Jason Pominville skates during the first Winter Classic 10 years ago. ©2018, Janet Schultz, Olean Times Herald

Sabres notes: Winter Classic brings players back to childhood

NEW YORK – Four years ago, Buffalo Sabres forward Evan Rodrigues was injured when Boston University participated in “Frozen Fenway,” an outdoor game at the historic ballpark.

At first, Rodrigues held out some hope he would return in time. Then the college junior realized he would miss the special tilt.

“At the time, (it was) heartbreaking, because you always want to play in something like this,” Rodrigues said Sunday after the Sabres prepared for this ... Read the full article

Josh Gorges represented Team Canada in 2004. ©2017, Hickling Images, Olean Times Herald

World Junior memories special for Sabres’ Josh Gorges

BUFFALO – By 2003-04, Josh Gorges’ last junior season, the Sabres defenseman started developing into an interesting NHL prospect.

After going undrafted in 2002, the San Jose Sharks quickly awarded Gorges an entry-level contract. Buoyed by that confidence, Gorges went on a two-year tear with the Kelowna Rockets, becoming one of the Western Hockey League’s best players.

Still, Gorges, then 19, was hardly a lock to crack Team Canada’s entry at the 2004 World Junior ... Read the full article

Evan Rodrigues had a two-goal game Dec. 10. ©2017, Hickling Images, Olean Times Herald

Sabres’ Evan Rodrigues likely out against Flyers

BUFFALO – Technically, according to Sabres coach Phil Housley, forward Evan Rodrigues is a game-time decision for tonight’s tilt against the Philadelphia Flyers.

But expect the speedy Rodrigues to skate in the warm-up … and then get scratched for the first time this season.

Based on Housley’s lines the last two days, newcomer Scott Wilson will return tonight after sitting out Tuesday’s 3-0 loss to Boston as a healthy scratch.... Read the full article

Zach Bogosian missed more than two months earlier this season. ©2017, Michline Veluvolu, Olean Times Herald

Sabres’ Zach Bogosian finding regular form after injury

BUFFALO – In Zach Bogosian’s first two appearances following a 25-game absence, adrenaline carried the Sabres defenseman, coach Phil Housley said.

“Those first two games he was our best defenseman,” Housley said prior to Friday’s 5-4 overtime loss to the Carolina Hurricanes inside KeyBank Center.

But after those outings earlier this month, Bogosian experienced a normal dip returning from his lower-body injury.

“The adrenaline’s not there, now you’re in the game mode and getting prepared, ... Read the full article

Chad Johnson hasn’t played at home since Nov. 22. ©2017, Hickling Images, Olean Times Herald

Sabres goalie Chad Johnson to start against Hurricanes

BUFFALO – Over the past five games, Robin Lehner has morphed into the Sabres’ backbone, tending his best goal this season.

But coming off Thursday’s 2-1 road loss in Philadelphia, Sabres coach Phil Housley wants to give goalie Chad Johnson some action.

So Johnson the backup will play tonight against the Carolina Hurricanes, his first nod since Dec. 2 and just his second appearance in 11 games.... Read the full article

Victor Antipin has been scratched two straight games. ©2017, Hickling Images, Olean Times Herald

Sabres rookie Victor Antipin learning NHL game

BUFFALO – Five years ago during the NHL lockout, Sabres center Ryan O’Reilly spent 12 games overseas with Magnitogorsk Metallurg, a Russian team in the Kontinental Hockey League.

Thanks to the work stoppage, the team featured a slew of notable NHL talents. In addition to O’Reilly, Metallurg also boasted Evgeni Malkin, Sergei Gonchar and Mats Zuccarello.

They also had a 20-year-old rookie defenseman who caught O’Reilly’s eye.... Read the full article

Ryan O’Reilly has a seven-game goal drought. ©2017, Hickling Images, Olean Times Herald

Sabres notes: Ryan O’Reilly battling scoring slump

BUFFALO – This has been a different kind of slump for Ryan O’Reilly. When the Sabres center started the season slowly, he said he was “invisible,” contributing nothing.

O’Reilly eventually got going, scoring seven goals in 13 games. But after his last goal Nov. 17, he hit another rut. Right now, the veteran has an 12-game goal drought.

“It’s lack of confidence and lack of trusting myself again,” O’Reilly said prior to setting up ... Read the full article

Zemgus Girgensons sat out two games last week. ©2017, Hickling Images, Olean Times Herald

Sabres’ Zemgus Girgensons earns promotion after benching

BUFFALO – Sabres winger Zemgus Girgensons played 301 NHL games over nearly four and a half seasons before experiencing his first benching.

Naturally, sitting twice as a healthy scratch last week felt unusual for Girgensons, who has zero goals in his last 20 outings.

“I’ve been there injured, but it was definitely different being scratched, not a good feeling,” Girgensons said this morning. “It makes you feel a little bit useless, you always want to ... Read the full article

Hudson Fasching rebounded in Rochester after a weak training camp. ©2017, Hickling Images, Olean Times Herald

Sabres’ Hudson Fasching wants to showcase heavy style

PITTSBURGH – Instead of battling for an NHL roster spot during training camp, Sabres prospect Hudson Fasching started slowly before Buffalo demoted him early.

As a rookie last season, Fasching’s strong camp forced the Sabres to keep him. This year, however, the winger never really contended for a spot.

“It wasn’t the camp that I wanted,” Fasching said Saturday prior to his NHL season debut, a 5-1 loss to the Penguins inside PPG Paints Arena. ... Read the full article

Victor Antipin will be scratched tonight. ©2017, Hickling Images, Olean Times Herald

Struggling Sabres make lineup changes

PITTSBURGH – If the Buffalo Sabres want to end their shocking three-game goal drought tonight against the Penguins, they must get more big bodies to the net to scrap for a dirty score.

That’s why the Sabres recalled 6-foot-3, 204-pound winger Hudson Fasching from the Rochester Americans this morning.

When you’ve lost three straight games and 10 of the last 11, you must make changes.... Read the full article