'Take Monday’s off day for rest and recovery. Don’t get too high. Don’t get too low. Battle through adversity, like the blown 2-0 leads in both games. And Game 3 will be another good test after the Amerks got hosed in OT on Sunday with a phantom icing call. It produced a lost defensive zone faceoff that resulted in Syracuse’s winning goal.' … [Read more...] about Mike Harrington: Playoff runs by Amerks create a wild mix of experiences for Sabres’ prospects
Archives for April 2024
Monday's Rochester Coverage
Amerks observations: Devon Levi stellar again, but Syracuse evens series with OT win (Buffalo News) Amerks fall to Crunch in OT to even series. Did 'terrible call' cost them the game? (Rochester Democrat and Chronicle) Faceoffs, tips doom Rochester in loss; Devon Levi shines for Amerks (Olean Times Herald) The Amerks blow another two-goal lead, but this time it led to a loss … [Read more...] about Monday’s Rochester Coverage
Inside the NHL: Sabres alums 'pumped' for Lindy Ruff to get his second chance here
'“Honestly not surprised at all, put it that way,” Vanek said on the After the Whistle podcast with ex-Sabres Andrew Peters and Craig Rivet. “I did see some of the comments that Kevyn (GM Kevyn Adams) made at the end of the year. And it sounded to me like he already knew who he was going to hire the way he was talking. It sounded a lot like Lindy. I think he’s going to get a … [Read more...] about Inside the NHL: Sabres alums ‘pumped’ for Lindy Ruff to get his second chance here
Sabres notes: Will Lindy Ruff have input in trades, other roster decisions?
'“No decisions are made in a vacuum,” Adams said Tuesday during Ruff’s re-introduction as coach in the KeyBank Center pavilion. “I’ve said that multiple times. It’s my style, first of all, to surround myself with people that are really challenging me. I always talk to our staff, it’s not about being right, it’s about getting it right. So we need to get it right."' … [Read more...] about Sabres notes: Will Lindy Ruff have input in trades, other roster decisions?
‘He’s fearless’ | Benson and teammates reflect on his rookie season
'“I mean, it was a crazy year for me. You know, coming to camp, not too sure what’s gonna go on,” he said. “It was definitely a hectic year and one I'll never forget. It was pretty awesome to play with this group of guys. It was a dream come true to play my first year in the NHL."' … [Read more...] about ‘He’s fearless’ | Benson and teammates reflect on his rookie season
Saturday's Rochester Coverage
Sabres prospect Devon Levi dazzles in playoff debut as Rochester grabs lead (Olean Times Herald) Levi, three young Swedes lead Amerks to Game 1 win over Crunch (WGR-AM) Amerks open playoffs with win over Syracuse (WROC-TV) Rochester rallies at pregame party as Amerks glide to victory (WHAM-TV) 'Answer chaos with chaos' | Levi makes 35 saves to win AHL playoff debut … [Read more...] about Saturday’s Rochester Coverage
Sabres Mailbag: How can Kevyn Adams and Lindy Ruff improve the roster?
'Trading for a top-six winger is a more realistic option for the Sabres because the cost of signing one in free agency is likely untenable for their long-term salary cap, although Patrick Kane may be an outlier. The 35-year-old won’t command a lucrative long-term contract but would immediately upgrade the club’s forward group. The South Buffalo native had 20 goals and 47 points … [Read more...] about Sabres Mailbag: How can Kevyn Adams and Lindy Ruff improve the roster?
Rochester rookie Nikita Novikov looks like special Sabres defense prospect
'“You don’t see a lot of 20-year-old defensemen put up those numbers not on the power play,” said Nathan Paetsch, the Amerks’ assistant coach in charge of the defense. “It’s pretty rare. That’s just his instincts are really high-end offensively. He just sees plays.”' … [Read more...] about Rochester rookie Nikita Novikov looks like special Sabres defense prospect
'He wanted the net' | Looking back on Luukkonen's breakout season
'His goals-against average was the lowest by a Sabres goaltender with at least 50 games played since Ryan Miller – another name Ruff is familiar with – in 2011-12. His 27 wins and five shutouts were also the most for a Sabres goaltender in a single season since Miller.' … [Read more...] about ‘He wanted the net’ | Looking back on Luukkonen’s breakout season
Friday's Rochester Coverage
4 check: Rochester Americans begin playoff run led by Sabres prospects (WIVB-TV) Red-hot Amerks ready for playoff rematch with Syracuse (WHAM-TV) Amerks look to solve Calder Cup puzzle (Amerks.com) … [Read more...] about Friday’s Rochester Coverage
Amerks coach Seth Appert hasn't 'put any thought' into possible spot on Sabres' staff
'“Realistically, it’s not something I’ve put any thought into,” Appert told The Buffalo News. “I love my job. I’m really proud to be part of the Buffalo Sabres organization. I’m proud of what we’ve built here and how we’ve done it. The culture we’ve created here I think is pretty unique and special, and I don’t think I’ve ever been in a hurry to leave a job. That’s not my track … [Read more...] about Amerks coach Seth Appert hasn’t ‘put any thought’ into possible spot on Sabres’ staff
Ex-Sabres Jason Pominville, Ryan Miller know Lindy Ruff can succeed in Buffalo
'“I know Don did a lot of great things for the team, but, I mean, I’ve had Lindy as a coach,” he said. “I know him personally. I know how invested he is in the city, how much the fans are craving a winning hockey team.”' … [Read more...] about Ex-Sabres Jason Pominville, Ryan Miller know Lindy Ruff can succeed in Buffalo
Opinion: Sabres hoping history repeats itself
'I've seen the Sabres and the Buffalo Bills take the easy way out over the years when it came to hiring a head coach or a general manager. The organization would choose someone they knew and were comfortable with, rather than go find the best person for the job.' … [Read more...] about Opinion: Sabres hoping history repeats itself
Thursday's Rochester Coverage
Amerks rally after humbling loss to Syracuse to face Crunch in playoffs (WROC-TV) Amerks April 2024 Report Card (Amerks.com) … [Read more...] about Thursday’s Rochester Coverage
Lindy Ruff motivated to take Sabres to 'next step' in second stint as head coach
'Ruff expressed confidence that he’s a “a lot better” coach than Feb. 20, 2013, when he was fired by Pegula only 17 games into the lockout-shortened season. Ruff’s replacement, Ron Rolston, was let go after 51 games, and the Sabres began to gradually dismantle their roster to try to finish higher in the NHL draft lottery.' … [Read more...] about Lindy Ruff motivated to take Sabres to ‘next step’ in second stint as head coach