WNY and Buffalo NY Hockey Coverage
October Edition
Lindy Ruff tried to accept responsibility Thursday. ©2013, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald
BUFFALO – Lindy Ruff’s mood belied his team’s plight. The Sabres coach was smiling and brimming with energy during a frank nine-minute chat with the media Thursday following a 70-minute practice inside the First Niagara Center.
“It is on me,” Ruff said about the challenge of fixing the Sabres’ poor 5-8-1 record, which has them mired in 15th place in the Eastern Conference. “I understand that. I understand this is on me to clean ... Read the full article
This season hasn’t been easy for Lindy Ruff. ©2013, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald
BUFFALO – On the surface, it sounds like a dynamic early-season combination. Goalie Ryan Miller locked in, on top of his game. Twenty-two goals and 49 points from the Sabres’ top line, highlighted by 11 scores and 23 points from superstar Thomas Vanek.
Well, it’s added up to a 5-7-1 record, 11 points and a last-place Northeast Division standing entering tonight’s tilt in Ottawa against the Senators.
The defense, the Sabres’ supposed strength, is ... Read the full article
Tyler Ennis stands face-to-face with Brad Marchand on Sunday. ©2013, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald
BUFFALO – A night after his dynamic effort stole a victory for his teammates in New York, the Sabres demanded an encore performance from goalie Ryan Miller.
Thirteen games into the season, the Sabres are a gigantic mess defensively, allowing 40 shots some nights and loads of scoring chances.
Miller can only do so much, but he dazzled again Sunday in the Sabres’ 3-1 loss to the scorching Boston Bruins, stopping 36 shots before 18,869 ... Read the full article
Thomas Vanek’s scoring pace would be high for a normal 82-game season. ©2013, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald
BUFFALO – Follow Sabres superstar Thomas Vanek’s dynamic run closely. Enjoy watching the nifty goals, the points and knowing each time he steps on the ice something special could happen.
This might be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. NHL players just don’t score at Vanek’s torrid pace anymore.
The slick Austrian already has 10 goals and 21 points through 10 appearances, a stat line from eras past. He’s on track for 47 goals and 99 points in ... Read the full article
Thomas Vanek scored his eighth goal Sunday. ©2013, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald
BUFFALO – It’s a fair question that won’t stop being asked until Sabres coach Lindy Ruff ups his minutes.
Why the heck is slick winger Thomas Vanek, the NHL’s most dynamic presence through two weeks with eight goals and a league-high 19 points, only playing 19:13 a game?
That time ranks 56th among NHL forwards. It’s second among Sabres forwards to linemate Jason Pominville’s 20:51 and sixth on the team.
“I’m happy with whatever ... Read the full article
Adam Pardy played five games in Rochester. ©2013, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald
BUFFALO – This morning, five Sabres who played in Sunday’s 4-3 loss to Florida – Christian Ehrhoff, Marcus Foligno, Cody Hodgson, Steve Ott and Jason Pominville – didn’t skate during an optional workout inside the First Niagara Center.
“We got a couple guys that are nicked up that may be doubtful (for the Senators),” coach Lindy Ruff said after the Sabres prepared for Tuesday’s tilt in Ottawa.
Well, at least one probably won’t be playing ... Read the full article
Thomas Vanek’s ice time ranks 56th among NHL forwards. ©2013, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald
BUFFALO – It’s a fair question that won’t stop being asked until Sabres coach Lindy Ruff ups his minutes.
Why the heck is slick winger Thomas Vanek, the NHL’s most dynamic presence through two weeks with eight goals and a league-high 19 points, only playing 19:13 a game?
That time ranks 56th among NHL forwards. It’s second among Sabres forwards to linemate Jason Pominville’s 20:51 and sixth overall.
“I’m happy with whatever I get,” ... Read the full article
Cody Hodgson missed this morning’s workout. ©2013, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald
BUFFALO – Five Sabres who played Sunday – Christian Ehrhoff, Marcus Foligno, Cody Hodgson, Steve Ott and Jason Pominville – didn’t skate during this morning’s optional workout inside the First Niagara Center.
“We got a couple guys that are nicked up that may be doubtful tomorrow,” coach Lindy Ruff said after the Sabres prepared for Tuesday’s tilt in Ottawa.
Right now, forward Matt Ellis is the Sabres’ only extra player. A recall could be coming.... Read the full article
Ryan Miller stops Tomas Kopecky in front moments before Brian Campbell’s game-winning goal Sunday. ©2013, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald
BUFFALO – Sabres star Thomas Vanek dazzled again Sunday, scoring another goal and three more points. That’s a whopping eight goals and 19 points through two weeks for the slick Austrian.
But arguably the greatest individual start in the franchise’s 42-year history is being wasted.
The Sabres have dropped six of seven games (1-5-1) after blowing a 3-1 second-period lead and falling to the hapless Florida Panthers 4-3 on Sunday afternoon before 18,831 fans inside ... 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