Kane - Buffalo Hockey Beat

Sabres notes: Jack Eichel earns first NHL All-Star Game appearance

BUFFALO – With a team-high 17 goals and 39 points through 43 games, center Jack Eichel is on pace for the Sabres’ first 30-goal, 70-point season since winger Jason Pominville in 2011-12.

Eichel, 21, has often dazzled throughout his three-year career, showcasing slick talents few players possess. In the last few weeks, Eichel has shaken off a so-so start and played perhaps his best NHL hockey.

... Read the full article

Tempers flare between Sabres’ Justin Falk, Evander Kane during practice

BUFFALO – Defenseman Justin Falk’s booming voice suddenly cut through the din of today’s intense Sabres practice.

“Shut the (expletive) up, you selfish (expletive),” Falk yelled as he skated at winger Evander Kane on the KeyBank Center ice.

Falk then shoved Kane before some coaches intervened.

Clearly, the Sabres’ wretched 10-win season has ignited emotions. About 30 minutes after the incident, Falk, who was battling Kane in front of the net, was still riled up.... Read the full article

Former Sabres Dmitry Kulikov, Tyler Myers happy with Jets

BUFFALO – In training camp, Winnipeg Jets coach Paul Maurice figured what the heck, why not throw defensemen Dmitry Kulikov and Tyler Myers, two of his biggest question marks, together?

These days, the former Sabres form the upstart Jets’ strong No. 2 defense pair. But four months ago, no one knew what to expect from the 27-year-old veterans.

Kulikov was coming off a miserable season in which a lower-back bruise he suffered in his ... Read the full article

Sabres’ Evander Kane needs to finish scoring chances

BUFFALO – Right now, with only two goals in his last 11 outings, Sabres winger Evander Kane is enduring his worst offensive stretch this season.

Of course, Kane is still enjoying a strong campaign. The nine-year veteran has compiled 16 goals and 35 points through 42 games entering tonight’s tilt against the Winnipeg Jets, a 31-goal, 68-point pace over 82 contests.

Kane hasn’t gone totally quiet in the last three weeks, either.... Read the full article

Sabres notes: Winter Classic brings players back to childhood

NEW YORK – Four years ago, Buffalo Sabres forward Evan Rodrigues was injured when Boston University participated in “Frozen Fenway,” an outdoor game at the historic ballpark.

At first, Rodrigues held out some hope he would return in time. Then the college junior realized he would miss the special tilt.

“At the time, (it was) heartbreaking, because you always want to play in something like this,” Rodrigues said Sunday after the Sabres prepared for this ... Read the full article

Sabres use late surge to down Flyers

BUFFALO – Phil Housley often talks about the shot mentality he wants the Sabres to possess. To the coach, pumping the puck on net from any angle is usually a good idea.

“It sounds so simple,” Housley said following Friday’s 4-2 win against the Philadelphia Flyers.

In reality, it’s not simple at all. Players’ instincts often tell them to hold the puck until a strong opportunity materializes.... Read the full article

Sabres’ Sam Reinhart promoted to top line with Jack Eichel

BUFFALO – In Tuesday’s 3-0 loss, Sam Reinhart’s 12th straight goalless game, the struggling Sabres winger barely skated 11 minutes.

With the Sabres down one goal, Reinhart, who was demoted to the fourth line against the Boston Bruins, played just over two minutes in the third period.

Reinhart has been struggling all month, compiling just one assist during his goal drought.

So is the next next step moving Reinhart, 22, to the press box? Nope.... Read the full article

Sabres practice 3-on-3 to break OT rut

BUFFALO – After losing three overtime affairs over a five-game stretch, coach Phil Housley knew the Sabres needed to start practicing three-on-three hockey.

So for perhaps the first time this season, the Sabres ended this morning’s practice with six skaters zooming up and down the ice inside KeyBank Center.

The Sabres lost in overtime Friday, falling 5-4 when Carolina scored seconds after winger Evander Kane missed a breakaway at the other end.... Read the full article

Sabres waste Jack Eichel’s first hat trick, fall to Hurricanes in OT

BUFFALO – The first hat trick of Jack Eichel’s short career and the first witnessed by Sabres fans here since 2011 deserved to be celebrated wildly.

The slick center dominated Friday’s tilt late, scoring twice in a 10-second span to erase the Carolina Hurricanes’ brief third-period lead and secure the first three-goal outing of his 175-game career.

A night after registering zero shots on goal, Sabres coach Phil Housley said “something must’ve been triggered” in ... Read the full article

Sabres hear cheers in rare home win

BUFFALO – The Sabres have played 42 periods at home this season, and based on their awful 4-9-1 record at KeyBank Center, the majority of them have been poor or downright awful.

In their last home outing before Tuesday’s 3-2 victory, the Sabres, like so many times this season, got booed off the ice by their surly fans.

That’s why the roar from the announced crowd of 17,454 following a three-goal second period against the ... Read the full article