Archives for March 2016

'Ristolainen, 21, has mostly enjoyed a stellar campaign, becoming his team’s ace defender while skating more than 25 minutes a game. Finland rewarded Ristolainen’s breakout season today, naming him to its initial roster for the 2016 World Cup.' … [Read more...] about Sabres’ Rasmus Ristolainen earns World Cup spot

'But Sabres fans deserve credit too, since they have filled the arena to watch a club heading to a fifth straight losing season that hasn't won a playoff series since 2001, at an average of 18,496 per game (12th in the NHL).' … [Read more...] about McDavid, Eichel made meaningless NHL game exciting

Game Day: Flames at Sabres (Calgary Herald) Flames-Sabres Preview (AP) Gameday #64: Calgary Flames at Buffalo Sabres (Sportsnet) Flames aim to end skid against Sabres (NHL.com) Preview: Flames @ Sabres (CalgaryFlames.com) Scouting Report: Buffalo Sabres (CalgaryFlames.com) … [Read more...] about Thursday’s Calgary Coverage

'Some former Sabres have made the tournament. Thomas Vanek and Andrej Sekera have made Team Europe. The General Manager of that team is Miroslav Satan.' … [Read more...] about Sabres’ Eichel joins Ristolainen at the World Cup of Hockey

'Getting back to Ristolainen’s game, defensively he’s had some tough outings. Last night Ristolainen killed off the full two minute penalty in overtime. Dan Bylsma called a timeout for 30 seconds and put him right back out there. Connor McDavid wasn’t going to be on the ice until Bylsma called the timeout so on came McDavid and on came a still tired Ristolainen. McDavid blew … [Read more...] about Sabres’ Ristolainen very happy to be selected for Finland

'So, put him on the ice to start the game. I know you probably had meetings about how you wanted to match up with McDavid and that job was going to go to Johan Larsson. Fine, I get it. You're a coach and coaches coach so coach away. Is it too much to ask to at least wait until after the first shift of the first game of their NHL careers against each other?' … [Read more...] about C’mon coach

'"It's deserved," Sabres coach Dan Bylsma said. "I'm real happy for him. He's a young player coming into his own this year. He's stepped from being a younger player to being a full-time legitimate NHL player and I think it shows in his selection."' … [Read more...] about For Ristolainen, playing for Finland is always a pleasure

Amerks hoping for consistency after blockbuster trade (Sabres.com) … [Read more...] about Thursday’s Rochester Coverage

'“Anytime you can score an overtime goal, it feels good,” McDavid said. “I keep saying this game was a big deal for me because it was in front of friends and family. It just feels good to get the win in front of them.”' … [Read more...] about Oilers’ McDavid makes his mark with early, OT goals to beat Sabres

'With that latter scenario playing out, Tuesday’s matchup between the 26th- and 29th-place teams in the NHL got a shot of Red Bull. McDavid and Eichel did their best to downplay their first meeting as professionals (McDavid missed Edmonton’s game against Buffalo in December due to injury), but there was an undeniable, playoff-like buzz leading up to the game.' … [Read more...] about McDavid calls the shots in 2-1 win over Sabres

'“I thought 15 and 97 were probably the two best players on the ice tonight,” he said. “They didn’t disappoint.”' … [Read more...] about First McEichel Bowl means little to some, more to others

'“I’ve played with him quite a bit,” Reinhart said. “We know each other pretty well.”' … [Read more...] about The eyes have it for Reinhart, O’Reilly on lone goal

'The "other" rookie shines: Sam Reinhart prevented the Sabres from being shut out for the third time in four games with 10:54 remaining. Reinhart spun with the puck in the left circle, then slid a no-look pass to Cal O'Reilly on the right side of the net to make it 1-1. The goal was O'Reilly's first in the NHL since Dec. 21, 2011.' … [Read more...] about Quick hits: Oilers 2, Sabres 1 (OT)

'The game almost played out like it had been scripted, with McDavid, the phenom Sabres fans coveted before the Oilers won the NHL Draft Lottery last year, scoring the slick winner with 1:12 left, his second goal of the night.' … [Read more...] about Connor McDavid steals show in Oilers’ overtime win against Sabres

'“They’re great players,” he said in the same breath. “We want to watch them both play. I’m curious to see how Jack does, how Connor does. I don’t think there’s a head-to-head matchup that’s going on."' … [Read more...] about Jack Eichel, Connor McDavid won’t buy into hype