Archives for February 9, 2018

‘”He was one of our better defensemen,” Buffalo coach Phil Housley said after a 4-3 victory. “He was really good in stick detail defending, and moving the puck well. He kept the game simple. There’s nothing really flashy about his game, but he gets the job done.”‘

‘Ristolainen leads Sabres defensemen with three goals, 19 assists and 22 points, but his on-pace numbers (5-32-37) are off last year’s totals of six goals, 39 assists and 45 points. He’s minus-11 after being on the ice for 31 goals against and 20 goals for at five-on-five.’

‘”He’s getting to the net, getting a little bit more physical,” Eichel said. “Getting tenacious. He’s starting to build that confidence. He’s a really skilled player who doesn’t get as much credit for his skill level and hockey IQ as he deserves. When he gets going, he can be a huge part of our team.”‘

‘It was a sparkling debut for the new line which reunited Rodrigues (left wing) and Jack Eichel (center) with Sam Reinhart (right wing). The line accounted for three goals and the chemistry is exactly what the Sabres, and Rodrigues, were hoping for.’

‘There weren’t a lot of people who saw it – the empty seats may have outnumbered the full ones – and it was way more difficult to finish than start, but the Buffalo Sabres finally have their 1,000th home victory.’