'“We played free today,” said Krueger. “We beat them in pretty well every category except for the scoring. It was excellent to see the execution, extremely painful to see the final result. But what changed was we outskated them, we put pucks into places where we created foot races and they really struggled with that. We just ran into an extremely hot goaltender at the other … [Read more...] about Sabres’ improved firepower stifled by Capitals’ rookie goalie in 2-1 loss
Archives for January 16, 2021
Mike Harrington: Sabres coach Ralph Krueger needs to make quick pivot with Jeff Skinner
'It seems simple really. Monday in Philadelphia, Krueger needs to roll Hall-Eichel-Reinhart and Skinner with Eric Staal and Victor Olofsson. Don't overthink it.' … [Read more...] about Mike Harrington: Sabres coach Ralph Krueger needs to make quick pivot with Jeff Skinner
Wraparound: Capitals 2, Sabres 1
'After peppering rookie goalie Vitek Vanecek with 26 shots through two periods, the Sabres finally broke through with Rasmus Ristolainen’s wrist shot going off a Capitals defender and into the net to tie the score, 1-1, only 31 seconds into the third period. The Sabres' push continued, but Washington took the lead when Wilson was left alone in the right circle to uncork a shot … [Read more...] about Wraparound: Capitals 2, Sabres 1
Sabres outplay Capitals, can’t exploit rookie goalie: ‘We made him look good’
'“Vanecek plays the game of his life here tonight and congratulations to him,” Sabres coach Ralph Krueger said. “I mean, he really played well. I thought we were bringing pucks to the net, we had traffic to the net, we hit metal, we hit the posts, we hit feet. What’s important is that we did create opportunity.”' … [Read more...] about Sabres outplay Capitals, can’t exploit rookie goalie: ‘We made him look good’
Sabres notes: Eric Staal plays after taking elbow to jaw
'If Staal couldn’t have played, Kruger said the Sabres would’ve moved Riley Sheahan to center. Sheahan has been playing right wing beside center Curtis Lazar and Jeff Skinner.' … [Read more...] about Sabres notes: Eric Staal plays after taking elbow to jaw
Ex-Sabres defenseman Casey Nelson retires from hockey
'Nelson spent all of last season with the Rochester Americans, compiling four goals, 12 points and a team-high plus-18 rating in 48 games. He was expected to be a depth defenseman this season, possibly on the new taxi squad the NHL implemented because of the COVID-19 pandemic.' … [Read more...] about Ex-Sabres defenseman Casey Nelson retires from hockey
Skinner effective in Sabres’ second straight loss to Capitals; Changes could be coming to Buffalo lineup
'He could not find the back of the net, but Skinner was effective enough on Friday that there are sure to be those calling for Sabres head coach Ralph Krueger to move him up in the lineup. When asked about that, Skinner says conversations about where he fits moving forward will remain in-house.' … [Read more...] about Skinner effective in Sabres’ second straight loss to Capitals; Changes could be coming to Buffalo lineup
Saturday's Washington Coverage
Vitek Vanecek impresses in NHL debut as Capitals beat Sabres again (Washington Post) After 5 years in the minors, Vanecek earns first NHL win (NBC Sports Washington) First 8 Caps goals during 2021 season show balanced scoring (NBC Sports Washington) Vanecek shines in NHL debut: 3 reasons the Caps beat the Sabres (NBC Sports Washington) Ovechkin says he 'briefly' spoke with … [Read more...] about Saturday’s Washington Coverage
Vanecek makes 30 saves in NHL debut, Capitals sweep Sabres
'“We beat them in pretty well every category except for scoring,” Sabres coach Ralph Krueger said. “We just ran into an extremely hot goaltender on the other end.”' … [Read more...] about Vanecek makes 30 saves in NHL debut, Capitals sweep Sabres
Sabres' Dylan Cozens is Riding a Wave of Momentum
'“The competitiveness, mixed with his size and speed, make him really special,” said Andre Tourigny, Cozens' coach at the world juniors. “When you see a big boy like that who can move, who is so driven and plays with that pace...' … [Read more...] about Sabres’ Dylan Cozens is Riding a Wave of Momentum
Washington holds on for the second straight night against Sabres
'Buffalo's top line scored less than a minute into the third period to tie the score at 1-1 with the Capitals. Rasmus Ristolainen notched his first goal of the season to even the score.' … [Read more...] about Washington holds on for the second straight night against Sabres
Three Observations: Sabres try a little bit of everything in loss to the Capitals
'The Sabres held the shot advantage against the Capitals for practically the entire night, but they couldn't get that to translate to goals. A good portion of their shots came from outside the slot, many from the point. They need to start figuring out ways to generate pressure closer to the net, especially on a green goaltender like the Capitals' Vitek Vanecek, playing in his … [Read more...] about Three Observations: Sabres try a little bit of everything in loss to the Capitals
Opinion: The Sabres play well, but lose to Washington 2-1
'On Friday the Sabres outplayed the Capitals at every turn, but still lost to a goalie playing in his first NHL game 2-1.' … [Read more...] about Opinion: The Sabres play well, but lose to Washington 2-1
NHL reschedules a pair of Sabres games against Pittsburgh
'Half of the games rescheduled this season is as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak that affected the Dallas Stars during their training camp.' … [Read more...] about NHL reschedules a pair of Sabres games against Pittsburgh
5 Observations: Sabres drop a close one to Washington 2-1
'Linus Ullmark played a solid game between the pipes. He backed up the claim that goaltending is like riding a bike for him. His only goals allowed came after bad Sabres mistakes.' … [Read more...] about 5 Observations: Sabres drop a close one to Washington 2-1