Sobotka - Buffalo Hockey Beat

Sabres finish October in solid spot

BUFFALO – If you had told Phil Housley prior to the season the Sabres would finish October a solid 6-4-2, the second-year coach said he would’ve been pretty happy.

The Sabres, of course, hardly enjoyed a perfect month. They suffered some blowout losses. Right now, they’ve lost two straight games in overtime.

Still, the Sabres have a five-game point streak (3-0-2) entering Thursday’s tilt in Ottawa. They’re clearly a much better team than last season, ... 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

Sabres rookie Rasmus Dahlin has new partner; Tage Thompson to play again

BUFFALO – If you’re counting, Sabres veteran Rasmus Ristolainen will become rookie Rasmus Dahlin’s third defense partner in just his 12th NHL appearance.

Dahlin, 18, started with Jake McCabe before moving beside Casey Nelson, acquitting himself well with both.

So why move Dahlin for tonight’s tilt against the Calgary Flames? Wouldn’t some stability benefit the first overall pick?

Sabres coach Phil Housley said he partnered Dahlin with Ristolainen to give the talented neophyte “more of ... Read the full article

Sabres notes: Sam Reinhart looking better beside new linemates

BUFFALO – Points-wise, Sabres winger Sam Reinhart began Thursday’s 4-3 win against the Montreal Canadiens enjoying the best nine-game start of his career.

Of course, Reinhart, 22, hadn’t exactly experienced a rollicking October before his first goal this season tied Thursday’s contest at 13:07 into the third period. So far, he has six points.

Fresh off a 25-goal, 50-point campaign in which he scored 18 goals and 37 points over the final 38 games, ... Read the full article

Sabres’ Sam Reinhart generating more offense beside new linemates

BUFFALO – Points-wise, this is the best start of Sam Reinhart’s career. In his first nine outings of a season, the Sabres winger had never hit the five-point mark.

Of course, Reinhart, 22, hasn’t exactly enjoyed a rollicking October. He has zero goals and five assists entering tonight’s tilt against the Montreal Canadiens at KeyBank Center.

Fresh off a 25-goal, 50-point campaign in which he scored 18 goals and 37 points over the final 38 ... Read the full article

Sabres’ Jeff Skinner moves to line with Casey Mittelstadt

BUFFALO – The tenacity Sabres winger Jeff Skinner has showcased early this season impresses coach Phil Housley.

“I really like the way he’s working, his forechecking,” Housley said this afternoon inside KeyBank Center. “He steals pucks and he strips pucks. (I like) the way he’s coming back into our zone. There’s just nothing evolving from that point.”

Skinner, 26, is pointless in first four outings with the Sabres. So Housley moved the left winger, an ... Read the full article

Sabres’ Zach Bogosian practices, staying positive through injury

BUFFALO – Zach Bogosian wouldn’t get into specifics. For the past two weeks, including the Sabres’ first three games this season, a lower-body injury has sidelined the defenseman.

Bogosian refused to say if his current ailment is related to the season-ending hip surgery he underwent a year ago.

“Everyone’s going to speculate,” Bogosian said today after practicing with his teammates for the first time since getting hurt Sept. 25. “Left side, right side, hip surgery, ... Read the full article

Sabres notes: Jason Pominville’s goal reward for fourth line’s strong play

BUFFALO – In past seasons, the line comprised of center Evan Rodrigues and wingers Zemgus Girgensons and Jason Pominville would’ve been the Sabres’ third or even second combination.

But for the first time in years, the Sabres have legitimate NHL depth, so the trio is actually their fourth line.

Well, in terms of ice time, it’s the fourth line.... Read the full article

Sabres notes: Remi Elie believes he can produce more offense

BUFFALO – In his 91-game NHL career, Remi Elie has compiled seven goals and 21 points. The Dallas Stars utilized him as a checker, a role he continued Saturday as a fourth-line winger in his Sabres debut.

But in Elie, 23, Phil Housley sees a youngster who possesses the talents to morph into a scorer. Since the Sabres claimed him on waivers Tuesday, the coach has been praising the former second-round pick.

“When he gets ... Read the full article

Phil Housley to Sabres after loss: ‘The sun came up’

BUFFALO – Coach Phil Housley’s firm voice cut through the din of Friday’s practice every few minutes.

“He was definitely vocal,” winger Kyle Okposo said after the Sabres prepared for tonight’s home tilt against the New York Rangers. “I think we got the message.”

Actually, Housley relayed multiple messages Friday morning, hours after an embarrassing 4-0 loss left him seething. He delivered his first before practice.... Read the full article