Sunday’s matchup: Blackhawks at Sabres (Chicago Tribune)
Sabres host Blackhawks with playoff spot within reach (AP)
Preview: Blackhawks at Sabres (NHL.com)
Game notes: Feb. 19 at Buffalo Sabres (ChicagoBlackhawks.com)
Archives for February 19, 2017
Sabres’ winning streak starts at the top
‘During a 3-2 victory over St. Louis, those six players combined for two goals, six points and 37 saves. It’s no coincidence Buffalo won its third straight game and fourth of the last five.’
Mike Harrington: Lehner has claimed the crease
‘Lehner is 17-16-6 this season, a mediocre record borne mostly from his lack of goal support in the first half. But he’s got a 2.47 goals-against average and a .926 save percentage that ranks tied for third among NHL starters. Only Minnesota’s Devan Dubnyk (.933) and Pittsburgh’s Matt Murray (.927) are better.’
Sabres Notebook: Seamless transition for Baptiste in latest recall
‘”Obviously they produce points,” Baptiste said of playing with Eichel and Kane. “I feel like I could bring speed and open up space for those guys and was fortunate enough to get to the net tonight and score.’
Quick hits: Sabres 3, Blues 2
‘The Blues had won nine straight against Buffalo as part of a 19-2 run. The Sabres’ last victory in the series was a 5-3 decision Dec. 27, 2009, in St. Louis.’
Stars front and center in Sabres’ win over Blues
‘“He’s been … our most consistent player and our best player,” Bylsma said of Lehner. “He’s making huge saves when things aren’t going well for us. Once we do get a lead, he’s shutting the door.”’
Nick Baptiste scores early in return to Sabres
‘“That’s kind of the development process we have started in Rochester,” Sabres coach Dan Bylsma said. “The coaches down there have done a great job of getting these guys ready to come up and play and be prepared to add, and you can see that with almost every call-up we’ve had.”’
Sunday’s Saint Louis Coverage
Blues’ winning streak snapped by 3-2 loss to Sabres (Saint Louis Post Dispatch)
Hutton has been huge for Blues this season (Saint Louis Post Dispatch)
Blue Notes: Brodziak makes early return to fourth line (Saint Louis Post Dispatch)
Photo gallery (NHL.com)
Photo gallery (Buffalo News)
Sabres snap Blues snap 6-game winning streak with 3-2 win
‘Evander Kane and Nicholas Baptiste each had a goal and an assist in Buffalo’s third straight win, matching a season best accomplished three times. Ryan O’Reilly also scored for the Sabres (26-23-10), who have three more wins than losses for the first time since closing the 2011-12 season 39-32-11.’
Sabres snap Blues’ 6-game winning streak
‘After Buffalo jumped out to a 3-1 lead, the Blues stormed back in the third and outshot the Sabres 17-7 in the third period. Upshall cut the lead to 3-2 with 4:57 remaining on a shorthanded breakaway but the Blues were unable to even the score despite a prime opportunity with 1:12 remaining after Lehner received a tripping penalty.’