Archives for September 22, 2015

'“I’ll take 20 of those off the feed from Jack,” Moulson said. “He’s the type of player if you get open, he’s getting you the puck. His head for the game is tremendous. Obviously that goal he scored to read the play, poke it out. I don’t think there’s too many guys in the league who can catch him when he gets a step.”' … [Read more...] about Sabres’ Eichel builds on confidence in first game

'The biggest was Buffalo’s defensive work. The Sabres gave up just 20 shots in the game. Only three in the third period and just nine in the final 45 minutes.' … [Read more...] about Sabres find second gear, defend well

'“It’s very important, absolutely,” Johnson said in XCel Energy Center. “For me, it’s about getting back in that routine, that right mindset and focusing on what I want to accomplish and where my focus has to be to have success. It’s been a long time but I’ve been looking forward to it.”' … [Read more...] about Johnson hopes to make case as backup goalie

'“I think at times I took the reason I was brought here (was) to help mentor young D,” Gorges said inside the First Niagara Center. “Yeah, that’s great. That is and will be part of my job. But it’s first and foremost to go out there and play the game and make sure I’m doing my job on the ice, contributing the way I’m supposed to.”' … [Read more...] about Sabres’ Josh Gorges refreshed for new season

Wild's new power-play shift works in first game action (Minneapolis Star Tribune) Wild's Vanek feels he's become more of a playmaker (Minneapolis Star Tribune) Photo gallery (Minneapolis Star Tribune) Minnesota Wild's revamped power play has its ups and downs (Saint Paul Pioneer Press) Erik Haula only looking ahead (Saint Paul Pioneer Press) Wild Falls 3-2 To Buffalo In … [Read more...] about Tuesday’s Minnesota Coverage

'Nicolas Deslauriers and Matt Moulson also scored for the Sabres. Eichel assisted on Moulson's tying goal 1:36 into the third. Chad Johnson made 15 saves in 40 minutes for Buffalo, while Nathan Lieuwen stopped all three shots he faced in the third.' … [Read more...] about Eichel, Sabres hold off Wild in exhibition opener

'Let's not overstate things, but it's fair to say there hasn't been this kind of optimism in the Buffalo sports world in general, and for the hockey team specifically, in years.' … [Read more...] about Enthusiasm high in Buffalo for rebuilt Sabres, revitalized waterfront

'Even though Buffalo finished regulation on top, the two sides played a five-minute 3-on-3 overtime period as part of a preseason experiment by the NHL. Minnesota's Zach Parise ended it with eight seconds to go.' … [Read more...] about Eichel’s Winner Lifts Sabres Over Wild in Preseason Opener

'I think considering the way the Sabres played the first 15 minutes, they got some energy and got better and better as the game went on. I think Eichel had a nice debut and showed why he's been touted for years.' … [Read more...] about Sabres start the new era

'"I wish I would've shot it. It's a learning moment for me. Just get pucks to the net," Eichel said. "I don't know how I really fell into that move. I caught a nice pass in the neutral zone. It's a move I had worked on a little bit this summer. Too bad I ended up turning the puck over and they went down and scored."' … [Read more...] about Sabres’ Eichel scores shorthanded in preseason debut

'Buffalo was caught shorthanded in a third-period tie when Eichel forced a turnover near center ice and used his speed to rush towards the net on a breakaway. He promptly slipped the puck between the legs of Wild goaltender Darcy Kuemper to give the Sabres a lead they would never relinquish.' … [Read more...] about Eichel scores winner in 1st preseason game