Rochester Americans - Buffalo Hockey Beat

Upstart Leafs used Sabres’ abandoned philosophies as blueprint to success

TORONTO – Think about it, Buffalo Sabres fans, a couple of years ago, your team switched identities with the hated, mega-market Maple Leafs.

As the small-market Sabres morphed into a free-spending, win-at-all-costs club under new owner Terry Pegula, the Leafs began embracing development and patience, the Sabres’ old and successful philosophies.

The Leafs’ major volte-face has quickly paid off. They finished fifth this season, their highest spot since 2003-04.

Inside a noisy Air Canada Centre ... Read the full article

McCormick hopeful of return to Sabres following strong Amerks stint

ROCHESTER – In an instant, Cody McCormick vanished from the NHL.

On Feb. 20, the struggling Buffalo Sabres waived the gritty forward mid-practice, then immediately yanked him from the ice, a demeaning exit for a popular veteran who fought 26 times during his 139-game tenure.

McCormick then showered, left the First Niagara Center and went home. He reported to the Americans after clearing waivers the next day, his first AHL stint since 2009-10.... Read the full article

Sabres prospect Girgensons dynamic during Amerks’ short playoff run

ROCHESTER – Interim Americans coach Chadd Cassidy called the AHL a “man’s league,” and, well, Zemgus Girgensons is still a kid, just 19 years old.

As a teenage rookie, Girgensons was supposed to play a supporting role during the Amerks’ first-round playoff series against the powerhouse Toronto Marlies. The Latvian winger scored only six goals in 61 regular-season games this year.

But Girgensons, a hard-hitting prospect the Buffalo Sabres moved up to select 14^th... Read the full article

Sabres prospect Grigorenko ‘tired mentally’ after marathon season ends with Amerks

ROCHESTER – Nine months, three leagues and about 90 games later, Mikhail Grigorenko’s whirlwind season is over.

Each stop – the QMJHL, the NHL and finally the AHL – energized the 18-year-old Russian, who just joined the Americans for their first-round playoff series.

Still, after Wednesday’s 3-2 overtime loss to the Toronto Marlies eliminated the Amerks, the center acknowledged the long campaign had worn him out.

“A little bit I’m tired mentally,” Grigorenko said inside ... Read the full article

Sabres’ Jhonas Enroth feels ready to be No. 1 goalie following strong finish

BUFFALO – After 45 NHL starts, Sabres backup Jhonas Enroth believes he’s ready to assume regular duty. The 24-year-old wants to be a No. 1 goalie badly.

There’s just one problem.

“Ryan’s the starter here,” Enroth said Saturday as the Sabres cleaned out their lockers inside the First Niagara Center.

But how much longer will Ryan Miller be the starter?

It’s widely believed the Sabres will try to trade the franchise goalie following their disappointing ... Read the full article

Ryan Miller buoys Sabres in season finale; Jochen Hecht retires from NHL

BUFFALO – The cheers started before Friday’s season finale. First, fans applauded Ryan Miller’s name in the starting lineup. Minutes later, as the Sabres honored the goalie as their MVP prior to his 500^th NHL game, Miller received a loud ovation.

Some fans ever stood up.

It was a far cry from last Friday, when Miller sarcastically saluted the crowd in between two Bronx cheers.

That ugly outing felt like the end of ... Read the full article

Sabres’ Rolston hasn’t spoken to management about future

BUFFALO – If you’re wondering, Ron Rolston hasn’t spoken to Sabres general manager Darcy Regier or other higher-ups about his future, the interim coach said Thursday.

“No conversations,” Rolston said after the Sabres prepared for tonight’s season finale against the New York Islanders inside the First Niagara Center.

Rolston’s 14-11-5 since the Sabres promoted him from Rochester on Feb. 20.

While the 46-year-old couldn’t get the Sabres into the playoffs, he believes the team ... Read the full article

Ryan Miller excited to reach milestone, not angry at Sabres fans

BUFFALO – On the eve of what could be his 500^th and final appearance with the Sabres, goalie Ryan Miller wanted to make something clear.

“I’m not mad at the fans,” Miller said this morning after preparing for Friday’s season finale inside the First Niagara Center. “It’s what I don’t understand. It’s the heat of the moment. You get emotional.”

Miller was referring to Friday’s 8-4 home loss to the New York Rangers, ... Read the full article

Sabres rookie Chad Ruhwedel back in Pittsburgh amid dizzying stretch

PITTSBURGH – Buffalo Sabres rookie Chad Ruhwedel hasn’t truly left college yet. Six games into his new life, the 22-year-old defenseman is still enrolled at UMass Lowell, where he’s a senior pursuing degrees in business and marketing and management.

Even in the NHL, Ruhwedel, who had junior playing status, has some school work to do. When the season ends, he’ll go back and finish the semester.

“A little tough, but my teachers have been pretty ... Read the full article

Sabres’ Ryan Miller likely to start against Penguins

PITTSBURGH – Ryan Miller was the first Buffalo Sabres goalie off the ice this morning inside Consol Energy Center, meaning the veteran will likely start tonight against the Penguins.

Will it be Miller’s 499^th and final appearance with the Sabres?

Miller hasn’t played since getting yanked from Friday’s ugly 8-4 home loss to the New York Rangers, a game Miller sarcastically saluted the crowd in between two Bronx cheers. The 32-year-old then voiced his ... Read the full article