'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.' … [Read more...] about Eric Staal’s experience shows Sabres’ Jack Quinn can develop with Amerks
Archives for February 2021
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.”' … [Read more...] about Sabres battling COVID-19 fears before feeling safe at rink
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.' … [Read more...] about Sabres recall C.J. Smith from Amerks, make another goalie move
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.' … [Read more...] about Eric Staal found ways to stay sharp during his quarantine
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.' … [Read more...] about Okposo: Getting back into season will be like ‘jumping on a moving train’
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.”' … [Read more...] about Sabres assistant Steve Smith stepping in during Ralph Kreuger’s absence
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?”' … [Read more...] about Sabres fans waiting for more details after Cuomo OKs spectators
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."' … [Read more...] about Hamilton: How the Sabres kept their edge in quarantine
Pegula gives Sabres a shoutout on camera at Australian Open
'Pegula, the daughter of Buffalo Sabres and Bills owners Terry and Kim Pegula, wrote "Go Sabres, Go Bills! Hi Ons" with a smiley face on a television camera after she advanced to the third round of the Aussie Open on Friday.' … [Read more...] about Pegula gives Sabres a shoutout on camera at Australian Open
Sabres utilized synthetic ice, game film during quarantine
'Staal set up a sheet of synthetic ice on the second floor of his apartment and facetimed his three sons back in Minnesota. The father and sons took turns practicing the same stickhandling drills.' … [Read more...] about Sabres utilized synthetic ice, game film during quarantine
Sabres add Smith to taxi squad
'The Sabres have reassigned forward C.J. Smith from the Rochester Americans (AHL) to the team's taxi squad. Goaltender Dustin Tokarski has been reassigned to Rochester.' … [Read more...] about Sabres add Smith to taxi squad
Jack Eichel ready to 'step up' when shorthanded Sabres' schedule resumes
'“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.”' … [Read more...] about Jack Eichel ready to ‘step up’ when shorthanded Sabres’ schedule resumes
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."' … [Read more...] about Mike Harrington: Sabres know lots of hockey is coming on their daunting schedule
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 … [Read more...] about With eye toward future, Sabres not blaming NHL or Devils for Covid pause
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.' … [Read more...] about Cuomo decision on reopening large arenas could be good news for Sabres