Archives for April 2014

'“It’s not like we don’t expect it,” Enroth said about the rabid support. “It’s more like we don’t really think about it too much when we’re playing. So it’s definitely a good thing. You can tell how passionate the fans here in Buffalo are. It’s something I picked up, something I learned from that."' … [Read more...] about Sabres goalie Jhonas Enroth believes injury gave him new perspective

'Despite all their struggles as a team, the six goalies the Sabres used this season posted a combined .918 save percentage.' … [Read more...] about Sabres fire assistant coaches from old regime

'The opportunity to work closely with NHL personnel also drew Freeman and Cook to the Sabres. They said the Jackals, Americans and Sabres plan to share resources, such as specialty coachesand trainers.' … [Read more...] about Elmira Jackals to affiliate with Buffalo Sabres

'“Fourteen years ago, we dropped the first puck in this facility. We’ve had a really great history here,” Santulli said. “This is a great opportunity to rekindle the energy and the life that this place had when this place first opened up. It was a place to come and have fun, even if you didn’t know a lot about hockey. We need to take this opportunity and run with it.”' … [Read more...] about Jackals align with Buffalo Sabres as an affiliate

'The moves come three days after the Sabres finished in last place. The shake-up doesn't come as a surprise. Nolan inherited the staff in November, after being hired on an interim basis to replace Ron Rolston.' … [Read more...] about Sabres coach Nolan shuffling staff of assistants

'Assistant coaches Joe Sacco and Jerry Forton have been offered reassignment within the organization’s hockey department; the contract of assistant coach Teppo Numminen will not be renewed; goaltending coach Jim Corsi will not return as part of the team’s staff next season.' … [Read more...] about Sabres Announce Coaching Changes

'“Proper development is essential in maintaining a competitive roster at the NHL level,” said Sabres general manager Tim Murray. “Having Elmira as an additional source to develop our young talent will certainly help our entire organization going forward. We’re proud to have the Jackals as part of our organization and, with the Amerks in Rochester, we now have the added bonus of … [Read more...] about Sabres Sign Affiliation Agreement With Elmira Jackals Of ECHL

Rochester Amerks clinch playoff berth (Rochester Democrat and Chronicle) Not a good feeling for Pelletier, Comets as playoff hopes die (Utica Observer Dispatch) Amerks clinch playoff spot (WGR-AM) Amerks clinch playoff berth with 4-1 win over Comets (Amerks.com) FINAL: Comets 1 vs. Rochester 4 (UticaComets.com) … [Read more...] about Thursday’s Rochester Coverage

'“This year was completely unacceptable,” Murray said during the team’s wrap-up news conference in the arena on Tuesday. “I told them it wasn’t all on them. It was on management, it was on the coaching staff. A lot of it was on injuries where we had to put people into positions that they aren’t ready for. So that’s out of our hands."' … [Read more...] about Sabres GM says season ‘was completely unacceptable’

'“We’ll get a good player, and I think there’s a great chance we could get a guy that we have No. 1 on our list,” Murray said. “I think with the way the draft sets up, we probably have a better chance of getting the guy that we have No. 1 than we had a chance today of getting the first pick."' … [Read more...] about Sabres lose out in draft lottery, will pick second in NHL draft

'Say what you will about the team, which was an abject disgrace this season, Murray and Nolan give suffering fans a reason for hope. It’s faint hope, but when your team has hit rock bottom, you’ll grab onto anything you can.' … [Read more...] about Accountability in Sabreland will be a big deal with Murray

'“I’ve had some talks with people in the league. We’ve had our ‘pee-pee’ slapped once here so I’ve got to be careful what I say,” Murray said, as laughter filled the press conference room in First Niagara Center. “I’m on notice and I don’t want to have to pay that fine.”' … [Read more...] about Murray says Sabres need to earn NHL officials’ respect

'“When you tear it down, it doesn’t happen overnight,” he said. “I don’t buy into five-year rebuilds. I think when you use terminology like that as a GM you’re really setting yourself up for a long run if your owner buys into that. I could sit here and say it’s a seven-year rebuild and hopefully I get 10 years out of it. But that’s not reality and not what I want anyway."' … [Read more...] about GM Tim Murray wants higher expectations for Sabres, quick rebuild

'Murray acknowledged he wanted the Isles to move up so GM Garth Snow had a tough decision. Snow must decide by June 1. The 2015 draft has Connor McDavid, perhaps the best prospect since Sidney Crosby in 2005.' … [Read more...] about Sabres can’t keep top pick during lottery, will draft second in June

'“If you want to play, you’ve got to figure out a way to stick,” Flynn said. “And for me, I guess being more of a defensive player and killing penalties was the way to do it.' … [Read more...] about Flynn was a scorer at Maine, now a defender in the NHL