‘”We still have a lot to work for,” Nolan said in KeyBank Center. “Guys are battling for different things. You come in here and just work. It’s really simple. You just come in here and work and put your best foot forward, try to win as many games as we can.”‘
Archives for February 17, 2018
Sabres Notebook: Cancer relapses for commercial star; penalty trouble; Wilson shines
‘During the Buffalo Sabres’ home games this month, the team is playing a fundraising commercial starring Ryan O’Reilly, Martin Biron, Sabretooth and a 5-year-old girl named Isabella Phelan. With a bow in her hair, she smiles throughout the ad for cancer-fighting “Bald for Bucks.” The commercial is light-hearted, but it’s taken on a sadder tone. Biron revealed Phelan has suffered a relapse of her cancer.’
How do you sell Sabres tickets that no one wants? You don’t.
‘”This is the worst it’s ever been in the 30 years I’ve worked hockey,” he said a block from KeyBank Center before Tuesday’s game. “They just don’t want them.”‘
Sabres’ Kyle Okposo piling up points
‘Okposo, 29, has been making a lot more notable plays recently. After a slow start, the 10-year veteran has been enjoying a hot streak, compiling 16 points in the last 16 games entering this afternoon’s tilt against the Los Angeles Kings inside KeyBank Center.’
Sabres’ Jordan Nolan excited to face Kings again
‘“I have a lot of friends on that team, that’s where I started my career and we were successful from the start, so you always have that kind of bond no matter where you go,” Nolan, who was claimed on waivers Sept. 27, said this afternoon.’
Saturday’s Los Angeles Coverage
Kings hope Phaneuf sparks playoff push vs. Sabres (The Sports Xchange)
Kings at Sabres preview (NHL.com)
February 16: Kings hope to break Buffalo losing streak (LAKings.com)
Iafallo looking forward to first NHL game in Buffalo (LAKings.com)
Sharks, Predators, Kings among teams who should pursue Sabres winger Evander Kane
‘So that’s the case for Kane with the Sharks. Now, watch the Blues land him. It’s the trade deadline. Logic has no home here.’
The Sabres need to get back to what made them successful against Tampa Bay
‘”It wasn’t a great game by us,” O’Reilly said after practice on Friday at KeyBank Center. “Coming off the win before, we got away from some things and it’s unfortunate because [Robin Lehner] played a phenomenal game. He played outstanding, gave us a chance to win and we let him down. There are some things we have to get back to. We have to stay out of the box. We can’t be giving them the momentum like that, and we have to get back to little battles, getting the puck in deep, possessing it low and wearing them down a bit more. It wasn’t a game we wanted, and it was even more disappointing that [Lehner] had that performance and we didn’t help him out to get that [win].”‘
Dreger: “I believe Josh Gorges will be traded”
‘”I do believe he will be traded. I believe that Jason Botterill is going to do everything in the power of the Buffalo Sabres to give this guy a playoff opportunity. He’s been a terrific pro, and an excellent leader within this organization. He deserves it.”‘
Sabres have relied on scoring depth in Eichel’s absence
‘Including that game against Boston, Buffalo has scored 15 goals in four games without Eichel, and it’s not just the big names who have been contributing. Ten of 13 forwards have recorded a point, as well as five of seven defensemen who have dressed.’