Housley - Buffalo Hockey Beat

Sabres star Jack Eichel busts out of goal-scoring slump

BUFFALO – In about 10 minutes Tuesday, captain Jack Eichel scored twice during a wild third period, giving the Sabres a short-lived lead and equaling his goal output from the previous 25 games.

Eichel, 22, has quietly enjoyed a terrific season, compiling 27 assists and 34 points in the first 29 contests.

At his current pace, the slick center would have 76 assists and 94 points over 82 games, the Sabres’ most prolific offensive ... Read the full article

Sabres battled back, fall to Maple Leafs in overtime thriller

BUFFALO – The loss didn’t crush the Sabres. Sure, their fourth straight defeat certainly stung. They battled back and grabbed a late lead before Auston Matthews’ overtime winner with just 2.7 seconds left secured the Toronto Maple Leafs’ 4-3 victory.

But after arriving in Buffalo at 1 a.m. following Monday’s 2-1 loss in Nashville, the Sabres earned a point and had one of the NHL’s heavyweights on the ropes.

That’s probably why coach Phil Housley, ... Read the full article

Sabres notes: Tyler Ennis happy in fourth-line role with Maple Leafs

BUFFALO – Instead of being relied upon to produce offense, ex-Sabres winger Tyler Ennis is now a fourth-liner.

Sure, Ennis, 29, skates on the Toronto Maple Leafs’ second power-play unit. The former first-round pick even started the season on the No. 1 line beside center Auston Matthews and Patrick Marleau.

But Ennis is no longer the ultra-slick presence from his early days. The concussions he suffered in his final seasons with the Sabres helped stymie ... Read the full article

Sabres’ Conor Sheary to return against Maple Leafs

BUFFALO – Suddenly, the Sabres have a three-game losing streak. Sure, they lost three road contests by one goal. It should also be noted the Tampa Bay Lightning and Nashville Predators, the NHL’s top two clubs points-wise, beat them.

So the Sabres’ 0-2-1 run – they earned a point in Friday’s 3-2 overtime loss to the Florida Panthers – isn’t a normal losing skid.

Still, the Sabres, who have another stiff test tonight against the ... Read the full article

Sabres recall Matt Tennyson from Amerks with Jake McCabe hurt

Is Buffalo Sabres defense prospect Lawrence Pilut going to make his NHL debut tonight?

The Sabres recalled defenseman Matt Tennyson from the Rochester Americans this morning, meaning Jake McCabe, who left Thursday’s 5-4 road loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning with an undisclosed injury, likely won’t play tonight against the Florida Panthers.

Update: Pilut will play, according to reports out of Florida.

In addition, the Sabres activated forward Patrik Berglund from injured reserved ... Read the full article

Surging Sabres win 10th straight, tie franchise record

BUFFALO – Shortly after the Sabres’ 10th straight win, Tuesday’s thrilling 3-2 overtime triumph, defenseman Rasmus Dahlin still seemed in awe of Rasmus Ristolainen’s highlight-reel goal earlier in the night.

“It was one of the coolest goals I’ve ever seen,” Dahlin said after Jeff Skinner’s NHL-best 19th goal helped the Sabres tie the franchise record for most consecutive victories.

Almost 15 minutes into the second period, Ristolainen undressed former Norris Trophy winner Brent Burns down ... Read the full article

Sabres notes: Tage Thompson producing after taking ‘step back’

BUFFALO – Earlier this season, as Sabres winger Tage Thompson struggled offensively, the thought of producing points consumed him.

“The first couple weeks, all I’m thinking about is I’m struggling to put up points,” said Thompson, who had scored three goals in the last four games entering Tuesday’s tilt against the San Jose Sharks.

Not surprisingly, Thompson’s entire game suffered. His confidence dipped. Following seven pointless outings, coach Phil Housley yanked him from the lineup.... Read the full article

Taking ‘step back’ helps Sabres’ Tage Thompson find game

BUFFALO – Earlier this season, as Sabres winger Tage Thompson struggled offensively, the thought of producing points consumed him.

“The first couple weeks, all I’m thinking about is I’m struggling to put up points,” said Thompson, who has scored three goals in the last four games entering tonight’s tilt against the San Jose Sharks.

Not surprisingly, Thompson’s entire game suffered. His confidence dipped. Following seven pointless outings, coach Phil Housley yanked him from the lineup.... Read the full article

Sabres’ Conor Sheary out against Sharks; Remie Elie impressing

BUFFALO – An upper-body injury will sideline winger Conor Sheary tonight against the San Jose Sharks, meaning Remi Elie will play again as the Sabres gun for their 10th consecutive victory.

Of course, Sabres coach Phil Housley might’ve kept Elie, his 13th forward much of the season, in the lineup if Sheary could play.

In his first appearance following 10 consecutive healthy scratches, Elie, 23, stood out in Saturday’s 3-2 shootout win in Detroit.... Read the full article

Phil Housley on Sabres’ winning streak: ‘We don’t talk about it’

BUFFALO – In their 48-year history, the Sabres have won 10 straight games just twice, so if you did not already know, their current nine-game run is a big deal.

The streak that vaulted the Sabres to the NHL’s top spot on Saturday has made them relevant in the hockey world for the first time in years. The Sabres, the league’s laughingstock a season ago, have quickly morphed into a legitimate contender.

Their success has ... Read the full article