WNY and Buffalo NY Hockey Coverage
Offseason Edition
Nathan Gerbe could make his season debut Thursday. ©2013, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald
BUFFALO – While Nathan Gerbe still must be cleared to play, it appears the feisty Sabres winger could make his season debut Thursday in Carolina after undergoing offseason spine surgery.
Gerbe skated on the wing this morning beside 18-year-old rookie Mikhail Grigorenko and Steve Ott, his first action on a regular line this year.
“We’ll see where he’s at tomorrow,” Sabres coach Lindy Ruff said following practice inside the First Niagara Center.
Gerbe underwent ... Read the full article
Ryan Miller dazzled Monday while making 34 saves. ©2013, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald
TORONTO – Remember this one. The Buffalo Sabres’ gritty 2-1 triumph over the Maple Leafs on Monday could be their blueprint for success in this lockout-shortened season.
Against a team fresh off a big opening-night win and playing its first home tilt, the Sabres showcased unyielding muscle, capitalized on their few chances early and received splendid goaltending from Ryan Miller before a capacity crowd of 19,475 fans inside the Air Canada Centre.
“We came in ... Read the full article
Steve Ott and the Sabres enjoyed a nice opening-day win Sunday. ©2013, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald
TORONTO – The Air Canada Centre, once the Buffalo Sabres’ favorite visiting rink, is now a house of horrors.
After winning eight in a row at the ACC, the Sabres have lost five straight games here dating back to March 12, 2011. They haven’t won here Nov. 6, 2010, a 3-2 shootout triumph in which backup goalie Jhonas Enroth earned his first NHL victory.
The Sabres’ 4-3 loss here in their last visit March 30 ... Read the full article
Mikhail Grigorenko skated 15 shifts during his NHL debut Sunday. ©2013, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald
BUFFALO – Ten minutes after the Sabres’ 5-2 opening-day win over the Philadelphia Flyers had ended, Steve Ott was still thinking about that nifty chance beside the net slick rookie center Mikhail Grigorenko had created for him.
Sure, Ott was excited about his power-play goal that opened the scoring just 11:07 into his Sabres debut. But the opportunity that had gotten away was still playing inside his head at bit.
“I kind of feel bad. ... Read the full article
Marcus Foligno poses for a photo with a fan this morning inside the First Niagara Center. ©2013, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald
BUFFALO – All seems forgiven. The hockey-deprived Sabres fans look amped for this afternoon’s season opener against the Philadelphia Flyers. Thanks to the NHL 113-day lockout, it’s been 288 days since the Sabres last played a game.
Right now, however, it feels like the NHL never left. The First Niagara Center will be packed and jumping today. Fans spent the week gobbling up discounted merchandise and wondering if 18-year-old Mikhail Grigorenko could crack the lineup ... Read the full article
Ville Leino’s questionable for this afternoon’s season opener. ©2013, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald
BUFFALO – The Sabres have their first injury of the lockout-shortened 2012-13 season.
“A nagging little” problem that flared up kept Ville Leino from practicing Saturday, coach Lindy Ruff said.
The winger’s questionable for this afternoon’s season opener against the Philadelphia Flyers inside the First Niagara Center.
Leino, who left practice early Friday, plans to skate this morning before making a decision. It’s believed he’s nursing a leg injury.
“If he feels like he’s good, ... Read the full article
Darcy Regier has been the Sabres’ general manager since 1997. ©2013, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald
BUFFALO – Darcy Regier isn’t going anywhere.
Sabres owner Terry Pegula announced a contract extension for his general manager this afternoon during a news conference on the eve of the season opener. No details were provided.
Regier, the team’s general manager since 1997, last signed an extension in the fall of 2010.
“I am very grateful and honored to be able to continue in this capacity working with this ownership,” Regier said inside the Lexus ... Read the full article
Jochen Hecht left his family to play at home in Germany briefly. ©2013, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald
BUFFALO – Nine months earlier, in the same spot he stood smiling Sunday, Jochen Hecht had fought back tears discussing what appeared to be the end of his long Sabres career.
Back then, concussions – three in 10 months and two in five, including a serious, season-ending one last January – had derailed the German’s career. He was turning 35 years old and entering free agency following a 22-game season.
The chances of the Sabres ... Read the full article
Mikhail Grigorenko skated against NHL competition for the first time this morning. ©2013, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald
BUFFALO – Mikhail Grigorenko’s many talents – the passing and playmaking ability, the long strides – had caught everyone’s eye just a few minutes into the Sabres’ first training camp session this morning.
Most observers believe the top prospect will enjoy a long NHL career.
But when will the slick 18-year-old center’s big league tenure start? Will he be in the Sabres’ opening-day lineup next Sunday?
Stay tuned. The Sabres will be giving the Russian, ... Read the full article
Jochen Hecht played six games at home in Germany ©2013, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald
AMHERST – Not surprisingly, Jochen Hecht’s Buffalo Sabres teammates are excited the popular 35-year-old veteran, who battled concussions last season, is rejoining the Buffalo Sabres for a 10th campaign.
“Bring him back, pick him up,” Sabres goalie Ryan Miller said this afternoon after practicing with teammates inside the Northtown Center, his first skate here since September. “I’m just glad he’s healthy, No. 1. Watching what he went through last year was hard to watch ... Read the full article
