Archives for 2016

'"Big-time players, big goals," Oilers coach Todd McLellan said. "I'm sure we're going to see a lot more from Connor and probably Jack as well."' … [Read more...] about McDavid edges Eichel in 2 rookie centers’ first NHL matchup

'McDavid and Eichel provided a buzz for this one even though the Oilers and Sabres are both among the NHL's bottom five teams. Eichel was picked right after McDavid in last year's draft, and both players are considered potentially generational talents.' … [Read more...] about McDavid gets 2nd goal in OT, Oilers beat Sabres 2-1

'"They're two fabulous players," Oilers coach Todd McClellan said Tuesday before the first NHL meeting between McDavid and Eichel. "We're very lucky to have them on our teams. We're very lucky to have them in our league and the fans are very lucky to watch them play on a nightly basis because they're gifted, they're skilled, they're the future of our game."' … [Read more...] about McDavid and Eichel forge similar paths as beacons of hope for Oilers and Sabres

'The game showcased McDavid and Eichel, the top two picks from last year's draft. McDavid was chosen first overall by the Oilers, and Eichel went second to Buffalo. The finishing sequence appropriately featured both rookie sensations.' … [Read more...] about McDavid nets pair as Oilers defeat Sabres in OT

'"[McDavid] gets it. He gets that it's more of what [the media] creates than anything, to be honest," Hall said. "Sure, there's maybe a bit of a rivalry. They both wanted to go first last year, I'm sure, and there's always going to be that connection, but I think it's more of a hockey game than it is a battle between two young guys."' … [Read more...] about McDavid, Eichel fire up the first of many rivalry games

'As nonchalant as McDavid is after games like these, Eichel was just that sour. And why not? No one likes a happy loser, and I’d buy a ticket to their next meeting. Eichel hasn’t had this happen to him very often.' … [Read more...] about First act in McDavid-Eichel show a masterpiece

'Jack Eichel was stopped on one end, and sure enough Connor McDavid goes end-to-end with the puck and sneaks a backhand shot between Robin Lehner and the nearside post to win the game. Sometimes it is better to be lucky and good.' … [Read more...] about McDavid scores twice, Oilers top Sabres 2-1 in OT

'"It's unfortunate the way we came out in the first two periods. The third period, we showed what we're capable of. I think it's unfortunate we weren't that team the whole 60 (minutes). When we are that team, we feel confident against anybody. But all the teams are so good in this league, and it's tough and nearly impossible to win games like that playing that way."' … [Read more...] about Sabres-Oilers: From the locker room

'McDavid, the No. 1 pick in the 2015 NHL Draft, scored moments after Sabres rookie Jack Eichel, the No. 2 selection, rushed against Oilers goalie Cam Talbot and put a spinning backhand shot wide. McDavid picked up the puck following that shot and took it the rest of the way for the goal.' … [Read more...] about McDavid outduels Eichel in Oilers’ OT win

'"I didn't like our team right from the start of the game," Sabres coach Dan Bylsma said. "I didn’t like how prepared we were to start the game, play the game. We turned the puck over, gave them opportunities. We had four odd-man rushes in the first 12 minutes of the game.' … [Read more...] about Loss to Oilers begins and ends with goals from McDavid

'"It’s tough to say. I’ve never talked to him about it or anything like that, so I don’t really know his feeling," McDavid said when asked if he felt any added level of competitiveness for Tuesday's game given their history. "For me personally, it’s not really too much of a big deal. We got drafted together sure, but other than that we don’t really share that much in common. He … [Read more...] about McDavid, Eichel to meet as pros

'“We have a ton of picks, a ton of picks that don’t have to be used on draft day, which I’ve said since I’ve got here,” Murray said Monday in First Niagara Center. “Whether you like the trades I’ve made or not, I have shipped out quite a few picks for a more established player, a more finished product. I think we have a lot of options again going forward in the next two … [Read more...] about Expect a Sabres splash come draft week

'“We were sitting at home on Saturday night, got a phone call and I was pretty excited about it,” Schneider said after Amerks practice about how he learned about the trade. “I had a little bit more energy out there today. It’s a little different playing with new guys, but there are three guys who came with me, so that made it a little easier.”' … [Read more...] about Cole Schneider welcoming of trade to hometown Sabres’ organization

'McGinn, 27, was the Sabres’ biggest asset among players with expiring contracts. The pick becomes a second-rounder if the Ducks win two playoff rounds, according to ESPN’s Pierre LeBrun.' … [Read more...] about Sabres knew they had to trade Jamie McGinn

'So could Johnson be re-signed and be the backup again next season? “I could envision it, yes,” Sabres general manager Tim Murray said Monday inside the First Niagara Center. “I haven’t spoken to him or his representative. I don’t know what their expectation will be after having the year that he’s had, a pretty good year with pretty good stats. I like the way Chad’s played.”' … [Read more...] about Sabres goalie Chad Johnson could return as backup