'Whether the hiring of McDermott and Beane was the product of decidedly careful research or mere dumb luck is moot. Sabres fans just wish they could work a little of that magic again for the hockey franchise.' … [Read more...] about If only Sabres could follow the Bills’ path
Archives for March 5, 2021
Observations: Ralph Krueger not looking to 'reinvent' Sabres amid 5-game skid
'The Sabres, equipped with superstar talents Jack Eichel and Taylor Hall, have scored the fewest 5-on-5 goals in the National Hockey League. With only 15 points in 21 games, Buffalo sits last in the league standings.' … [Read more...] about Observations: Ralph Krueger not looking to ‘reinvent’ Sabres amid 5-game skid
The Wraparound: Another slow start, another ugly loss for last-place Sabres
'Another ugly start doomed the Sabres, who have scored first only seven times in 21 games. Dobson and Matt Martin scored less than six minutes apart in the first period for the Islanders. Buffalo has a negative-10 goal differential in the first period this season. The Sabres have led at the first intermission only four times.' … [Read more...] about The Wraparound: Another slow start, another ugly loss for last-place Sabres
Sabres notebook: Taylor Hall 'open' to returning to Buffalo next season
'“Yeah, I’m open to anything,” said Hall, who signed a one-year, $8 million contract with the Sabres in October. “It’s not like I’ve had an amazing statistical year by any means so far this year. Just in saying that, I think I’ve enjoyed my time here. I really like the guys, the coaching staff, the way we’re treated as players and like we said from the start, my agent and … [Read more...] about Sabres notebook: Taylor Hall ‘open’ to returning to Buffalo next season
Sabres unravel against Islanders, lose fifth straight: ‘It’s a dangerous spiral’
'The Sabres have become the NHL’s laughingstock again. Right now, it feels like they will never win another game.' … [Read more...] about Sabres unravel against Islanders, lose fifth straight: ‘It’s a dangerous spiral’
Despite slow start, Sabres’ Taylor Hall open to contract extension with Buffalo
'“I’m open to anything,” Hall said on a Zoom call Thursday afternoon from Nassau Coliseum. “It’s not like I’ve had an amazing statistical year by any means so far this year. So just in saying that, I’ve enjoyed my time here, I’ve really liked the guys, the coaching staff, the way we’re treated as players."' … [Read more...] about Despite slow start, Sabres’ Taylor Hall open to contract extension with Buffalo
NHL debate: Should struggling Buffalo Sabres trade franchise cornerstone Jack Eichel?
'Sabres fans had to deal with a lot of losing in 2015 to finish last overall but lost a shot at Connor McDavid when the Edmonton Oilers won the draft lottery. Eichel was a good consolation prize, and though he hasn't matched McDavid's production (and he wasn't supposed to), he has not been a problem in Buffalo. The Sabres could get assets for pending unrestricted free agents … [Read more...] about NHL debate: Should struggling Buffalo Sabres trade franchise cornerstone Jack Eichel?
Friday's New York Coverage
Martin scores twice as Islanders beat Buffalo (Newsday) Isles' Beauvillier scores in his 300th NHL game (Newsday) Photo gallery (NHL.com) 5 Takeaways: 'Islander' Hockey Powers 5-2 Win over Buffalo (NewYorkIslanders.com) … [Read more...] about Friday’s New York Coverage
Martin scores 2 to help Islanders beat Sabres 5-2
'“It was a very bad game,” Ristolainen said. “I feel like every time we were kind of getting back at it, getting the momentum in their zone, and getting some good shifts then we made a mistake. I made unfortunately a lot of mistakes today that cost us the game.”' … [Read more...] about Martin scores 2 to help Islanders beat Sabres 5-2
What a trade for Sabres' Jack Eichel could reasonably look like
'Would Boston fork over four first-rounders to bring that scenario to life? Given how good Eichel is and the fact he’s only 24, the B’s would have to think about it. The reality, though, is those picks just don’t have the same appeal for the Sabres because they’re not likely to be high selections and -- even if they are -- an 18-year-old drafted in 2024 isn’t going to help your … [Read more...] about What a trade for Sabres’ Jack Eichel could reasonably look like
Islanders never trail in first game against Sabres
'Another rebound opportunity helps create a goal for the Sabres in the third period to bring the team back within two goals, 4-2. Ristolainen scored on what was a delayed penalty situation, and Buffalo having an extra skater on the ice. The defenseman's third goal of the year was unassisted.' … [Read more...] about Islanders never trail in first game against Sabres
Opinion: Sabres show very little in a 5-2 loss to the Islanders
'Goaltender coaches teach their goaltenders to be down on one knee and it drives me crazy. If Johansson is up and hugging the post, Matt Martin has no chance to bank a puck in off his mask from below the goal line.' … [Read more...] about Opinion: Sabres show very little in a 5-2 loss to the Islanders
Opinion: Three Observations: Sabres come out flat, lose to Islanders 5-2
'The Sabres allowed the New York Islanders to dominate them in the shot department as well as the scoreboard. The Isles got off to a 2-0 start in the first period, outshooting Buffalo 18-6 in that period alone.' … [Read more...] about Opinion: Three Observations: Sabres come out flat, lose to Islanders 5-2
5 Observations: Islanders beat Sabres 5-2
'We’ve heard the Sabres say so many times this year that they need to simplify their game. One of the most obvious ways of trying to do that is by getting pucks to the net [cliché, I know] and trying to score some greasy garbage goals. Yet once again the Sabres were grossly outshot by their opponent. Give the Islanders credit, they do a great job getting into shooting lanes, … [Read more...] about 5 Observations: Islanders beat Sabres 5-2
Sabres Drop 5th Straight
'The Sabres have lost 4 straight games to the Islanders this season and have been outscored 14-5. The same two teams play again on Saturday and Sunday.' … [Read more...] about Sabres Drop 5th Straight