Mikhail Grigorenko played his 15th NHL game Saturday. ©2013, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald

Grigorenko plays little in return; Leino feeling better, wants Sabres to have ‘higher demands’

BUFFALO – Sitting out hockey games, watching them in a suit from the press box high above the ice was a new and difficult experience for 18-year-old Sabres rookie Mikhail Grigorenko, a healthy scratch three straight games and four of the last six before returning Saturday.

“I think every hockey player wants to play hockey,” Grigorenko said prior to the Sabres’ 4-0 loss to the New York Islanders inside the First Niagara Center, his first ... Read the full article

Mikhail Grigorenko will play tonight after sitting three straight games. ©2013, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald

Grigorenko set to return; Leino skates, wants Sabres to have ‘higher demands’

BUFFALO – Sitting out hockey games, watching them in a suit from the press box high above the ice was a new and difficult experience for 18-year-old Sabres rookie Mikhail Grigorenko, a healthy scratch the past three games and four of the last six.

The Russian center will finally play again tonight when the Sabres host the New York Islanders, his first appearance under new interim coach Ron Rolston.

“I think every hockey player ... Read the full article

Ron Rolston will make his NHL coaching debut tonight in Toronto. ©2013, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald

Sabres tab Rolston to replace Ruff on interim basis

BUFFALO – When word began spreading Wednesday the Sabres had fired Lindy Ruff, the hockey world immediately started wondering who would succeed the NHL’s longest-tenured coach.

Would the Sabres hire an unproven young NHL assistant or an AHL coach? Would they try to make a big splash? Or would they simply turn to James Patrick, Ruff’s most-trusted assistant?

The Sabres’ decision to promote Rochester Americans coach Ron Rolston and award him the interim label for ... Read the full article

Teams have until noon Thursday to claim Cody McCormick. ©2013, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald

Sabres talking about other moves after waiving McCormick

BUFFALO – Naturally, waiving gritty forward Cody McCormick today begs the question: do the struggling Sabres have another move in mind?

“We’ve talked about it,” Sabres coach Lindy Ruff said this afternoon following a 90-minute practice inside the First Niagara Center. “It hasn’t been confirmed yet.”

Does that mean a recall from Rochester or even a trade could be imminent? Stay tuned.

The Rochester Democrat and Chronicle’s Kevin Oklobzija floated the theory McCormick’s roster spot ... Read the full article

Christian Ehrhoff isn’t practicing today. ©2013, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald

Ehrhoff and Ennis missing from practice; McCormick on waivers

BUFFALO – Defenseman Christian Ehrhoff and center Tyler Ennis are missing from Sabres practice this afternoon inside the First Niagara Center. Stay tuned for an update later. Ehrhoff blocked a shot with his chest Sunday.

In addition, forward Cody McCormick, who’s practicing, is on waivers today, according to TSN’s Bob McKenzie.

Fresh off Tuesday’s wretched 2-1 loss to Winnipeg, today could an interesting day.

Here are today’s lines from left to right:

Thomas Vanek, Cody ... Read the full article

T.J. Brennan returned to the lineup Tuesday. ©2013, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald

Sabres rookie T.J. Brennan replaces struggling Jordan Leopold

BUFFALO – The gaffe gnawed away at Jordan Leopold. His blown coverage on Pascal Dupuis’ late tying goal a day earlier left the struggling Sabres defenseman “upset … the whole day” Monday, he said.

The 32-year-old, a veteran of 602 NHL games, probably felt even worse Tuesday morning.

For Lindy Ruff, leaving Dupuis wide open in the right circle, something Leopold called an “easy read,” was the last straw. The Sabres coach scratched Leopold for ... Read the full article

Jordan Leopold skates this morning. ©2013, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald

Struggling Leopold to sit as Sabres turn to rookie Brennan

BUFFALO – Jordan Leopold walked into the dressing room following a long skate this morning, began taking off his equipment and noticed a few reporters waiting to chat with him.

The struggling defenseman was the last player off the ice for a reason.

“You guys smell blood or what?” joked Leopold, who will sit as a healthy scratch tonight against the Winnipeg Jets inside the First Niagara Center.

Leopold, a team-worst minus-7, has never been ... 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

Alexander Sulzer skates this morning. ©2013, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald

Sabres’ Scott back in lineup against Bruins as Sulzer sits again

BUFFALO – The 15th-place Sabres will make one lineup change for tonight’s tilt against the Boston Bruins inside the First Niagara Center, inserting tough guy John Scott for Cody McCormick up front.

Scott sat Tuesday’s 2-0 loss in Ottawa, his first healthy scratch this season. The enforcer had a memorable knockout of the Bruins’ Shawn Thornton on Jan. 31.

Meanwhile, defensemen T.J. Brennan and Alexander Sulzer will sit again as healthy scratches.

Sulzer, ... Read the full article

Tyler Myers will be scratched again tonight. ©2013, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald

Sabres’ Myers still out as Regehr returns; Ellis on waivers

BUFFALO – Tyler Myers, an NHL-worst minus-9 this season, will sit his second straight game tonight, the struggling defenseman told the Times Herald.

It’s also expected defenseman Robyn Regehr will return tonight inside the First Niagara Center following a seven-game absence (lower body). Rookie T.J. Brennan could sit against the Boston Bruins.

With Regehr on injured reserve and the Sabres at the 23-man roster limit, the Sabres placed Matt Ellis, a healthy scratch recently, ... Read the full article