so I think it's fresh start for everyone," Girgensons said in HarborCenter. "You can't come in thinking that you have a spot. You have to prove it in the practice, off the ice, so I think it's good for everyone."' … [Read more...] about Sabres’ Girgensons seizing chance at expanded role
Sabres Notebook: Buffalo to split into game, scrimmage groups; Scandella sits
'After just three days of training camp, Buffalo will open its exhibition schedule. The Sabres will welcome the Carolina Hurricanes to Key Bank Center at 7 p.m. (WGR-AM 550). Tickets range from $22 to $45, though they were at low as $6 on StubHub.com.' … [Read more...] about Sabres Notebook: Buffalo to split into game, scrimmage groups; Scandella sits
AHL star Seth Griffith focused on sticking with Sabres
'“I’ve proven my worth in the American Hockey League,” said Griffith, who inked a one-year, one-way contract worth $650,000. “It’s time that I prove myself at the next level. Hopefully, I get that opportunity.”' … [Read more...] about AHL star Seth Griffith focused on sticking with Sabres
Sabres' Pouliot wants to improve on a bad season
'Pouliot was on an Oilers team last year that made the playoffs for the first time in years and is on the upswing with Connor McDavid. He only had eight goals and six assists in 67 games and he said the Sabres were attractive to him for many reasons, “The past few years haven’t been very good and it’s the same situation as I had a few years ago in Edmonton when I first signed … [Read more...] about Sabres’ Pouliot wants to improve on a bad season
Antipin proving to be an avid learner at Sabres camp
'"He's a student of the game," Housley said. "He really absorbs a lot, likes to watch a lot of video trying to understand our concepts. He's like a sponge."' … [Read more...] about Antipin proving to be an avid learner at Sabres camp
Reading between the Sabres' lines as forwards start quickly at camp
'"We're trying to get our guys used to some sort of lines, but I'm sure there's going to be changes," Housley said in HarborCenter. "Hopefully, we can find a combination or two that works and give them the best opportunity to succeed."' … [Read more...] about Reading between the Sabres’ lines as forwards start quickly at camp
Sabres Notebook: Pouliot sees potential for growth; Antipin a quick study
'"Things can turn around quickly, especially when you get new management, new coaches and everything," he said in HarborCenter.' … [Read more...] about Sabres Notebook: Pouliot sees potential for growth; Antipin a quick study