Brendan Guhle will play his 10th NHL game tonight. ©2018, Micheline Veluvolu, Olean Times Herald

Sabres rookie Brendan Guhle adjusting to NHL game

BUFFALO – When the Sabres faced the Toronto Maple Leafs here 10 days ago, defenseman Brendan Guhle started his first NHL game in seven weeks poorly.

“He had a little bit of a rough start in a big game, in a big atmosphere,” Sabres coach Phil Housley said this morning inside KeyBank Center. “But as the game wore on, I thought he got more comfortable. I think he’s getting more comfortable as he’s playing his ... Read the full article

Robin Lehner makes a save on Vegas’ Tomas Hyka on Saturday afternoon. ©2018, Hickling Images, Olean Times Herald

With goalie Linus Ullmark up, Sabres have crowded net

BUFFALO – Before a rough outing last week, Sabres backup Chad Johnson was among the NHL’s hottest goalies, going 6-2-0 over a six-week stretch.

But Johnson, 31, might be getting a break soon. In fact, in the near future, he could even be scratched for some games.

Right now, the Sabres have three healthy goalies – Johnson, starter Robin Lehner and prospect Linus Ullmark – on the roster.

The Sabres recalled Ullmark, 24, their ... Read the full article

Jack Eichel pursues Detroit’s Niklas Kronwall on Oct. 24. ©2018, Hickling Images, Olean Times Herald

Sabres’ Jack Eichel out Thursday; Kyle Okposo doing well

BUFFALO – Sabres center Jack Eichel won’t be ready for Thursday’s home tilt against the Toronto Maple Leafs and will miss his 15th straight game.

Still, Eichel, who returned to practice Tuesday, has been progressing in his recovery from a high right ankle sprain. The Sabres just don’t want to rush the youngster.

“He felt really good today,” Housley said this afternoon inside KeyBank Center. “It’s one of those things we’re trying to ease ... Read the full article

Jack Eichel (15) battles Pittsburgh’s Sidney Crosby on Dec. 1. ©2018, Hickling Images, Olean Times Herald

Sabres’ Jack Eichel feels good after first practice, unsure of return

BUFFALO – After practicing more than an hour Tuesday morning, Jack Eichel’s first team session since suffering a high right ankle sprain Feb. 10, the Sabres center wouldn’t put a timetable on his return.

But Eichel, the Sabres’ leading scorer, likely couldn’t have participated in the team’s toughest practice in weeks – players just enjoyed two days off, a rarity – if he wasn’t capable of playing soon.

The Sabres host the Toronto Maple Leafs ... Read the full article

Jack Eichel (15) drives past Vancouver’s Ben Hutton on Oct. 21. ©2018, Hickling Images, Olean Times Herald

Sabres’ Jack Eichel practices, doesn’t have return date

BUFFALO – After practicing more than an hour this morning, Jack Eichel’s first team session since suffering a high right ankle sprain Feb. 10, the Sabres center wouldn’t put a timetable on his return.

But Eichel, the Sabres’ leading scorer, likely couldn’t have participated in the team’s toughest practice in weeks – players just enjoyed two days off, a rarity – if he wasn’t capable of playing soon.

The Sabres host the Toronto Maple Leafs ... Read the full article

Jack Eichel has missed 14 games. ©2018, Hickling Images, Olean Times Herald

Sabres’ Jack Eichel returns to practice

BUFFALO – Sabres center Jack Eichel is practicing with his teammates this morning for the first time since since suffering a high right ankle sprain Feb. 10.

Eichel, out the last 14 games, is the Sabres’ leading scorer with 22 goals and 53 points in 55 games.

Stay tuned for more updates. The Sabres are skating inside HarborCenter.... Read the full article

Chad Johnson (31) watches the puck Tuesday. ©2018, Hickling Images, Olean Times Herald

Sabres’ Chad Johnson one of NHL’s hottest goalies

BUFFALO – When Chad Johnson hit free agency last summer, the goalie said he could’ve pursued opportunities to join teams much better than the Sabres.

Ultimately, Johnson said his heart led to him re-signing here as a backup following a season with his hometown Calgary Flames, tonight’s opponent at KeyBank Center.

Johnson, 31, said he trusted new Sabres general manager Jason Botterill and the organization.... Read the full article

Evander Kane will almost certainly be traded. ©2018, Hickling Images, Olean Times Herald

Anything could be on table for Sabres at trade deadline

BUFFALO – Jason Botterill has never experienced a trade deadline like this one. Prior to joining the Sabres, the rookie general manager spent 10 seasons in the Pittsburgh Penguins’ front office, winning three Stanley Cups.

The Penguins contended for the Cup every season of Botterill’s tenure, meaning they loaded up for a long playoff run, dealing prospects and draft picks for talent that could help them immediately.... Read the full article

Robin Lehner has played 44 games this season. ©2018, Hickling Images, Olean Times Herald

Sabres goalie Robin Lehner needed injection for hip injury

BUFFALO – Sabres goalie Robin Lehner said a hip injury forced him to miss Monday afternoon’s 3-2 loss to the Washington Capitals.

Lehner, who took shots this morning while most of the Sabres stayed off the KeyBank Center ice, said he had a hip injection and feels “pretty good.”

“I just needed a day,” said Lehner, who expects to be ready for Thursday’s game in Detroit.... Read the full article

Phil Housley joined Nashville as an assistant coach in 2013. ©2018, Hickling Images, Olean Times Herald

Barry Trotz believes Phil Housley has plan for Sabres

BUFFALO – Barry Trotz was working late Sunday, so the Washington Capitals coach sent a trainer to see if Phil Housley, a former assistant, was still in his office inside KeyBank Center.

Housley was there, so Trotz and his old friend caught up for a little while.

Trotz, a mentor to Housley, is the NHL’s dean of coaches, having continuously led a team since 1998-99, when he took over the expansion Nashville Predators.... Read the full article