WNY and Buffalo NY Hockey Coverage
Stanley Cup Playoffs Edition
Casey Nelson has quietly become a regular. ©2018, Hickling Images, Olean Times Herald
BUFFALO – Call Casey Nelson the forgotten Sabres defenseman. As injuries ravaged the blue line earlier this season, he stayed in Rochester, playing big minutes as the Americans got off to their best start in years.
The Sabres recalled Nelson in mid-November. But he only sat out as a healthy scratch before going back to the AHL later in the month.... Read the full article
Johan Larsson (22) and Minnesota’s Matt Dumba collide Nov. 22. ©2018, Hickling Images, Olean Times Herald
BUFFALO – Having never been suspended in his 229-game career, Sabres center Johan Larsson figured the NHL would slap him with a one-game ban for cross-checking Florida Panthers center Vincent Trocheck in the face late in Thursday’s 4-2 loss.
“I have no history, I’m kind of surprised I got two games,” Larsson said this morning inside KeyBank Center. “The guy didn’t get hurt or anything.”
During Friday’s phone hearing, Larsson argued he tried to ... Read the full article
Jack Eichel had a four-point game last week. ©2018, Hickling Images, Olean Times Herald
BUFFALO – Splendid performances from center Jack Eichel and goalie Robin Lehner earned the Sabres the NHL’s second and third star for the week ending Jan. 28.
Eichel led the league with two goals and five points as the Sabres won three straight games for the first time since Feb. 14-18, 2017. The NHL All-Star scored his third career overtime winner in last Monday’s 2-1 win in Calgary. He followed up with his third career ... Read the full article
Zach Bogosian played only 18 games this season. ©2018, Hickling Images, Olean Times Herald
BUFFALO – Sabres defenseman Zach Bogosian will undergo season-ending hip surgery next week, the team announced today.
Bogosian’s estimated recovery time is four to six months, so the 10-year veteran should be ready for the start of next season.
“The news regarding Zach’s injury is unfortunate,” Sabres general manager Jason Botterill said in a statement. “Zach has been dealing with this injury since the beginning of the season. After consulting with our medical team, we ... Read the full article
The Sabres summoned Nick Baptiste once earlier this season. ©2018, Michline Veluvolu, Rochester Americans
BUFFALO – On a loaded Rochester Americans team enjoying its best season in more than a decade, winger Nick Baptiste has gotten a little lost in the mix.
Through 34 AHL appearances, Baptiste has compiled eight goals and 17 points, numbers that rank eighth and 10th on the Amerks, respectively. The former third-round pick scored 25 times in 59 contests last season.
So if Baptiste, 22, isn’t scoring at his regular pace – he has ... Read the full article
Nathan Paetsch began his career in Rochester. ©2018, Hickling Images, Olean Times Herald
ROCHESTER – The second phase of former Buffalo Sabres defenseman Nathan Paetsch’s career has been rewarding, even a bit unlikely.
Five years ago, Paetsch transitioned into a veteran role helping develop Detroit Red Wings prospects. He won two Calder Cups with the Grand Rapids Griffins, playing a vital role well into his 30s, an advanced age for the AHL.
Now, Paetsch has come full circle. Fourteen years after starting his career in Rochester as a ... Read the full article
Sean Malone missed all of training camp. ©2018, Michline Veluvolu, Olean Times Herald
ROCHESTER – After years of battling hip injuries, Buffalo Sabres prospect Sean Malone enjoyed a healthy senior season a year ago, helping Harvard roar to the semifinal of the NCAA Tournament.
On April 8, two days after Malone’s college career ended, he debuted with the Sabres just hours after signing his entry-level contract. In July, the West Seneca native participated in his first Sabres development camp since 2013.
Then when rookie camp began in September, ... Read the full article
Linus Ullmark makes a stop Thursday. ©2018, Hickling Images, Olean Times Herald
BUFFALO – Sabres goalie Linus Ullmark experienced the thrill of earning an NHL victory long before making a career-high 44 saves in Thursday’s 3-1 triumph against the Columbus Blue Jackets.
Ullmark won eight of his 20 appearances as a rookie two season ago, often showcasing the talents of a future No. 1 netminder.
But with Robin Lehner entrenched as the Sabres’ starter, Ullmark, 24, has spent two seasons developing in the AHL, where he ... Read the full article
Jack Eichel has been one of the NHL’s hottest scorers. ©2018, Hickling Images, Olean Times Herald
BUFFALO – Two years ago, the NHL revamped its traditional All-Star Game, transforming the stale affair into a slick three-on-three tournament featuring six divisional squads.
The league also added a $1 million incentive for the winning team, a prize center Jack Eichel, the Sabres’ lone All-Star, said “brings a little more energy to the event.”... Read the full article
Linus Ullmark has played 21 NHL games. ©2018, Hickling Images, Olean Times Herald
BUFFALO – Why not try something different, right? The reeling Sabres have lost five straight games and 33 of their 43 outings this season.
Starting goalie Linus Ullmark tonight against the Columbus Blue Jackets is worth a try.
Sabres coach Phil Housley, who criticized his goaltending in Tuesday’s 7-4 loss to Winnipeg, said Ullmark will receive his first NHL nod since last season’s finale.