Buffalo News

'Eichel looks faster than ever, if that's possible. There seems to be no lingering effect of the high ankle sprain that cost him the first 21 games of last season and dogged him for many more after that.' … [Read more...] about Mike Harrington: In Year Three, expect a big step forward for Eichel

'"We as players need to hold each other accountable and show up every day – that's everyone, me, too," he said. "That's what I think everyone is on board about. We all talked, and we know what we need to change."' … [Read more...] about 2017-18 Sabres team preview: Why should this year be any different?

'Most signs point to a breakout year for Jack Eichel. He wants to be the best. Even if he's pretty darn close, he would be a point-per-game player. That means Eichel would single-handedly supply the Sabres with 25 more goals than last year (through goals or assists). Good teams have those kind of difference makers.' … [Read more...] about As Sabres start season, five reasons for optimism :-) … & five for pessimism :-(

'He's the only player to win three straight gold medals for Canada at the World Junior Championships, won an NCAA title at Michigan and eventually played 88 games in the NHL for the Dallas Stars, Calgary Flames, Atlanta Thrashers and the Sabres. After concussions ended his career in 2004 while with the Rochester Amerks, Botterill returned to school and earned an MBA from his … [Read more...] about For Jason Botterill, sports have always been a family affair

'The loquacious Biron has replaced Brad May on the pregame, intermission and postgame shows and also will be an analyst on a limited number of games with fellow analyst Rob Ray and play-by-play men Rick Jeanneret and Dan Dunleavy.' … [Read more...] about A new-look broadcast team to go with the new-look Sabres

'Probably the biggest assets they bring are credibility and a proven track record of success. Botterill apprenticed in the Pittsburgh Penguins organization, which is the gold standard for success. Housley was an assistant with the Nashville Predators and handled the best defense corps in the NHL. He also coached USA to a gold medal in the World Junior Championship.' … [Read more...] about Mixed Media Roundtable: NHL watchers size up the Sabres

'The playoff drought isn't as pronounced for the Amerks as it is for the parent Buffalo Sabres. Rochester last went to the postseason in 2014. Since then they've endured three losing seasons. And the six-time Calder Cup champions haven't advanced past the first round of the playoffs since 2005.' … [Read more...] about 2017-18 Amerks preview: Rochester seeking individual gains from team success

'The team unveiled a dozen new concession-stand items Monday at KeyBank Center and several more that are specific to club-level seating. There are new takes on classic offerings in addition to more artisanal entrees and side dishes … and your kids are going to go straight for the crazy ice cream.' … [Read more...] about Here’s what’s new to eat at Sabres games in 2017-18

'"He's a veteran guy and I don't take into regard what has happened in the past," Housley insisted Monday in KeyBank Center. "I only see what's in front of me day to day. Evander has been a great role model for our guys on and off the ice. He's a hard worker. He leads by example and that's part of the reason. You're moving the 'A' around to different individuals to see how our … [Read more...] about Housley drawing good first impression of Kane

'"I'd like to take advantage of HarborCenter with the two sheets of ice when we can because it's always good to do the things we're trying to do at high tempo and high pace,' Housley said. "A fresh sheet of ice does that. Mentally, the guys feel better when they feel faster and they're not on the ice 40 minutes on the same sheet where the snow can get built up."' … [Read more...] about Sabres Notebook: Housley likes HarborCenter

'"I woke up this morning and had quite a few text messages from some friends, buddies and my parents," Kane said Monday morning in KeyBank Center after the Sabres held off-ice workouts. "I didn't really know what was going on until I got on the Internet and saw what was happening. It just makes you sick."' … [Read more...] about Sabres Kane on Vegas shooting: ‘This type of stuff is just sickening!’

'Jake McCabe (shoulder) and Zach Bogosian (lower body), the club's likely No. 2 pair, were both missing due to injury and their status is murky at best for Thursday's season opener against Montreal. Meanwhile, newly acquired Marco Scandella went hard through the entire practice that took place on both rinks. Scandella did not play in any of Buffalo's six exhibition games on the … [Read more...] about With injuries on defense, Ristolainen’s workload could get pumped up again

'Free agent signee Seth Griffith, who has apparently beat out prospects Justin Bailey and Nick Baptiste to make the team, spent Sunday on the top line with Evander Kane and Jack Eichel. Ryan O'Reilly was centering Benoit Pouliot and Kyle Okposo while Sam Reinhart was between Zemgus Girgensons and Jason Pominville.' … [Read more...] about Sabres Notebook: With goals at a premium, lines get a shuffle

'The NHL is requiring all teams to submit their salary cap-compliant roster by 5 p.m. Tuesday. The cap is $75 million for the 2017-18 season. The 27 players on the Sabres' roster, including the injured skaters, total $71,289,940.' … [Read more...] about Sabres trim roster by four, essentially set opening-night lineup

'"Right from the start it wasn't good enough," center Sam Reinhart said. "We've got to demand more. We've got to expect more of this group. We're going to take a day to forget about it and move on, but we've got to be ready for Thursday."' … [Read more...] about Housley has work to do to get Sabres ready for regular season