'“That would be a big factor in it,” Sabres coach Dan Bylsma said this morning. “Every game he’s had he’s added solid play where he’s strong below the hash marks in the offensive zone at the net. But the details of his game are extremely good. He’s a guy that every time he’s been on the ice he’s had a positive effect, be it on the offensive side or defensive side of the puck."' … [Read more...] about Attention to details helped Hudson Fasching make Sabres
Olean Times Herald
Jack Eichel’s ankle injury rocks Sabres before season opener
Update: The Sabres have announced Eichel has a high ankle sprain. No timetable has been set for his return. TSN’s Bob McKenzie, however, tweeted the Sabres anticipate Eichel will miss at least four to six weeks, perhaps longer. … [Read more...] about Jack Eichel’s ankle injury rocks Sabres before season opener
Rasmus Ristolainen happy to have contract done
'“I think he came out of the gates for the first 40 games or so, played a real strong, really almost dominating game for us on the backside,” Sabres coach Dan Bylsma said. “The consistency, he played a ton of minutes for us.”' … [Read more...] about Rasmus Ristolainen happy to have contract done
Sabres’ Rasmus Ristolainen signs 6-year, $32.4 million contract
'The Finn’s deal falls in line with some other contracts top young defensemen have signed in the last year or so, according to generalfanager.com. Calgary’s Dougie Hamilton (six years at $5.75 million per), Columbus’ Seth Jones (six at $5.4 million) and Toronto’s Morgan Rielly (six at $5 million) are all comparable players.' … [Read more...] about Sabres’ Rasmus Ristolainen signs 6-year, $32.4 million contract
Sabres’ Derek Grant close to earning roster spot
'It’s hard to imagine Grant, 26, not at least being on roster when the Sabres open the season Thursday at home against the Montreal Canadiens. Rosters must be finalized by 5 p.m. Tuesday.' … [Read more...] about Sabres’ Derek Grant close to earning roster spot
Sabres’ Kyle Okposo has reaped benefits from changing approach
'“Once that happened, something just kind of clicked in my head, I figured out that I needed to dial in my nutrition, dial in my training and dial in some different things to try to be the best,” Okposo said. “The latter half of that year I started to play better, and then the playoffs I thought I played well.”' … [Read more...] about Sabres’ Kyle Okposo has reaped benefits from changing approach
Prospect Brendan Guhle could make Sabres
'“He’s showed quite a bit in digging in … and playing a very good, solid, hard second and third period in both of the last two games,” Bylsma said this morning. “It’s earned him one more game. The defensive situation with injuries, he’s got a possibility of earning another game if he plays well tonight for us.”' … [Read more...] about Prospect Brendan Guhle could make Sabres
Sabres’ Marcus Foligno primed for breakout season
'That meeting helped ignite the best four-month stretch of Foligno’s career. Sabres coach Dan Bylsma quickly awarded him more ice time and responsibility. He finished with a career-high 10 goals and 23 points and skated around 15 minutes a game in the winter.' … [Read more...] about Sabres’ Marcus Foligno primed for breakout season
Sabres’ Ryan O’Reilly day-to-day
'O’Reilly, who was playing his first preseason game following the World Cup of Hockey, didn’t practice this afternoon inside KeyBank Center. He’s out of Friday’s exhibition finale in Ottawa, Bylsma said.' … [Read more...] about Sabres’ Ryan O’Reilly day-to-day
Sabres want to rely on star Ryan O’Reilly less this season
'He skates hard minutes, killing penalties and constantly taking faceoffs. He took 1,790 draws in 71 games last season, a whopping 25.6 per outing.' … [Read more...] about Sabres want to rely on star Ryan O’Reilly less this season
Sabres’ Ryan O’Reilly back from World Cup of Hockey
'“It was amazing,” he said. “It was a quick little turnaround. I got thrown right into game I didn’t expect to play. … It was a great tournament, some of the fastest hockey I ever played. The team we had, a few of the guys I’ve played with before, but a lot of guys I haven’t. The depth of Canada, seeing all these guys, getting to play with them, seeing every little thing they … [Read more...] about Sabres’ Ryan O’Reilly back from World Cup of Hockey
Sabres’ Zemgus Girgensons positive after rough season
'“I don’t think I had that bad a season besides the 18 points,” Girgensons said. “My plus-minus was 16 better than the previous year. That was a positive, of course, in my year. But there was definitely a lot of bounces that didn’t go in for me. I had plenty of chances to have the same amount of points."' … [Read more...] about Sabres’ Zemgus Girgensons positive after rough season
Zach Bogosian, Dmitry Kulikov sidelined from Sabres practice
'Bogosian hurt his groin in Thursday’s 1-0 shootout win against Toronto. He left the game as a precaution and is being examined by a doctor, Bylsma said.' … [Read more...] about Zach Bogosian, Dmitry Kulikov sidelined from Sabres practice
Sabres trim training camp roster by 17
'Catenacci and Schneider, a Williamsville native, must clear waivers.' … [Read more...] about Sabres trim training camp roster by 17
Justin Falk, Casey Nelson battling for Sabres’ last defense spot
'Right now, journeyman Justin Falk and rookie Casey Nelson, who played seven games after leaving college in March, are battling for the final spot. Coach Dan Bylsma has said it’s unlikely the Sabres will carry eight defensemen like they did last season.' … [Read more...] about Justin Falk, Casey Nelson battling for Sabres’ last defense spot