Bylsma - Buffalo Hockey Beat

Report: Sabres’ Evander Kane subject of sex offense investigation

Buffalo Sabres winger Evander Kane is the subject of a sex offense investigation following an alleged incident Sunday morning in a downtown hotel room near the First Niagara Center, according to The Buffalo News.

Kane, 24, hasn’t been charged with a crime. The paper cites three police sources. Read more here.

The Sabres released the following statement: “We take the allegation made today against Evander Kane very seriously. We are gathering facts and have ... Read the full article

Sabres goalie Robin Lehner progressing, could practice soon

BUFFALO – Almost three months after Robin Lehner suffered a high ankle sprain, there’s some light at the end of the tunnel for the injured Sabres goalie.

Sabres coach Dan Bylsma said this afternoon Lehner, sidelined since Oct. 8, opening night, could return to practice soon.

“We’re looking at him starting a schedule for him to return to practice and possibly down the road return to play,” Bylsma said following practice inside the First ... Read the full article

Sabres rookie Jack Eichel ready for return to Boston

BUFFALO – Sabres rookie Jack Eichel has played big games in his hometown rink, Boston’s TD Garden, before. As a college freshman last season, the center starred as his Boston University Terriers captured The Beanpot, a prestigious tournament between local schools.

Google “Eichel” and “Beanpot” and a slew of pictures of an ecstatic Eichel clutching the Beanpot trophy will pop up.

But tonight’s tilt against the Bruins, Eichel’s first appearance in Boston with the Sabres, ... Read the full article

Sabres’ Sam Reinhart improved game quickly

BUFFALO – The improvements, Sabres coach Dan Bylsma said, have been “drastic.” In a matter of months, winger Sam Reinhart has transformed himself from a raw prospect into a first-line NHL talent.

Reinhart, of course, possessed supreme hockey intelligence when the Sabres drafted him second overall in 2014. Now, the rookie, 20, has developed the physical tools to compliment his strong mind.

“You have to give him a lot of credit for his diligent work,” ... Read the full article

Sabres begin Christmas break

BUFFALO – One last sweat and out the door.

The Sabres practiced – or, perhaps more appropriately, scrimmaged loosely – for almost an hour this morning inside HarborCenter before beginning their five-day Christmas break. They don’t play again until Saturday in Boston.

“You’re looking at six days of really not any activity at all,” Sabres coach Dan Bylsma said. “I really kind of wanted to get here and get a sweat.”

The Sabres will enjoy ... Read the full article

Sabres blow late lead, lose shootout to Blackhawks

BUFFALO – Ten minutes after the Sabres’ 3-2 shootout loss to the Chicago Blackhawks ended Saturday afternoon, center Ryan O’Reilly looked inconsolable.

“It’s embarrassing, pathetic and it’s not good enough,” O’Reilly said quietly.

Minutes earlier, with the Sabres down three men and clinging to a 2-1 lead, O’Reilly had nearly sealed the game, narrowly missing an empty net from his own blue line.

The Blackhawks then seized their fresh opportunity during a frantic finish, getting ... Read the full article

Patrick Kane stars in Blackhawks’ win over Sabres

BUFFALO – The only cheers for Patrick Kane came before his starring role in the Chicago Blackhawks’ 3-2 win against the Sabres on Saturday, when the South Buffalo native was announced in the starting lineup.

Then a large portion of the 18,870 fans inside the First Niagara Center booed their hometown superstar all afternoon – from the first period until he scored the dramatic tying goal late in regulation and the slick shootout winner.

Kane, ... Read the full article

Sabres’ Matt Moulson to skate on fourth line

BUFFALO – Struggling Sabres winger Matt Moulson, who hasn’t scored a goal in 21 straight games, will skate on the fourth line this afternoon against the Chicago Blackhawks, coach Dan Bylsma said.

“He’s down on the fourth line,” Bylsma said inside the First Niagara Center. “That doesn’t really change what we need to see from him, what he needs to bring.”

Moulson, 32, needs to score goals. He has only four in 32 games. ... Read the full article

Sabres goalie Chad Johnson showcasing calm style

BUFFALO – On the ice, despite the chaos that often develops around his crease, Sabres goalie Chad Johnson usually showcases a cool demeanor.

When Johnson’s dialed in – and that’s been nearly all season – he can almost make hockey’s toughest position look easy. The veteran, 29, often reads plays and shots perfectly, making difficult saves look routine.

Johnson mostly tends goal calmly.

“I’ve always been a guy that sort of keeps things simple,” Johnson ... Read the full article

Sabres’ Tyler Ennis ready to play

BUFFALO – Some quick updates from HarborCenter, where the Sabres practiced today without ace defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen, who enjoyed a maintenance day.

– Winger Tyler Ennis, out the last 12 games with an upper-body injury, will return Saturday afternoon against the Chicago Blackhawks, the Sabres’ last game before Christmas.

Ennis, who hasn’t played since Nov. 23, wanted to get back before the Sabres’ five-day break.

“You never want to wait because you’re competitive ... Read the full article