WNY and Buffalo NY Hockey Coverage
Offseason Edition
Jhonas Enroth hasn’t won a game since Nov. 26, 2011. ©2013, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald
Fifteen months ago today, Jhonas Enroth, who will make his second start of the season tonight in Ottawa, was stealing the Buffalo Sabres’ starting goalie job from Ryan Miller.
On that night at Scotiabank Place in Ottawa, the young backup received a surprise nod, keeping the former Vezina Trophy on the bench a second straight game.
Enroth sparkled again, making 25 saves in a 3-2 shootout win over the Senators.
The rookie’s dynamic play had ... Read the full article
Nathan Gerbe practiced with Mikhail Grigorenko and Steve Ott on Wednesday. ©2013, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald
BUFFALO – While Nathan Gerbe still had to be cleared to play Wednesday, it appears the feisty Sabres winger could make his season debut tonight in Carolina after undergoing offseason spine surgery.
Gerbe skated on the wing Wednesday beside 18-year-old rookie Mikhail Grigorenko and Steve Ott, his first action on a regular line this year.
“We’ll see where he’s at (today),” Sabres coach Lindy Ruff said following practice inside the First Niagara Center.
Gerbe underwent ... Read the full article
Nathan Gerbe could make his season debut Thursday. ©2013, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald
BUFFALO – While Nathan Gerbe still must be cleared to play, it appears the feisty Sabres winger could make his season debut Thursday in Carolina after undergoing offseason spine surgery.
Gerbe skated on the wing this morning beside 18-year-old rookie Mikhail Grigorenko and Steve Ott, his first action on a regular line this year.
“We’ll see where he’s at tomorrow,” Sabres coach Lindy Ruff said following practice inside the First Niagara Center.
Gerbe underwent ... Read the full article
Steve Ott and the Sabres enjoyed a nice opening-day win Sunday. ©2013, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald
TORONTO – The Air Canada Centre, once the Buffalo Sabres’ favorite visiting rink, is now a house of horrors.
After winning eight in a row at the ACC, the Sabres have lost five straight games here dating back to March 12, 2011. They haven’t won here Nov. 6, 2010, a 3-2 shootout triumph in which backup goalie Jhonas Enroth earned his first NHL victory.
The Sabres’ 4-3 loss here in their last visit March 30 ... Read the full article
Ryan Miller made sure he greeted local media members Friday. ©2013, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald
AMHERST – As Ryan Miller leaned against a wall inside the Northtown Center, waiting for the first question, the Buffalo Sabres goalie finally had enough.
“We’re going to get right into it, no pleasantries?” Miller asked Friday afternoon.
So Miller, one of the more vocal players during the 113-day NHL lockout, went around to each cameraman and reporter, shaking his hand or patting his arm.
In his first meeting with local reporters since September, ... Read the full article
Tyler Myers said playing in Austria was a “great alternative” to the NHL. ©2013, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald
AMHERST – Tyler Myers acknowledged the left ankle injury he suffered last month in Austria was the “nightmare scenario” for any locked-out NHL player in Europe.
At first, the Buffalo Sabres defenseman was nervous about the injury.
“But once we figured out what it was, I knew it would be pretty quick,” Myers said Tuesday after skating about 90 minutes with some Sabres teammates inside the Northtown Center. “I didn’t want to push it to ... Read the full article
Jason Pominville already has four goals in four DEL games. ©2012, Soerli Binder, Adler Mannheim
BUFFALO – Will more Sabres go overseas? Could some go back?
You bet.
If the NHL lockout drags on, expect to see more players bolt for Europe. They desperately want to stay sharp. Some haven’t played games now in eight or nine months.
Of course, going overseas has its drawbacks. Most of the good leagues are filled up, leaving only second-tier (or lower) jobs available. Some leagues pay paltry salaries. Many teams are isolated. Some ... Read the full article
Ryan Miller usually makes his feelings known. ©2012, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald
BUFFALO – If you’ve spent any time following Ryan Miller’s career, then you’re aware the Sabres goalie might be the NHL’s most passionate player.
Miller says whatever he thinks, a rarity in sports today. Sometimes he’s lauded for it. Other times he’s flayed for it.
But he’ll stand up for whatever he believes is right.
So it’s hardly surprising details are emerging that Miller, one of the 18 or so players negotiating with owners in ... Read the full article
Thomas Vanek recently returned to Buffalo following a scorching run at home in Austria. ©2012, Christian Bruna, www.christianbruna.at
BUFFALO – So far, eight Sabres – about one-third of the roster – have taken temporary (or maybe not-so-temporary) European gigs during the NHL lockout. If the stoppage drags on, expect more to bolt overseas. Some Sabres have said they’ll look for work if there’s no agreement reached by Christmas or the beginning of 2013.
Remember, players aren’t going to Europe for the money. Most are receiving a pittance of what they should be getting ... Read the full article
Mike Weber’s the eighth Sabre to sign a European contract. ©2012, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald
BUFFALO – Sabres defenseman Mike Weber has signed a contract to play with a Norwegian team in Lorenskog during the NHL lockout, according to a report.
Weber’s the eighth Sabre to sign overseas since the work stoppage began 62 days ago.
Defenseman Christian Ehrhoff, center Tyler Ennis, goalie Jhonas Enroth, defensemen Tyler Myers, Andrej Sekera and Alexander Sulzer and winger Thomas Vanek all signed European deals earlier. Vanek recently returned home.
