'"I think it’s imperative for us moving forward that we continue to develop skill, to add skill to our forward group," Botterill said during a news conference Sunday in KeyBank Center. "It was great to see this year the success of Jack Eichel, Sam Reinhart having a career year. After a tough month, it was nice to see Jeff Skinner get that 40th goal. But we relied on them too … [Read more...] about Difficult roster decisions await Jason Botterill as Sabres’ long offseason begins
Archives for April 2019
Sabres have fifth-best odds to land first overall pick at NHL Draft Lottery
'When the NHL draft is held June 21-22 in Vancouver, the Ottawa Senators, the league's worst team, are unlikely to own a first-round draft pick. They traded their selection to Colorado, which will have a league-high 18.5 percent chance to draft first overall despite qualifying for the Stanley Cup playoffs.' … [Read more...] about Sabres have fifth-best odds to land first overall pick at NHL Draft Lottery
Jason Botterill says Sabres' second-half collapse led to Phil Housley's dismissal as coach
'That second-half historic collapse was not the only factor in Botterill's decision. He became concerned with the team's flawed defensive structure, familiar defensive lapses, the Sabres' inability to quickly exit their own zone during 5-on-5 play and repeated mistakes by veteran players.' … [Read more...] about Jason Botterill says Sabres’ second-half collapse led to Phil Housley’s dismissal as coach
Mike Harrington: In dismissing Phil Housley, Jason Botterill put himself on the clock
'As a tandem, Housley and Botterill were a colossal failure.' … [Read more...] about Mike Harrington: In dismissing Phil Housley, Jason Botterill put himself on the clock
Assessing possible candidates to replace Phil Housley as Sabres coach
'Naturally, it is important to note Botterill's past relationships, particularly those in Pittsburgh's organization. That makes Jacques Martin a possibility for Buffalo. Martin, 56, has spent the past four seasons as an assistant with the Penguins, including back-to-back Stanley Cup championships, and had a 15-year career as an NHL coach. Additionally, Sabres assistant general … [Read more...] about Assessing possible candidates to replace Phil Housley as Sabres coach
Here are the five Sabres coaches fired by the Pegulas
'Nolan's second stint with the Sabres lasted a season and a half. He finished the 2013-14 season with a 17-36-8 record and went 23-51-9 in his lone full season before being fired again.' … [Read more...] about Here are the five Sabres coaches fired by the Pegulas
Sabres’ second-half regression cost Phil Housley his job
'“The bottom line is look at our record,” said an emotional Botterill on Sunday afternoon inside KeyBank Center. “You look at our record in the first 25 games, you look at our record in the last 25 games. Unfortunately, the message wasn’t getting through.”' … [Read more...] about Sabres’ second-half regression cost Phil Housley his job
Sabres notes: Jason Botterill reluctant to talk about coaching search
'“Those are things I’m not going to talk about too much right now, and the simple fact is I just had a conversation with Phil Housley a couple of hours ago,” Botterill said Sunday afternoon inside KeyBank Center. “Those are things I’ll talk to (assistant general managers) Randy Sexton about and Steve Greeley about and move forward from there.”' … [Read more...] about Sabres notes: Jason Botterill reluctant to talk about coaching search
Fired: Buffalo Sabres relieve head coach Phil Housley of duties
'“I really enjoyed working with Phil the last couple of years,” said Sabres GM Jason Botterill during a press conference on Sunday afternoon. “Phil is a great man (and) put in a tremendous amount of time and effort into helping this organization. I wish him and his family all the best moving forward. Today certainly wasn’t an easy day.”' … [Read more...] about Fired: Buffalo Sabres relieve head coach Phil Housley of duties
Sullivan: Housley firing puts focus on Pegulas, Botterill
'Just think, if not for that Andy Dalton miracle pass on the final day of the 2017 season, the Pegulas would have the dubious distinction of owning the franchises with the longest playoff droughts in both the NFL and NHL.' … [Read more...] about Sullivan: Housley firing puts focus on Pegulas, Botterill
Buffalo Sabres fire coach Phil Housley after 2 seasons
'But Housley’s fate was essentially sealed during a 0-6-1 skid in early March during which Buffalo was shut out in three consecutive games.' … [Read more...] about Buffalo Sabres fire coach Phil Housley after 2 seasons
Buffalo Sabres fire coach Phil Housley one day after he said he expected to be back with team
'In Housley's two seasons as head coach in Buffalo, the Sabres went 58-84-22 and missed the playoffs in both years. (Buffalo's last postseason appearance came in 2011.) The Sabres got off to a strong start to begin the 2018-2019 season, going 17-6-2 in their first 25 games and shooting to the top of the Atlantic division following a 10-game winning streak.' … [Read more...] about Buffalo Sabres fire coach Phil Housley one day after he said he expected to be back with team
Sabres Fire Head Coach Phil Housley
'Last season, Housley led the Sabres to a 33–39–10 record. The campaign marked the eighth straight year that Buffalo did not reach the playoffs.' … [Read more...] about Sabres Fire Head Coach Phil Housley
Sabres fire Phil Housley after season implodes
'The way the season ended is a tough blow for the Sabres, who kicked off the season on a high note and boasted of a 10-game win streak in November. However, things quickly unraveled in December and the team went 16-33-8 after the 10-game streak.' … [Read more...] about Sabres fire Phil Housley after season implodes
Sabres relieve Phil Housley of his head coaching duties
'When Jason Botterill was in Pittsburgh, the Penguins would always elevate their AHL coach to take over. I would think Rochester’s coach Chris Taylor is under heavy consideration to take over the reigns. He has another week to go in the regular season there and then will lead the Amerks into the Calder Cup Playoffs for the second straight season.' … [Read more...] about Sabres relieve Phil Housley of his head coaching duties