'Ristolainen has lapses with decision-making and awareness. He has lost too many one-on-one puck battles along the boards, continues to turn the puck over in his own zone and commits the same mistakes in defensive-zone coverage, despite having played 412 NHL games.' … [Read more...] about Sabres’ slide, defensive struggles ‘weighing’ on Rasmus Ristolainen
Archives for 2019
Sabres’ Rasmus Ristolainen frustrated by struggles
'Plus-minus has lost relevance in recent years as advance stats and other metrics have emerged. Still, when it gets as high as Ristolainen’s, something is probably wrong.' … [Read more...] about Sabres’ Rasmus Ristolainen frustrated by struggles
Sabres' Skinner understands that slumps are going to happen
'As for why his slump has lasted so long, Skinner said, “I don’t think there’s a concrete answer or we’d go out and fix it. You just have to keep going out and trying to focus to create those chances and then you have to finish and bear down.”' … [Read more...] about Sabres’ Skinner understands that slumps are going to happen
Housley: We're making 'different mistakes and things happen fast'
'“We continue to show them and continue to work on it in practice. We haven’t had a lot of quality practice time to work on it, but, it’s just mainly in our structure. It’s just layers that, when there’s a break down, we’re going to make mistakes. We have the layers in place to help a guy out if he’s fallen or lost a battle. And then, from that point, it’s just sorting out … [Read more...] about Housley: We’re making ‘different mistakes and things happen fast’
With the Sabres season in free fall, what's next?
'"The goalies have just been abysmal for the last two and a half months. Hutton and Ullmark have given up 18 goals more than expected at even strength alone, when adjusting for shot quality and shot volume against. That is three wins right there in the standings that you can just put on the goaltenders."' … [Read more...] about With the Sabres season in free fall, what’s next?
Terry Pegula makes Forbes' Billionaires list
'According to the list, Pegula's net worth is $4.5 billion as of today. Pegula made his fortune in oil and more recently through the Buffalo sports partnership of the Buffalo Bills and Buffalo Sabres.' … [Read more...] about Terry Pegula makes Forbes’ Billionaires list
Sabres GM shares vision for future, success
'"I can certainly understand the market and can understand the history over the last seven, eight years," Sabres general manager Jason Botterill said on the second day of the NHL general managers meetings Tuesday. "And I think there was certainly a feeling that in November with the streak that we had arrived. As good as it was, we haven't arrived yet. There's still things that … [Read more...] about Sabres GM shares vision for future, success
Sabres regroup ahead of road trip
'"Now it's time to try and get results. It's time to keep moving forward because if you're not moving forward, you're staying stagnant and you don't want that."' … [Read more...] about Sabres regroup ahead of road trip
Marred by inconsistency, sinking Sabres unravel again in 'unacceptable' loss
'They received a roar from the home crowd after scoring three consecutive first-period goals, only to hear boos as they left for their dressing room after the game. A myriad of mistakes allowed the Oilers to score three goals in a span of three minutes, 26 seconds during the second period, quickly obliterating Buffalo's momentum.' … [Read more...] about Marred by inconsistency, sinking Sabres unravel again in ‘unacceptable’ loss
Mike Harrington: As frustration goes away for Connor McDavid, it just keeps growing for Sabres
'That's seven times in 10 games Buffalo has given up four goals or more. All teams drop coverage and give up scoring chances at times. Even Tampa Bay. Once in a while you need a save from your goalie. Or three or four of them.' … [Read more...] about Mike Harrington: As frustration goes away for Connor McDavid, it just keeps growing for Sabres
Sabres defenseman Jake McCabe's season likely over because of upper-body injury
'He was on pace for a career year until an upper-body injury forced him to miss nine games from Nov. 30 through Dec. 18. McCabe had two goals among 10 points with a plus-2 rating in his first 25 games, but he had two goals among four points with a minus-9 rating in his final 30 games.' … [Read more...] about Sabres defenseman Jake McCabe’s season likely over because of upper-body injury
The Wraparound: Edmonton Oilers 4, Buffalo Sabres 3
'The Sabres (30-27-8) have lost eight of their last 10 – and have won only 13 of their last 41 since their 10-game win streak in November – and remain nine points back of the second wild-card playoff spot. Linus Ullmark was pulled after allowing four goals on 20 shots through two periods.' … [Read more...] about The Wraparound: Edmonton Oilers 4, Buffalo Sabres 3
Second-period outburst helps Oilers down Sabres
'“It’s happened frequently where we just give up one and kind of go in a shell and can’t come out of it,” Pominville said. “Then we give up another one and it’s like, ‘Oh, here we go again.’ We’ve got to be better. It’s unacceptable.”' … [Read more...] about Second-period outburst helps Oilers down Sabres
Sabres notes: Casey Nelson returns after three-month absence
'“Just a mental battle, which I’m in a good state of mind, so it’s not too hard when you got good teammates and good people around you,” Nelson said of sitting out. “It’s obviously tough not playing, but I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.”' … [Read more...] about Sabres notes: Casey Nelson returns after three-month absence
Tuesday's Edmonton Coverage
Edmonton Oilers storm back to beat Sabres (Edmonton Sun) Player grades: Edmonton Oilers don't make it easy on themselves, but escape Buffalo with 2 points (Edmonton Journal) Oilers Takeaways: Leon Draisaitl’s scoring prowess has matured (Sportsnet) Second period outburst gives Edmonton Oilers win in Buffalo (CHED-AM) Photo gallery (NHL.com) Game story: Oilers 4, Sabres 3 … [Read more...] about Tuesday’s Edmonton Coverage