Olean Times Herald

'“You saw in his exit meeting, he’s matured a lot as a young man,” Sabres general manager Jason Botterill said last Wednesday inside KeyBank Center. “Even with his game, I thought when our team was playing some of its best hockey, Jack was a big part of it. It’s not just offensively. You saw when our team had success, we did a lot better away from the puck, tracking the puck. … … [Read more...] about Youngster Jack Eichel could be Sabres’ captain next season

'This season, the Sabres earned the fewest points (62) and scored the fewest goals (198). In three of the last five years, they’ve ranked last in points and scoring.' … [Read more...] about Winning will help Sabres generate more excitement at home

'Still, Okposo hardly enjoyed a strong season. His wretched minus-34 rating ranked dead last among NHL forwards.' … [Read more...] about Sabres’ Kyle Okposo plans hit gym hard to revamp game

'“You’re in a tough situation. You don’t want to be walking around the rink moping and feeling sorry for yourself. Your teammates don’t need to see that. … You try to come and do the best you can and keep a smile on your face and go about your day. But it wasn’t easy.”' … [Read more...] about Sabres’ Josh Gorges will think about future after decompressing

'“I’ve been here for one year and I was pretty pissed off and upset throughout the year,” a visibly agitated Botterill said this afternoon inside KeyBank Center. “I guess I could be articulate, but I’ll say it sucks we won’t be watching live playoff hockey right now. It’ll (be) just all on TV.”' … [Read more...] about Sabres GM Jason Botterill ticked off over poor season

'“One-hundred percent Phil Housley will be our coach next year,” Botterill said Wednesday inside KeyBank Center. “I have certainly enjoyed working with Phil over the past year here. I think the way I want to put our team together, the way he wants to play is a good mix.”' … [Read more...] about Sabres notes: GM Jason Botterill supports coach Phil Housley

'“Two weeks in, it was a different feeling from the first time I was here to probably last year (with Calgary), too,” he said. “It just really wasn’t what I expected to be, it wasn’t what anybody expected it to be.”' … [Read more...] about Goalie Chad Johnson’s second stint with Sabres went poorly

'“But it’s not a time to sit here and pout and give you guys one-word answers,” he said. “I think … we have to communicate a message to our fans, our organization, our city that as bad as things were, we’re going to change it, we’re going to change things around here.' … [Read more...] about Sabres’ Jack Eichel talking like leader

'“I feel too it’s really crept into myself,” O’Reilly said inside KeyBank Center. “Over the course of the year I lost myself a lot, where it was just kind of get through, being OK with just not making a mistake, and that’s not winning hockey at all and it’s crept into all of our games. It’s disappointing, it’s sad.' … [Read more...] about Sabres’ constant losing sapped Ryan O’Reilly’s love for hockey

'But the most galling statistic is this … Buffalo has missed the playoffs for seven straight seasons – SEVEN – a streak that encompasses five coaches (Lindy Ruff, Ron Rolston, Ted Nolan, Dan Bylsma and currently Phil Housley) and three general managers (Darcy Regier, Tim Murray and now Jason Botterill).' … [Read more...] about Pollock: Sabres endure terrible season on two fronts

'The Sabres don’t have one glaring weakness. They need help everywhere.' … [Read more...] about Last-place Sabres never got on track during lost season

'So by next week, the Sabres should infuse the Amerks with 43 goals, 129 points and Ullmark, an AHL All-Star, and his backup, Adam Wilcox. The goalies have combined for 31 of Rochester’s 34 wins this season.' … [Read more...] about Sabres will soon replenish Amerks for AHL playoff run

'In the absence of Lehner and Ullmark, goalie Chad Johnson has started three straight games. The Sabres also have backup Adam Wilcox, who has never played an NHL game.' … [Read more...] about Goalie Robin Lehner won’t make Sabres’ final road trip

'“I don’t think anyone really coming in envisioned this,” Pominville said after a 4-2 loss to the hapless Ottawa Senators secured the Sabres 31st place. “Certainly not myself, being on the outside coming in and hoping we’d be headed in the right direction.' … [Read more...] about Sabres lose to Senators in home finale, clinch 31st place

'“I just want to see him (do) what he’s done in Rochester recently,” Sabres coach Phil Housley said. “I think he’s gone to the hard areas, he’s going to the net much harder and using his skill.”' … [Read more...] about Productive stretch earns Alexander Nylander recall to Sabres