Housley - Buffalo Hockey Beat

Despite struggles, GM Jason Botterill confident Sabres on right path

BUFFALO – Barely one-quarter 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 under new coach Phil Housley 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 ... 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

Sam Reinhart all over Sabres lineup

BUFFALO – Want a telltale sign of a bad team? Constant line juggling.

In the last week, for example, Sabres forward Sam Reinhart has skated at right wing beside centers Jack Eichel, Ryan O’Reilly and Johan Larsson.

The Sabres’ futility – they’ve lost nine of the last 10 games and have the NHL’s worst offense – has forced coach Phil Housley to constantly tinker, moving players all over the lineup.... Read the full article

Sabres blanked again by Lightning

BUFFALO – Winger Evander Kane paused for a moment following the Sabres’ second straight shutout loss. The veteran wanted to collect his thoughts, not mince any words.

With Tuesday’s 2-0 defeat to the Tampa Bay Lighting, the Sabres have been blanked in back-to-back games for the first time since Oct. 17 and 18, 2014, some of the franchise’s darkest days.

Back then, the Sabres fielded the NHL’s weakest lineup. Winning wasn’t a priority.

These days, ... 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

All-around effort helps Sabres beat Oilers, end losing streak

BUFFALO – By Jack Eichel’s standards, the shot the Sabres center pumped on Edmonton Oilers goalie Laurent Brossoit 43 seconds into the third period of Friday’s 3-1 win was pretty weak.

Eichel possesses a lethal wrist shot, a weapon the Sabres sorely want the slick youngster to utilize more frequently. Of course, plenty of players must develop a shooting mentality.

Following the second period of a victory that ended the Sabres’ seven-game losing streak, coach ... Read the full article