Eakin - Buffalo Hockey Beat

The story behind the Sabres’ Semi-Pro Flint Tropics uniforms

BUFFALO – The original plan called for the Sabres to step off the bus Sunday afternoon and walk into Tim Hortons Field for the Heritage Classic wearing “Canadian tuxedos.”

Teams playing outdoors make grand entrances in costumes, and the all-denim look – a jeans jacket worn along with a pair of jeans – seemed perfect for the game in Hamilton, Ontario.

But on Feb. 26, Tampa Bay Lightning players sported a similar denim look as ... Read the full article

Sabres’ Zemgus Girgensons close to returning; Mark Jankowski waived

BUFFALO – The uncertainty Sabres winger Zemgus Girgensons experienced after he left the lineup in late January wore on him. The Latvian’s lower-body injury was related to the hamstring problem that forced him to miss all of last season.

“It was definitely mentally tough at the start where I kept going back and forth with how long I would be out,” Girgensons said following Tuesday’s practice at LECOM Harborcenter. “It brought back flashbacks from last ... Read the full article

Sabres notes: Rasmus Dahlin, Auston Matthews battle at Heritage Classic

HAMILTON, Ont. – After absorbing a vicious cross-check in the neck from Auston Matthews, Buffalo Sabres defenseman Rasmus Dahlin did not need much time to cool off.

“About two minutes in the box,” Dahlin said following Sunday afternoon’s win 5-2 over Matthews’ Toronto Maple Leafs in the Heritage Classic at Tim Hortons Field.

After the Leafs fell behind, they lost their cool in the waning minutes, and Matthews and Dahlin shoved each other near the ... Read the full article

Sabres notes: Craig Anderson to start; Buffalo to make lineup change

HAMILTON, Ont. – Having already played in two outdoor games, Buffalo Sabres goalie Craig Anderson understands the unique energy fans often bring to the huge venues.

“I think everyone was 25 beers deep,” Anderson joked following Saturday’s practice at Tim Hortons Field.

As expected, Sabres coach Don Granato said Anderson, 40, will start this afternoon’s Heritage Classic against the Toronto Maple Leafs.... Read the full article

Sabres’ Rasmus Dahlin on Thursday’s wild atmosphere: ‘It was unreal’

BUFFALO – It wasn’t just ex-captain Jack Eichel that had the 12,437 fans at KeyBank Center going bonkers throughout Thursday’s wild 3-1 win over the Vegas Golden Knights.

The tight, gritty game featured suspect officiating that drew the ire of the season-high crowd throughout the memorable night. There were also two fights in the intense affair between teams that meet just twice a season.

The Sabres have been playing before the smallest crowds in franchise ... Read the full article

Sabres experience ‘playoff hockey’ in loss to Kings

BUFFALO – For one game at least, the Sabres got a small taste of playoff hockey, playing a lock-it-down, grind-it-out affair against the Los Angeles Kings.

The Kings, one of the NHL’s biggest surprises this season, stifled the Sabres all afternoon, limiting scoring chances and showcasing rigid structure. When the visitors grabbed a 1-0 lead late in the second period, they were content with sitting on it.

“They know if we keep it 1-0, we ... Read the full article

Sabres’ Cody Eakin injured; Vinnie Hinostroza expected to return Sunday

BUFFALO – Sabres center Cody Eakin suffered an undisclosed injury in Friday’s 5-4 win over the Minnesota Wild and missed this morning’s practice at LECOM Harborcenter.

Coach Don Granato said Eakin, who was undergoing X-rays, hasn’t been ruled out of Sunday afternoon’s game against the Los Angeles Kings.

“We will know more in a couple hours,” Granato said of Eakin’s injury.

... Read the full article

Sabres notes: John Hayden thriving in gritty fourth-line role

BUFFALO – Barring injury, winger John Hayden will establish a new career high in games played later this month. After bouncing around the NHL, often as a spare forward, the Yale product has earned regular duty throughout most his first season with the Sabres.

Hayden, 27, has thrived under Don Granato, a coach he knows well from their days together at the U.S. National Team Development Program and later with the Chicago Blackhawks.

“Donny’s made ... Read the full article

Slow start dooms Sabres in loss to Stars: ‘Have to keep plowing ahead’

At this point, as the losses pile up – Sunday afternoon’s 4-2 setback was the Buffalo Sabres’ sixth straight in regulation – they need to find positives and signs of development within their games.

In Friday’s 5-3 loss in St. Louis, the Sabres could take some solace in the tenacity they showcased while arguably outplaying the Blues, one of the NHL’s heavyweights.

What about Sunday’s loss to the Dallas Stars at American Airlines Arena?

Well, ... Read the full article

Sabres’ Rasmus Asplund confident he can start scoring again

BUFFALO – Rasmus Asplund would catch himself falling into old habits. Before the Sabres winger went to sleep or when he woke up, the previous game might be weighing on him.

Asplund, 24, has worked to develop the mental side of his game. Following his arrival in the NHL two years ago, he became so tired mentally he learned exercises to help reset his mind. His new approach worked, and last season he would put ... Read the full article