‘”I honestly have no idea there,” Smith said of coaching following Thursday’s practice in KeyBank Center. “That’s not something that’s been discussed at this point in time. …. As far as guys that are in COVID protocol right now. I don’t know anything about it to tell you the truth. It’s not my place to be involved. So I’m going to stay out of that question. I apologize for that.’
Archives for February 12, 2021
Sabres notebook: With OHL still paused, Jack Quinn nears Amerks debut
‘”We just got him out of quarantine and we’re getting him back to game shape,” Appert said Thursday during an interview on WGR Radio. “Certainly with how high of a prospect he is and how young he is, we want to make sure that coming out of quarantine that he’s got enough practices under his belt where he’s back to game shape and game ready. He’ll be in a lineup shortly.”‘
Eric Staal’s experience shows Sabres’ Jack Quinn can develop with Amerks
‘Sabres center Eric Staal, 36, enjoyed a similar opportunity in 2004-05, when the NHL lockout wiped out the entire season. With no collective bargaining agreement, teenagers could play in the AHL. Staal, however, turned 20 early that season.’
Sabres battling COVID-19 fears before feeling safe at rink
‘“When I’m green, I’m a happy guy,” Smith said on a Zoom call following Thursday’s practice. “But I’ve got to tell you, every morning I have a pit in my stomach wondering whether or not it’s going to be my day. There’s no doubt that there’s fear in everyone.”’
Sabres recall C.J. Smith from Amerks, make another goalie move
‘The Sabres sent Smith, 26, to Rochester on Wednesday, and he recorded an assist for the Amerks in his season debut, a 4-3 win overtime win against the Syracuse Crunch.’
Eric Staal found ways to stay sharp during his quarantine
‘“I was on the bike, there were home workouts trying to make sure that you stay on top of that, because a week is a week and if you’re doing nothing, that can catch up to you,” Staal said.’
Okposo: Getting back into season will be like ‘jumping on a moving train’
‘Monday’s matchup will kick off a stretch of games for the Sabres that will see them playing the final 46 games of the season in 83 days.’
Sabres assistant Steve Smith stepping in during Ralph Kreuger’s absence
‘“What we can control right now is we can control the players we have here,” Smith said. “We can control the drills and the way we approach things daily and we’re doing our best to keep not only the group positive, but the coaching staff positive, too. We’ve rallied together over the last three or four days.”’
Sabres fans waiting for more details after Cuomo OKs spectators
‘“But it really comes with a cost-benefit analysis when you really think about it. How much tickets are costing and then if we have to get tested. If we’re using the Buffalo Bills model, are we going to pay for that?”’
Hamilton: How the Sabres kept their edge in quarantine
‘With Ralph Krueger out with COVID, Steve Smith has run the three practices since quarantine ended. Smith said, “We’ve done an awful lot of Zoom calls amongst each other which has helped us through this whole pandemic, so communication remained open.”‘