Pominville - Buffalo Hockey Beat

Sabres lose again, fall behind Canadiens: ‘We’ve let ourselves down’

BUFFALO – For about the opening nine minutes of Thursday’s 3-1 loss to Montreal Canadiens, it appeared some desperation had finally kicked in and the Sabres grasped they’re playing for their season right now.

They pummeled their Atlantic Division rival early, taking a 1-0 lead on Jack Eichel’s power-play goal at 7:11, his 30th this season.

When the Canadiens finally mustered their first shot on goalie Carter Hutton at 10:29, the Sabres had already pumped ... Read the full article

To acquire Michael Frolik from Flames, Sabres had to trade Marco Scandella

BUFFALO – When the Sabres traded defenseman Marco Scandella to the Montreal Canadiens shortly before Thursday’s 3-2 overtime win against the Edmonton Oilers, it felt like another deal could be imminent.

The Sabres need help at forward. Why would they dish Scandella, 29, for or a fourth-round pick in 2020? They’re trying to win now, right?

Well, shortly after the Sabres announced the deal, they traded the pick they received from the Canadiens to the ... Read the full article

Trade could be coming for hapless Sabres following ugly loss to Wild

BUFFALO – A week before Thanksgiving, the same team that started the season 8-1-1 has already fallen apart. Right now, having lost eight of their last nine games, the Sabres are reeling.

The Sabres can deny it all they want, but it feels eerily similar to last season, when they won 10 straight games in November before imploding and missing the playoffs.

“Listen, we’re not talking about last year,” captain Jack Eichel said following the ... Read the full article

Sabres GM Jason Botterill wants to add forward to struggling team

BUFFALO – General manager Jason Botterill said before tonight’s game he’s “actively looking” to find a forward to help the injury-depleted Sabres.

“But we also are very happy with how our players have come up from Rochester and played so far,” said Botterill, whose team played without five forwards against the Minnesota Wild.

The Sabres had lost a forward to injury in five straight games entering Tuesday. The organization is so depleted – three Rochester ... Read the full article

Reeling, injury-plagued Sabres need to replenish lineup

BUFFALO – Having lost five forwards in the last five games, a stunning run of injuries, the reeling Sabres have two options for tonight’s game against the Minnesota Wild.

The Sabres can either dress seven defensemen and only 11 forwards, coach Ralph Krueger said, or they can recall a forward from the Rochester Americans.

They stayed remarkably healthy over the first month of the season, utilizing the same lineup most games. But the injuries have ... Read the full article

Former Sabre Jochen Hecht enjoying life as scout in Germany

BUFFALO – After Jochen Hecht retired from the DEL in 2016, the former Sabres forward spent two seasons coaching with his hometown team, Adler Mannheim.

One of his players, defenseman Mark Stuart, played 673 NHL games over 12 seasons.

Hecht knew him well.

On Nov. 7, 2009, Hecht fought for the fifth and final time in his NHL career against, of all opponents, Stuart, according to hockeyfights.com.... Read the full article

Sabres honor past captains, annihilate Devils before raucous crowd

BUFFALO – One by one Rick Jeanneret introduced them, 15 in all, including some of the greatest names in Sabres history.

Gilbert Perreault, the most iconic name, received a rousing standing ovation from the capacity crowd of 19,070. The fans roared for Danny Gare and Jason Pominville, two of the most popular players in franchise history.

Before the Sabres started Saturday’s 7-2 annihilation of the New Jersey Devils, they kicked off the home portion ... Read the full article

Forward depth might keep Sabres from re-signing Jason Pominville

BUFFALO – The odds of winger Jason Pominville starting training camp with the Sabres later this week appear to be slim.

While general manager Jason Botterill said bringing back Pominville, 36, hasn’t been ruled out, right now, the Sabres have plenty of depth up front.

“We’re excited about where we are from a depth standpoint and the competitions we’re going to have,” Botterill said this afternoon inside Harborcenter following the end of the Prospects Challenge. ... Read the full article

Jason Pominville understands long career could be over

BUFFALO – Right now, it is business as usual for Jason Pominville. The popular winger is preparing for the upcoming season like he has a contract with the Sabres or another NHL team. Earlier this month, he and his family returned to Clarence from their summer home in Montreal.

Pominville, 36, said he feels he owes it to himself to stay ready in case an opportunity materializes he and his family can embrace.

“But ... Read the full article

Jason Pominville could return to Sabres

BUFFALO – Before Jason Pominville returned to Montreal for the summer, the free agent winger and Sabres general manager Jason Botterill discussed his uncertain future.

Nothing was ruled out. They plan to keep the lines of communication open. So, yes, an 11th season with the Sabres is a possibility.

At the end of his 14th NHL campaign in April, Pominville, 36, hardly seemed ready to retire.... Read the full article