Phil Housley was miffed after Thursday’s loss. ©2018, Hickling Images

Phil Housley to Sabres after loss: ‘The sun came up’

BUFFALO – Coach Phil Housley’s firm voice cut through the din of Friday’s practice every few minutes.

“He was definitely vocal,” winger Kyle Okposo said after the Sabres prepared for tonight’s home tilt against the New York Rangers. “I think we got the message.”

Actually, Housley relayed multiple messages Friday morning, hours after an embarrassing 4-0 loss left him seething. He delivered his first before practice.... Read the full article

Vladimir Sobotka briefly fought Boston’s Charlie McAvoy. ©2018, Hickling Images

Sabres regroup after ugly loss; Vladimir Sobotka day-to-day

BUFFALO – Fresh off Thursday’s ugly 4-0 season-opening loss, coach Phil Housley relayed a straightforward message to the Sabres.

“I walked in this morning to the group and said … ‘The sun came up,’” Housley said following practice inside KeyBank Center.

The setback to the Boston Bruins, of course, was just one of 82 games. But given the Sabres’ sorry history in recent seasons, the loss triggered some anger in fans, who booed the home ... Read the full article

Phil Housley likes how his team welcomed its new players. ©2018, Hickling Images

New-look Sabres excited to open season: ‘A lot of enthusiasm’

BUFFALO – The first glimpse of the new-look Sabres comes tonight, 180 days after they ended perhaps the worst season in franchise history.

Seven new faces will dress against the Boston Bruins, including first overall pick Rasmus Dahlin and winger Jeff Skinner, a two-time 30-goal scorer. The optimism surrounding the Sabres is well-deserved.

They’re a much different team than the dreadful one that finished in 31st place six months ago.

“They’re excited,” Sabres coach ... Read the full article

Remi Elie has played 90 NHL games. ©2018, Hickling Images

Sabres claim Remi Elie on waivers, finalize 23-man roster

BUFFALO – Jason Botterill overhauled the Sabres for the 2018-19 season, adding eight new faces and improving their depth. Still, after Scott Wilson suffered a broken right ankle Sunday, the general manager felt they needed another winger for the fourth line.

So on Tuesday, the Sabres claimed Remi Elie on waivers from the Dallas Stars.

The 6-foot-1, 215-pound Elie, 23, has played 90 NHL games, compiling seven goals, 21 points and 26 penalty minutes. Last ... Read the full article

Casey Mittelstadt is one of two rookies on the Sabres. ©2018, Hickling Images

Sabres finalize 23-man roster

BUFFALO – Thirteen forwards, eight defensemen and two goalies comprise the Sabres’ first 23-man roster for the 2018-19 season.

NHL rosters needed to be finalized by 5 p.m. The Sabres open the season Thursday against the Boston Bruins at KeyBank Center.

The Sabres reached the 23-man limit by placing four players – forwards Johan Larsson, Sean Malone and Scott Wilson and defenseman Matt Hunwick – on injured reserve.... Read the full article

Conor Sheary was injured the first day of training camp. ©2018, Hickling Images

Sabres lose Scott Wilson as Conor Sheary returns

BUFFALO – Just as one Sabres winger, Conor Sheary, returned from an injury Sunday, they lost another one.

Toward of the end of practice, Scott Wilson got tangled with defensemen Rasmus Ristolainen and appeared to injure his right leg. Wilson stayed on the HarborCenter ice for a couple of minutes before being helped off. He couldn’t put any pressure on his right foot.... Read the full article

Scott Wilson is expected to occupy a spot on the fourth line. ©2018, Hickling Images

Sabres’ Conor Sheary practices; Scott Wilson leaves with injury

BUFFALO – Just as one Sabres winger, Conor Sheary, returned from an injury today, they lost another one.

Toward of the end of practice inside HarborCenter, Scott Wilson got tangled with defensemen Rasmus Ristolainen and appeared to injure his right leg. Wilson stayed on the ice for a couple of minutes before being helped off. He couldn’t put any pressure on his right foot.... Read the full article

Zach Bogosian has battled injuries in recent seasons. ©2018, Hickling Images

Sabres’ Zach Bogosian day-to-day with lower-body injury

BUFFALO – Oft-injured Sabres defenseman Zach Bogosian, who played only 18 games last season, is day-to-day after suffering a lower-body injury Tuesday, coach Phil Housley said.

Housley said Bogosian, 28, will be reevaluated later today after leaving the Sabres’ 4-2 preseason loss to Columbus early.

Injuries, of course, have ravaged Bogosian. The Massena native has missed 114 games – a whopping 42 percent of Buffalo’s outings – since he joined the Sabres on Feb. ... Read the full article

The Sabres stretch earlier today inside Clinton Arena. ©2018, Olean Times Herald

Hockeyville in Clinton provides unique experience for Sabres

CLINTON – When center Casey Mittelstadt told some of his teammates skating this morning inside tiny Clinton Arena this felt like high school, he said they starting making fun of him.

But Mittelstadt, 19, is less than two years removed from playing high school hockey. Memories of skating in old rinks like the 65-year-old barn where the Sabres will face the Columbus Blue Jackets in tonight are fresh.... Read the full article

Linus Ullmark looked sharp as Friday’s game progressed. ©2018, Micheline Veluvolu

Sabres implode early, rally in loss to Maple Leafs

TORONTO – Following a three-year AHL apprenticeship, the Sabres expect goalie Linus Ullmark to play around 30 games this season as their new backup.

So watching the Maple Leafs score on their first two shots and three of their first eight in the opening 3:42 of Friday’s preseason tilt had to be concerning.

Then Ullmark, 25, settled down nicely after the Sabres, who opened the scoring 30 seconds in, fell behind 3-1. Over the final ... Read the full article