Montreal Canadiens - Buffalo Hockey Beat

Nathan Beaulieu excited for fresh opportunity with Sabres

BUFFALO – Officially, defenseman Nathan Beaulieu’s six-year tenure in Montreal’s organization ended Saturday. But the Sabres’ newest acquisition knew almost two months ago he would be leaving the Canadiens.

On April 22, the Canadiens’ healthy scratch of Beaulieu for their final first-round playoff game against the New York Rangers signaled the end.

“That was kind of the cherry on top the situation was over with,” Beaulieu said this afternoon on a conference call. “I ... Read the full article

Sabres add to defense, trade for Nathan Beaulieu

BUFFALO – It’s no secret the Sabres must improve their blue line if they want to end their six-year playoff drought. So it was hardly surprising Jason Botterill’s first trade as general manager brought defenseman Nathan Beaulieu, a former first-round pick, to the club.

The Sabres on Saturday dealt a third-round pick, 68th overall, in this week’s NHL Draft to the Montreal Canadiens for the 24-year-old, the 17th overall selection in 2011.... Read the full article

Sabres acquire Nathan Beaulieu from Canadiens

BUFFALO – The Sabres have acquired defenseman Nathan Beaulieu from the Montreal Canadiens for a third-round pick, 68th overall, in next week’s NHL draft, the team announced this afternoon.

The deal was announced about an hour before an NHL roster freeze for the upcoming expansion draft.

The Sabres need to improve their defense corps, so Jason Botterill’s first trade as general manager addressed his team’s biggest need. New coach Phil Housley, a Hall of ... Read the full article

Paul Byron, Sabres’ Tyler Ennis share special memories of early days

BUFFALO – Paul Byron and Tyler Ennis laughed and sounded nostalgic remembering their days growing up together as rookie roommates in the Sabres organization.

Byron, according to Ennis, is “not very good at video games.”

“A liar,” said a smiling Byron called Ennis on Wednesday.

These days, Byron and Ennis are happy NHL veterans.... Read the full article

Reports: Kyle Okposo hospitalized in intensive care; Sabres beat Canadiens

BUFFALO – Sabres winger Kyle Okposo is hospitalized and in intensive care at Buffalo General Hospital, according to two reports.

Okposo, 28, is in the Neuro Surgical ICU, according to WGR. The Buffalo News also confirmed the report.

Prior to Wednesday’s 2-1 win against the Montreal Canadiens, Sabres coach Dan Bylsma said he was “very concerned” about Okposo, who has undergone testing and been out of the lineup since last week.... Read the full article

Reports: Sabres’ Kyle Okposo hospitalized in intensive care

BUFFALO – Sabres winger Kyle Okposo is hospitalized and in intensive care at Buffalo General Hospital, according to two reports.

Okposo, 28, is in the Neuro Surgical ICU, according to WGR. The Buffalo News also confirmed the report.

Prior to Wednesday’s game against the Montreal Canadiens, Sabres coach Dan Bylsma said he was “very concerned” about Okposo, who has undergone testing.... Read the full article

Sabres’ Ryan O’Reilly sick of losing: ‘It’s getting exhausting’

BUFFALO – At this point, as the Sabres stumble at the end of another disappointing season, frustration has started overwhelming Ryan O’Reilly.

O’Reilly, 26, has experienced enough losing. The popular center passionately called out himself and his teammates to be better during a brutally honest chat with the media prior to Wednesday’s home finale against the Montreal Canadiens, a 2-1 win.

“I’m sick of losing,” O’Reilly said inside KeyBank Center. “It’s getting exhausting and ... Read the full article

Former Sabres captain Steve Ott ready for playoff run with Canadiens

BUFFALO – Steve Ott knows that at 34 years old, he only has a few cracks left at trying to win his first Stanley Cup. That’s why the former Sabres captain was so excited to join the Montreal Canadiens last month, what he called “a special team.”

The Canadiens have 101 points and have already clinched the Atlantic Division. They’re built to win the Cup this season.

This could be the best opportunity of ... Read the full article

Sabres’ Ryan O’Reilly frustrated by losing: ‘It’s pathetic’

BUFFALO – At this point, as the Sabres stumble at the end of another disappointing season, frustration has started overwhelming Ryan O’Reilly.

O’Reilly, 26, has experienced enough losing. The popular center passionately called out himself and his teammates to be better during a brutally honest chat with the media prior to tonight’s home finale against the Montreal Canadiens.

“I’m sick of losing,” O’Reilly said this morning inside KeyBank Center. “It’s getting exhausting and it’s ... Read the full article

Sabres to scratch Jake McCabe against Canadiens

BUFFALO – For almost six months, defenseman Jake McCabe was one of the Sabres’ steadiest players, showcasing consistency the team’s blue line sorely needed. But the Wisconsin native has morphed into a gaffe machine in the last week, committing a string of costly turnovers.

So McCabe, 23, will be a healthy scratch for the first time all season in tonight’s home finale against the Montreal Canadiens at KeyBank Center.

“He’s made a few gaffes with ... Read the full article