Archives for October 9, 2015

'“We need to play a simpler game. We’ve got a lot of skill on the team, but I think if we play a simpler game and are harder in all zones, we’re going to create turnovers and then we can easily use it to our advantage.' … [Read more...] about Eichel gets memorable marker in Sabres loss

'“It was a special moment, something I’ll never forget,” Eichel said of his first NHL goal. “But it’s tough to really enjoy it when you don’t win the game. You come out in a season opener with so much riding on it. We had a great third period. At the end of the day, we fell a little bit short. It’s going to have to be a better 60-minute effort from all of us.”' … [Read more...] about Sabres come to life a bit too late

'New to the NHL this year is a coach’s challenge which includes reviewing offsides plays that lead to a goal.' … [Read more...] about Senators’ challenge negates Kane’s goal

'Fresh off a “Party in the Plaza” and an electric season-opening video, the fans were ready to rock. They started a loud “Let’s go, Buffalo” chant just 10 seconds in – then got silenced by an Ottawa goal with 30 seconds gone.' … [Read more...] about Ottawa’s quick goal sets tone

'Unfortunately for Eichel and the Sabres, they staggered through an offensively challenged first two periods, lost their starting goalie, Robin Lehner to a leg injury, had a goal by newcomer Evander Kane wiped away by the new coach’s challenge rule (the play was offsides), and they fell to the Ottawa Senators 3-1.' … [Read more...] about Prized rookie good as advertised but Sabres lose opener

'As the capacity crowd of 19,070 fans inside the First Niagara Center erupted like the Sabres had just won a playoff game, the second overall pick threw his arms in the air and was mobbed by his teammates.' … [Read more...] about Sabres lose Jack Eichel’s NHL debut

'“We’re going to rely on all six guys,” defenseman Josh Gorges said Thursday prior to the Sabres’ 3-1 loss to the Ottawa Senators. “Some nights you’re going to play more depending on the situation in the game. We’re going to need everyone to chip in and play a regular shift, play 18 to 21 minutes.”' … [Read more...] about Sabres plan to use defense by committee

'Along with losing the game, the Sabres also lost their starting goalie, Robin Lehner (11 saves), who left the game in the second period with a leg injury. Lehner was seen leaving the arena with a boot on his right foot following the game.' … [Read more...] about Eichel scores goal, but Sabres lose opener

'While the “Next Chapter” of Sabres hockey was supposed to start with the opening faceoff at 7 p.m., it took nearly 50 minutes of game time — two hours, 15 minutes real time — for Buffalo to give its faithful anything to cheer about. Like a crowd awaiting the first familiar note of the main act at a concert, those packed into the First Niagara Center on Thursday hung on every … [Read more...] about Sabres come through in the nick of time

'“It does seem to be rejuvenated down here, a lot of construction, a lot of life being brought back to the city,” said Tyler Ennis. “There has been a big buzz and we feel it. Not only with us, but with the Bills, just an excitement about the city in general.”' … [Read more...] about Buffalo charges towards a brighter future on the ice and in the city

Senators hold off Sabres in third period to open season with a victory (Ottawa Citizen) Buffalo charges towards a brighter future on the ice and in the city (Ottawa Citizen) Photo gallery (Ottawa Citizen) Ottawa Senators up to the challenge vs. Buffalo Sabres in opener (Ottawa Sun) Stone-Turris-Hoffman to be best line in Canada? (Ottawa Sun) The first trio sounds the … [Read more...] about Friday’s Ottawa Coverage

'“There’s a lot of guys playing tonight in the NHL, so he’s another one of them and I’m another one of them,” Eichel said prior to Thursday night’s game against the Ottawa Senators. “I think of the position of playing in the league, you don’t really think as much like that. I don’t look at it as a head-to-head match-up between me and Connor in any way. My biggest thing right … [Read more...] about Competition between Jack Eichel and Connor McDavid about to hit the next level

'The Sabres finished the game minus starting goalie Robin Lehner, who did not return after appearing to hurt his left leg 7:30 into the second period. Without revealing the nature of the injury, coach Dan Bylsma said the initial prognosis is that the injury is not a short-term one.' … [Read more...] about Turris scores 2 in Senators 3-1 win over Sabres

'"That's hockey," Eichel said. "Things like that are going to happen. There's a lot of momentum changes through a 60-minute game ... they call it back so that's obviously a tough break. It's part of the new rules, that challenge and I'm sure there will be a time when we'd like to challenge a play."' … [Read more...] about Senators take advantage of coach’s challenge in win over Sabres

'He was spotted after the 3-1 loss to the Senators with a cast on his right leg and Sabres coach Dan Bylsma said the injury "doesn't look like it's short-term." "It's more than day to day at this point in time, and we need to evaluate it further," Bylsma said. … [Read more...] about Sabres G Lehner exits game with leg injury