Buffalo Hockey Beat - WNY and Buffalo NY Hockey Coverage

Sabres’ Tyler Ennis feeling healthy again

BUFFALO – It’s the surest sign Tyler Ennis has regained some of his slick form after undergoing early-season groin surgery and struggling for months. The speedy Sabres winger has started showcasing his old burst.

Just over halfway into Wednesday’s 2-1 win, a rebound squirted into the slot between two Montreal Canadiens defensemen. Ennis read the play perfectly, zooming in and beating them to the loose puck.

A split-second later, Ennis scored his first goal since ... Read the full article

Reports: Kyle Okposo hospitalized in intensive care; Sabres beat Canadiens

BUFFALO – Sabres winger Kyle Okposo is hospitalized and in intensive care at Buffalo General Hospital, according to two reports.

Okposo, 28, is in the Neuro Surgical ICU, according to WGR. The Buffalo News also confirmed the report.

Prior to Wednesday’s 2-1 win against the Montreal Canadiens, Sabres coach Dan Bylsma said he was “very concerned” about Okposo, who has undergone testing and been out of the lineup since last week.... Read the full article

Reports: Sabres’ Kyle Okposo hospitalized in intensive care

BUFFALO – Sabres winger Kyle Okposo is hospitalized and in intensive care at Buffalo General Hospital, according to two reports.

Okposo, 28, is in the Neuro Surgical ICU, according to WGR. The Buffalo News also confirmed the report.

Prior to Wednesday’s game against the Montreal Canadiens, Sabres coach Dan Bylsma said he was “very concerned” about Okposo, who has undergone testing.... Read the full article

Sabres’ Ryan O’Reilly sick of losing: ‘It’s getting exhausting’

BUFFALO – At this point, as the Sabres stumble at the end of another disappointing season, frustration has started overwhelming Ryan O’Reilly.

O’Reilly, 26, has experienced enough losing. The popular center passionately called out himself and his teammates to be better during a brutally honest chat with the media prior to Wednesday’s home finale against the Montreal Canadiens, a 2-1 win.

“I’m sick of losing,” O’Reilly said inside KeyBank Center. “It’s getting exhausting and ... Read the full article

Former Sabres captain Steve Ott ready for playoff run with Canadiens

BUFFALO – Steve Ott knows that at 34 years old, he only has a few cracks left at trying to win his first Stanley Cup. That’s why the former Sabres captain was so excited to join the Montreal Canadiens last month, what he called “a special team.”

The Canadiens have 101 points and have already clinched the Atlantic Division. They’re built to win the Cup this season.

This could be the best opportunity of ... Read the full article

Sabres’ Ryan O’Reilly frustrated by losing: ‘It’s pathetic’

BUFFALO – At this point, as the Sabres stumble at the end of another disappointing season, frustration has started overwhelming Ryan O’Reilly.

O’Reilly, 26, has experienced enough losing. The popular center passionately called out himself and his teammates to be better during a brutally honest chat with the media prior to tonight’s home finale against the Montreal Canadiens.

“I’m sick of losing,” O’Reilly said this morning inside KeyBank Center. “It’s getting exhausting and it’s ... Read the full article

Sabres to scratch Jake McCabe against Canadiens

BUFFALO – For almost six months, defenseman Jake McCabe was one of the Sabres’ steadiest players, showcasing consistency the team’s blue line sorely needed. But the Wisconsin native has morphed into a gaffe machine in the last week, committing a string of costly turnovers.

So McCabe, 23, will be a healthy scratch for the first time all season in tonight’s home finale against the Montreal Canadiens at KeyBank Center.

“He’s made a few gaffes with ... Read the full article

Sabres grateful for fans’ rabid support

BUFFALO – Instead of securing that long-awaited playoff spot, the Sabres have stumbled, even regressed this season, again cementing their status as one of the NHL’s bottom-feeders.

This was, of course, supposed to be the year the drought ended. The Sabres would earn their first postseason berth since 2011. The tank, the years of suffering would finally pay dividends, right?

Well, it hasn’t worked out for the Sabres, who have three games left this season, ... Read the full article

Sabres players think NHL should stay in Olympics

BUFFALO – Having led Team USA at the Sochi Games in 2014, Dan Bylsma has what he called a “feeling about the Olympics” as both a coach and a fan.

“Most of my feelings are from a fan perspective,” the Sabres coach said today, a day after the NHL announced its players wouldn’t be participating in the 2018 Pyeongchang Games.

As a fan, Bylsma said he likes “it when the best players are playing in ... Read the full article

Jack Eichel appreciates loyalty from Sabres fans

BUFFALO – Center Jack Eichel said it’s “disappointing,” even “embarrassing” the Sabres haven’t performed better for the team’s loyal fan base.

“You want to please the fans because of all they’ve been through and all they continue to put up with,” Eichel said this morning following practice. “You still want to be better. It’s disappointing our season’s ending like this.”

The Sabres, of course, will miss the playoffs for the sixth straight season. This was ... Read the full article