Housley - Buffalo Hockey Beat

Sabres regroup for road trip after taking step back

BUFFALO – When the Sabres enjoy some success, their identity is pretty straightforward, really. They come at you in waves and showcase a rigid defense.

Nothing fancy, right?

“It’s our work, our reloads and our checking detail,” coach Phil Housley said of the Sabres’ identity. “It’s pretty simple. When we do those three things well and on top of that manage the game, we’re a tough team to play against.”... Read the full article

Sabres’ Kyle Okposo OK after fight, will go on road trip

BUFFALO – Winger Kyle Okposo, who left Friday’s 6-2 loss to the New York Rangers after fighting defenseman Tony DeAngelo, will accompany the Sabres on their three-game road trip, coach Phil Housley said.

Okposo, 30, did not practice this morning inside Harborcenter. Housley said Okposo, who has a concerning history of concussions, did not suffer another one.

“Kyle’s doing well,” Housley said inside KeyBank Center. “We just kept him off the ice as ... Read the full article

Sabres searching for answers after rough loss to Rangers

BUFFALO – This is all new for the Sabres – the high expectations, the strong sense of urgency they must showcase throughout their most meaningful tilts in seven years.

On Friday, the Sabres could’ve won their third game in four tries, closed out two weeks at home on a high note and inched two points closer to the Eastern Conference’s second wild card spot.

Instead, they imploded again, falling behind two goals early and ... Read the full article

Sabres notes: Evan Rodrigues grew under Rangers’ David Quinn

BUFFALO – Sabres center Evan Rodrigues figured David Quinn would stay put at Boston University until the coach guided the Terriers to a national championship.

Quinn’s success at the NCAA level, of course, generated plenty of interest from the NHL. Still, Rodrigues, whose dynamic exploits nearly helped BU win a title in 2015, enjoys a close relationship with Quinn.

“You can always go into his office and talk about anything to him,” Rodrigues said prior ... Read the full article

Sabres’ Zach Bogosian set to return; Casey Mittelstadt out again

BUFFALO – Defenseman Zach Bogosian, who ranks second on the Sabres in ice time, will return tonight after a lower-body injury sidelined him two games.

To make room, defenseman Matt Hunwick will be scratched against the New York Rangers.

A lower-body injury, meanwhile, will force center Casey Mittelstadt to miss his second straight game. The rookie skated this morning and is day-to-day, Sabres coach Phil Housley said.... Read the full article

Jason Pominville moving up among Sabres’ all-time leaders

BUFFALO – It has become a regular occurence this season, Jason Pominville’s 14th in the NHL and 10th with the Sabres. Every few weeks or so, the popular winger seems to reach a new milestone or move up among the franchise’s all-time leaders.

Pominville, whose focus has been a huge asset over his splendid 1,037-game career, hasn’t paid much attention to any of it.

“I try to just enjoy the moment, live in the moment,” ... Read the full article

Injured Sabres Zach Bogosian, Casey Mittelstadt practice

BUFFALO – Sabres defenseman Zach Bogosian and center Casey Mittelstadt practiced today for the first time since suffering lower-body injuries over the weekend.

Now, will the regulars be ready to play Friday against the New York Rangers, the end of a seven-game home stand?

“Not ruling either one out,” Sabres coach Phil Housley said inside KeyBank Center.

Both players said they responded well to the session. Neither, however, skated on a regular pair or line.... Read the full article

Timely goals, strong defense help Sabres down Islanders

BUFFALO – Suddenly, after weeks of regularly shirking their duties and allowing four or five goals a game, the Sabres have started clamping down defensively.

The results? Two wins over a three-game stretch while giving up just five goals. Following some downright awful defensive displays earlier in their seven-game home stand, the Sabres have finally started showcasing structure again.

Tuesday’s 3-1 victory against the New York Islanders doesn’t rank among their most exciting triumphs this ... Read the full article

Sabres notes: Robin Lehner, Thomas Greiss forming dynamic tandem

BUFFALO – Before Robin Lehner and Thomas Greiss morphed into the NHL’s best goaltending tandem, they struggled mightily a year ago, enduring rough seasons.

In 2017-18, Lehner, 27, battled personal problems while tending goal for the hapless Sabres, the league’s worst team. Meanwhile, Greiss, 33, played behind the New York Islanders’ porous defense, which allowed a league-high 293 goals.

But these days, the goalies are thriving, enjoying career-best campaigns for the upstart Islanders, who showcase ... Read the full article

Sabres’ Casey Mittelstadt game-time decision for Islanders

BUFFALO – Sabres center Casey Mittelstadt suffered a “little bang” and is game-time decision for tonight’s tilt against the New York Islanders, coach Phil Housley said.

If Mittelstadt can’t play, another rookie, winger C.J. Smith, will move in. Mittelstadt left the ice a little early this morning.

Update: A lower-body injury will force Mittelstadt to miss tonight’s game.

Having compiled two goals and seven points over the last 10 games, Mittelstadt, 20, is enjoying ... Read the full article