Pominville - Buffalo Hockey Beat

Sabres’ Jason Pominville struggling to produce offense

BUFFALO – For a few weeks earlier this season, Sabres winger Jason Pominville seemed to be defying age. The likable veteran, 35, roared out of the gate, scoring two goals opening night. He followed up with another two-score outing days later.

By the 12-game mark, Pominville had compiled six goals and 12 points. The production increase made sense.

On a loaded Minnesota Wild team a year ago, Pominville scored all 13 of his goals ... Read the full article

Sabres must possess shot mentality

BUFFALO – It’s actually one of the few notable categories the Sabres don’t rank last or near the bottom of the NHL. Through 52 games they’re 21st in shots, averaging 30.9.

Of course, that hasn’t translated into much. They’ve won only 14 games and have scored the fewest goals overall (117) and five-on-five (71).

If the Sabres, fresh off Saturday’s 1-0 loss to St. Louis, want to start scoring, they must pump more pucks on ... Read the full article

Hot Sabres want to reward fans with home wins

BUFFALO – Jason Pominville sounded a little nostalgic recalling some special memories from his first stint here. Occasionally, when the Sabres winger watches a memorable goal on Youtube.com, the passion he sees from fans in the clips wows him.

“It’s pretty amazing how they respond,” Pominville said Monday inside KeyBank Center after the Sabres reconvened following the NHL All-Star break.

Right now, the Sabres are enjoying their first three-game winning streak this season entering tonight’s ... Read the full article

Sabres’ Justin Falk yells at, shoves Evander Kane during practice

BUFFALO – Defenseman Justin Falk’s booming voice suddenly cut through the din of Wednesday’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.

A livid Falk then shoved Kane before some coaches intervened. The Sabres, who host the Columbus Blue Jackets on Thursday, finished the memorable practice shortly after Falk’s outburst.

Clearly, the Sabres’ wretched 10-win season has ignited emotions. ... Read the full article

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

Sabres’ Jack Eichel named to first NHL All-Star Game

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 played perhaps his best NHL hockey, compiling nine goals and 15 points in the last 11 contests.

... Read the full article

Former Sabres Dmitry Kulikov, Tyler Myers thriving 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

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

Winter Classic offers Sabres’ Jack Eichel national showcase

NEW YORK – Jack Eichel offered little explanation for his recent hot streak. The Buffalo Sabres center joked he took some vegetables out of his pregame meal.

Come on, Jack. Something clearly ignited you during the last month.

“I don’t really think I’ve changed too much,” Eichel said Sunday after the Sabres prepared for this afternoon’s Winter Classic against the New York Rangers at Citi Field.... Read the full article