Cody McCormick just finished his first AHL stint since 2009-10. ©2013, Micheline Veluvolu, Rochester AmericansROCHESTER – In an instant, Cody McCormick vanished from the NHL.
On Feb. 20, the struggling Buffalo Sabres waived the gritty forward mid-practice, then immediately yanked him from the ice, a demeaning exit for a popular veteran who fought 26 times during his 139-game tenure.
McCormick then showered, left the First Niagara Center and went home. He reported to the Americans after clearing waivers the next day, his first AHL stint since 2009-10.
“At no time did they tell me the day before …
Zemgus Girgensons scored three times in three playoff games. ©2013, Dan Hickling Olean Times HeraldROCHESTER – Interim Americans coach Chadd Cassidy called the AHL a “man’s league,” and, well, Zemgus Girgensons is still a kid, just 19 years old.
As a teenage rookie, Girgensons was supposed to play a supporting role during the Amerks’ first-round playoff series against the powerhouse Toronto Marlies. The Latvian winger scored only six goals in 61 regular-season games this year.
But Girgensons, a hard-hitting prospect the Buffalo Sabres moved up to select 14th overall in 2012, quickly morphed into one of …
Mikhail Grigorenko played about 90 games in three leagues this season. ©2013, Dan Hickling, Olean Times HeraldROCHESTER – Nine months, three leagues and about 90 games later, Mikhail Grigorenko’s whirlwind season is over.
Each stop – the QMJHL, the NHL and finally the AHL – energized the 18-year-old Russian, who just joined the Americans for their first-round playoff series.
Still, after Wednesday’s 3-2 overtime loss to the Toronto Marlies eliminated the Amerks, the center acknowledged the long campaign had worn him out.
“A little bit I’m tired mentally,” Grigorenko said inside the Blue Cross War Memorial. “If we would’ve …
Drew Stafford scored his first goal in the Sabres' 15th game. ©2013, Dan Hickling, Olean Times HeraldBUFFALO – For some perspective on Drew Stafford’s disappointing six-goal, 18-point season, consider the winger compiled seven goals and 17 points during a torrid 12-game stretch late last year.
Stafford assembled his awful numbers in 46 contests this season. The 27-year-old scored his first goal in the Sabres’ 15th game. He was a healthy scratch twice. Rookie Brian Flynn equaled his goal output in 20 fewer appearances.
Remember, Stafford scored 32 times in only 62 games two years ago, earning a four-year, …
Darcy Regier is putting the Stanley Cup, the ultimate goal, ahead of simply reaching the postseason. ©2013, Dan Hickling, Olean Times HeraldBUFFALO – The Sabres want their rabid fan base to understand something, general manager Darcy Regier said. The organization’s new philosophy – one that embraces building for a Stanley Cup, not simply making the playoffs – could require some suffering.
“We have gone with more determination in a very distinct direction, which is about the Stanley Cup,” Regier said Monday during a contentious and even bizarre 46-minute season-ending news conference inside the First Niagara Center. “So I feel good about it. …
Ted Black jabbed with reporters Monday. ©2013, Dan Hickling, Olean Times HeraldBUFFALO – The Sabres’ season-ending news conference Monday started innocently enough.
Sabres president Ted Black said Darcy Regier would be returning as general manager. Regier talked about interim coach Ron Rolston’s future, which will be determined later.
But that tranquility only lasted briefly. The atmosphere inside the cramped First Niagara Center press room quickly became contentious.
Within minutes, reporters started hammering Black on the Sabres’ decision to announce their 4 percent season-ticket increase on Friday, Fan Appreciation Night. Black was accused of taking …
Darcy Regier said his goal is to win a Stanley Cup, not simply make the postseason. ©2013, Dan Hickling, Olean Times HeraldBUFFALO – The Sabres want their rabid fan base to understand something, general manager Darcy Regier said. The organization’s new philosophy – one that embraces building for a Stanley Cup, not simply making the playoffs – could require some suffering.
“We have gone with more determination in a very distinct direction, which is about the Stanley Cup,” Regier said this afternoon during a contentious and even bizarre 46-minute season-ending news conference inside the First Niagara Center. “So I feel good about …
Jhonas Enroth played well down the stretch. ©2013, Dan Hickling, Olean Times HeraldBUFFALO – After 45 NHL starts, Sabres backup Jhonas Enroth believes he’s ready to assume regular duty. The 24-year-old wants to be a No. 1 goalie badly.
There’s just one problem.
“Ryan’s the starter here,” Enroth said Saturday as the Sabres cleaned out their lockers inside the First Niagara Center.
But how much longer will Ryan Miller be the starter?
It’s widely believed the Sabres will try to trade the franchise goalie following their disappointing 12th-place finish.
That could leave Enroth, the No. 2 the …
Ryan Miller could be traded this offseason. ©2013, Dan Hickling, Olean Times HeraldBUFFALO – With his future as the Sabres’ franchise goalie iffy, Ryan Miller said he’s trying to find a balance. The veteran doesn’t want to jump to any conclusions as rumors swirl he’ll be traded from the struggling club this offseason.
For years, one of Miller’s greatest strengths has been becoming “really focused and fired up,” he said. But that hurt him at times.
So the 32-year-old wants to “let go just a little bit.”
“I’m just trying to be open to the …
Tyler Myers struggled much of this season. ©2013, Dan Hickling, Olean Times HeraldBUFFALO – Sabres defenseman Tyler Myers said the season-ending hairline fracture he suffered in his left leg April 11 “could’ve been a blessing in disguise.”
The injury allowed the 23-year-old to spend a few weeks working with the team’s strength and conditioning staff.
“(We) just had a lot of talks about what was expected, what was needed,” Myers said Saturday as the Sabres cleaned out their lockers inside the First Niagara Center. “It’s just more preparation going into the offseason.”
Myers, 6-foot-8 and …