Josh Gorges has missed five games. ©2014, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald

Sabres’ Tyler Myers ’50-50′ for Friday, Josh Gorges getting closer to returning

BUFFALO – The Sabres’ battered defense corps could receive some reinforcements soon.

Tyler Myers, a surprise scratch for Wednesday’s 2-1 loss to Winnipeg, is “50-50” for Friday’s home tilt, Sabres coach Ted Nolan said this afternoon. Myers has a lower-body injury and missed today’s short practice.

Meanwhile, Josh Gorges, out the last five games with a knee injury, practiced fully today and is getting closer to playing. The Sabres play the Montreal Canadiens, Gorges’ ... Read the full article

Andrej Meszaros skates Wednesday. ©2014, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald

Sabres’ Andrej Meszaros explains weak reply to hit

BUFFALO – At the 14:06 mark of the second period in the Sabres’ 2-1 loss Wednesday, the Winnipeg Jets’ Adam Lowry hit winger Patrick Kaleta face-first into the boards, earning a five-minute major and a game misconduct.

As a bloodied Kaleta stayed on his knees behind the net, Sabres defenseman Andrej Meszaros, the closest player to Lowry, watched for a moment. Eventually, he skated over a cross-checked him meekly.

Update: Lowry has been suspended ... Read the full article

Chris Stewart scored his first goal since Nov. 2 on Wednesday. ©2014, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald

Sabres’ Chris Stewart finally ends long goal slump

BUFFALO – The question made Chris Stewart pause for a moment.

“I’m searching for the right answer here,” the struggling winger said Wednesday prior to scoring a breakaway goal in the Sabres’ 2-1 loss to the Winnipeg Jets inside the First Niagara Center.

Stewart, a two-time 28-goal scorer, has arguably been the Sabres’ biggest disappointment this season, compiling just two goals and three points in 22 games.

So much for that breakout season.

“It’s not ... Read the full article

Patrick Kaleta has played one game this season. ©2014, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald

Sabres’ Patrick Kaleta thrilled to play game in Buffalo again

BUFFALO – The 412-day wait to play a home game has been excruciating for Sabres winger Patrick Kaleta, an Angola native.

Since his last appearance here Oct. 10, 2013, the 28-year-old has endured a 10-game suspension, a surprising demotion to the minors, a torn ACL and what was basically a broken face.

Finally, Kaleta will play again tonight at the First Niagara Center. It might be a different experience, too. Kaleta, a winger his entire ... Read the full article

Patrick Kaleta has been a winger his entire career. ©2014, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald

Sabres could use Patrick Kaleta at center

BUFFALO – Patrick Kaleta, center? Believe it. It could be happen Wednesday, Sabres coach Ted Nolan said.

Kaleta, a winger his entire nine-year career, has practiced in the middle the last two days. Nolan said Monday the Sabres could recall a center. For now, however, they are “going to keep the status quo.”

“He’s been waiting to get in,” Nolan said this afternoon inside the First Niagara Center. “So we’ll maybe see how that ... Read the full article

Patrick Kaleta practiced again Friday. ©2014, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald

Patrick Kaleta grateful to be back with Sabres after snowy week

BUFFALO – For days, Sabres winger Patrick Kaleta looked out a window in his Hamburg home and had one thought, “Man, when is this going to end?”

As foot after foot of snow from Winter Storm Knife piled up, Kaleta, like most Southtowns residents, got trapped. He spent three days shoveling and helping people.

“There was nothing I could do,” Kaleta said Friday following practice inside the First Niagara Center. “As my neighbors’ kids would ... Read the full article

Patrick Kaleta was stuck at home for days. ©2014, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald

Patrick Kaleta finally leaves snowy Hamburg, practices with Sabres

BUFFALO – For days, Sabres winger Patrick Kaleta looked out a window in his Hamburg home and had one thought, “Man, when is this going to end?”

As foot after foot of snow from Winter Storm Knife piled up, Kaleta, like most Southtowns residents, got trapped. He spent three days shoveling and helping people.

Finally, Kaleta made it to practice today. It wasn’t easy, however.

“I had to take the long way, but I was ... Read the full article

Snow has been falling around Buffalo constantly. ©2014, Margaret Hickling, Olean Times Herald

Sabres believe postponement of Rangers game good thing

BUFFALO – It was business as usual early Thursday inside the First Niagara Center. Following a day off, the Sabres practiced in anticipation of playing the New York Rangers tonight. Only snowed-in winger Patrick Kaleta, who’s stuck in Hamburg, was missing. Coach Ted Nolan discussed his lineup.

But miles away, Winter Storm Knife was battering Buffalo’s Southtowns again, pouring more snow on an area already devastated by one of the biggest storms in this ... Read the full article

Patrick Kaleta is stuck at home. ©2014, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald

Patrick Kaleta still absent from Sabres

BUFFALO – As expected, the Sabres practiced minus one player today, winger Patrick Kaleta, who’s stuck in his Hamburg home with Winter Storm Knife still decimating the area.

Update: Friday’s game against the New York Rangers has been postponed.

“Hockey seems like a very small thing when the city’s going through something that we’re going through right now,” Sabres coach Ted Nolan said this afternoon inside the First Niagara Center. “We’re just hoping that not ... Read the full article

John Scott played two seasons with the Sabres. ©2014, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald

Former Sabres tough guy John Scott enjoying time with Sharks

BUFFALO – John Scott was scratched again Tuesday, the 15th time in 21 games the hulking San Jose Sharks tough guy has watched this season.

Scott understands his role means he must sit out regularly. Still, the popular former Sabres fighter wanted to play badly in his return to the First Niagara Center.

“It’s always fun to come back,” Scott said prior to the Sabres’ 4-1 win. “I wish I was playing tonight. I ... Read the full article