'The Sabres' trouble is simple: Ottawa and Detroit, the two teams that finished behind them in the Atlantic Division, could collect all of the top three picks that are determined by the bouncing ping-pong balls and thus leave Buffalo at No. 7, the spot it's placed by the odds. That would mean the Senators and Red Wings likely get instant help next season while the Sabres get … [Read more...] about Forget a Draft Lottery victory. It’s more important to Sabres for others to lose
Archives for June 2020
Ex-Sabres defenseman Lawrence Pilut: 'I did what I felt is best'
'Multiple sources familiar with the negotiations told The News that previous Sabres management, led by former General Manager Jason Botterill, declined to meet Pilut’s request for a one-way contract, which would pay Pilut the same amount if he was assigned to the AHL’s Rochester Americans. The sources added the Sabres did not present Pilut with a one-way offer until after the … [Read more...] about Ex-Sabres defenseman Lawrence Pilut: ‘I did what I felt is best’
Sabres will have chance to take special prospect with first draft pick
'The Sabres possess the lottery’s seventh-highest odds. In or around that spot – they grabbed center Dylan Cozens seventh overall last year – they should have an opportunity to draft a prospect who can fill their need, according to Marr.' … [Read more...] about Sabres will have chance to take special prospect with first draft pick
Double Team: Before winning with Penguins, Tom Barrasso starred for Sabres
'Barrasso never lived up to the same standards in his next three seasons in Buffalo and by Nov. of 1988 he was dealt to the Penguins in a blockbuster trade. Rejuvenated by the transaction, Barrasso helped lead the Penguins to their first playoff appearance in seven years that spring.' … [Read more...] about Double Team: Before winning with Penguins, Tom Barrasso starred for Sabres
Dylan Cozens believes he's ready to make jump to NHL
'“I believe I am ready to make the jump to the NHL," Cozens told WKBW. "I know it’s not going to be easy, I know I need to have a big summer, no matter how long it is I have to put the work in and I’m going to put the work in. Hopefully, I’ll be ready to make that jump but I believe I will be."' … [Read more...] about Dylan Cozens believes he’s ready to make jump to NHL
Kim Pegula places high value on 'authenticity' in coach hires
'“It’s the authenticity of who you are, if you’re presenting something and we feel like it’s really you presenting and not some kind of flashy screen that your agent put together … if it’s real stories from you,” Pegula said. “Leadership is about being authentic of who you are. We may not always agree on everything or the points of how one leads is better than another. But I … [Read more...] about Kim Pegula places high value on ‘authenticity’ in coach hires
The wait continues as Alexander Mogilny is not selected for Hockey Hall of Fame
'Unlike sports such as baseball, which puts a 10-year cap on a players' eligibility, there is no cap in hockey. Former Montreal and Los Angeles goalie Rogie Vachon, for instance, waited 34 years after his career ended before he was inducted in 2016.' … [Read more...] about The wait continues as Alexander Mogilny is not selected for Hockey Hall of Fame
GM Kevyn Adams has long to-do list as he begins trying to transform Sabres
'“Because there’s no hockey to play and because you don’t even have to worry about making those decisions, he’s got the benefit of time,” said TSN analyst Craig Button, who spent three years as the Calgary Flames’ GM in the early 2000s. “He has a massive benefit of time, and I think that that is another thing that probably influenced the Pegulas to put him in there.”' … [Read more...] about GM Kevyn Adams has long to-do list as he begins trying to transform Sabres
Ritzel: Thanks to Pegulas, Sabres are rudderless ship
'Terry Pegula's words nine years ago should've served as a warning, not a beacon of hope. He and his wife Kim want to be the heroes in this story, but it's clear they're better served being in the background, signing checks and saying nothing. Instead, their meddling and insistence on day-to-day involvement has turned a once-proud hockey team into a laughingstock.' … [Read more...] about Ritzel: Thanks to Pegulas, Sabres are rudderless ship
2019-20 Season Postmortem: Buffalo Sabres
'At 5-on-5, only the Detroit Red Wings attempted fewer shots or generated fewer scoring chances per 60 minutes. If you stopped the top line of Olofsson, Eichel and Sam Reinhart, you beat Buffalo, period.' … [Read more...] about 2019-20 Season Postmortem: Buffalo Sabres
Kevyn Adams has a low bar to clear for drafting
'It really starts in 2012. Darcy Regier, who was already on thin ice, took a chance on a polarizing Russian center named Mikhail Grigorenko. Big stats in juniors and filthy hands made fans excited, thinking they had gotten the steal of the draft. Then he showed up and everyone realized he couldn't skate. The Sabres selected a center that never had any business being selected … [Read more...] about Kevyn Adams has a low bar to clear for drafting
A lack of panic
'The next time this team hits the ice, if they’re rolling along with terrible special teams again, the wins aren’t coming, and the head coach is talking about how much everyone is getting along, who steps in to say “this isn’t working”?' … [Read more...] about A lack of panic
Waiting game continues: former Sabres star Alexander Mogilny not named to the Hockey Hall of Fame
'Remembered most for his defection from Russia in 1989, Mogilny spent six seasons with the Sabres, including a 76-goal performance in 1992-1993. While with Buffalo, Mogilny scored 211 goals and tallied 444 points.' … [Read more...] about Waiting game continues: former Sabres star Alexander Mogilny not named to the Hockey Hall of Fame
Alexander Mogilny once again doesn’t hear his named called for the Hockey Hall of Fame
'Mogilny had his best season from 1992-1993 where he scored 76 goals and 127 points skating alongside Pat LaFontaine. At the time, that set the record for most points scored by a Russian NHL player.' … [Read more...] about Alexander Mogilny once again doesn’t hear his named called for the Hockey Hall of Fame
Luce, Meehan share Mogilny stories
'"I didn't know if this was a prank caller or what it was, so I asked her to ask Alex what I said to him in Anchorage," Luce said. "She asked him, and she came back with the correct answer, so I knew it was him. So, I said, 'We'll be over.'' … [Read more...] about Luce, Meehan share Mogilny stories