WNY and Buffalo NY Hockey Coverage
Free Agency Edition
Dominik Hasek shuttled between the NHL and the minors for two seasons. ©2014, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald
It was 1992, and Dominik Hasek was beginning to regret his decision to play in North America. After leaving his native Czechoslovakia, he was a 27-year-old backup goalie shuttling between the Chicago Blackhawks and the International Hockey League, stuck behind Ed Belfour, one of the NHL’s best.
“I was thinking about going back to Europe because I was in the minors, I was playing for (the) Indianapolis Ice,” Hasek recalled Monday, hours after being named ... Read the full article
John Scott (right) fights George Parros during the second period Sunday. ©2013, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald
BUFFALO – A bruised foot sidelined Sabres defenseman Andrej Sekera for Sunday afternoon’s 4-3 loss to the Florida Panthers. Rookie T.J. Brennan replaced him, making his second appearance this season.
Sekera blocked Alexei Emelin’s shot shortly into his first shift Saturday, went to the dressing room and returned for several shifts before leaving the Sabres’ 6-1 loss in Montreal again after the first period.
Ruff hopes it’s a short-term injury.
“He took a pretty hard ... Read the full article
Drew Stafford thinks a 48-game schedule would be a grind. ©2013, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald
BUFFALO – Buckle up, Sabres fans. You could be watching a lot of intense, high-stakes hockey very soon.
If the NHL and the Players’ Association reach a new collective bargaining agreement by next Friday’s deadline, the league will most likely begin a shortened 48-game schedule against conference opponents Jan. 19.
Sure, losing 34 contests from the normal 82-game slate may be disappointing. But the increased importance of each game could make for some wildly entertaining ... Read the full article