Hodgson - Buffalo Hockey Beat

Sabres grab early lead against tired Red Wings, falter again late

BUFFALO – The reeling Detroit Red Wings limped into a town Sunday a beaten up and tired bunch ripe to be exploited. They left galvanized by only their second win in 10 games, a tight 3-1 triumph against the rested Sabres in a dull, low-chance affair.

Playing without three regulars, including star Pavel Datsyuk, the Wings fell behind early before scoring the go-ahead goal 11:43 into the third period inside the First Niagara Center.

So ... Read the full article

Sabres want Alexander Sulzer to provide veteran stability

BUFFALO – As a 29-year-old veteran of 107 NHL games, defenseman Alexander Sulzer gives the struggling Sabres some much-needed stability, interim coach Ted Nolan said.

“We’re running around the defensive zone a little bit too much,” Nolan said Saturday after the Sabres prepared for this afternoon’s game against the Detroit Red Wings inside the First Niagara Center.

That’s why Nolan and Pat LaFontaine, the president of hockey operations, watched Sulzer play Friday in Rochester. The ... Read the full article

Sabres recall Alexander Sulzer for veteran presence; Cody McCormick out at least a week

BUFFALO – As a 29-year-old veteran of 107 NHL games, defenseman Alexander Sulzer gives the struggling Sabres some much-needed stability, interim coach Ted Nolan said.

“We’re running around the defensive zone a little bit too much,” Nolan said this afternoon following practice inside the Riverside Ice Rink.

That’s why Nolan and Pat LaFontaine, the president of hockey operations, watched Sulzer play Friday in Rochester. The Sabres recalled him following the game.

“We got a lot ... Read the full article

Ted Nolan showing faith in Sabres’ Drew Stafford despite struggles

BUFFALO – The past is history, Ted Nolan has said. The interim Sabres coach doesn’t care about it. Heck, he hasn’t even reviewed video of his new team’s sorry start.

Sabres winger Drew Stafford has two goals in 24 games this season, zero in the last seven contests.

But Nolan has been giving Stafford, a fourth-liner at times earlier this season, big minutes and opportunities. The 28-year-old is averaging 20:03 in four games under Nolan. ... Read the full article

Pat LaFontaine’s phone call to Ted Nolan left Sabres coach speechless

BUFFALO – It was going to be a special weekend trip to New York. Ted Nolan and his wife, Sandra, would celebrate her birthday and watch their son, Jordan, play for the Los Angeles Kings.

Nolan also wanted to see “The Book of Mormon” musical on Broadway. So he recently called Pat LaFontaine, a close friend with a ticket connection.

“I said, ‘Teddy, you better get ready for the show. It’s a pretty interesting show,’” ... Read the full article

Goalie Ryan Miller dazzles again in shootout victory over Kings

BUFFALO – Seconds after Tyler Ennis’ shootout goal secured the Sabres’ first home win this season, the slick center found franchise goalie Ryan Miller in the wild celebration scrum.

Miller had just finished another dynamic performance Tuesday, making 43 saves and two shootout stops in the Sabres’ 3-2 triumph against the Los Angeles Kings inside the First Niagara Center.

Ennis has been Miller’s friend and teammate five seasons, including the end of his scintillating 2009-10 ... Read the full article

Sabres’ Tyler Ennis embarrassed by benching, knows he must produce offense

BUFFALO – Tyler Ennis said nothing has ever embarrassed him as much as getting benched for the final 26 minutes of the Sabres’ 6-2 loss Friday in Anaheim.

“Oh, totally, big time,” the center said this morning inside the First Niagara Center. “I never in my career had to do that. So it was tough. I just got to put the puck in the net.”

So far, Ennis, who should be back at center against ... Read the full article

Sabres hoping to finally win at home, earn crowd’s support

BUFFALO – Fifteen days ago, as the Sabres began clawing back from a three-goal deficit against the Dallas Stars, the atmosphere inside the First Niagara Center shifted dramatically.

For one of the few times this trying season, the building buzzed with positive energy. The same fans who had booed and groaned all month cheered the Sabres’ strong effort.

The players felt the crowd’s support.

“That’s how it should be every game. We got to bring ... Read the full article

Ron Rolston switches up Sabres’ lines

BUFFALO – Top NHL lines rarely get benched long, especially on anemic teams with little or no depth.

So why did coach Ron Rolston sit the Matt Moulson, Cody Hodgson and Tyler Ennis trio the final 26 minutes of the Sabres’ 6-2 loss Friday in Anaheim.

“I’m not going to discuss that,” Rolston said Monday inside the First Niagara Center after the Sabres prepared for tonight’s contest against the Los Angeles Kings.

As expected, ... Read the full article

Ron Rolston moves Steve Ott to Sabres’ top line

BUFFALO – Top NHL lines rarely get benched long, especially on anemic teams with little or no depth.

So why did coach Ron Rolston sit the Matt Moulson, Cody Hodgson and Tyler Ennis trio the final 26 minutes of the Sabres’ 6-2 loss Friday in Anaheim.

“I’m not going to discuss that,” Rolston said after practice today inside the First Niagara Center.

As expected, the 3-15-1 Sabres, who have just 31 goals, mixed up their ... Read the full article