‘The big question from this now is why his numbers at 5-on-5 stink, because it’s not just who he faces or who he plays with. The NHL doesn’t really track numbers that tell us any answers in that regard, but dedicated hobbyists do. One of the big findings from the last few years is that carrying the puck over the line instead of dumping and chasing led to more than twice as many shot attempts. Defenders who allow a lot of shots, like Ristolainen, tend to give up the blueline more.’
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The Sabres Report - August 12, 2017
The Sabres Report - August 9, 2017
Sabres' Ryan O'Reilly shows off his pipes with the Arkells ★
‘Ryan O’Reilly showed off his musical talents in a recent video with Max Kerman, vocalist and guitarist for the Arkells. The Canadian rock band is coming to Artpark on Aug. 19 and jokingly tweeted the video as O’Reilly’s audition tape for the gig.’
Davidsson finds kindred spirit with Sabres ★
‘”We had a pretty tough season so I had to grow up a bit in my game and not take as many risks,” Davidsson said. “I had to adapt my game to the situation where my team was.”‘
The Sabres Report - August 6, 2017
Alexander Nylander unlikely to suit up for Sweden at WJC ★
‘”I don’t think so,” Monten said in USA Hockey Arena. “Of course if Buffalo wants him to play, we’re going to keep our door open. He for sure has a spot on our team but I think he’s going to make Buffalo this year. That’s why I didn’t bring him. We haven’t talked in the summer.’
Davidsson ready to step up for Team Sweden ★
‘”This week has been great. I think it’s a very good start to the season to be here and represent the national team,” Davidsson said. “It’s a big honor for me. Well I think I’ve done pretty good. The first game was not the greatest but the more I played, the better it got. I will just keep working my game back in Sweden.”‘
The Sabres Report - August 5, 2017
A day off for Sabres prospects as World Junior Summer Showcase continues ★
‘Casey Mittelstadt, the Sabres first-round choice this past June, was a healthy scratch for the U.S. Cliff Pu, a third-round pick in 2016, sat out for Canada while Marcus Davidsson, picked in the second round in June, was scratched for Sweden. Meanwhile goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen played the backup role for Finland.’
The Sabres Report - August 4, 2017
Casey Mittelstadt bringing offense to Team USA ★
‘”He’s been outstanding in camp,” U.S. coach Bob Motzko said on Thursday as the American team had the day off. “He’s a year older, a year wiser. He really stepped forward as a go-to guy. Ben Smith on our staff likes to say, ‘Raise your hand. Tell us you’re here.’ And every day he’s raised his hand and is standing tall.’
It's been a summer spent across North America for Luukkonen ★
‘”I’m feeling pretty good,” Luukkonen said. “The team is playing well. Maybe to my own game, I should play a little bit better but of course it’s only the summer. There’s time to improve.”‘
Inside look at Buffalo Sabres ★
‘The Buffalo Sabres are starting over after a disappointing season.’
Three questions facing Buffalo Sabres ★
‘The Sabres allowed an NHL-worst 34.3 shots per game last season. The workload that created for defensemen and goaltenders meant they spent a lot of time in their end. Housley’s style of play will have to address this, and the additions of defensemen Marco Scandella and Nathan Beaulieu should help.’