Archives for October 3, 2018

‘After an offseason of change, the Sabres have eight newcomers among the 23 players on the roster for Thursday’s season opener against the Boston Bruins. That includes one who had only been with the organization for a few hours when the roster was announced Tuesday.’

‘In Schoepflin’s new role, he will oversee development opportunities across all of Pegula Sports’ companies, which include the Buffalo Bills and Buffalo Sabres, and manage the firm’s government relations – a role that likely will have him closely involved in any plans to build a new stadium for the Bills or to renovate New Era Field. The Pegulas also have branched out into development projects of their own, including the HarborCenter hotel and ice rink complex, as well as the ongoing renovation of a Perry Street building next to KeyBank Center that will house a Labatt USA test brewery.’

‘“You have to get excited for any new year, and there is a lot to be excited about,” said Sabres forward Kyle Okposo, who went through a rebuild with the New York Islanders. “In saying that, you’re not a good team in this league until you are. And we have to go out there and prove every night in games, and every day in practice that we are a good team.’

‘”Every single guy can be plugged into the lineup at one point or another and contribute and skate,” said Jake McCabe, who is expected to open the season as Dahlin’s defense partner. “That’s something that we’ve lacked in the past and it’s really exciting that we have that depth this year to push not only all of us internally, but if one guy does go down, you know there’s another guy who can step right in.”’

‘The Sabres are the NHL’s worst team in October since the 2013 lockout by a good margin. They have a 14-37-6 record in the month and a hideous .298 points percentage that’s a full 100 points worse than the next-worse team (Carolina, .398).’

‘When TSN did its preseason list of the game’s top 50 players, Eichel was only No. 33. But a big reason he can break out is his line. In wingers Jeff Skinner and Sam Reinhart, Eichel has two scoring options at his side and that’s something he’s never really had. There should be far fewer missed opportunities than in the past.’

‘Dahlin shrugged. He shrugs a lot, actually. He’ll shrug his shoulders if he’s unsure what to say, or shrug off a question – politely, as always – if he doesn’t want to say any more. Though Dahlin does have to grapple with something of a language barrier, you don’t get the sense that it’s the English he is still learning that holds him back in conversations. (His English is quite good; he can hold a full conversation.) He comes across as a guy who’s more focused on playing hockey than on talking about it.’

‘“My optimism has returned, however. I am hoping it doesn’t turn into pessimism. I think they are a much-improved hockey club. Much improved. The only thing I might be concerned about is, boy, are they young. There will be some bumps along the way because of that.”‘

‘Prices range from $40 to $190 for Tier I games, $34 to $140 for Tier II games, $28 to $102 for Tier III games and $20 to $97 for Tier IV games. The prices are a slight decrease from the initial starting point last season.’