Rochester Americans - Buffalo Hockey Beat

Reeling Sabres playing close games

BUFFALO – When did we see this type of stretch from the Sabres – lots of dull, tight games they inevitably lose – before?

About three weeks ago, shortly after the season started, when they dropped four straight contests. After a brief turnaround, the Sabres are experiencing a similarly dreadful run entering tonight’s tilt against the Tampa Bay Lightning, the start of a four-game home stand at KeyBank Center.

Having lost five straight games (0-3-2), ... Read the full article

Sabres’ Ryan O’Reilly questionable for Lightning; Jack Eichel progressing

BUFFALO – Top Sabres center Ryan O’Reilly, out the last two games with a “mid-body” injury, is questionable for Thursday’s home tilt against Tampa Bay, coach Dan Bylsma said.

O’Reilly, who’s day-to-day, skated this morning on his own and is “progressing,” Bylsma said.

The Sabres held a team meeting today instead of practicing following Tuesday’s 4-1 loss in St. Louis, their fifth straight setback (0-3-2).

The 5-7-4 Sabres have six one-goal losses. In some ... Read the full article

Sabres’ Dmitry Kulikov out against Blues

BUFFALO – Some quick updates from HarborCenter, where the Sabres practiced about an hour this morning before flying to St. Louis:

– The Sabres plan to recall some players before Tuesday’s road tilt against the Blues. Only 17 players – 10 forwards, five defensemen and two goalies – practiced today.

They need a defenseman and at least one forward. Defenseman Dmitry Kulikov (undisclosed injury) missed today’s practice and will miss his third straight game Tuesday, ... Read the full article

Sabres send 3 to Amerks

BUFFALO – The Sabres sent wingers Nick Baptiste and Cole Schneider and defenseman Justin Falk back to the AHL today.

Hours after playing in the Sabres’ 4-2 road loss Saturday in New Jersey, all three skated in the Rochester Americans’ 3-2 road win against the Springfield Thunderbirds this afternoon.

Baptiste scored two goals, upping his AHL season total to five goals and seven points in six games.

The Sabres, who have been dealing with injuries ... Read the full article

Sabres’ Derek Grant finding ways to contribute

BUFFALO – Derek Grant’s rather unimpressive stat line – zero goals and just one assist through 14 games – doesn’t tell the whole story. At first glance, it appears the Sabres’ fourth-line center has endured a rough month.

After all, Grant, 26, was the Sabres’ best player throughout training camp, helping him vault from a depth player likely ticketed for the AHL into regular NHL duty.

“He adds more to our team than scoring ... Read the full article

Sabres recall Justin Falk for injured Dmitry Kulikov; Jack Eichel skating

BUFFALO – Down one day, up the next. Repeat for six months. For the last three seasons, Sabres newcomer Justin Falk has served as a depth defenseman for three organizations, constantly shuttling between the NHL and AHL.

“Over the last two or three years I’ve hopped back and forth quite a bit,” Falk, 28, said after the Sabres recalled him this morning. “Just another day for me to go about my business. It’s just a ... Read the full article

Sabres lose shootout to Senators

BUFFALO – In the modern NHL, contests like the Sabres’ 2-1 shootout loss to the Ottawa Senators – low-scoring, drab affairs – are all too common.

An abundance of speed and slick talent in the game hasn’t translated into more entertainment or goals. Instead, teams executive rigid systems, playing it conservative.

Wednesday’s snoozer before 17,884 fans inside KeyBank Center was a prime example.

“I don’t think either team gives a lot of room out there, ... Read the full article

Sabres’ defense providing little offense; Evander Kane returns

BUFFALO – Sabres defenseman Cody Franson isn’t concerned. Neither is coach Dan Bylsma.

Thirteen games into the season, the Sabres are the only team without a goal from a defenseman.

“I could care less if I score one goal in a season,” Franson said Wednesday prior to the Sabres’ 2-1 shootout loss to the Ottawa Senators. “For me, assists, getting pucks there for other guys to score are just as important as how many goals ... Read the full article

Speed, tenacity earned William Carrier recall to Sabres

BUFFALO – If William Carrier had stayed healthy late last season, the Sabres prospect likely would’ve earned his first trip to the NHL. But Carrier, an often overlooked winger, broke his hand in March.

When this season started, the Sabres passed on him twice to recall Justin Bailey and Nick Baptiste. Carrier, meanwhile, kept impressing in the AHL, compiling three goals and four points in seven games.

The Sabres decided Carrier, 21, deserved a chance, ... Read the full article

Sabres notes: Maple Leafs goalie Jhonas Enroth waited to find new job

BUFFALO – This city, Jhonas Enroth said, will always “have a soft spot in my heart.” The Swede grew up with the Sabres, often performing like the team’s goalie of the future during his 118-game run here.

But almost two years after his last appearance with the Sabres, “the feeling is starting to cool down a little bit,” Enroth said Thursday prior to the Sabres’ 2-1 loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs.

The Leafs are ... Read the full article