Bogosian - Buffalo Hockey Beat

Reeling Sabres blanked again, set franchise record for futility

BUFFALO – The Sabres haven’t scored a goal in almost 181 minutes, have lost 10 of their last 11 outings and get booed off the ice following every period.

How bad are things right now?

In Friday’s 4-0 loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins, the NHL’s worst team possibly hit the lowest point in its 47-year history. Seriously.

For the first time ever, the hapless Sabres have been shut out in three consecutive games.... Read the full article

Sabres’ Zemgus Girgensons mired in scoring slump

BUFFALO – The most vivid memory of Zemgus Girgensons’ NHL debut isn’t the goal he scored in Detroit’s historic Joe Louis Arena. No, something far less exciting stands out to the Sabres winger.

On Girgensons’ first shifts Oct. 2, 2013, he said star Pavel Datsyuk’s line kept hemming the Sabres in their own zone.

“I definitely remember that more than I scored a goal,” Girgensons said Friday prior to his 300th NHL game.... Read the full article

Sabres have played Penguins tough; Zach Bogosian set to debut

BUFFALO – In their last meeting Nov. 14 in Pittsburgh, the Sabres held two early two-goal leads before the Penguins roared back to beat them 5-4 in overtime.

On March 5 in Pittsburgh, the Sabres went up 3-0 in the first period before imploding and losing 4-3.

The Sabres have played the Penguins, winners of the last two Stanley Cups, tough during some recent meetings. They just can’t close out games.... Read the full article

With Zach Bogosian close to return, Sabres waive Matt Tennyson

BUFFALO – Nearly two months into the season, the Sabres could have their six regular defensemen play together for the first time tonight.

Zach Bogosian, out since suffering a lower-body injury in the preseason finale, could return in this weekend’s home-and-home series against the Pittsburgh Penguins.

“I’ve had a couple good days of practice,” Bogosian said after the Sabres prepared for tonight’s tilt inside KeyBank Center. “I feel ready. We’ll see what tomorrow brings.”... Read the full article

GM Jason Botterill staying positive throughout Sabres’ struggles

BUFFALO – Two months into Jason Botterill’s first season as general manager, the Sabres are a mess, tied for the NHL’s lowest point total with a measly 16.

A team expected to improve and showcase an exciting style following a last-place finish has regressed and averaged a league-low 2.2 goals through its first 25 games. Slick center Jack Eichel, who signed an $80 million contract extension in October, has struggled along with many of the ... Read the full article

Sabres’ Matt Moulson positive through tough stretch

BUFFALO – Long before practice begins most days, Sabres winger Matt Moulson can be found on the ice, smiling and shooting pucks or working on something else.

Instead of pouting over becoming a healthy scratch, Moulson, 34, has tried to quietly go about his business.

“It (stinks),” Moulson said of sitting out. “I think it’s not fun when you’re not playing, not helping contribute in games, it’s a tough position. You got a couple choices ... Read the full article

Sabres’ Matt Moulson to return against Lightning

BUFFALO – When you’ve lost 18 of your 24 games like the Sabres have this season, including eight of the last nine, you keep trying different things.

So veteran winger Matt Moulson, a healthy scratch the last six games, will return tonight against the Tampa Bay Lightning.

“We sit where we are, we’re going to continue to make changes,” Sabres coach Phil Housley said this morning inside KeyBank Center.... Read the full article

Sabres’ Josh Gorges moving in and out of lineup

BUFFALO – The past two months have been difficult for Josh Gorges. The Sabres defenseman last sat out games 11 years ago, his second NHL season. The uncertainty that accompanies being a healthy scratch has taken its toll on the proud veteran.

“The adjustment is just trying to keep your mind right,” Gorges said Monday inside KeyBank Center. “Every day you don’t know if you’re in or out of the lineup, so that can ... Read the full article

Sabres’ Jacob Josefson out 4 to 6 weeks; Seth Griffith sent to Amerks

BUFFALO – Sabres center Jacob Josefson is out four to six weeks after tweaking the ankle that recently sidelined him, coach Phil Housley said. Winger Seth Griffith, meanwhile, cleared waivers today and was assigned to the AHL.

So, does that mean a forward will be recalled from the Rochester Americans? Housley said that would be decided Tuesday.

For now, winger Matt Moulson, a healthy scratch the last six games, is slotted to return for ... Read the full article

Sabres defensemen Zach Bogosian, Rasmus Ristolainen close to playing

BUFFALO – It can be argued no one was more excited about Phil Housley taking over the Sabres than defenseman Zach Bogosian.

Throughout training camp, Bogosian looked refreshed by the coach’s presence. Housley, a Hall of Fame defenseman, would finally help Bogosian unleash his potential, right?

Then Bogosian said he “just felt a tweak” in the third period of the preseason finale Sept. 29. The Massena native hasn’t played since suffering the lower-body injury.... Read the full article