Matt Hackett has played three games this season. ©2015, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald

Sabres goalie Matt Hackett to start against Coyotes

BUFFALO – Naturally, starting Matt Hackett, a goalie with a weak .893 save percentage, over Anders Lindback, who has a gaudy .926 save percentage, for tonight’s McEichel showdown against the Arizona Coyotes might raise a few eyebrows.

But Sabres coach Ted Nolan has plenty of reasons to start Hackett, who made 40 saves in Saturday’s 3-0 loss in Nashville. The 25-year-old will become an unrestricted free agent if he doesn’t play five more games.... Read the full article

Ted Nolan thinks fans will cheer for the Sabres tonight. ©2015, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald

Ted Nolan believes Buffalo wants Sabres to win

BUFFALO – Deep down, Sabres coach Ted Nolan probably knows the scene inside the First Niagara Center could get ugly for tonight’s anticipated matchup with the Arizona Coyotes, a contest between the NHL’s two worst teams.

With a prized, potentially franchise-changing prospect – either Connor McDavid or Jack Eichel – essentially guaranteed with a loss, fans could do the unthinkable – root against the 30th-place Sabres, who trail Arizona by five points with ... Read the full article

Matt Hackett has started three games this season. ©2015, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald

Sabres goalie Matt Hackett ready for start, must deal with soreness

BUFFALO – Almost a year later, Matt Hackett hasn’t fully recovered from his torn right ACL. The goalie still experiences soreness after games, so the Sabres want him to rest.

The 25-year-old performed strongly in Saturday’s 3-0 loss in Nashville, making 40 saves. But Sabres coach Ted Nolan started Anders Lindback on Monday in Dallas.

Hackett will likely start tonight’s contest against the Arizona Coyotes, his fourth nod this season.

“He fought through a long ... Read the full article

Ted Nolan can’t grasp wanting to finish last. ©2015, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald

Sabres’ Ted Nolan: ‘If somebody wants to finish last, good for them’

BUFFALO – Oh, Ted Nolan knows. The coach likely understands the Sabres’ rabid fan base will root against them throughout Thursday’s highly anticipated tilt against the Arizona Coyotes. A loss would almost guarantee the Sabres either Connor McDavid or Jack Eichel in June.

Nolan can’t say much, however.

“I can’t control what other people think and what other people do,” Nolan said this afternoon inside the First Niagara Center. “The only thing I know is ... Read the full article

Patrick Kaleta debuted with the Sabres in 2006-07. ©2015, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald

Patrick Kaleta knows long Sabres career could end soon

BUFFALO – The novelty hasn’t worn off after nine seasons. Patrick Kaleta still loves playing for the Sabres, still speaks passionately about representing his hometown club.

The Angola native lives his childhood dream every day.

But Kaleta knows his long Sabres career could be over soon. The oft-injured winger’s three-year contract, a deal under which he has played only 72 games, is expiring. The rebuilding team’s new regime isn’t tied to the aggressive agitator.

The ... Read the full article

Ted Nolan knows Buffalo understands the value of hard work. ©2015, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald

Ted Nolan expects crowd to be respectful Thursday

BUFFALO – The scene could be bizarre Thursday for the “Game of Weak” showdown between the Sabres and the Arizona Coyotes, the NHL’s two worst teams.

Would Sabres fans really cheer for the Coyotes, who have a five-point lead, inside the First Niagara Center? Would they boo a Sabres goal?

After all, another Sabres loss would essentially secure them 30th place, meaning they are guaranteed either Connor McDavid or Jack Eichel, the two ... Read the full article

Ted Nolan’s team hasn’t quit on the season. ©2015, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald

Ted Nolan expects fans will respect Sabres’ effort Thursday

BUFFALO – The scene could be bizarre for Thursday’s highly anticipated McEichel sweepstakes showdown between the Sabres and the Arizona Coyotes, the NHL’s two worst teams.

Would Sabres fans really cheer for the Coyotes, who have a three-point lead, inside the First Niagara Center? Would they boo a Sabres goal?

Sabres coach Ted Nolan expects the city’s blue-collar fans will appreciate his team’s effort.

“I don’t think you have to say anything to this city,” ... Read the full article

Dylan Strome scored 129 points in 2014-15, 90 more than last season. ©2015, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald

Otters star Dylan Strome quietly one of hockey’s biggest prospects

In a year without mega-prospects Connor McDavid and Jack Eichel grabbing constant headlines, slick Erie Otters center Dylan Strome would be junior hockey’s brightest and most talked-about star.

Strome capped a scintillating regular season in grand fashion Sunday, winning the Ontario Hockey League’s scoring title with a dominant four-goal, six-point effort in the powerhouse Otters’ 8-7 win against the Niagara IceDogs.

The 18-year-old compiled 45 goals and 129 points in his second junior season, improving ... Read the full article

Tim Schaller has played 13 NHL games this season. ©2015, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald

Sabres recall Tim Schaller from Amerks

With Tyler Ennis ill and Jerry D’Amigo recovering from a high-stick, the Buffalo Sabres have recalled Tim Schaller from Rochester for tonight’s road game against the Dallas Stats.

Schaller has one goal and two points in 13 NHL games this season. The Sabres sent him back to the Americans on Friday.

The 24-year-old has 15 goals and 40 points in 58 AHL contests.... Read the full article

New Jersey’s Steve Bernier (18) celebrates with Scott Gomez on Friday. ©2015, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald

Steve Bernier earns new claim to fame in Devils’ win over Sabres

BUFFALO – During a 17-game run with the Sabres late in 2007-08, Steve Bernier mustered only three goals, two of which he scored in his first game. The winger mostly disappeared after that, and he was quietly traded to Vancouver months later.

Mention Bernier’s name around some Sabres fans, and inevitably someone will bring up his rollicking debut.

Now, after Bernier’s two-goal performance Friday in the New Jersey Devils’ 3-1 win against the Sabres, the ... Read the full article