Archives for October 4, 2015

‘Since the NHL expanded to 22 teams in 1991, five organizations have leaped from last overall to a playoff spot, according to Elias Sports Bureau: the Philadelphia Flyers (2007-08), New York Islanders (2001-02), Boston Bruins (1997-98), Ottawa Senators (1996-97) and San Jose Sharks (1993-94). Change is the common denominator.’

‘The Sabres are going to be dramatically better. That’s not hard given how bad they were (wink-wink) last season.’

‘“It’s one of those things” where “we haven’t spent a ton of time on it just yet,” Buffalo Sabres coach Dan Bylsma said. “We’ve talked a little bit more about it than we have practiced or played it.”’

‘Murray isn’t ready to predict how much better the Sabres might be. “I think on paper we’ve improved,” he said. “But I’m not impressed about anything, because you get a lot of pats on the back and we haven’t done anything yet.”‘

‘The Sabres have 29 players on their training camp roster, including 15 forwards, 11 defensemen and three goaltenders.’

‘The Sabres added about five wins of talent to the roster this season which is the most of any team. It’s a huge injection of skill, but what it really shows is just how terrible Buffalo was last season. Take five wins off their current projection and you get a true-talent 69 point team. Most teams fall within the 80-to-100 point range, so a number below 70 is shockingly low. That’s the hill Buffalo has to climb to get out of the NHL’s basement and while this season is a good start, there’s a lot of mountain left for them.’

‘The Buffalo Sabres today announced the team has assigned forward Jason Akeson to the Rochester Americans (AHL).’

Amerks Kaleta expects to miss ‘a month plus’ (Rochester Democrat and Chronicle)
Amerks rout B-Sens in preseason finale (Amerks.com)