WNY and Buffalo NY Hockey Coverage
Stanley Cup Playoffs Edition
Tyler Ennis looked strong Tuesday. ©2016, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald
BUFFALO – In his first game in almost nine months Tuesday, slick Sabres winger Tyler Ennis skated aggressively, proving the season-ending concussion he suffered Dec. 30 wasn’t lingering in his mind.
“I like the way he skated,” coach Dan Bylsma said after the Sabres prepared for tonight’s preseason game against the Toronto Maple Leafs. “He played with some urgency, he played with some jam. In the third period, he drew the penalty with his skating.... Read the full article
William Nylander (left) had some fun interviewing his brother, Alexander, before the NHL Draft in June. ©2016, Margaret Hickling, Olean Times Herald
ST. CATHARINES, Ontario – Growing up, Buffalo Sabres prospect Alexander Nylander and his brother, William, a Toronto Maple Leafs youngster, were ultra-competitive in whatever game or sport they played.
So, despite being very close, the Nylanders would occasionally get a little emotional.
“We fought a lot, there was a lot when we were playing knee hockey, shinny,” an excited Alexander Nylander said Thursday morning prior to the Sabres’ 1-0 preseason shootout win, their first-ever meeting ... Read the full article
Rasmus Ristolainen just spent time at the World Cup of Hockey. ©2016, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald
ST. CATHARINES, Ontario – Buffalo Sabres defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen, an unsigned restricted free agent a week into training camp, started practicing with his teammates Thursday as a “goodwill” gesture, his agent said.
“His agent has asked and Rasmus has asked to be able to skate,” coach Dan Bylsma said Thursday morning inside KeyBank Center before the Sabres traveled for their third preseason game.
Sabres general manager Tim Murray gave the OK, and Ristolainen skated ... Read the full article
William Nylander (left) interviews his brother, Alexander, before the NHL Draft in June. ©2016, Margaret Hickling, Olean Times Herald
BUFFALO – Growing up, Sabres prospect Alexander Nylander and his brother, William, a Toronto Maple Leafs youngster, were ultra-competitive in whatever game or sport they played.
So, despite being very close, the Nylanders would occasionally get a little emotional.
“We fought a lot, there was a lot when we were playing knee hockey, shinny,” Alexander Nylander said this morning inside KeyBank Center. “We always came clean after it and were best buddies again.”
Don’t expect ... Read the full article
Rasmus Ristolainen enjoyed a strong season in 2015-16. ©2016, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald
BUFFALO – Defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen, still an unsigned restricted free agent a week into training camp, will start practicing with the Sabres today, coach Dan Bylsma said.
“His agent has asked and Rasmus has asked to be able to skate,” Bylsma said inside KeyBank Center. “(General manager) Tim (Murray) has said that will be alright, so we will see Rasmus get back on the ice.”
Ristolainen, 21, was the Sabres’ best defenseman last season, ... Read the full article
Jack Eichel enjoyed a fine rookie season. ©2016, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald
BUFFALO – Jack Eichel spoke with conviction rarely heard from teenage athletes. After growing together for a season, the talented center said, the Sabres possess the belief and talent to make the playoffs.
“Anything less than that,” Eichel said Wednesday, “is an underachievement this year for us.”
Eichel, 19, just returned from a three-week gig at the World Cup of Hockey. His time with Team North America, a rollicking squad comprised of elite 23-and-under talent, ... Read the full article
Dmitry Kulikov (left) chases down new Sabres teammate Zemgus Girgensons with Florida in 2014-15. ©2016, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald
BUFFALO – Coach Dan Bylsma noticed it right away. So did some others on the ice for Wednesday’s practice, the Sabres’ first training camp session with defenseman Dmitry Kulikov.
“A couple comments on the D-man (being) able to get the puck up to the forwards with Dmitry,” Bylsma said inside KeyBank Center. “It’s good to see.”
The Sabres acquired Kulikov from the Florida Panthers on June 25 for a slew of reasons, including his ... Read the full article
Jack Eichel thinks the Sabres should make the playoffs this season. ©2016, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald
BUFFALO – There had never been a squad assembled like Jack Eichel’s Team North America, the collection of 23-and-under talent that wowed at the World Cup with its exciting, fast brand of hockey.
“It’s been a hit,” Eichel said this afternoon following his first practice with the Sabres. “Looking at the way the tournament has been received, there’s been a lot of buzz around it, which is great. I think, as a league, we definitely ... Read the full article
Derek Grant beats Ottawa goalie Matt O’Connor for the tying goal Tuesday. ©2016, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald
BUFFALO – Forget that the Sabres rallied to beat the Ottawa Senators 3-2 in Tuesday’s preseason home opener. Forget that they did it in spectacular fashion, tying it late before defenseman Jake McCabe scored a nifty overtime winner.
Individual efforts often matter the most during exhibition contests, and the Sabres received some strong performances, led by center Derek Grant’s one-goal, three-point night and No. 1 goalie Robin Lehner’s 37-save outing.
Grant tied it at 2 ... Read the full article
Robin Lehner plans to play the entire game tonight. ©2016, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald
BUFFALO – Six months removed from ankle surgery, fiery Sabres goalie Robin Lehner, as you might expect, is excited to play his first game preseason game tonight.
“I don’t know if the excitement I sense is because it’s a new year and where he’s at physically and being ready to go or playing the Ottawa Senators and (he) doesn’t want (Mike) Hoffman to score tonight,” coach Dan Bylsma said after the Sabres prepared for ... Read the full article