WNY and Buffalo NY Hockey Coverage
October Edition
John Scott fought seven times in 2012-13. ©2013, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald
BUFFALO – Late this season, as John Scott began earning a regular shift beside some proven talent, the tough guy promised he would score his long-awaited second NHL goal.
Alas, despite skating more than 10 minutes some nights, Scott couldn’t net his first Sabres goal.
That elusive tally, Scott said Monday, will come next season.
“Oh, definitely, I’m going to get it,” Scott told the Times Herald by phone after the Sabres re-signed him to ... Read the full article
John Scott touches his nose after fighting Toronto’s Frazer McLaren on Feb. 21. ©2013, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald
BUFFALO – The Sabres have re-signed tough guy John Scott to a one-year contract extension, the club announced this morning.
The 30-year-old, the Sabres’ first designated fighter in years, impressed this season, quickly becoming a local folk hero because of his hulking stature (6-foot-8 and 270 pounds) and fun personality.
Scott defeated Boston bruiser Shawn Thornton handily in late January, sending a message the Sabres wouldn’t be bullied. He fought seven times in 34 games, ... Read the full article
Cody McCormick just finished his first AHL stint since 2009-10. ©2013, Rochester Americans
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
Drew Stafford scored his first goal in the Sabres’ 15th game. ©2013, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald
BUFFALO – For some perspective on Drew Stafford’s disappointing six-goal, 18-point season, consider the winger compiled seven goals and 17 points during a torrid 12-game stretch late last year.
Stafford assembled his awful numbers in 46 contests this season. The 27-year-old scored his first goal in the Sabres’ 15th game. He was a healthy scratch twice. Rookie Brian Flynn equaled his goal output in 20 fewer appearances.
Remember, Stafford scored 32 times ... Read the full article
John Scott has scored one NHL goal. ©2013, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald
BUFFALO – The home crowd reacts immediately. For a moment or two, the First Niagara Center starts buzzing.
John Scott has the puck around the net. The hulking Sabres tough guy just might score.
Scott’s second NHL goal would be celebrated wildly, generate some cheer during an otherwise glum season.
The fans want to see this badly.
“I want it just as bad,” Scott said Friday. “I can tell it’s kind of an anticipation happening. ... Read the full article
Brandon Sutter (16) and Christian Ehrhoff could battle again Tuesday in Pittsburgh. ©2013, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald
BUFFALO – The NHL tentatively postponed Friday’s game in Boston between the Bruins and Penguins until this afternoon, meaning the Sabres’ scheduled tilt in Pittsburgh tonight has been pushed back to Tuesday.
The police manhunts following Monday’s Boston Marathon bombings forced the changes.
It will be determined by 8:30 this morning if the game in Boston can be played at 12:30 p.m.
The NHL contacted the Sabres early Friday afternoon about potentially moving the game, ... Read the full article
Drew Stafford skates this morning. ©2013, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald
BUFFALO – If you haven’t noticed, the Sabres received no help Thursday night. The eighth-place New York Rangers, tonight’s opponent, throttled hapless Florida. Ninth-place Winnipeg beat Carolina in overtime.
With 48 points, both clubs lead the 10th-place Sabres by four. A regulation loss tonight eliminates them from postseason contention.
“We just got to win out,” Sabres winger John Scott said this morning inside the First Niagara Center. “We got to do what we ... Read the full article
Kevin Porter played with Rochester for five months. ©2013, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald
BUFFALO – Ten years ago, Ron Rolston wanted Kevin Porter to come play at Boston College. The interim Sabres coach, then an NCAA assistant, recruited the teenage hockey star, even talked to his father a little bit.
Ultimately, Porter stayed in his home state, becoming a collegiate legend at Michigan. Rolston, meanwhile, took over Team USA’s development program shortly after Porter left.
Their paths crossed again in July.
Porter’s career had hit a rut after ... Read the full article
Jhonas Enroth tries to make a stop in front of Adam Pardy on Saturday. ©2013, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald
BUFFALO – Sure, the Sabres needed some good fortune to down the Philadelphia Flyers 1-0 on Saturday afternoon. Christian Ehrhoff’s pass off the end boards created the game’s only goal. Daniel Briere hit the crossbar behind Sabres goalie Jhonas Enroth with just a single tick left in the game.
Still, they deserved their 17th win this season and first in three games. The Sabres, so vile during Thursday’s 5-1 home loss to Montreal, ... Read the full article
Chad Ruhwedel was playing NCAA hockey earlier this week. ©2013, Gil Talbot, UMass-Lowell
BUFFALO – What does interim coach Ron Rolston know about defenseman Chad Ruhwedel, the free agent from UMass Lowell the Sabres signed to a two-year, entry-level contract today?
“Not much,” Rolston said this afternoon inside the First Niagara Center.
Rolston will know a whole lot about Ruhwedel by about 5:30 p.m. The 22-year-old, who finished his three-year NCAA career earlier this week, will made his NHL debut against the Philadelphia Flyers this afternoon.
Ruhwedel ... Read the full article