Buffalo News

'Ristolainen leads Sabres defensemen with three goals, 19 assists and 22 points, but his on-pace numbers (5-32-37) are off last year's totals of six goals, 39 assists and 45 points. He's minus-11 after being on the ice for 31 goals against and 20 goals for at five-on-five.' … [Read more...] about Sabres’ Ristolainen on demotion: ‘I’ve got to get better’

'"He's getting to the net, getting a little bit more physical," Eichel said. "Getting tenacious. He's starting to build that confidence. He's a really skilled player who doesn't get as much credit for his skill level and hockey IQ as he deserves. When he gets going, he can be a huge part of our team."' … [Read more...] about Mike Harrington: Reinhart’s play matching his shiny Classic garb

'It was a sparkling debut for the new line which reunited Rodrigues (left wing) and Jack Eichel (center) with Sam Reinhart (right wing). The line accounted for three goals and the chemistry is exactly what the Sabres, and Rodrigues, were hoping for.' … [Read more...] about Sabres Notebook: Rodrigues shines with new linemates

'There weren't a lot of people who saw it – the empty seats may have outnumbered the full ones – and it was way more difficult to finish than start, but the Buffalo Sabres finally have their 1,000th home victory.' … [Read more...] about The Wraparound: Buffalo Sabres 4, New York Islanders 3

'"You look at the Anaheim goals, they had people or players going to the net," Housley said. "That's what we need to do more of. I preach that all the time. First of all, we've got to have a shot mentality, then we've got to have net-front presence and more guys going there to pay a price to score."' … [Read more...] about Sabres’ Housley shows proof that net-front presence works

'"I was part of USA Hockey, and I'm always rooting for USA Hockey," the Buffalo Sabres coach said Wednesday. "I've got deep roots there. USA Hockey really had an impact on my life whether I was playing or being a coach, so I'm all for the red, white and blue."' … [Read more...] about Sabres Notebook: Housley on Olympics; Bald for Bucks; wine festival

'It was not the best overtime for Rasmus Ristolainen, who skated 32:39 to make up for an injury to Jake McCabe. First, Ristolainen badly missed a pass to a wide-open Jack Eichel, giving the Ducks the puck. Then, he got his stick on Adam Henrique's shot that eluded goaltender Robin Lehner with 1:36 gone in the extra session.' … [Read more...] about Once again, overtime doesn’t pay for Sabres

'Are they tanking (again)? Absolutely not. General Manager Jason Botterill and coach Phil Housley have been horrified for weeks at how bad off this team is in the standings. Botterill made several moves in the offseason that didn't work (see: Beaulieu, Nathan for starters). They'll take the high draft pick obviously. But this was not the plan.' … [Read more...] about Mike Harrington: Plenty of Sabres questions, not so many easy answers

'Buffalo has lost the first four games of its five-game homestand. It also lost to Dallas before a successful three-game road trip that is a distant memory.' … [Read more...] about The Wraparound: Ducks 4, Sabres 3 (OT)

'"Most of the people I talked to who are retired said make them kick you out," Miller said. "But there's going to be a balancing point. Coming to California, a big part of it was trying to move more toward the middle. ... This career is very selfish in that your schedule is set. You're just gone. You don't have a sick day or can call in or take a week off. There's not a lot of … [Read more...] about Family time is the best time for Ryan Miller

'"It was difficult at times," O'Reilly said. "Kids had been kicked out of their own homes or kicked out of schools and there were a lot of difficult kids and my parents always worked with them. For us, it was just like a job. It wasn't until I got a bit older that I realized it was more than that. It was so much more than just a job. It was opening your home and learning to … [Read more...] about How growing up with foster siblings impacted Sabres center Ryan O’Reilly

'Granted, the team has just 14 wins overall this year, which by default means not much winning at home or on the road. But the home games have been particularly frustrating, particularly this last stretch. After winning three straight out west, the Sabres returned to Buffalo for a five-game homestand and lost the first three.' … [Read more...] about Sabres Notebook: Franchise stuck on 999 home wins

'"It's been extremely challenging," Beaulieu said. "I mean I've never really experienced a year like this that I've been out almost as many games as I've played. I've been very fortunate to be in most games thus far in my career so it's frustrating. The mental part is just as hard as the physical part to stay in it. ... Mentally and physically it's challenging but you've got to … [Read more...] about Challenges continue to pile up for Nathan Beaulieu

'Lehner has stopped 120 of 123 with an 0.76 and .976 while also collecting two shutouts in a huge bounceback from his January struggles. He had given up at least three goals in seven of eight starts and got pulled twice. Despite a 2.80 GAA and .914 save percentage on the season, he's the NHL leader in regulation losses with 20.' … [Read more...] about Game of inches leaves stunned Sabres singing the Blues

'"Obviously, I've got to go with the Patriots, but I imagine it'll be a tight game," Eichel said Saturday. "Philly's got a good D. They're a good team. They don't beat themselves. Foles is pretty smart. They've got a good running game."' … [Read more...] about Sabres Notebook: Eichel on Tom Brady; Moulson producing; Larsson surprised