Jokiharju - Buffalo Hockey Beat

Sabres release training camp roster, schedule; 37 players to participate

On Friday, the Buffalo Sabres will touch the KeyBank Center ice for the first time in 296 days and begin preparing for the most unusual of seasons.

The NHL will be attempting to play during the COVID-19 pandemic, and it will likely experience problems – positive tests, postponements or even cancellations – as the schedule unfolds.

But those potential roadblocks can be examined another day. The Sabres’ 10-month break is nearly over. Training camp officially ... Read the full article

Sabres succeeded in helping Rasmus Ristolainen transform game this season

“We’re continuing to try to set this team up where we’re putting (Rasmus Ristolainen) in positions to have success.”

– Buffalo Sabres general manager Jason Botterill, Aug. 17, 2019

As their nine-year run of futility indicates, the Sabres rarely accomplish what they set out to do. The once-proud franchise has become a laughingstock.

Still, in the case of defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen, the Sabres deserve credit for helping him develop a smarter, sturdier style as ... Read the full article

Sabres’ Brandon Montour gaining trust, earning big minutes

BUFFALO – Having piled up points throughout his career, Sabres defenseman Brandon Montour understands he has earned a reputation.

“People that see me as a player, I think, over the years, they think it was just offense,” Montour said prior to Tuesday’s 6-1 loss to the Colorado Avalanche inside KeyBank Center.

Montour, 25, has averaged nine goals and 34 points in his two full NHL seasons. He put up 12 goals and 57 points in ... Read the full article

Sabres notes: Marco Scandella living dream with hometown Canadiens

BUFFALO – Marco Scandella saw the end here coming. Not only did the Sabres have a surfeit of defensemen, he had an expiring contract.

Scandella, 29, knew he was a goner.

Still, when the Sabres traded him to his hometown Montreal Canadiens on Jan. 2 in exchange for a fourth-round pick this year, he was stunned.

“You’re always in shock when you get traded,” Scandella said prior to Thursday’s 3-1 win over the Sabres, ... Read the full article

Sabres use special teams, secondary scoring to beat Panthers

BUFFALO – By the final minutes of Saturday afternoon’s 3-2 win, most of the crowd of 17,731 had seen enough of the Sabres and departed KeyBank Center.

It was nothing against them. The spirited fans enjoyed the Sabres’ second straight victory – it was one of the noisiest contests this season – but they had somewhere to go.

The Bills’ AFC Wild Card game against the Houston Texans would be starting soon, and fans wanted ... Read the full article

Sabres annihilate Devils, move into third place in Atlantic Division

BUFFALO – Over the past week or so, the Sabres settled down and started showcasing some of the early-season form that made them one of the NHL’s heavyweights.

Their ability to play tighter defense helped them consistently generate more offense. While it had only resulted in two wins, it felt like the Sabres could bust out soon.

Luckily for them, the hapless New Jersey Devils visited town.

In its 22-year existence, around 2,700 periods of ... Read the full article

Retirement crossed Kyle Okposo’s mind following latest concussion with Sabres

BUFFALO – Right away, Kyle Okposo knew something was wrong. Having suffered at least three concussions earlier in his Sabres career, the winger understands the symptoms well.

“I just knew right away that the neck wasn’t good,” said Okposo, who suffered his fourth concussion Nov. 16 when he collided with Ottawa Senators defenseman Ron Hainsey leaving the bench.

Right now, Okposo feels good again. The affable veteran smiled and was upbeat Monday morning after skating ... Read the full article

Sabres notes: Colin Miller trying to stay positive during tough start

TORONTO – Who expected Buffalo Sabres defenseman Colin Miller would be a healthy scratch once this season, let alone six times before December?

But a crowded blue line – the Sabres have seven healthy defensemen, including five right-handed shots – forced them to bench one in eight recent games.

Miller, 27, was usually the odd man out.

“I’m not getting many bounces lately,” Miller said prior to Saturday’s 2-1 overtime loss to the Maple Leafs ... Read the full article

Sabres roar back against Hurricanes, lose game and cool

BUFFALO – Maybe Thursday’s 5-4 overtime loss, a rollicking game in which the Sabres roared back multiple times, can help them recapture some of their early-season form.

The Sabres looked dead at several points, including with 3:54 left, when winger Andrei Svechnikov’s power-play goal restored the Carolina Hurricanes’ lead after they had blown a 3-1 advantage.

Instead of wilting, the Sabres scored with 40.1 seconds left, getting the tying goal from center Johan Larsson.

While ... Read the full article

Sabres notes: Marco Scandella’s return makes Colin Miller healthy scratch

BUFFALO – Colin Miller’s stint in the press box likely won’t last long. It wouldn’t be surprising if the Sabres defenseman returns to the lineup Saturday.

But Marco Scandella’s return from a lower-body injury Thursday forced Sabres coach Ralph Krueger to make a tough decision and sit out a regular defenseman.

Miller was the odd man out against for the 5-4 overtime loss to the Carolina Hurricanes.

Right now, the Sabres have eight healthy defensemen. ... Read the full article