Rochester Americans - Buffalo Hockey Beat

Struggling Sabres make lineup changes

PITTSBURGH – If the Buffalo Sabres want to end their shocking three-game goal drought tonight against the Penguins, they must get more big bodies to the net to scrap for a dirty score.

That’s why the Sabres recalled 6-foot-3, 204-pound winger Hudson Fasching from the Rochester Americans this morning.

When you’ve lost three straight games and 10 of the last 11, you must make changes.... Read the full article

Sabres recall Hudson Fasching for spark

PITTSBURGH – After Friday’s embarrassing 4-0 loss to the Penguins, the third straight game the Buffalo Sabres have been blanked, a roster move seemed imminent before tonight’s tilt.

Sure enough, the Sabres recalled winger Hudson Fasching from the Rochester Americans this morning. Fasching, 22, will likely play tonight against the Penguins at PPG Paints Arena.... Read the full article

Sabres’ Zemgus Girgensons mired in scoring slump

BUFFALO – The most vivid memory of Zemgus Girgensons’ NHL debut isn’t the goal he scored in Detroit’s historic Joe Louis Arena. No, something far less exciting stands out to the Sabres winger.

On Girgensons’ first shifts Oct. 2, 2013, he said star Pavel Datsyuk’s line kept hemming the Sabres in their own zone.

“I definitely remember that more than I scored a goal,” Girgensons said Friday prior to his 300th NHL game.... Read the full article

Sabres have played Penguins tough; Zach Bogosian set to debut

BUFFALO – In their last meeting Nov. 14 in Pittsburgh, the Sabres held two early two-goal leads before the Penguins roared back to beat them 5-4 in overtime.

On March 5 in Pittsburgh, the Sabres went up 3-0 in the first period before imploding and losing 4-3.

The Sabres have played the Penguins, winners of the last two Stanley Cups, tough during some recent meetings. They just can’t close out games.... Read the full article

Despite struggles, GM Jason Botterill confident Sabres on right path

BUFFALO – Barely one-quarter into Jason Botterill’s first season as general manager, the Sabres are a mess, tied for the NHL’s lowest point total with a measly 16.

A team expected to improve and showcase an exciting style under new coach Phil Housley has regressed and averaged a league-low 2.2 goals through its first 25 games. Slick center Jack Eichel, who signed an $80 million contract extension in October, has struggled along with many ... Read the full article

With Zach Bogosian close to return, Sabres waive Matt Tennyson

BUFFALO – Nearly two months into the season, the Sabres could have their six regular defensemen play together for the first time tonight.

Zach Bogosian, out since suffering a lower-body injury in the preseason finale, could return in this weekend’s home-and-home series against the Pittsburgh Penguins.

“I’ve had a couple good days of practice,” Bogosian said after the Sabres prepared for tonight’s tilt inside KeyBank Center. “I feel ready. We’ll see what tomorrow brings.”... Read the full article

GM Jason Botterill staying positive throughout Sabres’ struggles

BUFFALO – Two months into Jason Botterill’s first season as general manager, the Sabres are a mess, tied for the NHL’s lowest point total with a measly 16.

A team expected to improve and showcase an exciting style following a last-place finish has regressed and averaged a league-low 2.2 goals through its first 25 games. Slick center Jack Eichel, who signed an $80 million contract extension in October, has struggled along with many of the ... Read the full article

Sabres promote Jordan Nolan to scoring line

BUFFALO – To ignite the NHL’s worst offense, Sabres coach Phil Housley has been changing lines almost every day, moving players up and down the lineup.

So it wasn’t shocking to see winger Jordan Nolan, who has scored 22 times in 315 career NHL games, at left wing on a “scoring” line beside center Ryan O’Reilly and Kyle Okposo during this morning’s practice.

When you’ve been blanked in two straight games, promoting a fourth-liner ... Read the full article

Sabres’ Jacob Josefson out 4 to 6 weeks; Seth Griffith sent to Amerks

BUFFALO – Sabres center Jacob Josefson is out four to six weeks after tweaking the ankle that recently sidelined him, coach Phil Housley said. Winger Seth Griffith, meanwhile, cleared waivers today and was assigned to the AHL.

So, does that mean a forward will be recalled from the Rochester Americans? Housley said that would be decided Tuesday.

For now, winger Matt Moulson, a healthy scratch the last six games, is slotted to return for ... Read the full article

Reports: Sabres waive Seth Griffith after 18 games

BUFFALO – The Sabres waived Seth Griffith today, according to multiple reports, possibly ending the winger’s 18-game career with the club.

Following a strong training camp in which he earned an NHL roster spot, the 5-foot-9, 190-pound Griffith mustered two goals and three points.

Griffith was a healthy scratch four the last seven games before playing in Saturday’s 3-0 loss in Montreal.... Read the full article