‘“This is an opportunity, I think, as a leader to step up, and take on a bigger role if we’re missing guys,” said Eichel after practice at KeyBank Center. “You never know what’s going to happen. So, just want to try and help impact this team as positively as I can and help us win games.”’
Archives for February 11, 2021
Mike Harrington: Sabres know lots of hockey is coming on their daunting schedule
‘”I mean, we’re hockey players. We like playing hockey,” Miller said in such a simple answer that meant so much. “And I think that’s what we’re here to do. Right? So every team is going to be going through the same thing. You’ve just got to handle it the best we can, come to the rink trying to get your recovery when you can and be ready to play.”‘
With eye toward future, Sabres not blaming NHL or Devils for Covid pause
‘“This is obviously unchartered territory and something we haven’t been through, so at times maybe we’re learning as we go,” said Eichel, the Sabres’ 24-year-old center and third-year captain. “But this is just part of it. We aren’t the only ones dealing with Covid in terms of the NHL. It’s something that’s directly affected the entire universe. It’s tough to say and put the blame on someone. I don’t think there’s really anyone to blame.”’
Cuomo decision on reopening large arenas could be good news for Sabres
‘The Sabres would have to determine which season ticket holders could attend and what it will do about allowing fans in luxury suites. The organization has to determine ticket and concession policies, with many arenas and stadiums that have opened to fans going mobile and cashless in those areas to cut down on contact points.’
Travis Yost’s Sabre Metrics: Will 56 games happen this season? It doesn’t look good
‘At this point, it feels inevitable that teams won’t make it to the 56-game threshold. Whereas the Scotia North division has been kept relatively insulated from Covid-19 outbreaks, the other three newly crafted divisions cannot say the same. Scheduling compression was already being felt as recently as a week ago, and that was before another wave of positive tests hit the league.’
Sabres thrilled to be back, believe they can grow from COVID adversity
‘Those restrictions have increased the importance of practice. Okposo said the Sabres must “grow as organically as we can.” Gathering on the ice offers them that opportunity.’
Sabres make goalie move, send C.J. Smith to Amerks
‘Tokarski, 31, was briefly on the taxi squad earlier this season. The veteran played in the Amerks’ season opener Friday, making 31 saves in a 3-2 loss to the Utica Comets.’
Jack Eichel glad to be back on the ice
‘Watching Jack Eichel the past few days, I could tell he enjoyed being out of quarantine and back with his teammates. Eichel has been worried about his teammates since this all came about.’
Sabres players: COVID situation is “frustrating,” but won’t focus on negative
‘“Of course we would like to be playing and it is a bit frustrating to take two weeks off during your season,” captain Jack Eichel said. “We’ve been off for a while and it felt like maybe we were starting to get our legs under us. It’s 10 games in and all of a sudden we have a two-week break, but I think everyone was pretty prepared at the beginning of the season for things like this to happen.”’
Sabres happy to get back on the ice
‘“Our reaction was it was out of our control, and now we just have to do what we can to keep our bodies in shape and keep ourselves ready,” defenseman Colin Miller said. “It is frustrating, the situation with us, but we’re focused on the games that are coming and we’ll go from there.”’