'An uncharacteristically bad two periods prevented the Sabres (16-12-7) from creating distance between them and the Leafs (17-14-4) in the Atlantic Division, and illustrated a problem that's plagued Buffalo since Eichel was drafted second overall in 2015: a lack of supplementary scoring.' … [Read more...] about Jack Eichel stretches point streak to 17 games, but slow start dooms Sabres
Archives for December 18, 2019
Sabres waited on Victor Olofsson and are getting their rewards
'Now he's one of the favorites for the Calder Trophy. The Sabres showed incredible patience with him in the face of outside views (raising hand) that he should have been in the NHL far sooner last year in place of Tage Thompson. They're able to enjoy the told-ya-so phase.' … [Read more...] about Sabres waited on Victor Olofsson and are getting their rewards
The Wraparound: Maple Leafs 5, Sabres 3
'The Sabres looked over-matched for 40 minutes of the two teams' third meeting of the season, though. Jack Eichel extended his point streak to 17 games, one off the franchise record, and the Sabres scored three goals in the third period, but Auston Matthews' two goals held up in a 5-3 win for the Toronto Maple Leafs in Scotiabank Arena on Tuesday.' … [Read more...] about The Wraparound: Maple Leafs 5, Sabres 3
Numbers explain why Casey Mittelstadt was sent to Rochester
'Part of a center’s job is to open shooting lanes for wingers, and that has been hit or miss most of his career. And it goes without saying that ice time is largely earned, too. Though Buffalo’s top line is loaded with star talent, Mittelstadt hasn’t done much individually to justify more usage – and, consequently, better teammates.' … [Read more...] about Numbers explain why Casey Mittelstadt was sent to Rochester
Jack Eichel extends point streak, ignites Sabres late against Maple Leafs
'“When we’re playing that way, that we can play with any team in this league,” Sabres winger Victor Olofsson said. “We just got to do it from the start."' … [Read more...] about Jack Eichel extends point streak, ignites Sabres late against Maple Leafs
Sabres notes: Carter Hutton offering advice, support to Linus Ullmark
'“I have a lot of respect for how he presents himself and how he carries himself every day,” said Ullmark, who made his 20th appearance this season Tuesday, a 5-3 loss to the Maple Leafs at Scotiabank Arena. “On the bench and just being a support is huge for me.”' … [Read more...] about Sabres notes: Carter Hutton offering advice, support to Linus Ullmark
Late-round picks adding up to seventh heaven for Olofsson, Engvall
'“Just being drafted was just a bonus for me and I’ve been really patient,” said Olofsson, who was leading NHL rookies in scoring heading into Tuesday with 30 points in 34 games for the Buffalo Sabres. “I wanted to take things slow and really felt like I was ready, ready to play in the NHL before I moved to North America. So I think it worked out pretty good.”' … [Read more...] about Late-round picks adding up to seventh heaven for Olofsson, Engvall
The Sabres can smell what the Bills are cooking — and they want some
'“It’s outstanding the way the city responds to the Bills getting into the playoffs,” Sabres captain Jack Eichel said, adding that his club could learn from the football club’s chemistry. “It’s super cool, and the fans are so passionate about them … and we want to get the same attention for our group, and be competitive every night.”' … [Read more...] about The Sabres can smell what the Bills are cooking — and they want some
Traikos: To Jack Eichel, Taylor Hall trade a wake-up call
'“He seemed to take a real step,” said Toronto Maple Leafs captain John Tavares. “He’s always been ultra-talented. With his skating ability and his puck-handling, he’s such a dual-threat type of player. But he’s really using his body and imposing himself on the game. He’s one of the best players in the league.”' … [Read more...] about Traikos: To Jack Eichel, Taylor Hall trade a wake-up call
Why ‘heart and soul’ Jack Eichel is building a case for MVP
'He is willing Buffalo back into a game it didn’t show up for, and giving, as always, hope for hockey in Western New York. “Jack scores a big goal there,” teammate Kyle Okposo says. “Then we start to believe.”' … [Read more...] about Why ‘heart and soul’ Jack Eichel is building a case for MVP
Wednesday's Toronto Coverage
Matthews' pair of goals power Maple Leafs past Sabres (Toronto Sun) Late-round picks adding up to seventh heaven for Olofsson, Engvall (Toronto Sun) Leafs’ win over Sabres was the Auston Matthews show (Toronto Star) Auston Matthews reminds the hockey universe that the Leafs’ offence is in good hands (Toronto Star) The Sabres can smell what the Bills are cooking — and they … [Read more...] about Wednesday’s Toronto Coverage
Matthews scores twice as Maple Leafs hang onto beat Sabres
'“The battle level probably wasn’t there,” Buffalo’s captain said of his team’s start. “You’ve got to give them credit. They played well.”' … [Read more...] about Matthews scores twice as Maple Leafs hang onto beat Sabres
Prospect need to know: Casey Mittelstadt’s going back to basics
'“There is so much speed in the league right now,” the coach said. “It is very difficult to play defensively without the puck on a consistent basis for a young player. We’d like him to continue to develop that side of his game. Before he came to the NHL he had the puck the whole game, so he didn’t have to play without it. We’re going to be doing some really good work with him … [Read more...] about Prospect need to know: Casey Mittelstadt’s going back to basics
Sabres drop 5-3 decision to the Maple Leafs
'The Sabres kept coming on the attack late in the third. Kyle Okposo busted into the offensive zone, and took a shot on Andersen that the netminder had trouble covering up. It stayed loose long enough for Okposo to sneak back in towards the crease, and the veteran forward banged it past Andersen to make it a one-goal game, 4-3.' … [Read more...] about Sabres drop 5-3 decision to the Maple Leafs
The Sabres couldn't complete the comeback in Toronto
'The Sabres came into the game with only one regulation loss in 10 games. They probably hadn’t played that poorly since mid-November. I think the key is get back to what got you picking up 16 out of 24 points. You can't go into a 10 game swoon like November and expect to be in good position. The next game is in Philadelphia on Thursday and the Sabres must show they can build on … [Read more...] about The Sabres couldn’t complete the comeback in Toronto