Buffalo News

'“If that puck ended up keep coming and didn’t get separated, it’s a clean hit and we don’t even talk about it,” Gorges said. “The intentions of the hit were not to be dirty, malicious or hurt anybody.”' … [Read more...] about Sabres Notebook: Harsh response to Ristolainen suspension; influx of healthy players

'"My understanding is that the nature of the call on the ice, it had to be a phone conversation," Bylsma said. "From that standpoint, I wasn't surprised."' … [Read more...] about Ristolainen suspended for three games

'“Will really added to our lineup with his speed and he’s got a little bite and grit in how he plays,” Sabres coach Dan Bylsma said. “He played sometimes with Ryan O’Reilly and Kyle and added speed to that line. He played a little bit up and down the lineup but that’s a big part of what he was able to bring to our team. He’s been out for a while so just getting him back, … [Read more...] about After setbacks, William Carrier ready to return to Sabres lineup

'“You get a different perspective watching,” said Buffalo Sabres forward Kyle Okposo, who missed the last 10 games with a rib injury. “It’s a lot different though. It’s a lot different playing. When you watch, the game is easy. If I’m watching the game, I could score 50 goals in the stands. It’s just easy. But when you’re playing it’s a little more difficult.' … [Read more...] about Sabres Notebook: Okposo’s views from the stands productive – to a point

'The blue line has suffered injuries all season. Josh Gorges missed 12 games with a hip injury. Jake McCabe missed five with a shoulder injury. Zach Bogosian missed 20 games with an MCL sprain then another six with a rib injury. Dmitry Kulikov has been dealing with a back injury all season and remains out of the lineup along with newly sidelined Cody Franson (undisclosed), … [Read more...] about Buffalo’s blue-line injuries create opportunities for young defensemen

'“The puck was on its way to the player, and Risto was committed to stepping up and taking the body,” Gorges said. “The puck stopped and didn’t continue to go. I don’t know if Risto saw that. I think he thought on 99 percent of the plays that puck continues forward onto the guy’s tape and it’s a good hit.' … [Read more...] about Ristolainen watches Sabres’ loss, could sit more

'A one-handed backhand to the top corner? Flying down the middle of the ice at full speed? Who does that?' … [Read more...] about Mike Harrington: Crosby makes major entry to highlight reel

'“You’ve got to find the right fit. You’ve got to look at depth charts, all the players in the organization, see where you stack up. It’s an interesting game you play. Once Pittsburgh did come around and reach out to us, it wasn’t too difficult of a decision to choose them. Like I said, they have a very good history with a lot of talented players on this team.”' … [Read more...] about Sabres Notebook: Ruhwedel finds fit in Pittsburgh

'Buffalo failed to connect on its only power-play chance in KeyBank Center. The Sabres lost for the first time in three games, while Pittsburgh moved to 8-1-1 in the last 10.' … [Read more...] about Quick hits: Penguins 3, Sabres 1

'"The penalty kill was great today," said goalie Robin Lehner, who made 34 saves. "I had two or three good shots on four penalties. Ryan O'Reilly won good faceoffs, everybody had good clears and got it down the ice."' … [Read more...] about Special teams give Sabres fond farewell at The Joe

'The arena opened as the replacement to Olympia Stadium on Dec. 27, 1979, completed at a cost of $57 million and named after the iconic heavyweight boxer and Detroit native. It will be replaced this fall by the $733 million Little Caesars Arena, about a mile uptown. It is technically the second-oldest rink in the NHL although New York's Madison Square Garden (1968) was … [Read more...] about Memories abound at The Joe in Sabres’ final visit

'The Sabres are 3-0-1 against Detroit this season and won three straight over the Wings for the first time since the 1988-89 season. They finished 14-23-6 all-time at the Joe, winning their final two appearances in the building that will close for hockey April 9 after 38 years.' … [Read more...] about Quick Hits: Sabres 2, Red Wings 1

'“It doesn’t get any more frustrating than that,” said Ennis, whose season was interrupted by sports hernia/groin surgery. “It’s been a tough go, but there’s a lot worse things in life. You’ve got to work yourself out of any rut you’re in. You’ve got to work yourself out of any situation you’re in."' … [Read more...] about Sabres’ Ennis needs to make most of his minutes

'“We were getting to that point where you knew the D-men were going to start to get involved,” defenseman Josh Gorges said after practice in HarborCenter. “You know with his skill level he’s got the ability to step in and do something great. To pull a move like that? I didn’t see that coming, but I don’t think anybody did. I’m sure that’s why he was able to put that one home. … [Read more...] about Sabres Notebook: Ristolainen’s shootout skills; Austin could make NHL debut

'You want quit, go watch what's happening to poor Lindy Ruff in Dallas. I was in the stands Sunday in San Jose as the Stars packed it in during a 5-1 loss to the Sharks. It was more of the same two nights later in a 7-1 butt-kicking in Edmonton. Part of the reason the Sabres don't get flogged like that is because Robin Lehner and Anders Nilsson generally don't allow it to … [Read more...] about Mike Harrington: If Bylsma goes, Sabres’ time for excuses will be over