SabreSpace

Buffalo Sabres News and Discussion

Archives for June 2021

Rene Robert, Sabres 'French Connection' right winger, dies at 72

'Robert played eight of his 12 NHL seasons in Buffalo, collecting 222 goals, 330 assists and 552 points. He currently is ninth in franchise history in goals, fifth in assists and sixth in points. His best offensive season was the '74-'75 campaign, when he collected career highs in goals (40), assists (60) and points (100). It was the first 100-point season in franchise history … [Read more...] about Rene Robert, Sabres ‘French Connection’ right winger, dies at 72

Buffalo News |

Sabres legend Rene Robert, member of famed ‘French Connection,’ dies at 72

'“If you’re talking about ability to keep people on the edge of their seats, I don’t think there was ever a line put together as good,” Robert said in the book “Celebrate The Tradition,” which was published to mark the Sabres’ 20th anniversary season in 1989-90. “We complemented each other so well on the ice that everything we did was natural. It was an exciting line.”' … [Read more...] about Sabres legend Rene Robert, member of famed ‘French Connection,’ dies at 72

Olean Times Herald |

René Robert is no longer

'For the past ten years, Robert had lived in Florida with his wife where he maintained an active lifestyle, training and playing golf several times a week. Since the borders were closed, he had not been able to see his children and grandchildren for almost two years due to the pandemic.' … [Read more...] about René Robert is no longer

Trois Rivieres Nouvelliste |

French Connection winger and ex-Leaf Rene Robert dies

'Robert was an NHL second-team all-star pick in 1974-75, the year the Sabres made their first Stanley Cup final after just five years in the NHL, losing to the Philadelphia Flyers. Robert played junior on the Trois-Rivieres Maple Leafs of the QMJHL in 1967-68, scoring a then-record 69 goals in 49 games and ironically winding up in Toronto for five games as a rookie in 1970-71, … [Read more...] about French Connection winger and ex-Leaf Rene Robert dies

Toronto Sun |

Sabres `French Connection’ winger Rene Robert dies at 72

'Acquired by the Sabres in a trade that sent Eddie Shack to Pittsburgh in 1972, Robert went on to round out one of the most productive lines in NHL history. Robert played right wing alongside left wing Rick Martin and Hockey Hall of Fame center Gilbert Perreault on a line that earned its nickname because all three players were from Quebec.' … [Read more...] about Sabres `French Connection’ winger Rene Robert dies at 72

AP |

Robert dies at 72, played on 'French Connection' line for Sabres

'"I believe everything in life comes to you with a reason and that there's a meaning to everything that we do, but the fact that I played with [Perreault and Martin], what made us click and what made us so good was pure luck. Chemistry was there, there's no two ways about it. But when you play with people of that caliber, it's a lot easier to play hockey."' … [Read more...] about Robert dies at 72, played on ‘French Connection’ line for Sabres

NHL.com |

Remembering Buffalo Sabres legend Rene Robert

'"Kim and I were saddened to hear the devastating news of Rene Robert's passing," Sabres owner Terry Pegula said. "When we first took over as owners, the members of The French Connection were three of the first people to welcome us to the organization. During our time with the team, Rene has been one of the most active alumni and we've grown to know him well over the past 10 … [Read more...] about Remembering Buffalo Sabres legend Rene Robert

Sabres.com |

Sabres goalie prospect Erik Portillo preparing to take over starting job at Michigan

'“Erik obviously came in and didn't play a ton off the bat, but he had a good work ethic in practice and it was fun to learn from him,” said Mann. “We're obviously two very different goalies and mostly just because of our size. I'm 6-foot and he is 6-6, so that on its own kind of leads to very different styles. But with that, it was cool to learn from him and see some things he … [Read more...] about Sabres goalie prospect Erik Portillo preparing to take over starting job at Michigan

Buffalo News |