Derek Grant has been strong in the faceoff circle. ©2016, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald

Sabres’ Derek Grant finding ways to contribute

BUFFALO – Derek Grant’s rather unimpressive stat line – zero goals and just one assist through 14 games – doesn’t tell the whole story. At first glance, it appears the Sabres’ fourth-line center has endured a rough month.

After all, Grant, 26, was the Sabres’ best player throughout training camp, helping him vault from a depth player likely ticketed for the AHL into regular NHL duty.

“He adds more to our team than scoring ... Read the full article

Justin Falk spent part of last season in Columbus. ©2016, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald

Sabres recall Justin Falk for injured Dmitry Kulikov; Jack Eichel skating

BUFFALO – Down one day, up the next. Repeat for six months. For the last three seasons, Sabres newcomer Justin Falk has served as a depth defenseman for three organizations, constantly shuttling between the NHL and AHL.

“Over the last two or three years I’ve hopped back and forth quite a bit,” Falk, 28, said after the Sabres recalled him this morning. “Just another day for me to go about my business. It’s just a ... Read the full article

Robin Lehner has looked like a No. 1 goalie all season. ©2016, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald

Sabres goalie Robin Lehner shows support for Donald Trump on mask

BUFFALO – Sabres goalie Robin Lehner grabbed the new mask he plans to debut for Military Appreciation Night, showed the soldiers and camouflage painted on the front and then turned it around.

At the bottom of the back plate, the Swede had “Trump” painted on with a small picture of the President-Elect.

“Got a little support for my man Trump here,” Lehner said Thursday after the Sabres prepared for tonight’s tilt against the New Jersey ... Read the full article

Robin Lehner has a new mask. ©2016, Olean Times Herald

Sabres goalie Robin Lehner puts Donald Trump on new mask

BUFFALO – Robin Lehner grabbed the new mask he plans to debut for Military Appreciation Night, showed the soldiers and camouflage painted on the front and then turned it around.

At the bottom of the back plate, the Sabres goalie had “Trump” painted on with a small picture of the President-Elect.

“Got a little support for my man Trump here,” the Swede said this afternoon inside KeyBank Center. “It’s going to be a fun night.”... Read the full article

Tyler Ennis has played 12 games this season. ©2016, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald

Sabres’ Tyler Ennis undergoes groin surgery, out weeks

BUFFALO – Sabres winger Tyler Ennis underwent groin surgery this morning and will miss several weeks, the team has announced.

The Sabres’ longest-tenured player missed Wednesday’s 2-1 shootout loss to Ottawa with a “mid-body injury,” according to coach Dan Bylsma.

Ennis has battled injuries for the last year. Shortly after recovering from a concussion early last season, he suffered a season-ending concussion Dec. 30.

“It’s disappointing for Tyler, the situation he’s been dealing with ... Read the full article

Robin Lehner wasn’t busy in overtime. ©2016, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald

Sabres lose shootout to Senators

BUFFALO – In the modern NHL, contests like the Sabres’ 2-1 shootout loss to the Ottawa Senators – low-scoring, drab affairs – are all too common.

An abundance of speed and slick talent in the game hasn’t translated into more entertainment or goals. Instead, teams executive rigid systems, playing it conservative.

Wednesday’s snoozer before 17,884 fans inside KeyBank Center was a prime example.

“I don’t think either team gives a lot of room out there, ... Read the full article

Evander Kane misssed 11 games. ©2016, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald

Sabres’ defense providing little offense; Evander Kane returns

BUFFALO – Sabres defenseman Cody Franson isn’t concerned. Neither is coach Dan Bylsma.

Thirteen games into the season, the Sabres are the only team without a goal from a defenseman.

“I could care less if I score one goal in a season,” Franson said Wednesday prior to the Sabres’ 2-1 shootout loss to the Ottawa Senators. “For me, assists, getting pucks there for other guys to score are just as important as how many goals ... Read the full article

Evander Kane was injured Oct. 13. ©2016, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald

Sabres’ Evander Kane ready to play; Jack Eichel progressing

BUFFALO – For the next little bit, Evander Kane will likely have to endure some pain on the ice. The Sabres winger, out since breaking four ribs Oct. 13, hasn’t quite healed 100 percent.

“I don’t think anything is really healed kind of right when I get back, but it’s healed enough to where I can play and come back,” said Kane, who will return tonight against the Ottawa Senators. “I’m sure there’ll be ... Read the full article

Kyle Okposo has gotten off to a hot start. ©2016, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald

Sabres’ Kyle Okposo already paying dividends

BUFFALO – Kyle Okposo’s quick acclimation and productive start have been welcomed by the Sabres, whose previous high-priced free agents quickly turned into disasters.

Remember Christian Ehrhoff? How about Ville Leino? Both lasted three seasons before the Sabres exercised buyouts. Both are out of the NHL, now cautionary tales for the dangers of free agency.

The rest of Ehrhoff’s 10-year, $40 million contact is being paid through 2027-28. The remainder of Leino’s six-year, ... Read the full article

Robin Lehner made 32 saves Saturday. ©2016, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald

Sabres goalie Robin Lehner stars in comeback win against Senators

OTTAWA – Buffalo Sabres goalie Robin Lehner, coach Dan Bylsma said recently, gets a twinkle in his eye whenever he plays the Senators.

Lehner, 25, clearly relishes beating his old team, which traded him to keep Saturday’s counterpart, Craig Anderson, who’s 10 years older.

“Absolutely I can tell that,” a grinning Bylsma said following the Sabres’ 2-1 comeback win, a game in which Lehner starred, stopping 32 shots.

The Swede dazzled strong throughout his ... Read the full article