French Connection - Buffalo Hockey Beat

15 years ago, the Sabres kicked off the Terry Pegula era in grand fashion

Fifteen years years ago today, the Sabres played their first game under owner Terry Pegula, ushering in what promised to be an exciting and successful era by beating the Atlanta Thrashers 4-1 in an emotional HSBC Arena.

We all know how things have turned out since that thrilling night. Still, the Sabres made the playoffs that season, closing the season on a 16-6-4 tear and roaring up the standings after Pegula took over. His presence ... Read the full article

Rene Robert seized opportunity with Sabres, became legend: ‘Could do it all’

When Mike Robitaille caught up with Rene Robert last year, he was struck by how well his old friend and Buffalo Sabres teammate looked.

Robert, who was approaching his 72nd birthday, had a trim physique and a full head of hair. Robitaille saw the same man he had played with almost 50 years earlier.

“Looked like a young Rene to me, just kind of bouncing along and feeling good,” Robitaille told the Times Herald on ... Read the full article

Rene Robert holds his plaque at the Sabres’ Alumni Plaza outside KeyBank Center.

Sabres legend Rene Robert, member of famed ‘French Connection,’ dies at 72

Rene Robert, a member of the Buffalo Sabres’ legendary “French Connection” line and one of the most popular players in franchise history, passed away Tuesday, the team announced. He was 72.

Robert had been hospitalized in Florida since suffering a heart attack last week.

Throughout much of the 1970s, Robert, center Gilbert Perreault and left wing Rick Martin formed hockey’s most dynamic trio.

In 2012, the Sabres immortalized the line by erecting a statue ... Read the full article

Reports: Sabres legend Rene Robert hospitalized after suffering heart attack

Rene Robert, a member of the Buffalo Sabres’ legendary “French Connection” line and one of the most popular players in franchise history, is hospitalized in Florida after suffering a heart attack, according to multiple reports.

Robert, 72, is in critical but stable condition and on life support systems as he awaits more heart procedures, according to The Buffalo News.

Throughout much of the 1970s, Robert, center Gilbert Perreault and left wing Rick Martin ... Read the full article

Sabres legend Rene Robert happy in Buffalo, excited about current team

BUFFALO – Nearly 47 years after he first arrived here, Rene Robert hasn’t officially left town. The high-scoring winger and member of the legendary French Connection line still uses “we” when he talks about the Sabres.

Sure, these days, Robert lives much of the year in Punta Gorda, Fla., but he returns every year and spends the summer in Williamsville.

“This is my home,” Robert told the Times Herald on Sunday. “I’ve been here since ... Read the full article

Sabres notes: Patrick Kaleta back practicing, anxious to return

BUFFALO – Patrick Kaleta’s face was mangled.

“Broke a bunch of things in there,” the oft-injured Sabres winger said Thursday following practice inside the First Niagara Center.

Kaleta said doctors inserted three plates and 14 screws after a shot hit him in the face during a Sept. 28 preseason game in Toronto. The 28-year-old has experienced blurred vision and migraines.

Still, less than three weeks after the scary incident, the Angola native is on the ... Read the full article

With Sabres’ ‘amazing’ opening night gone, attention has turned to Rochester

ROCHESTER – The 42^nd opening night in Buffalo Sabres history would’ve been “huge,” winger Drew Stafford said, even “amazing.” New seasons breed hope and optimism, and if the NHL lockout wasn’t in its 28^th day, both would be sweeping through Buffalo right now.

The club was scheduled to host Sidney Crosby and the Pittsburgh Penguins tonight inside a capacity First Niagara Center.

The Sabres, healthy and stocked with offseason reinforcements, might’ve been considered ... Read the full article

Sabres plan to unveil French Connection statue later this year

BUFFALO – Since their sizzling run in the 1970s, the members of the Sabres’ famed French Connection line – Rick Martin, Gilbert Perreault and Rene Robert – have been legendary, almost mythical figures around town

Now, literally, the famed trio will become larger-than-life.

The Sabres announced plans Thursday to immortalize the three by erecting a 10-foot bronze statue of the three together. The statue will be the centerpiece of a larger “Alumni Plaza,” which will ... Read the full article