WNY and Buffalo NY Hockey Coverage
Offseason Edition
Dominik Hasek talks this morning. ©2014, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald
BUFFALO – Dominik Hasek swears he’s retired from hockey. The legendary Sabres goalie hasn’t played professionally since his one-year stint in the Russian KHL ended in February 2011.
His goalie equipment, Hasek said, hasn’t left the bag since then. These days, the 49-year-old plays once or twice a week as a defenseman in a rec league back in his native Czech Republic.
“You wake up and you enjoy your life different ways,” Hasek, whose No. ... Read the full article
Ryan Miller has been facing fewer shots in St. Louis. ©2014, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald
TORONTO – Nights like Tuesday are acceptable now. Former Buffalo Sabres goalie Ryan Miller wasn’t dynamic in the St. Louis Blues’ 5-3 victory against the Maple Leafs. He looked average, even a bit shaky at times while making only 22 saves.
But Miller doesn’t have to be perfect these days. The 33-year-old’s tending goal for the NHL’s best team, not its worst.
Miller is 8-2-1 since the blockbuster Feb. 28 deal sent the franchise goalie ... Read the full article
Johan Larsson has 39 points in the AHL. ©2014, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald
With winger Torrey Mitchell and defenseman Tyler Myers questionable for Thursday’s game in Nashville, the Buffalo Sabres have recalled rookies Johan Larsson and Rasmus Ristolainen from Rochester, according to WHTK’s Rob Sanderson.
UPDATE: The Sabres have officially recalled Larsson and Ristolainen on an emergency basis.
Both played in the Americans’ 3-1 loss to Milwaukee tonight.
Larsson, and Swedish forward, has 15 goals and 39 points in 45 AHL games and one assist in ... Read the full article
Steve Ott has won 10 of the 13 games he’s played with St. Louis. ©2014, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald
TORONTO – Steve Ott is no longer the guy, just one piece of arguably the NHL’s deepest club, the powerhouse St. Louis Blues. Of course, the popular former Buffalo Sabres captain knew he was joining a special team.
But how good is St. Louis?
Tuesday’s 5-3 win against Maple Leafs was the Blues’ 10th victory in 13 games since acquiring Ott and franchise goalie Ryan Miller on Feb. 28.
Ott won only 17 of ... Read the full article
Terry Pegula believes Ralph Wilson’s contributions as Bills owner were “immeasurable.” ©2014, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald
The Sabres issued the following statement today from owners Terry and Kim Pegula following the passing of Buffalo Bills owner Ralph Wilson Jr.:
“The entire Buffalo Sabres organization was saddened to learn of the passing of Ralph Wilson, Jr. His contributions to the city of Buffalo over his 50-plus years of owning the Bills were immeasurable and his legacy in Western New York and the sports world will be long-lasting. With his passion for the ... Read the full article
Steve Ott skates this morning. ©2014, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald
TORONTO – Steve Ott’s opinion of the Buffalo Sabres hasn’t changed. The former captain still believes the rebuilding club’s future can be bright.
Still, the gritty winger is “disappointed” Pat LaFontaine resigned as the team’s president of hockey operations March 1, a day after the Sabres traded Ott and franchise goalie Ryan Miller to the St. Louis Blues.
“I thought he was a phenomenal man,” Ott said this afternoon inside the Air Canada Centre after ... Read the full article
Rasmus Ristolainen played five times during his recall. ©2014, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald
BUFFALO – The Sabres today sent rookie defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen to Rochester following a five-game recall.
Defensemen Tyler Myers (arm) or Alexander Sulzer (upper body) could be ready to return Tuesday in Montreal.
The 19-year-old Ristolainen compiled zero points and a minus-5 rating during the recall. The Finn has one goal, one point and minus-9 rating in 24 NHL games this season.
Goalie Matt Hackett will start against the Canadiens, interim Sabres coach Ted ... Read the full article
Ville Leino has zero goals this season. ©2014, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald
Yes, the Buffalo Sabres could keep Ville Leino next season. You see, with salary floor growing to more than $50 million, the rebuilding club might need the enigmatic Finn’s six-year, $27 million contract to eat up cap space.
They certainly don’t want to keep the 30-year-old, a healthy scratch tonight against the Edmonton Oilers, for his production.
“Maybe he just needs a little rest and he’ll wake up,” interim Sabres coach Ted Nolan told reporters ... Read the full article
Matt Hackett hasn’t played in the NHL since March 29. ©2014, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald
With Matt Hackett starting Thursday against the Oilers, the Buffalo Sabres will use five goalies in a season for the first time since 1995-96.
The Sabres are missing starter Jhonas Enroth (right leg) and backup Michal Neuvirth (lower body).
Neuvirth faced shots during Wednesday’s practice and could be available Sunday in Vancouver, interim Sabres coach Ted Nolan told reporters in Edmonton.
“He’s doing a lot better right now,” Nolan said.
Rookie Nathan Lieuwen started ... Read the full article
Nathan Lieuwen made his NHL debut on Sunday. ©2014, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald
BUFFALO – A day after his surprising NHL debut, everything had settled down a bit for Sabres rookie Nathan Lieuwen.
Lieuwen said his body felt OK after playing three games in three days, a rarity for a goalie. He even remembered some of the action he faced Sunday. Memories were a blur following his 22-minute, 10-save relief appearance in the Sabres’ 2-0 loss to Montreal.
“I could remember a few more things this ... Read the full article
