'"Oh, he’s the best," Thornton said of Krueger while pulling off his jersey following the Sharks' morning skate Tuesday. "The best. Just a fantastic guy. A fantastic guy."' … [Read more...] about Swiss spot isn’t only offseason connection for Sabres coach and Sharks’ Joe Thornton
Archives for 2019
Casey Mittelstadt's drive to net shows Sabres' commitment to defense
'Mittelstadt's shift also was a prominent talking point during the Sabres' team film session prior to practice Wednesday. The sequence illustrated the defensive work coach Ralph Krueger wants to see from his players every game and continued an upward trend in Mittelstadt's play. However, he downplayed his part in the victory.' … [Read more...] about Casey Mittelstadt’s drive to net shows Sabres’ commitment to defense
Editorial: Joy in Pegulaville
'Does that mean it’s time to start planning the championship parades? No, but neither should the September and October victories be discounted. Championships are nice, but they are hard to come by, in case you haven’t noticed. Why bother hosting 41 NHL games or eight NFL home contests, in seasons that unfold over several months, if all that matters is becoming the last team … [Read more...] about Editorial: Joy in Pegulaville
TV ratings show Sabres fans are losing sleep over the team's early success
'But here’s the most positive sign for interest in the team and evidence of fans losing sleep: The Sabres’ loss to Anaheim in the first game of the three-game California road trip had a 5.9 rating even though it started at 10 p.m. and ended around 1 a.m.' … [Read more...] about TV ratings show Sabres fans are losing sleep over the team’s early success
After six years of losing, Zemgus Girgensons enjoying Sabres’ revival
'“It’s been a blast,” Girgensons said Monday inside KeyBank Center. “It’s just been fun coming to the rink, playing hockey. I’ve seen it all. I’ve seen many coaches, many GMs.”' … [Read more...] about After six years of losing, Zemgus Girgensons enjoying Sabres’ revival
OT play earns Sabres’ Casey Mittelstadt comparison to Nicklas Lidstrom
'“When you hear the players talk and use the word ‘tracking’ in front of you in a three-on-three overtime situation and everybody’s so excited and then it turns into a goal, it’s that lead up to the goal that really makes you proud of what the group is doing as a coach,” Krueger said.' … [Read more...] about OT play earns Sabres’ Casey Mittelstadt comparison to Nicklas Lidstrom
Thursday's New York Coverage
New York plays Buffalo, looks to stop home slide (AP) Rangers look to end losing skid vs. Sabres (Field Level Media) Sabres at Rangers preview (NHL.com) Game Day: 'A Good Test on Home Ice' (NYRangers.com) … [Read more...] about Thursday’s New York Coverage
NHL Notebook: Krueger's Sabres taking hot start in stride, TO troubles
'"I'm not really interested in norms and that kind of decision-making."' … [Read more...] about NHL Notebook: Krueger’s Sabres taking hot start in stride, TO troubles
The Krueger Effect: How new Sabres coach has led turnaround
'"It's definitely a different environment," center Jack Eichel told ESPN. "He does a really good job with the guys in the room. Our opinions really matter to him. When you do that and you incorporate everyone into your decision-making, you get a really good response from everyone. So many things, in a short amount of time, to let us know that we're all in this together."' … [Read more...] about The Krueger Effect: How new Sabres coach has led turnaround
Sabres' Sobotka is making a good impression on his team
'Some of the fans refuse to give him a chance and see how much he's improved. The man that has given him a chance is head coach Ralph Krueger, “Sobotka just doesn’t get the credit he deserves here. He’s allowing [Marcus] Johansson and [Jeff] Skinner some freedom here to take some risks here and there. He’s a unbelievable physical presence on that line, and he’s just been an … [Read more...] about Sabres’ Sobotka is making a good impression on his team
Krueger: We created a system where we let players' genius execute
'"One of the things I've spoken about since the beginning is we created a system where we let players' genius roll and let their genius execute. We don't want them thinking too much. Jack, with his world class skill set, you want to give him some parameters defensively and we need structure in both directions but there are spaces within that where he needs to make the decision … [Read more...] about Krueger: We created a system where we let players’ genius execute
Mittelstadt's OT effort was a microcosm of Sabres' defensive success
'"I kind of was wincing for him seeing that it was Karlsson because a lot of times you're not going to catch him," Sabres forward Jimmy Vesey said. "But he put his head down and got back. I think Henri played the 2-on-1 very well, bought Casey that one extra second for him to get back. He gets the puck and we win the game."' … [Read more...] about Mittelstadt’s OT effort was a microcosm of Sabres’ defensive success
Thursday's Rochester Coverage
Three-goal second period propels Amerks to 5-1 win over Bears (Amerks.com) Bears fall on road to Amerks, 5-1 (Hersheybears.com) … [Read more...] about Thursday’s Rochester Coverage
Sabres defensemen 'stepping up' to prevent goals in new system
'"I really feel everyone doesn't to do anything wrong out there," Rasmus Dahlin, who has 10 points in 10 games this season, said of the Sabres' defensemen. "Everyone wants to do the right things for each other. We’re working really hard with video and stuff after games because last year wasn’t our best in the D-zone. All the guys who were here last year, we want to be solid in … [Read more...] about Sabres defensemen ‘stepping up’ to prevent goals in new system
With Jack Eichel leading the way, Sabres are using home ice to their advantage
'The Sabres are 8-1-1 overall for just the third time in their history. They're 5-0 at home also for the third time -- and the first since 1984.' … [Read more...] about With Jack Eichel leading the way, Sabres are using home ice to their advantage