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'"Obviously I had some jitters," Smith said with a smile after his first practice. "It's a little different, you're not used to the bigger guys, more skilled guys, so I was a little anxious but I think I held my own out there."' … [Read more...] about C.J. Smith wanted a blue collar town to match his blue collar play

'Smith finished this season with 51 points [23G, 28A] in 41 games played. In his three years at UMass-Lowell the Des Moines, Iowa native averaged more than a point-per-game, scoring 56 goals and adding 69 assists [125 points] in 120 games.' … [Read more...] about Sabres expected to land UMass-Lowell’s leading goal scorer C.J. Smith

'Aside from a few turnover I've really liked Rodrigues game so far this season. I can see him playing down the middle on the Sabres fourth line next season if he continues to provide consistent two-way play.' … [Read more...] about 5 Observations: Blue Jackets beat Sabres 3-1

'The Sabres are now 2-0 without Ristolainen this season.' … [Read more...] about 5 Observations: Gionta, Sabres beat Panthers 4-2

'Gionta is under contract with the Sabres for seven more regular season games. The 38-year-old has yet to say whether or not he'll retire, resign with the Sabres or look for opportunities elsewhere.' … [Read more...] about Gionta set to become only the 43rd American to play 1,000 career games

'In the first 20 minutes, the Sabres had 16 shots, their most since they peppered the Penguins on March 5 with 21 in the opening period. Lately, the Sabres have had a hard time capitalizing on their chances, so two goals was a great way to start. Remember, this team had only six (!) in their previous five games.' … [Read more...] about 5 Observations: Sabres top Maple Leafs 5-2

'"There were other things that happened during that game that should've maybe been reviewed too," Lehner said. "It just doesn't happen. Certain teams in this league get the benefit of the doubt. If the jerseys were reversed I don't think we'd be standing here talking three games."' … [Read more...] about Lehner on Ristolainen suspension: “If they reverse jerseys I don’t think it’s three games”

'One game would've made sense. Two games would've been a little bit of a stretch. Three games, at least in my opinion, is crazy.' … [Read more...] about Sabres’ Ristolainen issued three-game suspension

'Ristolainen wasn't in the locker room after Tuesday's game so we didn't get a chance to ask him about the play. From where I was watching it looked like Ristolainen was lining up to hit Guentzel once he got the puck. Instead, as you can see in the above angle, the pass gets deflected by Sabres forward Zemgus Girgensons' stick and Ristolainen has already committed to the play.' … [Read more...] about NHL Player Safety will review Ristolainen hit

'Yes, I think it was a penalty and Guentzel clearly didn't have the puck, but I don't know if it deserved a misconduct. That being said, I can see the argument for the ejection -- While it looked like Ristolainen backed into the Penguins forward with his rear-end it also looked like he may have caught Guentzel with an elbow.' … [Read more...] about 5 Observations: Penguins knock off Sabres 3-1

'The Buffalo Sabres power-play is once again the best in the league, scoring on 24% of their attempts this year. Their power-play prowess proved (oh hey alliteration) to be the difference once again against Detroit, capitalizing on both of their attempts [Eichel, Moulson].' … [Read more...] about 5 Observations: Sabres top Red Wings 2-1

'The recall is Austin's first of his career. The 2012 draft pick has nine points [2G,7A] in 61 games with the Amerks this season.' … [Read more...] about Sabres recall both Casey Nelson & Brady Austin from Rochester

'"You get a pretty neat feeling when you meet a lot of these people. You find a lot of new friends and you can tell you're really helping them," Smith said.' … [Read more...] about Buffalo Sabres Alums delivered hot meals to elderly & sick

'Last week Nilsson was pulled after allowing three goals in the first period against the Columbus Blue Jackets. Friday was a nice bounceback for the Sabres goalie. All week the Sabres have gotten solid performances from the blue paint but failed to capitalize, losing all three games.' … [Read more...] about 5 Observations: Sabres top Ducks in SO 2-1

'Buffalo finished the night with 26 shots, which isn't absolutely terrible, but it's not good either when you allow 36 to your opponent. The Sabres applied pressure late but just couldn't beat Kings goaltender Jonathan Quick, who was great in his own right on Thursday evening.' … [Read more...] about 5 Observations: Kings take down Sabres 2-0