Sheary - Buffalo Hockey Beat

Sabres’ Evan Rodrigues generating confidence after slow start

BUFFALO – In their first 13 games, the Sabres have showcased one of the NHL’s slickest offenses, scoring 43 goals, an average of 3.3 a game.

At their current pace, they would score 271 times over 82 contests, their highest full-season total since 2006-07.

Five Sabres have already scored at least 10 points. Fifteen players have registered at least four points.

Only one Sabre who has played more than two games is still pointless: winger ... Read the full article

Sabres’ Casey Mittelstadt, linemates starting to score after slow start

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

Sabres send Curtis Lazar to Amerks

The Buffalo Sabres sent forward Curtis Lazar back to the Rochester Americans this afternoon.

Winger Conor Sheary returned from his upper-body injury for Thursday’s 3-0 win against the Los Angeles Kings, giving the Sabres two extra forwards.

The Sabres, who close their three-game road trip Saturday against the San Jose Sharks, scratched Lazar all three games he was with them.... Read the full article

Jimmy Vesey happy with Sabres, says start has been ‘good and bad’

BUFFALO – Sabres winger Jimmy Vesey has quickly learned to like what his new city offers, including the easy drive to work.

Vesey, who spent three seasons with the New York Rangers, already knows he can get anywhere in about 15 or 20 minutes.

“There’s a big convenience factor, I think, in terms of commuting and everything like that,” Vesey said prior to Monday afternoon’s 4-0 win over the Dallas Stars. “I’m settling in nice.”... Read the full article

Sabres notes: Vladimir Sobotka shaking off poor season, earning respect

BUFFALO – In the first period Monday afternoon, Sabres coach Ralph Krueger tapped winger Vladimir Sobotka for two defensive-zone draws.

“He went right out there and cleanly won them and took us out of our end,” Krueger said following the Sabres’ 4-0 victory over the Dallas Stars inside KeyBank Center.

Then 4:20 into the third period, Sobotka’s nifty pass past a sliding defender created linemate Jeff Skinner’s goal.

The Czech’s first point this season put ... Read the full article

Sabres recall Curtis Lazar from Amerks

BUFFALO – The Sabres recalled forward Curtis Lazar from the Rochester Americans this afternoon.

Lazar, 24, will likely accompany the Sabres on their three-game western road trip that begins Wednesday to serve as their extra forward.

The Amerks scratched Lazar from today’s road game against the Hartford Wolf Pack.

The Sabres have had only 12 healthy forwards since winger Conor Sheary suffered an upper-body injury last week. Sheary skated on his own today.... Read the full article

Sabres’ Ralph Krueger, Canadiens’ Claude Julien share mutual respect

BUFFALO – Six years ago, Ralph Krueger’s job as a consultant for Team Canada’s Olympic entry at the Sochi Games offered the Sabres coach a chance to discuss hockey with some the game’s greatest minds.

Mike Babcock, Ken Hitchcock, Claude Julien and former Sabres coach Lindy Ruff all served on Canada’s coaching staff.

“It was the best hockey coaching symposium you could go through with that group because of the way everybody exchanged everything,” Krueger ... Read the full article

Sabres’ Conor Sheary week-to-week; Evan Rodrigues set for season debut

BUFFALO – Right now, the Sabres don’t plan to recall a forward to replace winger Conor Sheary, who’s week-to-week after suffering an upper-body injury Monday, the team announced this morning.

The Sabres have 12 healthy forwards for tonight’s game against the Montreal Canadiens, which is enough for coach Ralph Krueger and general manager Jason Botterill.

Evan Rodrigues, a healthy scratch the first three games, practiced Tuesday in Sheary’s spot at right wing beside ... Read the full article

Sabres’ Evan Rodrigues to make season debut Wednesday

BUFFALO – When Evan Rodrigues found out he would be starting the season as the Sabres’ 13th forward, he said he was “shocked.”

“That was obviously not a situation I thought I’d be in,” Rodrigues, who will make his season debut Wednesday, said following today’s practice inside KeyBank Center.

Rodrigues, 26, played 74 contests last season, showcasing his versatility up and down the lineup at center and both wing positions.

In late July, an arbitrator ... Read the full article

Sabres dominate Penguins early, win Ralph Krueger’s debut as coach

PITTSBURGH – Throughout training camp, coach Ralph Krueger insisted his Sabres had embraced the new ideas he and his coaching staff brought to Buffalo.

Krueger wants the Sabres to play fast, stay connected and utilize their instincts. It might take sacrificing a little offense, but in the end, he believes they can reap rewards from the aggressive new approach.

Based on Thursday’s 3-1, season-opening win against the Penguins, Krueger’s message is getting through to the ... Read the full article