Bill Hoppe - Buffalo Hockey Beat

Ott wants cheers from Sabres fans, not boos

BUFFALO – The Sabres’ power play is awful, and their legions of fans know it. Not only does it rank 30^th, it’s operating at a paltry 11.2 percent. Only three teams have converted less than 14 percent of their chances.

In Tuesday’s 3-1 triumph over the New York Rangers, the Sabres blew all five opportunities and allowed another short-handed goal, their NHL-high fifth this season.

During one third-period chance, they iced ... Read the full article

Jhonas Enroth, Marcus Foligno help push Sabres past Rangers

BUFFALO – At various points last season, youngsters Jhonas Enroth and Marcus Foligno represented the Sabres’ oh-so-bright future.

Enroth, the rookie goalie that couldn’t lose early on, would someday be the franchise’s regular netminder. Foligno roared into the NHL later in the campaign, instantly becoming a premier power forward.

But they had provided little to the Sabres this lost season prior to their difference-making performances in Tuesday’s 3-1 triumph over the New York Rangers.

Enroth ... Read the full article

Former Sabres goalie Martin Biron thriving as Rangers’ backup

BUFFALO – When the 113-day NHL lockout ended and Martin Biron left his East Aurora home for his backup goaltending gig in New York, the 35-year-old’s wife and four children stayed behind.

With a shortened season, a new house and the school year in full swing, the loquacious former Sabre didn’t want to uproot his family.

For now, Biron’s living alone in New York, an arrangement that has worked out “OK.”

“There’s times I’m sitting ... Read the full article

Rangers’ Brad Richards on Patrick Kaleta hit: ‘It’s over and done with’

BUFFALO – Don’t expect huge fireworks tonight in the wake of Patrick Kaleta’s scary hit from behind on Rangers star Brad Richards last Sunday in New York.

Kaleta’s still on the sidelines, only four contests into his five-game ban. The Rangers may want to punish the Sabres’ agitator when they visit the First Niagara Center again April 19.

Besides, the eighth-place Rangers, a big disappointment this season, need to concentrate on winning a game.

Richards, ... Read the full article

Miller’s sinus infection will give Sabres’ Enroth start tonight; Leopold back in

BUFFALO – A sinus infection will relegate franchise goalie Ryan Miller to backup duty tonight behind Jhonas Enroth against the New York Rangers.

Miller occasionally skips morning skates, so when he wasn’t on the ice today inside the First Niagara Center, it hardly seemed like a big deal.

But interim Sabres coach Ron Rolston said following the skate Enroth would start for the second time in three games. The 24-year-old only received three nods in ... Read the full article

Leino looking for chance to show his worth to Sabres

BUFFALO – Last season, in the first year of a six-year, $27 million contract, Ville Leino bombed. For a cool $6 million, the Sabres received eight goals and 25 points in 71 games, paying out $240,000 a point.

The Sabres initially tried converting Leino into a center again, an experiment that failed miserably. Leino was back on the wing after just a few weeks, generating little as a third- or fourth-liner.

Before the season ended, ... Read the full article

Sabres’ Ennis ‘dinged up’ from Simmonds hit, not concussed

BUFFALO – Tyler Ennis, whose face was crunched into the boards by Wayne Simmonds 15:48 into the Sabres’ 3-2 loss Sunday in Philadelphia, missed practice Monday and is day-to-day, interim coach Ron Rolston said.

“He’s a little dinged up,” Rolston said after the Sabres prepared for tonight’s contest against the New York Rangers inside the First Niagara Center.

Ennis, who left the game, didn’t suffer a concussion, Rolston said. The slick center received some stitches ... Read the full article

Sabres’ Ennis day-to-day, not concussed

BUFFALO – Tyler Ennis, whose face was crunched into the boards by Wayne Simmonds 15:48 into the Sabres’ 3-2 loss Sunday in Philadelphia, missed practice today and is day-to-day, interim coach Ron Rolston said.

“He’s a little dinged up,” Rolston said this afternoon inside the First Niagara Center.

Ennis, who left the game, didn’t suffer a concussion, Rolston said. The slick center received some stitches on his forehead.

What about the hit? Simmonds nailed Ennis ... Read the full article

Sabres’ Ennis not practicing

BUFFALO – Center Tyler Ennis, whose face was crunched into the boards by Wayne Simmonds 15:48 into the Sabres’ 3-2 loss Sunday in Philadelphia, isn’t practicing this morning inside the First Niagara Center.

Ennis left the game and received stitches, interim Sabres coach Ron Rolston said.

Sabres defenseman Mike Weber quickly fought Simmonds.

... Read the full article

Sabres send Pardy back to Amerks

BUFFALO – The Sabres sent defenseman Adam Pardy back to the Rochester Americans on Sunday to make room for Jordan Leopold on the 23-man roster.

Leopold was a late scratch for the Sabres’ 3-2 loss in Philadelphia, the 10^th straight game he’s missed.

Pardy played four games during his recall, recording zero points and eight penalty minutes. He had been scratched two straight games.

... Read the full article