Tyler Ennis has five goals and 12 points this season. ©2013, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald

Sabres’ Ennis, Foligno and Stafford trying to recapture magic

BUFFALO – The NHL’s hottest late-season line lasted four games before an awful start – zero goals – forced Sabres coach Lindy Ruff to scatter Tyler Ennis, Marcus Foligno and Drew Stafford earlier this year.

Prior to the season, the thought of the trio skating together for a full campaign had Sabres fans drooling.

Then, by Jan. 27, the line was done.

Now, the combination’s back together, showcasing some of what helped it compile ... Read the full article

Jason Pominville had a tendon sliced two seasons ago. ©2013, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald

Sabres’ Jason Pominville understands long recovery Erik Karlsson faces

BUFFALO – Sabres captain Jason Pominville has watched the scary video of Ottawa superstar Erik Karlsson getting his Achilles lacerated by Matt Cooke’s skate Wednesday in Pittsburgh.

Karlsson, the reigning Norris Trophy winner as the NHL’s top defenseman, will miss the rest of the season. His rehab will be long and grueling.

Pominville knows well. On April 22, 2011 in Philadelphia, James van Riemsdyk’s skate completely sliced a tendon in the winger’s lower leg.

It’s ... Read the full article

Lindy Ruff tried to accept responsibility Thursday. ©2013, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald

Ruff ready to ‘clean up’ struggling Sabres: ‘It’s on me’

BUFFALO – Lindy Ruff’s mood belied his team’s plight. The Sabres coach was smiling and brimming with energy during a frank nine-minute chat with the media Thursday following a 70-minute practice inside the First Niagara Center.

“It is on me,” Ruff said about the challenge of fixing the Sabres’ poor 5-8-1 record, which has them mired in 15th place in the Eastern Conference. “I understand that. I understand this is on me to clean it ... Read the full article

Jason Pominville suffered a slice tendon during the 2011 postseason. ©2013, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald

Sabres captain Pominville narrowly escaped severe Achilles injury in 2011

The word out of Pittsburgh tonight is grim. Ottawa defenseman Erik Karlsson, the reigning Norris Trophy winner and one of the NHL’s most dynamic and exciting talents, suffered a lacerated Achilles tendon when Matt Cooke’s skate sliced his leg. Karlsson’s season is likely over.

Almost two years ago, James van Riemsdyk’s skate cut Sabres captain Jason Pominville in Philadelphia, slicing a tendon. The winger’s Achilles was spared, however. Still, Pominville endured a long rehab.

Here’s ... Read the full article

This season hasn’t been easy for Lindy Ruff. ©2013, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald

Sabres possess slew of underachievers in disappointing season

BUFFALO – On the surface, it sounds like a dynamic early-season combination. Goalie Ryan Miller locked in, on top of his game. Twenty-two goals and 49 points from the Sabres’ top line, highlighted by 11 scores and 23 points from superstar Thomas Vanek.

Well, it’s added up to a 5-7-1 record, 11 points and a last-place Northeast Division standing entering tonight’s tilt in Ottawa against the Senators.

The defense, the Sabres’ supposed strength, is ... Read the full article

Tyler Ennis stands face-to-face with Brad Marchand on Sunday. ©2013, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald

Sabres give goalie Miller little help, fall to Bruins late

BUFFALO – A night after his dynamic effort stole a victory for his teammates in New York, the Sabres demanded an encore performance from goalie Ryan Miller.

Thirteen games into the season, the Sabres are a gigantic mess defensively, allowing 40 shots some nights and loads of scoring chances.

Miller can only do so much, but he dazzled again Sunday in the Sabres’ 3-1 loss to the scorching Boston Bruins, stopping 36 shots before 18,869 ... Read the full article

Matt Ellis was waived today. ©2013, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald

Sabres’ Matt Ellis has been asset for years

With no roster space left, the Sabres waived forward Matt Ellis today.

Is this the end of the 31-year-old’s five-year run with the team? Would he clear waivers? It’s possible a team will grab him. Will he make it to Rochester?

Ellis could come back right away even if he goes down. He was the Sabres’ only spare forward just days ago. Another player will get injured at some point.

Whatever happens, the hardworking ... Read the full article

Thomas Vanek’s scoring pace would be high for a normal 82-game season. ©2013, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald

Sabres can’t rely on Vanek’s sizzling production forever

BUFFALO – Follow Sabres superstar Thomas Vanek’s dynamic run closely. Enjoy watching the nifty goals, the points and knowing each time he steps on the ice something special could happen.

This might be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. NHL players just don’t score at Vanek’s torrid pace anymore.

The slick Austrian already has 10 goals and 21 points through 10 appearances, a stat line from eras past. He’s on track for 47 goals and 99 points in ... Read the full article

Jason Pominville celebrates his shootout-winning goal Thursday. ©2013, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald

Buoyed by Vanek, Sabres rally late, stun Canadiens in shootout

BUFFALO – As the final seconds ticked away Thursday toward the Sabres’ fourth straight loss, thousands of disgusted fans left the First Niagara Center. The remnants of the crowd of 18,866 booed their struggling team mercilessly.

During one of the final whistles, The Who’s “Won’t Get Fooled Again” blared loudly from the speakers, including the never-more-appropriate verse, “Meet the new boss, same as the old boss.”

Were the Sabres trying to create a good atmosphere ... Read the full article

Lindy Ruff postponed a scheduled off day Wednesday. ©2013, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald

Last-place Sabres trying to dig out of early-season hole

BUFFALO – Everything’s becoming ugly very quickly for the reeling Sabres, whose season is already on the brink of collapsing after losing three straight contests and seven of the last eight.

Three wins and seven points through 10 games have them mired in last place in the Northeast Division and 14th in the Eastern Conference following Tuesday’s 4-3 defeat in Ottawa, a game they nearly roared back and tied.

Incredibly, depending how some other ... Read the full article