Bill Hoppe - Buffalo Hockey Beat

Sabres’ Kaleta could get suspended for Richards hit

Agitator Patrick Kaleta could be facing a suspension after knocking Rangers star Brad Richards into the boards from behind while killing a penalty in the Buffalo Sabres’ 3-2 shootout loss Sunday in New York.

Kaleta was assessed a five-minute boarding major and a game misconduct at 3:28 of the third period. Richards grimaced in pain on the ice for a minute or two before skating off.

The Rangers then scored two quick power-play goals to ... Read the full article

Sabres beat Devils, have first 3-game winning streak this season

BUFFALO – Suddenly, the Sabres’ worst season in recent memory looks much more promising. Don’t order those playoff tickets yet. But the team, given up for dead just a week ago, has quickly cobbled together three straight wins under interim coach Ron Rolston, responding to adversity in each one.

In their latest victory, a 4-3 shootout triumph on Saturday before a noisy capacity crowd of 19,070 fans inside the First Niagara Center, the Sabres never ... Read the full article

Sabres rookie Flynn makes NHL debut as injured Vanek sits

BUFFALO – In Brian Flynn’s mind, he “had no business getting drafted.” Getting bypassed during two consecutive NHL Entry Drafts was no slight.

“I wasn’t very good,” the 24-year-old Flynn acknowledged Saturday afternoon prior to making his NHL debut in the Sabres’ 4-3 shootout win over the New Jersey Devils inside the First Niagara Center. “I was undersized. But I think that helped me a lot. Ever since then I’ve gotten better every year.”

Flynn ... Read the full article

Sabres’ Vanek out; Flynn set to make NHL debut

BUFFALO – When Thomas Vanek sat out practice as a maintenance day Friday, interim Sabres coach Ron Rolston thought his leading scorer would play today against the New Jersey Devils.

“Coming back this morning, he still was sore,” Rolston said earlier this afternoon inside the First Niagara Center.

Vanek (upper body) will sit today, although Rolston believes it’s just a short-term injury. The slick winger could return Sunday in New York versus the Rangers.

Meanwhile, ... Read the full article

Sabres’ Nathan Gerbe regaining old form following back surgery

BUFFALO – As Nathan Gerbe approaches 100 percent following offseason back surgery, the 5-foot-5 Sabres winger has regained his confidence, ramping up his tenacity and performing like the fearless, speedy pest from the past.

Gerbe nearly fought 6-foot-3 Toronto captain Dion Phaneuf last week, a sure sign he’s bumping full-tilt again. Prior to Thursday’s slick two-goal performance, Gerbe had been zooming around the ice.

It appeared his long offensive slump – he hadn’t scored since ... Read the full article

Mentors not surprised Sabres’ Ron Rolston evolved into NHL coach

BUFFALO – Twenty-seven years ago, shortly after the junior St. Claire Shores Falcons had lost the national championship in triple overtime in Sioux City, Iowa, Jeff Jackson made a promise to Ron Rolston, his 19-year-old captain.

The coach was moving up from the North American Hockey League to take an assistant gig with Lake Superior State. Meanwhile, Rolston was about to start a three-year NCAA career at Michigan Tech.

“I remember telling him, ‘Someday I’m ... Read the full article

Sabres recall Flynn from Amerks

BUFFALO – The Sabres recalled rookie Brian Flynn from Rochester early tonight, a curious move with 12 forwards believed to be healthy.

Sabres winger Thomas Vanek sat out practice today, although interim coach Ron Rolston said the team’s leading scorer was enjoying a maintenance day.

The 24-year-old Flynn, a college free agent from Maine, has been arguably the Americans’ biggest surprise this season, scoring a team-high 16 goals and 32 points in 45 games.

Flynn, ... Read the full article

Sabres’ Leino finally nearing return; Enroth could start soon

AMHERST – Long before his teammates began practicing this afternoon, winger Ville Leino was skating inside the Northtown Center, testing his injured hip.

When the rest of the Buffalo Sabres finally hit the ice, the Finn stayed on, participating in his first full team full practice since Jan. 18.

Leino, who hasn’t played a game since April 7, believes he could return as soon as next week.

“The rehab’s been good lately, and I’ve been ... Read the full article

Why can’t Sabres’ Gerbe score regularly?

In about 10 minutes during the first period Thursday, diminutive Buffalo Sabres winger Nathan Gerbe scored as many goals as he had in the previous 38 games, a stretch dating back to Feb. 11, 2012.

First, Gerbe opened the scoring 6:30 into the tilt, utilizing an “NHL 94 move” to perfection by stopping in the right circle and cutting sharply before roofing a shot by Florida Panthers goalie Scott Clemmensen.

Fresh off his first ... Read the full article

Sabres’ Foligno lucky he wasn’t scratched earlier

If the Buffalo Sabres had some better options, Marcus Foligno could’ve been benched weeks ago.

Instead, the 21-year-old power forward, a healthy scratch tonight against the Florida Panthers, kept struggling right beside the rest of the Sabres’ anemic offense.

It’s often cliché to talk about the “sophomore jinx,” but Foligno’s certainly experiencing an epic slump during his first full NHL season.

Twenty contests into the 48-game campaign, Foligno has just one goal and eight points. ... Read the full article