Bogosian - Buffalo Hockey Beat

Sabres’ Jake McCabe feeling confident, building offensive game

BUFFALO – With just under seven minutes left in Thursday’s 4-3 win, Sabres defenseman Jake McCabe made eye contact with winger Conor Sheary and took off for the left circle.

As Sheary skated back to the right point, he dished the puck through traffic to a streaking McCabe, who corralled the pass and quickly fed winger Sam Reinhart for the tying goal against the Montreal Canadiens.

The aggressiveness McCabe, 25, showcased on that play ... Read the full article

Sabres’ Zach Bogosian providing spark after return from injury

BUFFALO – When Zach Bogosian was informed he leads the NHL in fighting majors, the Buffalo Sabres defenseman responded with some self-deprecating humor.

“I’m just a meathead, huh?” Bogosian joked following Tuesday’s practice inside KeyBank Center.

Bogosian, of course, isn’t a goon. Over his first 10 seasons, he fought only 16 times, according to hockeyfights.com, an average of one scrap every 35 games. He hadn’t fought three times in a season since 2009-10.... Read the full article

Sabres’ Zach Bogosian set to return

Buffalo Sabres defenseman Zach Bogosian, who hasn’t played a regular-season game since Jan. 9, will return for Tuesday’s tilt against the Vegas Golden Knights.

Bogosian, 28, underwent season-ending hip surgery in February. The Sabres eased him along in training camp, holding him out of some practices.

But Bogosian suffered a lower-body injury during a Sept. 25 preseason game. He has refused to say if it was related to his hip injury.... Read the full article

Sabres’ Zach Bogosian practices, staying positive through injury

BUFFALO – Zach Bogosian wouldn’t get into specifics. For the past two weeks, including the Sabres’ first three games this season, a lower-body injury has sidelined the defenseman.

Bogosian refused to say if his current ailment is related to the season-ending hip surgery he underwent a year ago.

“Everyone’s going to speculate,” Bogosian said today after practicing with his teammates for the first time since getting hurt Sept. 25. “Left side, right side, hip surgery, ... Read the full article

Sabres notes: Jason Pominville’s goal reward for fourth line’s strong play

BUFFALO – In past seasons, the line comprised of center Evan Rodrigues and wingers Zemgus Girgensons and Jason Pominville would’ve been the Sabres’ third or even second combination.

But for the first time in years, the Sabres have legitimate NHL depth, so the trio is actually their fourth line.

Well, in terms of ice time, it’s the fourth line.... Read the full article

Sabres must make decision on Johan Larsson soon

BUFFALO – Johan Larsson probably isn’t quite ready to play yet. While the center rejoined the Sabres for today’s practice, it was a lighter session. He might need more time.

But in the near future, Larsson, one of the longest-tenured Sabres, will be able to return from the lower-body injury he suffered Sept. 26 in Pittsburgh.

“It was a good day for him,” Sabres coach Phil Housley said this afternoon inside KeyBank Center. “He ... Read the full article

Sabres notes: Remi Elie believes he can produce more offense

BUFFALO – In his 91-game NHL career, Remi Elie has compiled seven goals and 21 points. The Dallas Stars utilized him as a checker, a role he continued Saturday as a fourth-line winger in his Sabres debut.

But in Elie, 23, Phil Housley sees a youngster who possesses the talents to morph into a scorer. Since the Sabres claimed him on waivers Tuesday, the coach has been praising the former second-round pick.

“When he gets ... Read the full article

Sabres notes: Tage Thompson seizes early opportunity

BUFFALO – Sabres winger Tage Thompson knows everything he just earned – one of 23 coveted roster spots and a place on a scoring line – can vanish in a hurry.

As a rookie a year ago, Thompson cracked St. Louis’ opening-night lineup just months after leaving college. The former first-round pick lasted four games before the Blues demoted him to the San Antonio Rampage.

“You never want to feel comfortable,” Thompson said prior to ... Read the full article

New-look Sabres excited to open season: ‘A lot of enthusiasm’

BUFFALO – The first glimpse of the new-look Sabres comes tonight, 180 days after they ended perhaps the worst season in franchise history.

Seven new faces will dress against the Boston Bruins, including first overall pick Rasmus Dahlin and winger Jeff Skinner, a two-time 30-goal scorer. The optimism surrounding the Sabres is well-deserved.

They’re a much different team than the dreadful one that finished in 31st place six months ago.

“They’re excited,” Sabres coach ... Read the full article

Sabres’ Rasmus Dahlin on NHL debut: ‘Waiting for this my whole life’

BUFFALO – Long before the Sabres drafted Rasmus Dahlin first overall in June, he possessed more skill than most NHL players.

The Swede, 18, has been called the best defense prospect in decades. If rules allowed it, he probably could’ve thrived in the NHL even a year ago.

So Dahlin, who will make his long-awaited NHL debut tonight against the Boston Bruins in the season opener at KeyBank Center, will likely immediately contribute to the ... Read the full article