‘”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.”‘
Archives for February 9, 2018
Sabres’ Ristolainen on demotion: ‘I’ve got to get better’
‘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.’
Mike Harrington: Reinhart’s play matching his shiny Classic garb
‘”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.”‘
Sabres Notebook: Rodrigues shines with new linemates
‘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.’
The Wraparound: Buffalo Sabres 4, New York Islanders 3
‘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.’
Sabres blow early lead, score late to down Islanders
‘“We get a couple goals there, we feel good about ourselves even though we maybe weren’t playing that well,” Eichel said. “It felt like they were in our zone the first 10 minutes, but we find a way to end the period up.”’
Sabres’ Evan Rodrigues back beside college linemate Jack Eichel
‘“We kind of knew where each other were all over the ice,” Rodrigues said Thursday prior to scoring his first goal in 22 games. “We seemed to click, seemed to be able to make plays kind of without looking at each other.’
Friday’s New York Coverage
Islanders rally to tie, then lose late to last-place Sabres (Newsday)
Sabres’ Kyle Okposo hopes to play in Coliseum next season (Newsday)
Islanders comeback against Sabres falls short, lose 4-3 (SportsNet New York)
Tavares laments missed opportunities in loss to Sabres (SportsNet New York)
Photo gallery (NHL.com)
The Skinny: Sabres 4, Islanders 3 (NewYorkIslanders.com)
3 Takeaways: Sabres 4, Islanders 3 (NewYorkIslanders.com)
Photo gallery (Buffalo News)
Reinhart lifts Sabres to 4-3 win over Islanders
‘“I’m not saying I’m not happy that the guys pulled it out,” coach Phil Housley said. “But I just think, over all, if you play like that, you’re asking for trouble.”’
Sabres defenseman McCabe out after having thumb surgery
‘McCabe has three goals and nine assists for 12 points in having played all 53 games this season. He’s also third among Buffalo defensemen in averaging 19 1/2 minutes of ice time per game.’