Archives for January 23, 2014

'“Staff’s playing great right now,” Ennis said. “I’m just looking to find him because when he gets hot he gets real hot.”' … [Read more...] about Sabres’ Stafford is starting to heat up

'Varone, 23, is in his third season with the Amerks. He led the team in scoring as a rookie (11-41-52 in 76 games), slumped last season (11-24-35 in 62 games) and this season has been by far their most consistent and reliable forward.' … [Read more...] about Phil Varone promoted to Buffalo Sabres

'“I think we all need someone to believe in us and give opportunities,” Nolan said. “If you don’t give opportunities, you never know. Drew’s a proven player. He’s played here for a while. I think he deserved all the respect a player of his magnitude deserves.”' … [Read more...] about Sabres’ Drew Stafford feeling good about surging game, grateful for opportunities from Ted Nolan

'“Phil’s one of those guys I think gets overshadowed a bit, just in terms of he wasn’t a draft pick within the organization,” Sabres forward Matt Ellis, Rochester’s captain earlier this season, said in November. “So right off the bat he’s got to work for everything he gets. Phil’s really built his game. He’s a real dynamic player with a great skill set, great vision. Another … [Read more...] about Sabres recall Phil Varone for first time, send Brayden McNabb and Kevin Porter to Amerks

Hurricanes-Sabres Preview (AP) Carolina Hurricanes (21-19-9) at Buffalo Sabres (13-28-7) (The Sports Network) Hurricanes continue hectic week by facing Sabres (NHL.com) … [Read more...] about Thursday’s Carolina Coverage

'The moves provide Porter and McNabb an opportunity to continue developing in the minors during the NHL Olympic break, which opens Feb. 9.' … [Read more...] about Sabres call up F Varone; demote D McNabb, F Porter

'Nolan says he’s definitely the same guy, “I love aggressive hockey, I really do. It’s a collision sport, but I never once sent Rob Ray out to fight, I never sent Brad May out to fight, I never sent Matthew Barnaby out to fight. Those are the type of characters that they were, they were very competitive and they fought. We haven’t got those type of players and I’m quite sure if … [Read more...] about Sabres Nolan says he has not become soft

'Varone (12/4/90, 5'10", 185 lbs) joins the Sabres for his first career call-up after joining the Americans on a one-year AHL contract prior to the 2011-12 season and then subsequently signing a three-year, entry-level NHL contract in March 2012. Since his breakout season in 2011-12, in which he led the Amerks in scoring with 52 points (11+41) through 76 regular-season games, … [Read more...] about Sabres recall Phil Varone from Amerks