‘What was the NHL’s second-worst power play in November and December has quickly reversed to become one of the league’s best in January. The Sabres enter Thursday’s game against the red-hot Dallas Stars at 6 for 14 over the last five games.’
Archives for January 16, 2020
Colin Miller stunned as Vegas fires coach Gerard Gallant, hires Peter DeBoer after loss in Buffalo
‘”I’m completely shocked,” said Miller, who scored Vegas’ first goal in the Cup final. “When I was there, he was a fantastic coach, a players’ coach. Everybody loved him. So yeah. A tough day for him. Hopefully he’ll come out on top. He’s a great coach. I’m sure he’ll have another job soon. Tough to see that piece of their puzzle go.”‘
Why Sabres’ Victor Olofsson should stay with Jack Eichel upon his return
‘One of the common refrains about Olofsson is that his surprising performance is largely a byproduct of Jack Eichel. There is absolute truth to the fact that Eichel is elevating the play of his teammates, which is why on a decent team, he would be at least an outside contender for the Hart Trophy. But it’s also true to point out that Olofsson is scoring at a rate consistent with other Eichel regulars – Eichel regulars that have generally been successful top-nine forwards for years in the NHL.’
Sabres’ Rasmus Ristolainen impressing in front of net on power play
‘“I feel everyone was kind of joking and surprised I can pass the puck,” Ristolainen said following Wednesday’s practice inside KeyBank Center. “But you know, I used to make plays, too. It’s not that hard to make a two-foot pass.”’
Curtis Lazar earning keep with Sabres: ‘I am an NHL player’
‘“I know all along in my head that I am an NHL player,” Lazar said. “But it’s a matter of showing that but also getting the opportunity and being utilized in the right place.”’
Thursday’s Dallas Coverage
Dallas hosts Buffalo after overtime victory (AP)
Sabres get behind Krueger, set for Stars (Field Level Media)
Sabres at Stars preview (NHL.com)
How to watch Stars vs. Sabres: Live stream, game time, TV channel (DallasStars.com)
Ristolainen enjoying his playing time under Krueger
‘He’s had some battles in front where I’ve counted more than 20 cross checks between the two players. Penalties are never called in those situations and that’s what Ristolainen wants, “I like it when it’s both ways, so you’ve got to pay the price to go to the net and I can take shots. But I’m going to give them back and so it all works out.”’
Krueger: ‘I believe our fanbase can feel the game we want to play’
‘”I would say we’re continuing to develop and continuing to grow, and we’re just looking for that consistency. I believe our fanbase can feel the game we want to play. We want to play on our toes, we want to play aggressive, we want to play attractive hockey here in Buffalo, but we want to do it day-in and day-out. We’re not doing it yet, we understand that. Everybody needs to know that we’re working hard to get that consistency. It’s going to come over time because of the attitude we have in the room right now.”‘
Ristolainen’s net-front presence has helped fuel resurgent power play
‘”It’s just my 25 years of coaching, I’ve often done that where you have a very designated net-front personality,” Sabres coach Ralph Krueger said. “It could be a forward who has that personality or a defenseman. … We definitely saw that as a 6-on-5 necessity, to have a definite presence who can win also retrievals and battles.”‘