Sidney Crosby’s Penguins rank ninth in the Eastern Conference. ©2019, Hickling Images

Sabres have lost confidence since last meeting with Penguins

BUFFALO – On Nov. 19, the Sabres enjoyed one of their most impressive victories in years, roaring back to beat the Penguins 5-4 in overtime.

Back then, the Sabres possessed a strong belief they would conquer any deficit and triumph. On that night in Pittsburgh, they trailed 4-1 in the second period, yet still found a way to win their sixth straight game.

“Just the vibe of the team at that point,” Sabres coach ... Read the full article

Carter Hutton got hung out to dry Monday. ©2019, Hickling Images

Sabres hope adding established player in Brandon Montour buoys them

TORONTO – When Jason Botterill acquired high-scoring winger Jeff Skinner last summer, the general manager said he underestimated how much adding an established NHL talent to the Buffalo Sabres would excite his players.

“It wasn’t a situation talking about futures or a prospect,” Botterill told reporters Monday in Buffalo. “He was a player that helped our group right now.”

Botterill’s latest acquisition before Monday’s trade deadline, puck-moving defenseman Brandon Montour, could have the same effect ... Read the full article

Sam Reinhart has quietly enjoyed a terrific season. ©2019, Hickling Images

Sabres notes: Sam Reinhart enjoys first hat trick in Buffalo

BUFFALO – On the first of his three goals Saturday afternoon, Sabres winger Sam Reinhart showcased a little flash.

After grabbing center Evan Rodrigues’ nifty one-handed pass, Reinhart unleashed a wicked wrist shot from the right circle, beating Washington Capitals goalie Braden Holtby over the right shoulder 12:51 into the 5-2 win.

Later in the contest, Reinhart put the Sabres up two goals again, sealing the game by tipping defenseman Matt Hunwick’s shot in front ... Read the full article

Scott Wilson will play this afternoon. ©2019, Micheline Veluvolu, Rochester Americans

Sabres’ Kyle Okposo skates; Danny O’Regan, Scott Wilson to play

BUFFALO – Sabres winger Kyle Okposo, out since suffering a concussion last Friday, skated this morning, coach Phil Housley said.

“That’s a great sign,” Housley said inside KeyBank Center. “He’s got a smile on his face. So those are all good signs for us.”

Okposo, 30, has a concerning history of concussions. The veteran hasn’t played since suffering another one fighting New York Rangers defenseman Tony DeAngelo.

Housley believes Okposo will play again this season.... Read the full article

Kyle Okposo rarely fights. ©2019, Hickling Images

Sabres’ Kyle Okposo OK after fight, will go on road trip

BUFFALO – Winger Kyle Okposo, who left Friday’s 6-2 loss to the New York Rangers after fighting defenseman Tony DeAngelo, will accompany the Sabres on their three-game road trip, coach Phil Housley said.

Okposo, 30, did not practice this morning inside Harborcenter. Housley said Okposo, who has a concerning history of concussions, did not suffer another one.

“Kyle’s doing well,” Housley said inside KeyBank Center. “We just kept him off the ice as ... Read the full article

Jake McCabe and the New York Rangers’ Cristoval Nieves fall to the ice Friday. ©2019, Hickling Images

Sabres searching for answers after rough loss to Rangers

BUFFALO – This is all new for the Sabres – the high expectations, the strong sense of urgency they must showcase throughout their most meaningful tilts in seven years.

On Friday, the Sabres could’ve won their third game in four tries, closed out two weeks at home on a high note and inched two points closer to the Eastern Conference’s second wild card spot.

Instead, they imploded again, falling behind two goals early and ... Read the full article

Casey Mittelstadt will miss his second game tonight. ©2019, Hickling Images

Sabres’ Zach Bogosian set to return; Casey Mittelstadt out again

BUFFALO – Defenseman Zach Bogosian, who ranks second on the Sabres in ice time, will return tonight after a lower-body injury sidelined him two games.

To make room, defenseman Matt Hunwick will be scratched against the New York Rangers.

A lower-body injury, meanwhile, will force center Casey Mittelstadt to miss his second straight game. The rookie skated this morning and is day-to-day, Sabres coach Phil Housley said.... Read the full article

Jeff Skinner tries to score on New York Islanders goalie Robin Lehner on Tuesday. ©2019, Hickling Images

Timely goals, strong defense help Sabres down Islanders

BUFFALO – Suddenly, after weeks of regularly shirking their duties and allowing four or five goals a game, the Sabres have started clamping down defensively.

The results? Two wins over a three-game stretch while giving up just five goals. Following some downright awful defensive displays earlier in their seven-game home stand, the Sabres have finally started showcasing structure again.

Tuesday’s 3-1 victory against the New York Islanders doesn’t rank among their most exciting triumphs this ... Read the full article

Casey Mittelstadt left the ice early this morning. ©2019, Hickling Images

Sabres’ Casey Mittelstadt game-time decision for Islanders

BUFFALO – Sabres center Casey Mittelstadt suffered a “little bang” and is game-time decision for tonight’s tilt against the New York Islanders, coach Phil Housley said.

If Mittelstadt can’t play, another rookie, winger C.J. Smith, will move in. Mittelstadt left the ice a little early this morning.

Update: A lower-body injury will force Mittelstadt to miss tonight’s game.

Having compiled two goals and seven points over the last 10 games, Mittelstadt, 20, is enjoying ... Read the full article

Sabres coach Phil Housley called Jack Eichel a “force” Sunday afternoon. ©2019, Hickling Images

Sabres’ Jack Eichel earning more ice time than ever

BUFFALO – In his four-year NHL career, center Jack Eichel has never consistently earned more ice time than in the past three weeks. The Sabres’ most meaningful games in seven seasons have prominently featured their captain.

Other than Saturday afternoon’s 3-1 win, a game the Sabres controlled, allowing Phil Housley to rest Eichel a bit for Sunday’s game, the coach has utilized his leading scorer a lot. Eichel has skated at least 20 minutes, ... Read the full article