Kane - Buffalo Hockey Beat

Sabres’ Ryan O’Reilly might have ice time limited in return

BUFFALO – Since a broken right foot has sidelined Ryan O’Reilly the last 11 games, Sabres coach Dan Bylsma wants to ease his No. 1 center and most versatile asset back into the lineup tonight after a 26-day absence.

So O’Reilly, who plays more than any NHL forward at 21 minutes, 51 seconds a game, might see a little less action against the Montreal Canadiens inside the First Niagara Center.

“I think you do ease ... Read the full article

Goalie Jason Kasdorf could play for Sabres this season

BUFFALO – The plan is for goalie Jason Kasdorf to spend a couple of days rehabbing his groin injury before the rookie starts practicing with the Sabres.

The Sabres, of course, have two healthy netminders in starter Robin Lehner and backup Chad Johnson. But with 12 games left, Sabres coach Dan Bylsma said there’s a “possibility” Kasdorf could play in the NHL this season.

Kasdorf, 23, signed a one-year, entry-level contract Monday, two days after ... Read the full article

Ryan O’Reilly’s return means Sabres will switch up lines

BUFFALO – The sample size, of course, is pretty small – barely eight games over the last two weeks. Still, the line comprised of slick rookies Jack Eichel and Sam Reinhart and young veteran Evander Kane has given the Sabres a legitimate No. 1 NHL scoring combination for the first time in years.

Think back a bit. When was the last time the Sabres had a top trio on par with some of the league’s ... Read the full article

Sabres’ Ryan O’Reilly close to returning

BUFFALO – On Saturday morning, after skating 90 minutes before the Sabres’ afternoon game, center Ryan O’Reilly told coach Dan Bylsma he was ready to return from a right foot injury.

Keep in mind that O’Reilly hadn’t even participated in a full practice with his teammates yet. That was only his second time on the ice since getting hurt Feb. 19.

“He came off the ice and decided, ‘Oh, I can play today. I’m ... Read the full article

Sabres rookie Jack Eichel beats buzzer for overtime winner

BUFFALO – Sabres winger Evander Kane likes to practice the long backhand flips like the one that created rookie Jack Eichel’s slick breakaway winner with one second left in overtime Saturday afternoon.

“They’re helpful when you get caught on a line change,” Kane said following the Sabres’ thrilling 3-2 win against the Carolina Hurricanes. “It’s kind of like a punt, four seconds of hang time in the air and you can kind of get off ... Read the full article

Sabres’ Carlo Colaiacovo happy to have regular duty

BUFFALO – For 10 weeks, as Carlo Colaiacovo sat game after game – 30 out of 32, including a whopping 15 straight – the Sabres defenseman kept giving coach Dan Bylsma a message.

“Every game he was, ‘I’m ready to go,’” Bylsma said prior to Saturday afternoon’s 3-2 overtime win against the Carolina Hurricanes inside the First Niagara Center.

These days, even with Colaiacovo, 33, dressing regularly again – he played his 10^th straight ... Read the full article

Sabres’ Evander Kane happy investigation over

BUFFALO – A relieved-looking Evander Kane said this morning he’s happy he won’t be charged after a 74-day investigation into a sexual encounter he had Dec. 27 at a downtown hotel.

“I’m definitely happy that the process is behind me,” the Sabres winger said. “I’m very grateful with the support I got from the Buffalo Sabres and my teammates and family members as well. I’m thankful that this is behind me and we can move ... Read the full article

Sabres’ Evander Kane won’t be charged after investigation

BUFFALO – Evander Kane won’t be charged after an investigation into a sexual encounter the Sabres winger had Dec. 27 at a downtown hotel.

The Erie County District Attorney’s Office and the Buffalo Police sex offense squad followed automatic protocols and determined Kane, 24, did nothing illegal. No criminal complaint was ever filed.

“After careful and diligent examination of all the known facts, including the results of forensic and toxicology testing, neither the provable facts ... Read the full article

Sabres’ Sam Reinhart developing into playmaker

BUFFALO – Early on, Sam Reinhart’s slick playmaking abilities took a backseat as the Sabres rookie developed into a strong net-front presence.

By late February, Reinhart, who regularly parks himself at the crease, owned an odd and lopsided stat line: 18 goals and nine assists.

Now, Reinhart, 20, has started showcasing his dynamic passing skills – anticipation and vision that compliment his soft hands – and upped his assists total by running off five ... Read the full article

Top talent rallies Sabres past Leafs

TORONTO – Call it whatever you want – a tank, a deep rebuild – the Maple Leafs gutted their roster recently, leaving coach Mike Babcock a team filled with unknown neophytes to mold into NHL talent.

The Buffalo Sabres, meanwhile, have already endured what the Leafs are just beginning: a total overhaul. The Sabres are, theoretically, two years ahead of Toronto.

At this stage, they should exploit a reeling club dressing six rookies. The Sabres ... Read the full article