Archives for March 2015

'This season marks the end of Grigorenko’s entry-level contract, and it will be interesting to see what tact the Sabres take with him going forward. The team could simply extend him his qualifying offer as a restricted free agent (roughly $975,000) and not negotiate a higher amount, or try to package Grigorenko in a trade.' … [Read more...] about Clock is ticking on Grigorenko

'“It’s not easy. We’ve been pretty beat up all the season,” said defenseman Mike Weber. “It’s tough, a lot more added ice time for other guys. But it’s an opportunity, an honor to play in this league. When you get opportunities to do something out of your comfort zone, it’s time to show people you can handle it.”' … [Read more...] about Blue- liners feel pain of long season

'Hackett must play six more NHL games this season or else he becomes an unrestricted free agent this summer. The Sabres probably want to examine him during the final 16 contests.' … [Read more...] about Strong finish could keep goalie Matt Hackett in Sabres’ plans

'“(There are) not too many chances this early in your career and this much opportunity,” he said. “Some of these guys are going to have 16 games to prove themselves, and you can’t come to the rink lackadaisical.”' … [Read more...] about Ted Nolan unhappy with Sabres prospect Mikhail Grigorenko’s effort

'With the opportunity that was right there for Grigorenko, going through the motions should be the last thing he would do. Nolan said, "It's very surprising you don't get this many chances this early in your career and you can't come to the rink lackadaisical and Grigorenko we could've argued let’s keep him here, but he didn't give us enough of that to argue for."' … [Read more...] about Sabres’ Nolan not satisfied with Grigorenko

'Missing Bogosian in particular would be a big blow to the team. Heading into Saturday’s game, he’d been eating up a ton of ice time for the Sabres, averaging 26:57 in his 10 games with the team.' … [Read more...] about Sabres dealing with thin blue line

'While Buffalo and Edmonton have taken turns holding the 30th spot, the Sabres’ biggest competition down the stretch should be Arizona. The teams play each other twice, with the Coyotes coming to town March 26 and the Sabres visiting Arizona on March 30.' … [Read more...] about Speed bumps await Sabres in race to bottom

'Coach Ted Nolan on Meszaros: “He could miss a little while. I don’t think too long. We’ll see when he gets back and get our doctors to look at him. Same thing with Bogosian.”' … [Read more...] about Hackett’s backup helmet doesn’t help

'Taking control is a lot to ask of minor-leaguers Phil Varone or Tim Schaller. But younger veterans such as Zach Bogosian, Marcus Foligno and Tyler Ennis – guys who are at a similar stage of their careers to Briere in 2003 – have a chance to join Brian Gionta on the leadership panel by finishing strong during the final 16 games.' … [Read more...] about Sabres’ young vets need to be leading

Brooks Laich ends drought, Alex Ovechkin returns to power Capitals’ rout (Washington Post) Six goals from six skaters fuel Capitals in most dominant win this season (Washington Post) Ovechkin returns to Capitals' lineup against Sabres (AP) Capitals steamroll reeling Buffalo Sabres (CSN Washington) Caps keep the pedal down against the fatigued Sabres (CSN Washington) Caps … [Read more...] about Sunday’s Washington Coverage

'Larsson put the Sabres ahead just 2:35 in, but Glencross got the equalizer for the Capitals less than three minutes later.' … [Read more...] about Ovechkin scores in return, Capitals defeat Sabres 6-1

'"I think we benefitted a little bit. They (Sabres) were in Ottawa last night. It is a lot harder trip than people realize," said Capitals coach Barry Trotz. "We had to do that earlier in the year and it is a real tough trip. Last night, they competed. Got to give Buffalo a lot of credit, but we worked today. We talked about responding, trying to build our game and coming after … [Read more...] about Washington 6, Buffalo 1

'"I bit on it and I looked stupid on it," Hackett said. "I mean, that's why he's got forty-something goals, right? He's a pretty special player, but there's no excuse."' … [Read more...] about Capitals blast fatigued Sabres in 6-1 win

'The onslaught would continue at the 13:53 mark of the period as Books Laich found the back of the net with a wicked wrist shot just inside the blue line. That would be the end of the night for Matt Hackett as he was pulled in favor of Anders Lindback. Hackett gave up 4 goals on 23 shots in total.' … [Read more...] about Capitals Demolish Sabres 6-1

'As often happens, this turned upside down in the second period as Washington scored three goals and outshot Buffalo 23-8.' … [Read more...] about Sabres want a slow pace in Washington