Offseason Edition
J-J Peterka has been playing against men for more than a year. ©2020, Red Bull Munich
As the NHL Draft progressed Tuesday night, J-J Peterka started getting a little upset. The German forward many had pegged as a first-round selection kept waiting to be picked.
Two of his fellow countrymen – forwards Tim Stutzle (third overall, Ottawa Senators) and Lukas Reichel (17th, Chicago Blackhawks) – went off the board early.
When the first round ended, Peterka, 18, was still available. Meanwhile, rookie general manager Kevyn Adams was trying to move up ... Read the full article
J-J Peterka spent last season in Munich. ©2020, Red Bull Munich
The Buffalo Sabres made a trade early on the second day of the NHL Draft, sending the 38th and 100th picks to the San Jose Sharks so they could move up and grab German forward J-J Peterka 34th overall.
The Sabres don’t have another pick today until the fifth round, 131st overall.
The 5-foot-11, 192-pound Peterka spent last season playing against men for Red Bull Munich in the Deutsche Eishockey Liga (DEL), scoring seven goals ... Read the full article
Jack Eichel celebrates his first goal Tuesday. ©2019, Hickling Images
BUFFALO – Jack Eichel’s night started ominously, with the Sabres captain passing up a glorious scoring chance in front of wonky San Jose Sharks goalie Martin Jones.
It wouldn’t be the last time Eichel did it early in Tuesday’s 4-3 overtime victory, a wild contest in which the Sabres roared back thanks to their young star’s dynamic performance.
“(I was) a little frustrated with myself more than anything,” Eichel said after scoring the overtime winner, ... Read the full article
Zach Bogosian had hip surgery in April. ©2019, Janet Schultz
BUFFALO – When the Sabres announced defenseman Zach Bogosian had undergone successful hip surgery, they said he would need five to six months to recover.
That was six months ago today.
Bogosian, who has battled injuries for years, suffered setbacks during the summer and hasn’t even started practicing yet.
But Sabres general manager Jason Botterill said prior to Tuesday’s 4-3 overtime win against the San Jose Sharks he believes Bogosian, 29, will play this season.... Read the full article
Jason Botterill brought in four new players who have contributed to the Sabres’ success. ©2019, Janet Schultz
BUFFALO – Seven wins in their first nine games have positioned the upstart Sabres among the NHL’s early-season elite.
Right now, having already earned 15 points, they’re tied for first overall and rank first in the Eastern Conference entering tonight’s game against the San Jose Sharks.
Few expected the Sabres, who earned just 16 points over their final 33 outings as they imploded last season, would turn things around so quickly.
The offseason additions – ... Read the full article
Casey Mittelstadt has scored three goals in the last two games. ©2019, Hickling Images
BUFFALO – The Sabres’ torrid start has created lineup stability not felt in these parts in a long time.
Through nine games, the 7-1-1 Sabres have dressed just 21 players, only making one change – Evan Rodrigues for winger Conor Sheary – when an injury forced them.
The lineup has essentially remained intact all season entering tonight’s home game against the San Jose Sharks, right down to the same lines and defense pairs.
Health, of ... Read the full article
Nathan Beaulieu beats San Jose goalie Martin Jones on Tuesday. ©2018, Hickling Images
BUFFALO – Shortly after the Sabres’ 10th straight win, Tuesday’s thrilling 3-2 overtime triumph, defenseman Rasmus Dahlin still seemed in awe of Rasmus Ristolainen’s highlight-reel goal earlier in the night.
“It was one of the coolest goals I’ve ever seen,” Dahlin said after Jeff Skinner’s NHL-best 19th goal helped the Sabres tie the franchise record for most consecutive victories.
Almost 15 minutes into the second period, Ristolainen undressed former Norris Trophy winner Brent Burns down ... Read the full article
Tage Thompson has changed his game. ©2018, Hickling Images
BUFFALO – Earlier this season, as Sabres winger Tage Thompson struggled offensively, the thought of producing points consumed him.
“The first couple weeks, all I’m thinking about is I’m struggling to put up points,” said Thompson, who had scored three goals in the last four games entering Tuesday’s tilt against the San Jose Sharks.
Not surprisingly, Thompson’s entire game suffered. His confidence dipped. Following seven pointless outings, coach Phil Housley yanked him from the lineup.... Read the full article
Tage Thompson has scored three goals in the last four games. ©2018, Hickling Images
BUFFALO – Earlier this season, as Sabres winger Tage Thompson struggled offensively, the thought of producing points consumed him.
“The first couple weeks, all I’m thinking about is I’m struggling to put up points,” said Thompson, who has scored three goals in the last four games entering tonight’s tilt against the San Jose Sharks.
Not surprisingly, Thompson’s entire game suffered. His confidence dipped. Following seven pointless outings, coach Phil Housley yanked him from the lineup.... Read the full article
Remi Elie has been the 13th forward much of the season, ©2018, Hickling Images
BUFFALO – An upper-body injury will sideline winger Conor Sheary tonight against the San Jose Sharks, meaning Remi Elie will play again as the Sabres gun for their 10th consecutive victory.
Of course, Sabres coach Phil Housley might’ve kept Elie, his 13th forward much of the season, in the lineup if Sheary could play.
In his first appearance following 10 consecutive healthy scratches, Elie, 23, stood out in Saturday’s 3-2 shootout win in Detroit.... Read the full article
