Archives for January 8, 2016

'The duo has been on the ice for five of the 13 goals scored at even strength during the Sabres’ five-game losing streak, with Gorges victimized one additional time without Ristolainen. As Buffalo heads into the unfriendly confines of Chicago on Friday, the defensemen know they need to be better.' … [Read more...] about Loose play of Sabres’ top defense pair leads to losing

'“He’ll get a couple games, for sure,” Buffalo coach Dan Bylsma said Thursday. “He needs to get in the net and see shots, stop shots. He wanted to go down for practice the last few days to get a full volume of shots and to get that there and get in a game and see game action. He’s pretty excited about it.”' … [Read more...] about Lehner to get plenty of work in with Amerks

'It is likely the Sabres goal to have MSG agree to add a separate Buffalo feed here to provide more Buffalo sports programming. If that happens, there would no need for Bills and Sabres owners Terry and Kim Pegula to start their own regional sports network similar to the former Empire Sports Network. A regional sports network would be a much more expensive proposition than … [Read more...] about Sabres in strong negotiation position as TV, radio deals near end

'The Sabres, more or less, have morphed back into a real team. They have 13 one-goal losses. Players will tell you they’re on the right path. Still, they haven’t seen the results they want to, and that can make it difficult to believe you’re doing the right things.' … [Read more...] about Sabres still work in progress halfway through season

'Ristolainen, 21, is a minus-6 in his last seven games and hasn’t scored a goal in 11 contests. The Finn was a minus-2 in Tuesday’s 5-1 loss to Florida, the Sabres’ fifth straight loss.' … [Read more...] about Sabres’ Rasmus Ristolainen struggling

Friday's matchup: Sabres at Blackhawks (Chicago Tribune) Sabres-Blackhawks Preview (AP) Blackhawks go for sixth straight win, host Sabres (NHL.com) Blackhawks Buzz: Going for six straight against the slumping Sabres (ChicagoBlackhawks.com) … [Read more...] about Friday’s Chicago Coverage

'Ristolainen was on an offensive tear for 20 games where he had 19 points. In his last seven games he has no goals and two assists. In his last six games he’s been minus six making him minus nine on the season. As far as how Ristolainen has played Bylsma said, “It was much like our team game. It wasn’t his strongest game last game, his play with the puck, but we’re talking … [Read more...] about Sabres’ top D pair beginning to struggle

'"I think first and foremost is that compete [level]," he said. "We've got to compete from start to finish, no matter the situation or the game, and then what comes of that is sticking together as a team. Play the systems, play the way we're supposed to play, but play it hard, play with some pride, play with some passion.' … [Read more...] about Sabres look to end skid during 3-game road trip

Former players still cherish their time with Amerks (Rochester Democrat and Chronicle) Cal O’Reilly named to American Hockey League All-Star roster (Amerks.com) … [Read more...] about Friday’s Rochester Coverage