Archives for September 2011

'"His main task is to help young people develop the defenders," Ruff added Numminen's remit.' … [Read more...] about Teppo Numminen, Buffalo’s coaching

'The cross-Atlantic journey starts Saturday, a day after the Sabres close their NHL preseason at Washington. After a brief stop home, the Sabres will fly to Mannheim, Germany, where they will play an exhibition game against the city’s pro team Adler on Tuesday. Then it’s off to Helsinki, Finland, where Buffalo will open the season against Anaheim on Oct. 7, followed by a game … [Read more...] about Sabres prepare for European `working vacation’

'“Good linemates, we thought the game the same way, so we had good chemistry right away,” said Leino, who had 19 goals and 53 points in 81 games last year, essentially his first full NHL season. “I don’t know. I guess I was just thinking, ‘I’ll play my own game. Whatever happens, I will play my own game.’”' … [Read more...] about ‘Late-bloomer’ Leino ready for role with Sabres

'He said he's been assigned to a team in his hometown in the Czech Republic.' … [Read more...] about Sabres Kotalik assigned to Europe. Kaleta not mad at Vanek

'The Buffalo Sabres are trying to work out a deal to let forward Ales Kotalik play in Europe this season. Kotalik cleared NHL waivers Monday but he decided not to report to the Rochester Americans. Kotalik is a nine year NHL veteran who the Sabres re-acquired in a trade with Calgary back in June. The Sabres waived him last weekend to get under the NHL salary cap.' … [Read more...] about Sabres may ship Kotalik to Europe

Amerks rookie Phil Varone is out to prove he has a bright future (Rochester D&C) … [Read more...] about Friday’s Rochester Coverage

'"I felt I was doing the same things I have always been doing," Sekera said this week in First Niagara Center. "I was moving my feet, passing the puck and a little bit more aware of my defensive zone play and things worked out great. Sometimes you're trying and nothing is going to work out, sometimes you're not even pushing and it happens for you."' … [Read more...] about Sabres’ Sekera works to be a constant threat

'"It happened. It's over with. You practice hard and I'll be the first one to back him up on the ice whenever he needs it," said a smiling Kaleta. "It is practice and stuff but it happened. It was a good hit. He felt bad about it. All in all, he smoked me."' … [Read more...] about Kaleta ready to go after getting ‘smoked’ by Vanek

'“I think the biggest thing is getting the jet lag out,” explained Jordan Leopold, who’s already gone through the European experience when he traveled to Helsinki as a member of the Florida Panthers in 2009. “We’re going to have that long flight right off the bat, and to get adapted to the time that we’re on over there is number one. Hydrating, nutrition getting our practice … [Read more...] about European business trip

'Without going into specifics, general manager Darcy Regier would only say, “We’re working on it,” Thursday. Playing in Europe became an option after Kotalik did not report to the Sabres’ American Hockey League farm club in Rochester upon clearing waivers Monday.' … [Read more...] about Sabres in talks to have F Kotalik play in Europe

'"You take what you can out of different situations," Boyes said this week. "I have to look at it as another learning experience, the way I need to play at that position. If I go back in the middle, at least I have a reference point of what I can change and what can take it to the next level."' … [Read more...] about Which Boyes will show up for Sabres?

'“The joke is I play with two of the top five most hated guys in the league on that line,” Sabres center Paul Gaustad said earlier this week.' … [Read more...] about Gaustad, Gerbe, Kaleta have meshed well for Sabres

'I’ve grown up around the games, whether on astro-turf or ice, and they are a part of who I am, even if I don’t know a goal from a touchdown. To be from Buffalo is to be a part of the Bills and Sabres, no matter how the season goes. Right now, we’re having a winning beginning, with both football and hockey. So, lets go, Buffalo! This year could be the one.' … [Read more...] about Bills and Sabres are part of our history

'I’ve “played” hockey only once - and I did pretty darn well, actually . . . although my form left a lot to be desired. But I won’t quit my day job. Nevertheless, I’m proud to call myself a Buffalo Sabres fan, and I’m so excited the (pre)season has finally started! Go Buffalo!' … [Read more...] about I say bring on the hockey!

'A billionaire who made his fortune in the natural gas industry, Pegula has single-handedly made the Northeast a more difficult place to play for all five teams in it, transforming a small-market team that perennially worried about the bottom line into yet another big budget club.' … [Read more...] about Sabres raise ante in Northeast