'"I really feel everyone doesn't to do anything wrong out there," Rasmus Dahlin, who has 10 points in 10 games this season, said of the Sabres' defensemen. "Everyone wants to do the right things for each other. We’re working really hard with video and stuff after games because last year wasn’t our best in the D-zone. All the guys who were here last year, we want to be solid in … [Read more...] about Sabres defensemen ‘stepping up’ to prevent goals in new system
Archives for October 23, 2019
With Jack Eichel leading the way, Sabres are using home ice to their advantage
'The Sabres are 8-1-1 overall for just the third time in their history. They're 5-0 at home also for the third time -- and the first since 1984.' … [Read more...] about With Jack Eichel leading the way, Sabres are using home ice to their advantage
The Wraparound: Buffalo Sabres 4, San Jose Sharks 3 (OT)
'The Sabres have a plus-11 goal differential in the second period of games this season, and Reinhart is one of five players on the team with at least four goals.' … [Read more...] about The Wraparound: Buffalo Sabres 4, San Jose Sharks 3 (OT)
Jason Botterill: Ralph Krueger's 'clear message' buoying Sabres
'"It’s been a positive start so far," Botterill said. "Ralph has come with a clear message for what he’s looking for from our players. I think our players have been very open to receiving that message. They’ve certainly put the time in during the summer. I think the things that we challenged them on last spring, they’ve taken to heart."' … [Read more...] about Jason Botterill: Ralph Krueger’s ‘clear message’ buoying Sabres
Shot advantage could be harbinger of Sabres' long-term success
'So what’s the cause of the change in performance? What is driving Buffalo into the offensive zone, both for longer shifts at a time and more frequently in nature? I shared my thoughts last week, but the overhaul on the blue line – the obvious weak link in recent Sabres seasons – has been tremendously obvious. (We shouldn’t discount the impact Ralph Krueger might be having on … [Read more...] about Shot advantage could be harbinger of Sabres’ long-term success
Captain Jack Eichel looking like superstar during Sabres’ torrid start
'“(I was) a little frustrated with myself more than anything,” Eichel said after scoring the overtime winner, the final of his six shots in a brilliant two-goal, four-point outing that improved the Sabres to 8-1-1. “I just felt like I had a couple opportunities to shoot the puck.”' … [Read more...] about Captain Jack Eichel looking like superstar during Sabres’ torrid start
Sabres notes: Zach Bogosian skating again, expected to play this season
'“In my mind, there’s zero fear from that standpoint,” Botterill said inside KeyBank Center. “He’s back skating here right now. Very excited for where Zach is. Going over the type of procedure he had, it was a serious procedure, and Zach is a powerful individual, so you want him to come back (at full strength).”' … [Read more...] about Sabres notes: Zach Bogosian skating again, expected to play this season
Wednesday's San Jose Coverage
Point taken vs. Sabres, but Sharks lament mistakes, penalties (San Jose Mercury News) Sharks’ Pete DeBoer needs to see improvement from depth defenseman (San Jose Mercury News) Sharks 'not satisfied' after earning point in overtime loss to Sabres (NBC Sports Bay Area) Sharks takeaways: What we learned in 4-3 overtime loss vs. Sabres (NBC Sports Bay Area) Photo gallery … [Read more...] about Wednesday’s San Jose Coverage
Eichel’s overtime goal seals Sabres’ 4-3 win over Sharks
'“He deserved this kind of a game after the way he’s been working and playing,” coach Ralph Krueger said of Eichel, who had been held without a point in Buffalo’s previous two games while facing opposing team’s top checking lines. “He likes to look those top players in the eyes and that line really stepped up today.”' … [Read more...] about Eichel’s overtime goal seals Sabres’ 4-3 win over Sharks
Surging Sabres not fearing repeat of last year’s collapse
'“I think we’ve grown up a little bit,” Eichel said Tuesday before the Sabres hosted the San Jose Sharks. “I don’t think we’re guarded at all. I think you can learn a lot from last year, but I don’t think we’re worried about that as much as just trying to be a good hockey team every night.”' … [Read more...] about Surging Sabres not fearing repeat of last year’s collapse
The Sabres are finally getting the goaltending they need in Carter Hutton, but will it last?
'The true tests are on the way for the Sabres. In November, Buffalo will square off against the Tampa Bay Lightning three times, Toronto Maple Leafs twice and have dates with each of the Boston Bruins, Carolina Hurricanes and Calgary Flames, all of whom are among the NHL’s heavyweights. Can Hutton realistically stay this hot? To do so, he’ll have to buck some of his own career … [Read more...] about The Sabres are finally getting the goaltending they need in Carter Hutton, but will it last?
Sabres beat Sharks again, 4-3 in overtime
'There was only one shot recorded on net in the extra frame, and it came off the stick of Eichel during a scrum in front of the Sharks' net. Eichel was able to sneak the game-winning goal past a bevy of defenders also blanketed around Jones, and the score even withstood a challenge for goaltender interference. The effort helped vault the Sabres to their eighth win in 10 tries … [Read more...] about Sabres beat Sharks again, 4-3 in overtime
Sabres' Eichel takes over the game in a win over San Jose
'We found out in California that the Sabres can win when Eichel isn’t at his best. That’s a big change from the past four years because they would rarely win if Eichel wasn’t a factor. We found out Tuesday that Eichel really likes playing in Buffalo as 13 of his 14 points have come in this building. Eichel said in the postgame that he loves playing in front of these fans. He’s … [Read more...] about Sabres’ Eichel takes over the game in a win over San Jose
Sabres' Botterill credits Krueger with a lot of the team's improvement
'Things aren’t always just going to go along smoothly just because they started 7-1-1. The thing that Botterill wants to stress is, everybody is one year wiser and has a better idea of how to handle it when it comes, “I think our younger players are certainly more prepared for it because of going through it. Players like Rasmus Dahlin or Casey Mittelstadt, you can talk to them … [Read more...] about Sabres’ Botterill credits Krueger with a lot of the team’s improvement
Eichel has four-point night as Sabres top Sharks 4-3 in OT
'With his goal at the start of the third period, Jeff Skinner now has scored six times in the Sabres first 10 games. If you were worried about him potentially slipping after getting paid, that doesn't appear like it will be an issue. What's even more impressive about Skinner's six goals is that they've all come at even strength. Eventually, Skinner will cool-off but he's proven … [Read more...] about Eichel has four-point night as Sabres top Sharks 4-3 in OT