‘“On paper, I think we had one of the best teams in the league, but unfortunately we didn’t pull through in the right times,” center Tim Schaller told the Rochester media. “I just don’t think guys were consistent enough. I think some guys thought it was OK to take some nights off.”’
Archives for April 20, 2016
Sabres goalie prospect Linus Ullmark confident after tough stretch
‘“Yeah, it’s been tough,” Ullmark said. “Looking back, (no worries), it’s all about that. There’s nothing you can worry about, and that’s the hard part. If you get into that mindset, you start worrying about stuff that happened before, it’s hard to focus on what’s important.”‘
Buffalo Sabres year in review: part two — examining positional groups
‘The Sabres could stand to use a little more production from Evander Kane, who was acquired at the trade deadline in 2015 and carries a $5.2 million cap hit. Kane was mildly productive — 20 goals and 35 points in 65 games — but the Sabres need more from someone they expect to be a top-line winger. Numbers closer to his career-best of 30 goals and 57 points in 2011-12 with the Winnipeg Jets should be the expectation, but might be a reach considering Kane has only played over 70 games twice in his seven-year career. Still, he’ll only be 25-years-old when next season begins.’
Fasching returns to finish out degree
‘The Gophers forward turned professional two days after his junior season ended and joined the Buffalo Sabres. He temporarily missed classes while playing seven games in the NHL, but he stayed on track to graduate early from the Carlson School of Management. Fasching said he spent nights before games reviewing PowerPoint presentations and writing one-page case studies on different businesses in his hotel room.’
Grading every Sabre’s 2015-16: Defensemen edition
‘ The Sabres’ 8th overall pick in 2013 has emerged as a legitimate No. 1 defenseman, playing in all situations and posting 41 points, which was good for 24th in the NHL, just behind Duncan Keith. Dan Bylsma and the coaching staff have praised Ristolainen’s growth as a physical presence. He had memorable battles with Alex Ovechkin and Sidney Crosby. The only negative on Risto’s record is that he had poor Corsi Percentage and Goals For Percentage. At 21, it is expected that these numbers will improve as he grows into the No. 1 role, especially if Tim Murray can provide the Finnish D-man with a puck-moving partner.’