WNY and Buffalo NY Hockey Coverage
Offseason Edition
Alexander Sulzer played one game in the AHL. ©2013, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald
PITTSBURGH – Alexander Sulzer lasted one game – check that, one “really rough game,” the defenseman said – in the minors before the Buffalo Sabres recalled him.
In his first AHL appearance since April 14, 2010, Sulzer was a minus-3 in Rochester’s embarrassing 8-1 season-opening loss to Grand Rapids on Friday.
Still, with Henrik Tallinder (upper body) hurt, the Sabres summoned Sulzer, who was waived last Sunday, following the game for some insurance.
The ... Read the full article
Matt Hackett dressed for Saturday’s game. ©2013, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald
PITTSBURGH – Matt Hackett was home in Rochester, “about to pass out,” the goalie joked, when the phone rang around midnight Saturday.
Hackett had just been shelled in the Americans’ disastrous 8-1 season-opening loss to Grand Rapids, allowing six goals on 30 shots in just 36:35 before mercifully getting yanked.
The 23-year-old wasn’t expecting a recall to the Buffalo Sabres hours later.
“Never seen getting called up for six goals,” Hackett said Saturday afternoon prior ... Read the full article
Matt Hackett played poorly Friday in Rochester. ©2013, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald
PITTSBURGH – Matt Hackett was home in Rochester, “about to pass out,” the goalie joked, when the phone rang around midnight.
Hackett had just been shelled in the Americans’ disastrous 8-1 season-opening loss, allowing six goals on 30 shots in just 36:35 before mercifully getting yanked.
The 23-year-old wasn’t expecting a recall to the Buffalo Sabres.
“Never seen getting called up for six goals,” Hackett said this afternoon after participating in the Sabres’ optional skate ... Read the full article
Tyler Ennis (63) and goalie Ryan Miller try to fend off Ottawa’s Chris Neil on Friday. ©2013, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald
BUFFALO – Don’t let the close score, the Sabres’ bevy of prime scoring chances or Ryan Miller’s brilliant goaltending performance overshadow a pretty wretched effort.
“We didn’t play a very good hockey game at the end of the day,” a visibly agitated Ron Rolston said Friday following the Sabres’ exciting 1-0 loss to the Ottawa Senators in the home opener inside the First Niagara Center.
The coach acknowledged the obvious, saying Miller, whose scintillating 45-save ... Read the full article
Matt Hackett allowed six goals Friday. ©2013, Micheline Veluvolu, Rochester Americans
BUFFALO – Why do the Sabres, who play the Penguins tonight in Pittsburgh, need another goalie?
Matt Hackett left the Blue Cross War Memorial on Friday with his equipment following Rochester’s ugly 8-1 loss to Grand Rapids and has been recalled, the Democrat and Chronicle’s Kevin Oklobzija reported.
Goalie Ryan Miller dazzled during the Sabres’ 1-0 loss to the Ottawa Senators on Friday and spoke with reporters following his 45-save effort. Backup Jhonas ... Read the full article
Marcus Foligno could practice today. ©2013, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald
BUFFALO – With a muscle strain sidelining winger Marcus Foligno, the 23 players on the ice Monday – 14 forwards, seven defensemen and two goalies – could comprise the Sabres’ opening-night roster, coach Ron Rolston said.
Foligno, who was injured last Sunday in Toronto, was placed on injured reserve Monday. The Sabres had to hit the 23-man roster limit by 5 p.m.
Rolston said Foligno could practice today. Still, he’s likely out for Wednesday’s ... Read the full article
Marcus Foligno was hurt last Sunday in Toronto. ©2013, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald
BUFFALO – With a muscle strain sidelining winger Marcus Foligno, the 23 players on the ice this morning – 14 forwards, seven defensemen and two goalies – could be on the Sabres’ opening night roster Wednesday in Detroit, coach Ron Rolston said.
“I don’t see it Wednesday,” Rolston said about Foligno inside the First Niagara Center. “I think he’ll be in a position tomorrow where he’ll practice. But I don’t think one day is going ... Read the full article
Matt Ellis has played 197 games with the Sabres. ©2013, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald
BUFFALO – This place, Matt Ellis said recently, is “where my heart is.” Five years ago this Tuesday, the Sabres claimed the forward from Los Angeles. As an injury fill-in, Ellis figured his stint could be short.
Sure enough, the Sabres waived Ellis weeks later, nearly losing him.
But the 32-year-old has stayed and carved out an important role with the organization, playing 197 NHL games and captaining two AHL affiliates.
In July, five months ... Read the full article
The Sabres re-signed Alexander Sulzer in July. ©2013, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald
BUFFALO – The Sabres placed defenseman Alexander Sulzer on waivers this afternoon, possibly ending the German’s 32-game career with the club.
Sulzer made only two preseason appearances and had fallen to eighth or ninth on the team’s depth chart.
The 29-year-old played just two games under new coach Ron Rolston last year before suffering a season-ending ACL injury on Feb. 23.
Still, the Sabres re-signed Sulzer to a one-year, $725,000 deal in July. He ... Read the full article
Nikita Zadorov could go back to junior. ©2013, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald
BUFFALO – Sabres defenseman Nikita Zadorov cut his finger blocking a shot in Friday’s exhibition finale and is out about two weeks, coach Ron Rolston said.
“It just kind of smashed it on the tip,” Rolston said Saturday inside the First Niagara Center.
The 18-year-old rookie had the injury stitched up, Rolston said.
Zadorov signed a three-year, entry-level contract Wednesday, although general manager Darcy Regier hinted then the Sabres would likely send the youngster ... Read the full article