‘“He fights for loose pucks, he wins his battles, he attacks the game the right way,” Housley said. “I just like the enthusiasm. He can get a little overanxious at times, but his intentions are in the right area.”’
Archives for December 7, 2018
Injuries shuffle Sabres on the blue line
‘“Guys are getting opportunity,” Housley said. “Rasmus Dahlin is getting more minutes, Risto (Rasmus Ristolainen) has done a terrific job in his game and right now, Lawrence Pilut is getting more of an opportunity, Beaulieu is playing more, so it’s a great opportunity for these guys to play some more meaningful minutes.”‘
Editorial: Smart start on stadiums, though more public involvement would help
‘The Sabres’ venue is 23 years old. Popko said it needs improvement in the seating, better audio, improved digital connectivity and new digital screens.’
Sabres newcomer Matt Hunwick nearing return from neck injury
‘“I feel close,” Hunwick said following Thursday’s practice inside HarborCenter. “It’s only been two practices and a couple morning skates, but (I) feel good.”’
Sabres defensemen Jake McCabe, Casey Nelson week-to-week
‘In other injury news, winger Jason Pominville, out the last two games with an upper-body injury, practiced today.’
Ritzel: Sabres reigniting Buffalo’s love for hockey
‘Are the Sabres as good as their 17-8-4 record would indicate? Can this team win the Stanley Cup this year? I’d say no to both, but even the most optimistic preseason expectations said that Buffalo at best could be in the mix for a wild-card position, and the Sabres are way ahead of the curve on that. It would take a serious meltdown, like 15 wins in their last 50 games, to fall out of the playoff picture.’
Are the Buffalo Sabres a real playoff threat or a mirage?
‘The way the NHL goes, teams like the Sabres can squeak into the playoffs and a couple seem to make it every year. But unlike, say, Colorado last year, Buffalo doesn’t appear to have a particular strength that would lead you to believe they can do damage.’
The Sabres are fighting through injuries for the first time all season
‘Jake McCabe sustained an upper-body injury against Tampa Bay that is now more severe than they first thought, so Buffalo’s most consistent defenseman this season is now week-to-week.’
Larkin: Sabres aren’t Stanley Cup contenders yet, but are playoff contenders
‘On how the Sabres measure up with the Maple Leafs: “They looked like Rocky vs. Apollo Creed. They didn’t win, but they came out feeling like the winner. It was a crucial measuring stick.”‘
How Lawrence Pilut earned big-time matchups against the Maple Leafs
‘”There were a few test runs where we threw him out against some pretty solid competition and he stood up to the test,” Smith said. “Going up against [Toronto}, we knew we were going to have young guys who we’re going to have to go up against them one way or another and as the game progressed, both of the kids (Pilut and Rasmus Dahlin) did very well so we continued to play them.”‘