WNY and Buffalo NY Hockey Coverage
Offseason Edition
Casey Mittelstadt has scored three goals in the last two games. ©2019, Hickling Images
BUFFALO – The Sabres’ torrid start has created lineup stability not felt in these parts in a long time.
Through nine games, the 7-1-1 Sabres have dressed just 21 players, only making one change – Evan Rodrigues for winger Conor Sheary – when an injury forced them.
The lineup has essentially remained intact all season entering tonight’s home game against the San Jose Sharks, right down to the same lines and defense pairs.
Health, of ... Read the full article
Nathan Beaulieu beats San Jose goalie Martin Jones on Tuesday. ©2018, Hickling Images
BUFFALO – Shortly after the Sabres’ 10th straight win, Tuesday’s thrilling 3-2 overtime triumph, defenseman Rasmus Dahlin still seemed in awe of Rasmus Ristolainen’s highlight-reel goal earlier in the night.
“It was one of the coolest goals I’ve ever seen,” Dahlin said after Jeff Skinner’s NHL-best 19th goal helped the Sabres tie the franchise record for most consecutive victories.
Almost 15 minutes into the second period, Ristolainen undressed former Norris Trophy winner Brent Burns down ... Read the full article
Tage Thompson has changed his game. ©2018, Hickling Images
BUFFALO – Earlier this season, as Sabres winger Tage Thompson struggled offensively, the thought of producing points consumed him.
“The first couple weeks, all I’m thinking about is I’m struggling to put up points,” said Thompson, who had scored three goals in the last four games entering Tuesday’s tilt against the San Jose Sharks.
Not surprisingly, Thompson’s entire game suffered. His confidence dipped. Following seven pointless outings, coach Phil Housley yanked him from the lineup.... Read the full article
Tage Thompson has scored three goals in the last four games. ©2018, Hickling Images
BUFFALO – Earlier this season, as Sabres winger Tage Thompson struggled offensively, the thought of producing points consumed him.
“The first couple weeks, all I’m thinking about is I’m struggling to put up points,” said Thompson, who has scored three goals in the last four games entering tonight’s tilt against the San Jose Sharks.
Not surprisingly, Thompson’s entire game suffered. His confidence dipped. Following seven pointless outings, coach Phil Housley yanked him from the lineup.... Read the full article
Remi Elie has been the 13th forward much of the season, ©2018, Hickling Images
BUFFALO – An upper-body injury will sideline winger Conor Sheary tonight against the San Jose Sharks, meaning Remi Elie will play again as the Sabres gun for their 10th consecutive victory.
Of course, Sabres coach Phil Housley might’ve kept Elie, his 13th forward much of the season, in the lineup if Sheary could play.
In his first appearance following 10 consecutive healthy scratches, Elie, 23, stood out in Saturday’s 3-2 shootout win in Detroit.... Read the full article
Jason Pominville is the only Sabre left from the 2006-07 team. ©2018, Hickling Images
BUFFALO – Martin Biron said he remembers it like it happened yesterday. After the Sabres’ stunning run of 10 consecutive wins to open the 2006-07 season ended, coach Lindy Ruff walked in the dressing room, looked around and grabbed a marker.
“Everybody’s heads were down, everybody was mad, everybody was angry that we had lost a game, right?” the former goalie said of the 5-4 shootout loss to the Atlanta Thrashers on Oct. 28, 2006 ... Read the full article
Evander Kane meshed well in San Jose. ©2018, Hickling Images
Suddenly, the Buffalo Sabres’ return for winger Evander Kane – remember, the trade looked pretty underwhelming three months ago – includes a first-round pick.
The San Jose Sharks officially re-signed Kane, who would’ve become an unrestricted free agent July 1, to a seven-year contract today worth $49 million, according to capfriendly.com. In keeping Kane, 26, the second-round pick in 2019 they dealt the Sabres on Feb. 26 becomes a first-rounder.... Read the full article
Evander Kane has never played in a playoff game. ©2018, Hickling Images, Olean Times Herald
BUFFALO – Throughout a miserable season, winger Evander Kane was often the Sabres’ best asset, scoring goals on a hapless team starved for offense. To general manager Jason Botterill, the nine-year veteran is a “premium” player.
So why did Botterill trade Kane to the San Jose Sharks shortly before Monday’s 3 p.m. deadline for two conditional draft picks – one could become a first-rounder, although that seems unlikely – and a marginal prospect?... Read the full article
Danny O’Regan played at Boston University. ©2018, Hickling Images, Olean Times Herald
BUFFALO – As a junior at Boston University in 2014-15, forward Danny O’Regan enjoyed a monster season, scoring 23 goals and 50 points in 41 games as the Terriers came within a whisker of a national title.
You might’ve heard of his linemates that year: Jack Eichel and Evan Rodrigues, two current Sabres. With O’Regan at left wing, they formed perhaps the NCAA’s most lethal trio.... Read the full article
The Sabres only received one legitimate offer for Evander Kane. ©2018, Hickling Images, Olean Times Herald
BUFFALO – Throughout a miserable season, winger Evander Kane was often the Sabres’ best asset, scoring goals on a hapless team starved for offense. To general manager Jason Botterill, the nine-year veteran is a “premium” player.
So why did Botterill trade Kane to the San Jose Sharks shortly before today’s 3 p.m. deadline for two conditional draft picks – one could become a first-rounder, although that seems unlikely – and a marginal prospect?... Read the full article
