Adam Clendening returned to the lineup Thursday. ©2016, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald

Wheatfield’s Adam Clendening patiently waiting for opportunity

BUFFALO – There are, of course, good and bad things about the nomadic hockey life Adam Clendening has experienced for three seasons, the New York Rangers defenseman said.

On one hand, the Wheatfield native has seen six NHL cities and met hundreds of teammates. On the other hand, five years into his pro career, Clendening, 24, has never lasted longer than 20 games in one spot.

“You always want to find a home and be ... Read the full article

Robin Lehner was hurt Tuesday. ©2016, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald

Sabres goalie Robin Lehner questionable to back up tonight

BUFFALO – Late in the morning skate, Sabres goalie Robin Lehner, who’s nursing a sore hip and questionable to even dress for tonight’s game, left the ice first.

Did it mean he was ready to play? The first goalie off almost always starts.

No. The Sabres still aren’t sure if Lehner will back up goalie Anders Nilsson tonight against the New York Rangers.

“It feels 90 percent, it’s a little stiff still,” Lehner said ... Read the full article

Robin Lehner could dress Thursday. ©2016, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald

Sabres goalie Robin Lehner still day-to-day

BUFFALO – Sabres goalie Robin Lehner, who left Tuesday’s 5-4 win in Ottawa after injuring his hip in the first period, is still day-to-day, coach Dan Bylsma.

“He’s lobbying to back up tomorrow,” Bylsma said this afternoon inside KeyBank Center. “He’s going to see how it is in the morning.”

Lehner was injured on the Senators’ first goal. The Swede stayed in the game, but his hip cramped up when he stepped out to play ... Read the full article

Jack Eichel had a goal and two points Tuesday. ©2016, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald

Sabres’ Jack Eichel wows in season debut

OTTAWA – The Jack Eichel Show started on the slick center’s third shift of the season, just 6:16 into the Buffalo Sabres’ exciting 5-4 win against the Senators.

Stationed above the left circle on the power play, Eichel showcased some supreme vision and adroit passing, finding Kyle Okposo in front for the opening goal Tuesday.

On his next shift, Eichel, 20, unleashed a wicked power-play one-timer from the left circle off Ryan O’Reilly’s feed, beating ... Read the full article

Evander hasn’t scored this season. ©2016, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald

Sabres’ Evander Kane searching for first goal

OTTAWA – Five years ago, Buffalo Sabres winger Evander Kane enjoyed the best start of his eight-year career, scoring 18 times in his first 36 games for the Winnipeg Jets, a torrid 41-goal pace over a full season.

Then, in the midst of his career year, Kane suddenly endured an 11-game goal drought.

“Maybe I could’ve scored 40 if I didn’t have that slump,” Kane said to Tuesday prior to recording an assist in the ... Read the full article

Jack Eichel still feels his injury. ©2016, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald

Sabres’ Jack Eichel ready for season debut

OTTAWA – The 21-game wait is over. Buffalo Sabres center Jack Eichel, sidelined by a high left ankle sprain for almost seven weeks, will make his season debut tonight against the Senators at the Canadian Tire Centre.

Eichel can still feel the injury he sustained late in practice Oct. 12, the eve of the season opener. Still, it doesn’t restrict the second-year star.

“You can notice it at all times, to be honest,” ... Read the full article

Robin Lehner (40) has enjoyed a strong season. ©2016, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald

Goaltending one of Sabres’ few constants at one-quarter mark

BUFFALO – It’s easy to forget now, with Robin Lehner and Anders Nilsson tending some of the NHL’s best goal, but six weeks ago, the Swedes were two of the Sabres’ biggest question marks.

Lehner, 25, was coming off a season in which a high ankle sprain dogged him and limited his action. Meanwhile, Nilsson, 26, had enjoyed little sustained success as a backup goalie for three other teams.

Right now, they’re quietly one of ... Read the full article

Robin Lehner (40) watches the puck Wednesday. ©2016, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald

Sabres lose to Red Wings in shootout, miss chance to reach .500

BUFFALO – Coach Dan Bylsma heard the words – his Sabres had just missed a chance to hit .500 – and banged the podium out of frustration before a reporter could finish his question.

In a season full of close losses, Wednesday’s 2-1 shootout setback to the Detroit Red Wings might’ve hurt the most. The Sabres couldn’t convert several prime scoring chances throughout the night, including a few in overtime.

The 7-8-5 Sabres, a team ... Read the full article

The Sabres have missed Jack Eichel. ©2016, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald

Sabres’ Jack Eichel skates, has return date in mind

BUFFALO – A week ago, Sabres center Jack Eichel said he circled a date on his calendar he would like to return from the high left ankle sprain that has sidelined him six weeks.

“But that’s pretty fragile and can change pretty quickly,” Eichel told a throng of reporters after skating with his teammates this morning, his first session since injuring his ankle Oct. 12, the day before the season opener.

Eichel, of course, ... Read the full article

Kyle Okposo beats Calgary goalie Brian Elliott for his second-period goal Tuesday. ©2016, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald

Rare goal outburst helps Sabres douse Flames

BUFFALO – For almost 30 minutes Monday, the Sabres’ 4-2 win against the Calgary Flames looked like almost every other home game this trying season.

The Sabres, having scored two or fewer goals in 10 straight games, showed why they have the NHL’s worst offense. The crowd of 17,526 fans inside KeyBank Center, meanwhile, barely made a peep.

To that point, the biggest roar of the night was reserved for Buffalo Bills quarterback Tyrod ... Read the full article