Rodrigues - Buffalo Hockey Beat

Penguins ripe to be beaten by Sabres

PITTSBURGH – If not tonight, then when?

Right now, having won five straight games, the scorching Buffalo Sabres are enjoying their best streak in about nine years. Meanwhile, having lost eight consecutive contests and eight of the last nine (1-7-1), the Penguins are reeling.

So perhaps the Sabres can end their eight-game losing streak to the Penguins tonight at PPG Paints Arena.... Read the full article

Sabres’ Patrik Berglund to return against Jets

BUFFALO – The Sabres’ depth this season offers them flexibility and options they did not enjoy in recent years.

So fresh off Tuesday’s 2-1 win over the Eastern Conference-leading Tampa Bay Lightning, Sabres coach Phil Housley plans to change his lineup for Friday’s road tilt against the Winnipeg Jets.

Patrik Berglund, a healthy scratch Tuesday, will replace Evan Rodrigues at center beside Jason Pominville and Vladimir Sobotka.

“I don’t think as a coaching ... Read the full article

Versatile Vladimir Sobotka quietly key contributor to Sabres’ strong start

BUFFALO – Vladimir Sobotka’s arrival here was mostly overlooked. Of course, that isn’t surprising given the Sabres acquired the Czech forward in a blockbuster trade just hours after free agency opened.

The Sabres signed a few new players, including starting goalie Carter Hutton, early on July 1. Then they dished former NHL All-Star Ryan O’Reilly to the St. Louis Blues for three players and a first-round pick that night.

Winger Tage Thompson, perhaps ... Read the full article

Sabres’ line changes create balance

BUFFALO – By now, after 99 games as Sabres coach, Phil Housley knows his group well enough he’s confident making line changes.

Three weeks ago, when Housley put wingers Jeff Skinner and Jason Pominville beside top center Jack Eichel, the Sabres went on a tear. The line quickly morphed into one of the NHL’s best.

“It’s definitely an experience with the group and how they play and … realizing when they are going, to ... Read the full article

Sabres notes: Sam Reinhart ‘dominant’ late in shootout win

BUFFALO – Sam Reinhart and Jack Eichel have been Sabres teammates for 263 games over the last three-plus seasons.

In that time, Reinhart, 23, has compiled 67 goals and 151 points. On two occasions, the winger enjoyed a three-goal outing. In five other games, he recorded three points.

But Saturday afternoon’s 4-3 come-from-behind shootout win against the Vancouver Canucks might’ve been Reinhart’s best performance ever, according to Eichel.

“I thought Reino played awesome,” Eichel said. ... Read the full article

Sabres’ Evan Rodrigues wants to keep showcasing offense

BUFFALO – Evan Rodrigues won’t deny the drought is on his mind. While it might not be eating the affable Sabres center up, he’s aware he hasn’t scored a goal yet this season.

“Second game of the year I get robbed on an unbelievable save,” Rodrigues said Friday inside KeyBank Center. “It seems like I can’t get a break since. It’s going to go in one of these days.”

If New York Rangers goalie Henrik ... Read the full article

Sabres notes: Linus Ullmark quietly plays strong game

BUFFALO – Watching your teammates throttle an opponent and pile up goal can be a negative and positive experience, Sabres goalie Linus Ullmark said.

“It’s both boring and really fun,” Ullmark said after making 27 saves in Saturday afternoon’s 9-2 win against the Ottawa Senators. “We had some really good goals today and guys battling up front, so that’s a lot of fun for me when I’m seeing that. …

“I’m happy as long as ... Read the full article

Sabres goalie Linus Ullmark to start against Senators

BUFFALO – Sabres goalie Linus Ullmark will start this afternoon’s tilt against the Ottawa Senators, his first nod at home this season.

In three appearances, Ullmark is 2-0-1 with a 2.00 goals against average, a .935 save percentage and one shutout. The Swede hasn’t played since making 32 saves in last Saturday’s 5-4 road loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets.

“I think he’s just been very comfortable in the net,” Sabres coach Phil Housley said ... Read the full article

Sabres’ Tage Thompson to sit again; Evan Rodrigues to return

BUFFALO – Through 13 games this season, Sabres winger Tage Thompson has made nine appearances, sitting out the other four as a healthy scratch.

While Thompson, 20, possesses notable talent – look at the nifty preseason goal he scored after toe-dragging – he hasn’t done much so far with the Sabres, registering just one assist.

Sabres coach Phil Housley said Thompson will also sit out Saturday afternoon’s home tilt against the Ottawa Senators.... Read the full article

Sabres notes: Nathan Beaulieu returns feeling confident

BUFFALO – The sample size was small – just seven games before Nathan Beaulieu left the Sabres lineup. Still, in the first two weeks of 2018-19, the defenseman looked rejuvenated following a miserable season, showcasing a much calmer style.

“When I was playing, I thought I was playing with a lot more confidence,” Beaulieu said prior to returning for Tuesday’s 2-1 overtime loss to the Calgary Flames. “I wasn’t really worried about making mistakes. I ... Read the full article