O'Reilly - Buffalo Hockey Beat

Sabres’ Matt Moulson knows he must score goals

BUFFALO – After his family, the most important thing in his life, Sabres winger Matt Moulson has two other loves.

“Scoring is my second love after winning,” Moulson said Sunday inside the First Niagara Center.

Moulson, 31, did little of either throughout a brutal 2014-15 season in which the Sabres won only 23 times and he scored a career-low 13 goals.

He struggled from the get-go beside some pedestrian centers, only occasionally showcasing the talents ... Read the full article

Sam Reinhart won’t stay with Sabres as scratch

BUFFALO – The Sabres’ top two lines, while they could still be rearranged, appear to be set. So is the fourth line.

So four days before opening night, only the third line, which currently comprises center Johan Larsson and Zemgus Girgensons, Jamie McGinn and Sam Reinhart, a center-turned-winger, has a spare.

Reinhart, given his age, 19, and rawness – he has played only nine NHL games and is learning a new position – could be ... Read the full article

Sabres’ Josh Gorges OK after minor surgery

BUFFALO – Josh Gorges almost revealed what had sidelined him for a week of training camp.

Almost.

“Just a quick cleanup in my,” the Sabres defenseman said this morning before pausing briefly, “lower body.”

Yes, Gorges, who underwent microfracture surgery in February, has already undergone a minor procedure this season. He said he was injured nine days ago going into the corner against the Ottawa Senators.

While Gorges skated this morning and feels good, he ... Read the full article

Report: Ryan O’Reilly’s court date pushed back to Oct. 22

Buffalo Sabres center Ryan O’Reilly’s impaired driving case in Ontario has been delayed for the third time, according to CFPL-AM.

The case was pushed back – “put over” is the Canadian legal term – this morning until Oct. 22, according to the radio station. The case was also moved on Aug. 20 and Sept. 10.

O’Reilly, 24, was arrested July 9 and charged with impaired driving and leaving the scene of an accident after his ... Read the full article

Sabres’ Brendan Guhle not concussed; Jake McCabe ready to play

BUFFALO – Finally, there’s some good news for the Sabres’ depleted defense corps: Brendan Guhle didn’t suffer a concussion Tuesday when Dion Phaneuf’s wicked open-ice hit forced him out of the Sabres’ 4-0 preseason win against Toronto.

While the rookie stayed off the ice today inside the First Niagara Center, coach Dan Bylsma said the 18-year-old should be fine. The Sabres also got one of their six injured defensemen, Jake McCabe, back today. McCabe (upper ... Read the full article

Sabres prospect Brendan Guhle could crack lineup

BUFFALO – Brendan Guhle is no longer the impressive rookie getting a long look before going back to junior. Suddenly, the Sabres defense prospect, the 51^st overall pick in June, has a real chance to be on the opening-night roster in nine days.

“Definitely there’s an opportunity,” said Guhle, who will play his fourth preseason game tonight. “There’s some injuries now, whatnot. I’m not looking too far ahead of myself.”

Four notable defensemen – ... Read the full article

Sabres suddenly possess impressive center depth

BUFFALO – Dan Bylsma wanted to count them all first. So before the coach talked about the impressive center depth the Sabres have quickly assembled, he rattled off each one on the roster.

When Bylsma stopped, he had named eight: Ryan O’Reilly, No. 2 overall pick Jack Eichel, Zemgus Girgensons, Johan Larsson, David Legwand, Sam Reinhart and Tyler Ennis and Marcus Foligno, two wingers with experience down the middle.... Read the full article

O’Reilly brothers enjoy special night as Sabres teammates

TORONTO – Growing up about 140 miles away in Goderich, Ont., Buffalo Sabres center Cal O’Reilly witnessed some epic meltdowns when he beat his younger brother, Ryan, in hockey games.

“When he would lose, he would start throwing stuff – sticks and anything he could get his hands on,” Cal O’Reilly said Friday prior to the Sabres’ 6-4 preseason win against the Maple Leafs, the brothers’ first appearance together as teammates at any level ... Read the full article

Sabres prospect Brendan Guhle still impressing; Dan Catenacci to debut

TORONTO – Instead of being in Canada’s largest city for an NHL exhibition game tonight, Buffalo Sabres prospect Brendan Guhle figured he’d likely be playing his first junior game this season about 3,000 kilometers away – hey, check the dateline – in Saskatchewan for the Prince Albert Raiders.

But the defenseman, the 51^st pick in June, will play his third straight preseason game tonight against the Maple Leafs inside the Air Canada Centre.

“Good ... Read the full article

Evander Kane scores twice in Sabres’ preseason loss to Senators

BUFFALO – A week ago, Sabres newcomer Evander Kane, a winger who has hit the 30-goal mark once in his six-year career, boldly said he wants score 40 or 50 times this season.

Was it brash? You bet. But Kane backed up his words Wednesday, starting his Sabres career splendidly by scoring twice in their 5-2 exhibition loss to the Ottawa Senators before an announced crowd of 17,298 fans inside the First Niagara Center.

“It ... Read the full article