Nick Deslauriers has zero points in 22 games this season. ©2017, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald

Sabres’ Nick Deslauriers seeing less action

BUFFALO – Chat with Nick Deslauriers for a few minutes, and if the subject turns to fighting, the affable Sabres winger usually perks up.

Deslauriers, 25, relishes his job as the Sabres’ chief protector. In his 196-game NHL career, he has 15 fights and 12 goals.

“That’s what I want to bring, just safety for all the guys that are on the ice with me,” Deslauriers said Friday prior to being scratched for the Sabres’ ... Read the full article

Anders Nilsson (31) tries to make a stop Dec. 6. ©2017, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald

Sabres goalie Anders Nilsson to start against Red Wings

BUFFALO – Sabres coach Dan Bylsma has no explanation for goalie Anders Nilsson’s wild home and road splits.

Consider the statistics Nilsson, who will start tonight against the Detroit Red Wings, has accumulated in 17 games: on the road, he’s just 2-5-3 with a 3.11 goals-against average and a .905 save percentage in nine outings. At KeyBank Center, however, he’s 5-1-1 with a 1.84 and a .947 in seven contests.

“They can be misleading and ... Read the full article

Tyler Ennis was all smiles after scoring early Monday afternoon. ©2017, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald

Sabres’ Tyler Ennis scores early in return, attempts lacrosse-style goal

BUFFALO – In Monday afternoon’s warm-ups, Sabres winger Tyler Ennis said he felt “rusty.” Sitting out 30 straight games following groin surgery, of course, will do that.

So the team’s longest-tenured player could’ve been forgiven if he didn’t showcase some of his usual creativity and speed for a period or two against the Dallas Stars.

Then on Ennis’ first shift since Nov. 7, he pounced on John Klingberg’s errant pass, skated a few strides into ... Read the full article

Cal O’Reilly played four NHL games earlier this season. ©2017, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald

Sabres recall Cal O’Reilly; Tyler Ennis set to return

BUFFALO – With no fourth-line center on the roster, the Sabres recalled Cal O’Reilly this morning prior to their tilt against the Dallas Stars.

Sabres winger Tyler Ennis will also return after missing 30 games following groin surgery, so 13 forwards will take the pregame warm-up, coach Dan Bylsma said.

Update: Winger Nick Deslauriers is the odd man out.

Ennis hasn’t played since Nov. 7.

O’Reilly, 30, has eight goals and 34 points in 34 ... Read the full article

Just Bailey has played nine NHL games this season. ©2017, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald

Sabres send Justin Bailey, Linus Ullmark to Amerks

BUFFALO – The Sabres sent winger Justin Bailey and goalie Linus Ullmark back to the Rochester Americans today.

Bailey’s assignment means winger Tyler Ennis, out since undergoing groin surgery Nov. 10, could return Monday against Dallas. Ennis began practicing with the Sabres again in late December.

The Sabres summoned Ullmark because goalie Robin Lehner was battling the flu.

Bailey has one goal in nine NHL games this season. Ullmark hasn’t made an NHL appearance ... Read the full article

Derek Grant played 35 games with the Sabres. ©2017, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald

Predators claim Derek Grant from Sabres

BUFFALO – As noon, the end of the 24-hour waiver period, approached, Derek Grant was told to stop practicing with the Sabres and leave the ice.

Why?

The Nashville Predators claimed the center on waivers today, robbing the Sabres of some valuable depth they wanted to send to the AHL Rochester Americans.

“It’s a new experience for me,” Grant, who was still wearing his Sabres jersey and equipment, told the Times Herald. “Obviously, I’m excited ... Read the full article

Kyle Okposo has produced offense this season. ©2017, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald

Sabres’ Kyle Okposo thrilled with NHL All-Star selection

BUFFALO – So far, just 39 games into his career here, Kyle Okposo has lived up to his billing as one of the NHL’s most underrated scorers. The winger has quietly been the Sabres’ most consistent forward, compiling 12 goals and 27 points, both team highs.

Okposo’s strong season was rewarded Tuesday with a spot in the NHL All-Star Game for the first time in his 10-year career. The Minnesota native will represent the Atlantic ... Read the full article

Linus Ullmark has been a workhorse in Rochester. ©2017, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald

Amerks’ Cole Schneider, Linus Ullmark named to AHL All-Star roster

Rochester Americans forward Cole Schneider and goalie Linus Ullmark have been named to the AHL North Division All-Star roster, the league announced today.

Both players have spent time with the Buffalo Sabres.

Schneider, a Williamsville native and St. Joe’s graduate, leads the Amerks and ranks second in the AHL with 34 points in 28 games. His 14 goals rank second on the team and seventh in the league.

Schneider, 26, has 12 multi-point games his ... Read the full article

Karen Buscaglia with her son Justin Bailey. ©2017, Margaret Hickling, Olean Times Herald

Sabres prospect Justin Bailey’s first NHL goal emotional for mother

WILLIAMSVILLE – The emotional scene that followed Buffalo Sabres rookie Justin Bailey’s first NHL goal Tuesday night “was insane,” said his mother, Karen Buscaglia.

“I cried instantly when he scored,” said Buscaglia, who watched the game at her cousin’s house with five other family members. “Then I screamed and then I cried. We were just jumping up and down.”

As an elated Bailey celebrated in New York’s Madison Square Garden by bending over and pumping ... Read the full article

Taylor Fedun played eight NHL games earlier this season. ©2017, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald

Sabres recall Taylor Fedun from Amerks

BUFFALO – With defenseman Josh Gorges battling a hip pointer, the Sabres recalled Taylor Fedun from the Rochester Americans this afternoon.

The Sabres start a two-game road trip tonight against the New York Rangers.

Fedun, 28, compiled four assists during an eight-game NHL stint earlier this season. In 20 AHL appearances this season, the Princeton product has four goals and points, tops among Amerks defensemen. His .85 points a game ranks ninth among AHL defensemen.... Read the full article