'“The more experience I get, the more I learn from it,” Smith said Friday. “I’m really good at learning the game and learning to play at high levels. … I’ve always had to think the game, just being a smaller guy.”' … [Read more...] about AHL star C.J. Smith intent on sticking with Sabres this season
Archives for 2019
Sabres' Mittelstadt in better shape for season No. 2
'You can tell Mittelstadt is in better shape just by looking at him and watching him on the ice. In the first three days of training camp he’s looked quicker on the ice. Mittelstadt really put in the work in, “I’ve come in with a fresh mindset and it was a big summer for me. I focused on some conditioning stuff and getting stronger and leaning out a little bit, so I’ve come in … [Read more...] about Sabres’ Mittelstadt in better shape for season No. 2
Sabres season preview: New coach Krueger looks to end playoff drought
'The Sabres won 12 road games last season, third-fewest in the NHL and the fewest for Buffalo since winning nine in 2014-15. Eight of their first 14 games this season are on the road, and on Nov. 8 and 9 they'll play two games against the Tampa Bay Lightning in Stockholm, Sweden as part of the 2019 NHL Global Series.' … [Read more...] about Sabres season preview: New coach Krueger looks to end playoff drought
Veterans embracing internal competition at camp
'"I think me and Borgs feed well off each other," he said. "We play similar styles, rugged and physical and we both can skate pretty well. I like our intensity, especially in the D-zone. We talk a lot. I just really love the way he plays, and I feed off his energy."' … [Read more...] about Veterans embracing internal competition at camp
5,000-calorie diet helps Tage Thompson add weight, strength in attempt to make Sabres
'Thompson, 21, was not eating unhealthy prior to this offseason, but he had trouble adding weight to his 6-foot-6 frame. So, he elicited the help of his trainer, Pete Pulaski, who joined Thompson for weekly trips to the grocery store. After purchasing a haul that often included grass-fed beef, chicken, fish and rice, Thompson would return to his home to cook and package a … [Read more...] about 5,000-calorie diet helps Tage Thompson add weight, strength in attempt to make Sabres
As season looms, Sabres player rep Jake McCabe keeps close watch on opt-out decision
'"We have 700 players in the league and it's important for all of us to be on the same page and inform each other of our options," McCabe said. "That's how it's been the last week or so, getting everyone informed before we do make a decision."' … [Read more...] about As season looms, Sabres player rep Jake McCabe keeps close watch on opt-out decision
Kyle Olson trying to stick with Sabres after Ducks chose to not sign him
'"My goal was to be signed and have an NHL contract at the end of last year. I thought I had a pretty good year to do that, but at the end of the day it’s their decision," Olson told The Buffalo News following Saturday's practice. "I can only focus on what I can control."' … [Read more...] about Kyle Olson trying to stick with Sabres after Ducks chose to not sign him
'Tom saved hockey in Buffalo': How the Golisano years rescued the Sabres
'Golisano, who carries with him a ruler with a small magnifying glass in the middle, studied the figures, line by line, staying silent for about 15 minutes until he looked up and said, “This business is a disaster. All it does is lose money.”' … [Read more...] about ‘Tom saved hockey in Buffalo’: How the Golisano years rescued the Sabres
Sabres prospect Arttu Ruotsalainen battling to stick in NHL
'“I had a great feeling about the Sabres,” said Ruotsalainen, who compiled 21 goals and 42 points in 59 games last season. “That’s maybe the biggest reason, because they showed that they are truly interested.”' … [Read more...] about Sabres prospect Arttu Ruotsalainen battling to stick in NHL
Sabres' Vesey enjoys having Eichel as a teammate
'Vesey is very good friends with Jack Eichel and Evan Rodrigues. All three train together in Boston. Vesey said he’s been teammates with another Sabre too, “It’s always good, I’m more of a quiet guy, but having a couple of familiar faces and me and Jake McCabe played World Juniors together, so I have some familiarity with those three that always makes things a little easier.”' … [Read more...] about Sabres’ Vesey enjoys having Eichel as a teammate
Krueger inspires Sabres, but knows he’s here to win
'“Positive isn’t always friendly,” he told reporters. “Positive is constructive. Positive is working toward solutions and if a player gets sent down, we’ll be really clear on why and what has to be worked on and how you get back here and be ‘number one’ in the slot to get the call."' … [Read more...] about Krueger inspires Sabres, but knows he’s here to win
Lazar sees opportunity to 'blossom' with Sabres
'After clearing waivers in October of last season, Lazar - still just 23 - admitted that seeing regular ice time in the minors might be the best course to get his career on track. He spent the year playing in all situations for AHL Stockton, wearing an 'A' while tallying 41 points in 57 contests.' … [Read more...] about Lazar sees opportunity to ‘blossom’ with Sabres
Ralph Krueger captivates Sabres with message, approach at start of training camp
'Krueger's messages during each session, and the manner in which he delivered them, impressed returning players and newcomers. However, his quest to build trust off the ice began with an impassioned speech during a team meeting nearly 24 hours earlier.' … [Read more...] about Ralph Krueger captivates Sabres with message, approach at start of training camp
What happened in Vegas is staying with Colin Miller as he joins Sabres' defense corps
'"It's a lot of work to get there, a lot of work that requires guys to be on the same page," Miller said. "That's what it takes. It's a fine line between winning and losing in this league -- and sometimes you can do all the right things and still fall short as you saw. The amount of work and committment that it takes from 20 guys is something you learn."' … [Read more...] about What happened in Vegas is staying with Colin Miller as he joins Sabres’ defense corps
Zach Bogosian to miss Sabres training camp while recovering from hip surgery
'Bogosian's absence was not unexpected since the 28-year-old underwent hip surgery in late April and was expected to need five to six months for recovery. However, coach Ralph Krueger told reporters following the first day of practices Friday that Bogosian's workouts have been limited to off the ice and the Sabres have yet to determine a timeline for the veteran's return.' … [Read more...] about Zach Bogosian to miss Sabres training camp while recovering from hip surgery