Archives for April 18, 2015

'After twice in this space complaining about Buffalo “fans” rooting against their own team in hopes of improving its draft position, emails flooded in questioning my intellect, heritage and career choice. Still, I share their desire for the team to dramatically improve, my issue was the way the Sabres positioned themselves to do it.' … [Read more...] about Now the Sabres need to get lucky

'We find out Saturday: McDavid or Eichel?' … [Read more...] about With NHL lottery, a new course will be set for Sabres

'Openly egged on by, of all things, the team’s own flagship radio station, fans rooted long and hard for the Sabres to lose games. And then for the Edmonton Oilers and Arizona Coyotes to win them. In the end, the masses got what they wanted. Buffalo finished 30th overall for the second straight year, and will secure the spot Saturday in Toronto at the Draft Lottery to select … [Read more...] about How Sabres slid into NHL’s basement

'Buffalo is the second-largest city in the state. Both the Buffalo New Year’s Eve ball drop and the Taste of Buffalo are the second-largest in the country. The Peace Bridge is the second-busiest northern border crossing. And, of course, there were those four second-place Super Bowl finishes.' … [Read more...] about We’re No. 2: When it comes to runners-up, Western New York is tops

'“I don’t think about the draft lottery. I just assume we’re going to lose, so it’s just another day,” Murray, who wouldn’t talk to reporters this week, told the team’s Web site. “We’ve got an 80 percent chance of losing the lottery. So if I spent my days worrying about that, I’d be a basket case by Saturday. It’s just another day in the process.”' … [Read more...] about Sabres will get franchise-changing talent in Connor McDavid or Jack Eichel at draft lottery

'“No, Ted was a great guy,” Gionta said. “As far as the way he handle things, it was a tough year, we lost a lot. Things could’ve been much different. He did a good job handling things.”' … [Read more...] about Sabres captain Brian Gionta on Ted Nolan’s firing: ‘It’s a result of how we played on the ice’

'The next two games could be the final AHL appearances for Pysyk, who served as captain with Drew Bagnall injured. After some regular duty last season, the Sabres let Pysyk overcook in the minors this season and perfect his game. He should be an NHL mainstay next season.' … [Read more...] about Sabres prospect Mark Pysyk feels good in return following collapse

'“I love Buffalo. It’s a great place. I know it very well. Playing in Erie, I’ve been to Buffalo a whole bunch. It’s kind of the closest (NHL) place to Erie and there are a lot of Sabres fans living in the area. I live with a diehard Sabres fan in my billet (Bob Catalde). It’s a special place.”' … [Read more...] about Connor McDavid analyzes five teams with best odds to pick No. 1

'Former Bills who still call the Buffalo area home include Jim Kelly, Thurman Thomas, Steve Tasker, Andre Reed, Mark Kelso, Steve Christie and Joe Devlin, to name a few. Former Sabres who remained in the area include Rob Ray, Larry Playfair, Mike Robitaille, Rene Robert, Rick Martin (until his death in March 2011), Matthew Barnaby, Bill Hajt, Andrew Peters and Darryl Shannon.' … [Read more...] about Buffalo is our kind of town — especially for ex-athletes

'By finishing last, Buffalo is guaranteed one of the two franchise players available in the draft. If the Sabres don't win the lottery, they'll pick second and can take Boston University centre Jack Eichel.' … [Read more...] about McDavid is generational prize for team that wins NHL draft lottery

'Murray will drive up to Toronto on Saturday, and will be present in Sportsnet’s downtown studios when the lottery announcement is made.' … [Read more...] about Tim Murray describes draft lottery as ”Another day in the process”

Reinhart provides a glimpse of future in Amerks' debut (Rochester Democrat and Chronicle) Photo gallery (Rochester Democrat and Chronicle) Corrado, Jensen lead Comets past Amerks (Utica Observer Dispatch) Reinhart shines in debut for Amerks (WGR-AM) Reinhart posts two points as Amerks fall to Comets in regular season home finale (Amerks.com) Final: Comets 3 @ Amerks 2 … [Read more...] about Saturday’s Rochester Coverage