Carolina Hurricanes - Buffalo Hockey Beat

Jeff Skinner sees fit with Sabres

BUFFALO – Having a no-trade clause attached to his six-year, $34.35 million contract meant Jeff Skinner controlled his future. The Sabres’ newest player could veto a deal and wait until the Carolina Hurricanes and his agent found him a new team he liked.

While Skinner denied he turned down any offers, reports and the timing of his trade – high-profile NHL deals rarely transpire in August – suggest otherwise.... Read the full article

Jeff Skinner acquisition shows Sabres believe they can win now

Before Thursday’s acquisition of slick winger Jeff Skinner, so many of the Buffalo Sabres’ trades throughout their seemingly endless rebuild focused on the future. Deals would often net them prospects or draft picks, a sign winning wasn’t imminent.

But Sabres general manager Jason Botterill made a different swap to nab the three-time 30-goal scorer from the Carolina Hurricanes. For one of the few times in recent years, the Sabres dealt futures for a proven commodity.... Read the full article

Sabres acquire Jeff Skinner from Hurricanes

The Buffalo Sabres pulled off a rare August trade early tonight, acquiring three-time 30-goal scorer Jeff Skinner from the Carolina Hurricanes in exchange for forward prospect Cliff Pu, a second-round pick in 2019 and third- and sixth-round selections in 2020.

The trade for Skinner, who’s entering the final season of his contract, gives the Sabres another proven scorer at wing. The Sabres, the NHL’s lowest-scoring team last season, needed to replace the offense they lost ... Read the full article

Sabres waste Jack Eichel’s first hat trick, fall to Hurricanes in OT

BUFFALO – The first hat trick of Jack Eichel’s short career and the first witnessed by Sabres fans here since 2011 deserved to be celebrated wildly.

The slick center dominated Friday’s tilt late, scoring twice in a 10-second span to erase the Carolina Hurricanes’ brief third-period lead and secure the first three-goal outing of his 175-game career.

A night after registering zero shots on goal, Sabres coach Phil Housley said “something must’ve been triggered” in ... Read the full article

Sabres’ Zach Bogosian finding regular form after injury

BUFFALO – In Zach Bogosian’s first two appearances following a 25-game absence, adrenaline carried the Sabres defenseman, coach Phil Housley said.

“Those first two games he was our best defenseman,” Housley said prior to Friday’s 5-4 overtime loss to the Carolina Hurricanes inside KeyBank Center.

But after those outings earlier this month, Bogosian experienced a normal dip returning from his lower-body injury.

“The adrenaline’s not there, now you’re in the game mode and getting prepared, ... Read the full article

Sabres goalie Chad Johnson to start against Hurricanes

BUFFALO – Over the past five games, Robin Lehner has morphed into the Sabres’ backbone, tending his best goal this season.

But coming off Thursday’s 2-1 road loss in Philadelphia, Sabres coach Phil Housley wants to give goalie Chad Johnson some action.

So Johnson the backup will play tonight against the Carolina Hurricanes, his first nod since Dec. 2 and just his second appearance in 11 games.... Read the full article

Reeling Sabres generate little early, lose to Hurricanes

BUFFALO – Fresh off an uninspired loss that rankled coach Phil Housley and, allegedly, his players, the Sabres responded by going the first 17 minutes without a shot on goal.

Oh, the Sabres still generated a scoring chance early in Saturday’s 3-1 loss to the Carolina Hurricanes. For the second straight night, fourth-line winger Jordan Nolan, who has a 24-game goal drought dating back to Jan. 31, enjoyed a rare breakaway.

Nolan missed the ... Read the full article

Sabres’ Jason Pominville moving around lineup

BUFFALO – Moving Jason Pominville off the Sabres’ top line wasn’t related to the veteran winger’s performance, coach Phil Housley said.

“He was playing terrific,” Housley said prior to Saturday’s 3-1 loss to the Carolina Hurricanes inside KeyBank Center. “We’re trying to spark some other lines and find some balance.”

Housley shifted Pominville to right wing beside center Johan Larsson and Seth Griffith or Matt Moulson last Saturday. Sam Reinhart, meanwhile, moved from his ... Read the full article

Sabres’ Jason Pominville losing ice time on third line

BUFFALO – Moving Jason Pominville off the Sabres’ top line wasn’t related to the veteran winger’s performance, coach Phil Housley said.

“He was playing terrific,” Housley said this afternoon inside KeyBank Center. “We’re trying to spark some other lines and find some balance.”

Housley shifted Pominville to right wing beside center Johan Larsson and Seth Griffith or Matt Moulson last Saturday. Sam Reinhart, meanwhile, moved from his third-line center role to Pominville’s place with center ... Read the full article

Hockey Fights Cancer Night personal for Sabres coach Phil Housley

BUFFALO – In addition to her regular duties raising two boys and a girl in the 1970s and early 80s, MaryLee Housley helped her son Phil’s burgeoning hockey career with two extra jobs: chauffeur and cheerleader.

Phil Housley’s father, LeRoy, a plasterer, worked extra hours so Phil and his brother, Larry, could play hockey growing up in Minnesota. So MaryLee drove Phil to the rink and cheered him on like a proud mother.... Read the full article