Tyler Myers played his first game back in Buffalo on Tuesday. ©2018, Hickling Images, Olean Times Herald

Former Sabres Dmitry Kulikov, Tyler Myers thriving with Jets

BUFFALO – In training camp, Winnipeg Jets coach Paul Maurice figured what the heck, why not throw defensemen Dmitry Kulikov and Tyler Myers, two of his biggest question marks, together?

These days, the former Sabres form the upstart Jets’ strong No. 2 defense pair. But four months ago, no one knew what to expect from the 27-year-old veterans.

Kulikov was coming off a miserable season in which a lower-back bruise he suffered in his ... Read the full article

Evander Kane bumps into Philadelphia goalie Brian Elliott on Dec. 22. ©2018, Hickling Images, Olean Times Herald

Sabres’ Evander Kane needs to finish scoring chances

BUFFALO – Right now, with only two goals in his last 11 outings, Sabres winger Evander Kane is enduring his worst offensive stretch this season.

Of course, Kane is still enjoying a strong campaign. The nine-year veteran has compiled 16 goals and 35 points through 42 games entering tonight’s tilt against the Winnipeg Jets, a 31-goal, 68-point pace over 82 contests.

Kane hasn’t gone totally quiet in the last three weeks, either.... Read the full article

Brendan Guhle spent three months in Rochester. ©2018, Hickling Images, Olean Times Herald

Sabres look to Brendan Guhle for spark

BUFFALO – Earlier this season, as injuries decimated the blue line and the Sabres kept rookie Brendan Guhle in Rochester, the plan for their top defense prospect became evident.

The Sabres wanted Guhle to pay his dues, quietly develop in the AHL and eventually earn a recall.

“We were going through a tough stretch there, where you think about bringing guys up, we had some capable defensemen back there,” coach Phil Housley said Monday after ... Read the full article

Brendan Guhle has played 30 games in Rochester this seasson. ©2018, Michline Veluvolu, Rochester Americans

Brendan Guhle earns recall to Sabres

BUFFALO – Early on, as injuries decimated the blue line and rookie Brendan Guhle stayed in Rochester, the Sabres’ plan for their top defense prospect became obvious.

“We were going through a tough stretch there … (and) we had some capable defensemen back there, we were giving them an opportunity to see what they can bring to our team,” Sabres coach Phil Housley said this afternoon inside KeyBank Center. “They were winning hockey games (in ... Read the full article

Kyle Okposo believes the Sabres can draw on their Winter Classic experience someday. ©2018, Michline Veluvolu, Olean Times Herald

Winter Classic experience gives Sabres taste of big time

NEW YORK – For a few days at least, the Winter Classic allowed the last-place Buffalo Sabres to experience the NHL’s grand stage.

Everything about the outdoor game, the league’s signature non-playoff event, is big. The Sabres, seven years removed from their last playoff appearance, haven’t been in the spotlight for a long time.

So the Sabres’ time here, which culminated with Monday afternoon’s 3-2 overtime loss to the New York Rangers before a packed ... Read the full article

Sam Reinhart scored his sixth goal this season Monday afternoon. ©2018, Michline Veluvolu, Olean Times Herald

Sabres Winter Classic notes: Sam Reinhart scores huge goal

NEW YORK – In his NHL and major junior career, winger Sam Reinhart has scored 166 goals, including 46 with the Buffalo Sabres.

Reinhart’s power-play goal in Monday afternoon’s Winter Classic, his first score in 17 games dating back to Nov. 22, might’ve been the biggest of his career.

Fifty-three seconds into the second period, Reinhart potted a loose puck beside New York Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist as he fell down, capitalizing after Kyle Okposo ... Read the full article

Jack Eichel has been on a tear. ©2018, Michline Veluvolu, Olean Times Herald

Winter Classic offers Sabres’ Jack Eichel national showcase

NEW YORK – Jack Eichel offered little explanation for his recent hot streak. The Buffalo Sabres center joked he took some vegetables out of his pregame meal.

Come on, Jack. Something clearly ignited you during the last month.

“I don’t really think I’ve changed too much,” Eichel said Sunday after the Sabres prepared for this afternoon’s Winter Classic against the New York Rangers at Citi Field.... Read the full article

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

Jack Eichel misses an open net against Philadelphia goalie Brian Elliott on Friday. ©2017, Hickling Images, Olean Times Herald

Sabres use late surge to down Flyers

BUFFALO – Phil Housley often talks about the shot mentality he wants the Sabres to possess. To the coach, pumping the puck on net from any angle is usually a good idea.

“It sounds so simple,” Housley said following Friday’s 4-2 win against the Philadelphia Flyers.

In reality, it’s not simple at all. Players’ instincts often tell them to hold the puck until a strong opportunity materializes.... 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