Scandella - Buffalo Hockey Beat

Sabres notes: Tage Thompson producing after taking ‘step back’

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

Sabres’ Conor Sheary out against Sharks; Remie Elie impressing

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

Sabres Notes: Lawrence Pilut excited about first NHL recall

BUFFALO – Defense prospect Lawrence Pilut’s first trip to the Sabres was more about experiencing the NHL life than receiving playing time.

The Sabres recalled Pilut, the AHL’s leading scorer, for insurance before sending him back late Friday. With Marco Scandella battling a lower-body injury, they wanted to have an extra defenseman.

The Sabres have also been winning, so coach Phil Housley hasn’t tinkered much with his lineup.

So Pilut, 22, sat out ... Read the full article

Sabres’ Lawrence Pilut won’t play today; Carter Hutton to start

BUFFALO – Lawrence Pilut’s NHL debut will come at a later date. The slick Swedish defenseman, who was summoned from the AHL on Wednesday, won’t play this afternoon against the Montreal Canadiens, Sabres coach Phil Housley said.

The Sabres, however, could make one change on defense. Housley said Marco Scandella, out with a lower-body injury since blocking a shot Monday, will be a game-time decision.

Update: Scandella will play, meaning defenseman Casey Nelson is ... Read the full article

Sabres notes: Nathan Beaulieu looking to build on recent success

BUFFALO – Despite sitting out two straight games as a healthy scratch, Sabres defenseman Nathan Beaulieu returned for Wednesday’s 5-2 win against the Philadelphia Flyers possessing plenty of confidence.

Beaulieu, 25, began generating offense before leaving the lineup, scoring his second goal this season before his first two-assist effort with the Sabres. The former first-round pick was also playing beside rookie Rasmus Dahlin, the first overall pick.

But after winning four straight games with Beaulieu, ... Read the full article

Sabres’ Nathan Beaulieu starting to showcase old form

BUFFALO – Despite sitting out the last two games as a healthy scratch, Sabres defenseman Nathan Beaulieu will return tonight possessing plenty of confidence.

But after winning four straight games with Beaulieu, Sabres coach Phil Housley ... Read the full article

Sabres recall rookie Lawrence Pilut from Amerks

BUFFALO – The Sabres made their first recall of the season this afternoon, summoning high-scoring defense prospect Lawrence Pilut from the Rochester Americans.

Pilut, 22, has quickly become an AHL star, recording 19 assists and 22 points, both league highs, in his first 15 games. It only seemed to be a matter of time before the Sabres recalled him.

It’s unclear if Pilut will play tonight against the Philadelphia Flyers tonight. Given the Swede ... Read the full article

Sabres have developed ‘a little bit of cockiness’ during winning streak

BUFFALO – How dramatically have things changed for the Sabres in a year?

Last season, the Sabres carried an ugly six-game losing skid into their annual Thanksgiving Eve home tilt. The Minnesota Wild beat them 5-4 before they finally won again two nights later.

Right now, the Sabres are enjoying their first six-game winning streak in almost nine years. A win tonight against the Philadelphia Flyers inside KeyBank Center will give them their first seven-game ... Read the full article

Upstart Sabres generating buzz

BUFFALO – For the first time in years, the upstart Sabres are generating buzz. Their six-game winning streak has ignited a fan base beaten down by season after season of losing.

Sure, it’s still early, just 21 games into the season. But the 13-6-2 Sabres seem legit. Right now, their 28 points rank third in the ultra-competitive Atlantic Division and fourth overall.

During their run, they’ve knocked off some NHL heavyweights, roaring back from deficits ... Read the full article

Sabres roar back again, beat Penguins in overtime

PITTSBURGH – By now, six games into the unlikeliest of winning streaks, the scorching Buffalo Sabres expect to conquer any deficit. Three goals? No problem. A rink they haven’t triumphed in since 2013? Big deal.

“There’s a bit of confidence now because we’ve done it a few times,” Sabres captain Jack Eichel said after his goal 45 seconds into overtime clinched a 5-4 victory over the reeling Penguins inside PPG Paints Arena.

Right now, the ... Read the full article