WNY and Buffalo NY Hockey Coverage
Calder Cup Playoffs Edition
Jack Eichel had a career-high four points Dec. 26 against Boston. ©2016, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald
BUFFALO – On Thursday, after the Sabres recalled Robin Lehner from his three-game AHL conditioning assignment, coach Dan Bylsma thought his goalie looked tired.
Following Lehner’s final rehab game Wednesday in Albany, the Americans had a long bus trip back to Rochester in inclement weather. The Swede only slept three hours before practicing with the Sabres.
It appeared the Bylsma might give Lehner, out since Oct. 8 with a high right ankle sprain, more time ... Read the full article
Robin Lehner has played one game for the Sabres. ©2016, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald
BUFFALO – During some tough days over the last three months, as Robin Lehner recovered and rehabbed from the injury he suffered opening night, the goalie leaned on his family and friends for support.
Lehner just endured an arduous 11 months, suffering a season-ending concussion last year with Ottawa and a high right ankle sprain Oct. 8, only 28 minutes into his debut as the Sabres’ new starter.
The Swede had never experienced a major ... Read the full article
Linus Ullmark played 19 games with the Sabres. ©2016, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald
BUFFALO – Eleven months ago when Sabres goalie Robin Lehner suffered a season-ending concussion with Ottawa, Andrew Hammond, his replacement, played so well the Senators deemed the Swede expendable.
Lehner’s first major injury was difficult to come back from, but the 24-year-old, who was acquired for a first-round pick on June 26, returned to be the Sabres’ opening-night starter Oct. 8.
But Lehner suffered a high right ankle sprain just 28 minutes into his debut. ... Read the full article
Evander Kane played four seasons in Winnipeg. ©2016, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald
BUFFALO – Sabres winger Evander Kane, understandably, has been tight-lipped about his return to Winnipeg, where he spent four tumultuous seasons with the Jets.
Beyond offering some clichés, Kane, 24, hasn’t said much about this afternoon’s tilt in Winnipeg, his first appearance at the MTS Centre since the Jets traded him in a blockbuster deal Feb. 11.
“Just another game,” Kane told reporters Saturday in Winnipeg.
But Sabres coach Dan Bylsma knows how much ... Read the full article
Robin Lehner played his first game Friday since Oct. 8. ©2016, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald
ROCHESTER – Robin Lehner knew his first rehab appearance for the AHL Americans could be a bit rocky. After all, the goalie hadn’t played since suffering a high ankle sprain opening night, his debut as the Buffalo Sabres’ new starter.
Lehner, 24, looked shaky at times Friday inside the Blue Cross War Memorial. In his first action since Oct. 8, the Swede allowed a goal on the fifth shot he faced and three scores on ... Read the full article
Dan Bylsma (right) took over the Sabres’ coaching job this season. ©2016, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald
BUFFALO – Sabres coach Dan Bylsma noticed almost immediately, way back in September, and it surprised him. Training camp had just started with an overhauled roster – about 10 new faces, in fact – yet his players were already forming close bonds.
“They enjoy being a part of this team and part of this group,” Bylsma said Thursday inside the First Niagara Center. “It has developed. It is a part of what we are. … ... Read the full article
Ramus Ristolainen hasn’t scored a goal in 11 games. ©2016, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald
BUFFALO – For a portion of today’s practice, Rasmus Ristolainen watched the Sabres go through their drills from bench. Was coach Dan Bylsma sending the struggling defenseman a message?
“Not at all,” Bylsma said inside the First Niagara Center.
Bylsma said “there was nothing to read into it” and he was simply trying out some new pairings. Still, Ristolainen, the Sabres’ ace defenseman all season, has been struggling beside partner Josh Gorges.
Ristolainen, 21, is ... Read the full article
Ryan O’Reilly leads the Sabres in goals and points. ©2016, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald
BUFFALO – Right away, everything has clicked for center Ryan O’Reilly. In just half a season here, the 24-year-old has quickly become the Sabres’ MVP and perhaps their most popular player.
O’Reilly plays more minutes than any other NHL forward. He leads the Sabres in scoring and has 17 points in the last 17 games. No one in the league has taken more faceoffs. Following losses, he regularly takes responsibility for his performance and ... Read the full article
Ryan O’Reilly has been the Sabres’ best forward all season. ©2016, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald
BUFFALO – In just half a season here, center Ryan O’Reilly has already become perhaps the Sabres’ most popular player.
In a blue-collar city, O’Reilly’s versatile style and accountable personality have resonated with the Sabres’ rabid fan base. The 24-year-old plays more than any other NHL forward. He leads the team in scoring and has 17 points in the last 17 games. Following games, O’Reilly often passionately laments what he and his teammates couldn’t accomplish.... Read the full article
Jamie McGinn angles for a shot in front of Florida goalie Roberto Luongo on Tuesday. ©2016, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald
BUFFALO – In one dressing room, the smiles told the story. After shellacking the reeling Sabres 5-1 on Tuesday, the upstart Florida Panthers confidently celebrated their franchise-record 10th consecutive victory.
“Ten, might as well just keep going and win every game,” said winger Jonathan Huberdeau, one of the Panthers’ young stars.
Yes, the Panthers, the NHL’s perennial laughingstock, have quickly morphed into the league’s hottest team.
Down the hallway inside the First Niagara Center, ... Read the full article
