McCormick - Buffalo Hockey Beat

Sabres’ Corey Tropp practicing again, not upset with Jamie Devane

BUFFALO – Sabres winger Corey Tropp holds no grudges against Jamie Devane, the 6-foot-5 tough guy who broke his jaw during a Sept. 22 preseason fight in Toronto.

The scrap ignited a huge brawl and became the talk of hockey world. Sabres enforcer John Scott, who immediately went after Maple Leafs star Phil Kessel, has said Devane shouldn’t have punched Tropp a final time and driven his head into the ice.

But the gritty ... Read the full article

Awful first period dooms Sabres in loss to Avalanche

BUFFALO – The buzz began building as Drew Stafford wound up at the left point. A second later, as the winger pumped a slap shot on Colorado goalie Jean-Sebastien Giguere 14:09 into the game, the 18,422 fans inside the First Niagara Center roared, almost like the Sabres had scored.

It was, of course, a Bronx cheer – perhaps the loudest you’ll ever hear. The hapless Sabres finally had their first shot.

“That’s a low moment,” ... Read the full article

Sabres’ lineup against Avalanche unclear; Nikita Zadorov could debut

BUFFALO – Since the Sabres had an optional skate this morning, you’ll have to wait until tonight to see their lineup against the upstart Colorado Avalanche.

This much is known: Cody McCormick, who blocked a shot in Thursday’s 3-0 loss to Vancouver, is out. The forward is day-to-day, Sabres coach Ron Rolston said.

Winger Zemgus Girgensons, who took a shot off his face Tuesday, will return after a one-game absence. The rookie has ditched ... Read the full article

Struggling Sabres make rookies dance; Nikita Zadorov to make NHL debut soon

BUFFALO – One by one they danced, each Sabres rookie taking a turn at center ice as teammates laughed and cheered following Friday’s practice inside the First Niagara Center.

Johan Larsson showcased, well, all sorts of crazy moves, including some breakdancing. Zemgus Girgensons twerked like Miley Cyrus at the MTV Video Music Awards.

“Twerking on skates, that’ll be the first time,” Sabres winger Tyler Ennis said.

When you’re 1-7-1 and hours removed from a shutout ... Read the full article

Sabres’ Nikita Zadorov to make NHL debut soon; Rookies partake in ‘dance-off’ at end of practice

BUFFALO – Get ready to see the sixth rookie skate for the Sabres this season.

Russian defenseman Nikita Zadorov, the 16^th overall pick in June, will make his NHL debut soon, Sabres coach Ron Rolston said.

The 18-year-old Zadorov, out since hurting his finger during the preseason finale, has been practicing with the Sabres.

“He’s getting there,” Rolston said about Zadorov’s recovery following practice today inside the First Niagara Center.

When will Zadorov, ... Read the full article

Sabres start meekly again, get blanked by Canucks

BUFFALO – Nine games into what is quickly becoming the worst season in the Sabres’ 43-year history, the hapless team appears finished.

In Thursday’s feeble 3-0 loss to the Vancouver Canucks, the Sabres (1-7-1) showcased more of what makes them arguably the NHL’s worst team: terrible starts, a porous defense and no goal scoring.

So much for building on Tuesday’s 4-3 shootout triumph over the Islanders, the Sabres’ only win this season.

Where’s their frustration ... Read the full article

Sabres’ Cody McCormick impressing again after brief AHL stint

BUFFALO – Their paths never crossed last season. Hours before the Sabres promoted Ron Rolston from Rochester on Feb. 20, they waived Cody McCormick. As Rolston was starting his NHL career the next day, the gritty forward was beginning his first AHL stint since 2010.

But McCormick’s 28-game stay in Rochester didn’t signal the end of his Sabres career. In the summer, general manager Darcy Regier said the 30-year-old likely wouldn’t clear waivers again.... Read the full article

Sabres’ Cody Hodgson doesn’t want to revisit past; Zemgus Girgensons out

BUFFALO – About 16 media members, most of them from Vancouver, surrounded Sabres center Cody Hodgson this morning.

The Canucks, of course, traded Hodgson on Feb. 27, 2012 amid speculation his relationship with the team had soured, he wanted more playing time and his father had become too involved in his hockey affairs.

Naturally, Hodgson didn’t want to talk about any of that.

“I’m happy to be here for the next six years,” Hodgson, who ... Read the full article

Sabres’ Johan Larsson replaces struggling Mikhail Grigorenko; Henrik Tallinder hopeful of weekend return

BUFFALO – As expected, the Sabres scratched struggling center Mikhail Grigorenko for Thursday’s 4-1 loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets inside the First Niagara Center.

Rookie Johan Larsson, a scratch Tuesday, pivoted Zemgus Girgensons and Brian Flynn in Grigorenko’s place.

The 19-year-old Grigorenko hasn’t showcased the competitiveness Sabres coach Ron Rolston wants to see.

“He’s got to continue consistency of his compete and his details away from the puck and then, offensively, some confidence there,” ... Read the full article

Sabres’ Mikhail Grigorenko to sit tonight for Johan Larsson

BUFFALO – As expected, the Sabres will scratch 19-year-old center Mikhail Grigorenko tonight against the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Rookie Johan Larsson, a scratch Tuesday, will pivot Zemgus Girgensons and Brian Flynn inside the First Niagara Center.

Grigorenko, one of 17 pointless Sabres, hasn’t showcased the competitiveness coach Ron Rolston wants to see.

“He’s got to continue consistency of his compete and his details away from the puck and then, offensively, some confidence there,” said Rolston, ... Read the full article