Summer Edition
BUFFALO – The NHL lockout has forced the cancellation of all preseason games through Sept. 30, knocking four of the Sabres’ seven contests off the slate.
Sabres games canceled are: Monday at Montreal; home Wednesday against Boston; home Sept. 28 against Toronto; Sept. 29 at Toronto.
The Sabres plan to contact ticket holders with refund information for the canceled First Niagara Center games.
The NHL’s third lockout since 1994 began Sunday.... Read the full article
Tyler Ennis became a top scorer after switching to center last season. ©2012, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald
BUFFALO – The eight goals and 19 points Tyler Ennis generated over a rollicking 12-game stretch late last season could just be a harbinger, he believes. The center’s March exploits might’ve signaled the first signs of his impending superstardom.
“I think I’m ready to explode,” Ennis said Sunday, a day after signing a two-year, $5.625 million contract hours before the NHL lockout started.
Of course, Ennis and the Sabres can’t even play right now.
Instead ... Read the full article
BUFFALO – The Sabres will have 15 games broadcast nationally during the 2012-13 season.
The team has two games scheduled for NBC and 13 slated for NBC Sports Network, according to the NHL’s national television schedule, released Thursday. MSG will broadcast 70 Sabres games.
Of course, if the NHL locks out its players when the collective bargaining agreement expires Sept. 15, the schedule could change.... Read the full article
BUFFALO – Now you can start planning those trips to Rochester in the event of an NHL lockout, Sabres fans.
The Rochester Americans begin their 31st season as the Sabres’ AHL affiliate on Oct. 12 at the Blue Cross War Memorial against the Syracuse Crunch, a day before their parent club is scheduled to open its campaign at the First Niagara Center versus the Pittsburgh Penguins.
But with collective bargaining agreement talks stalling, who ... Read the full article
PITTSBURGH – The Buffalo Sabres’ 2012-13 schedule reflects a big philosophy change. The Friday night home games, a staple for years, have dwindled to just four. As a result, the constant strain of playing back-to-back games has lessened.
The team only plays on consecutive days a franchise-low 11 times next season. They led the NHL in back-to-back sets the last two, playing 22 and 21.
“(Owner) Terry Pegula tasked us with getting the best possible ... Read the full article
BUFFALO – With winger Patrick Kaleta back from his three-absence – he’s wearing a cast on his right hand and reportedly has a broken thumb – the Sabres have returned Travis Turnbull to Rochester.
The rookie center scored his first NHL goal and fought once subbing for the agitator.
Kaleta, meanwhile, played only his 58th game this season Tuesday in Washington.
“It’s exciting,” Kaleta told reporters in Washington. “I honestly don’t really like sitting ... Read the full article