Sekera - Buffalo Hockey Beat

Sabres’ McCormick scraps in return to lineup

BUFFALO – The Sabres made two lineup changes Sunday prior to their 4-3 loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins, sitting rookie center Mikhail Grigorenko for Cody McCormick and inserting Mike Weber for defenseman Andrej Sekera (charley horse).

McCormick and Tanner Glass fought ferociously during the third period, possibly a response to McCormick’s earlier hit on Brandon Sutter inside the First Niagara Center.

“I think he didn’t have the puck,” Bylsma said about Sutter.

McCormick could’ve walloped ... Read the full article

Crosby impressed by Sabres superstar Vanek

BUFFALO – With three straight pointless games entering this afternoon’s tilt against the Pittsburgh Penguins, Sabres superstar Thomas Vanek is struggling a bit for the first time this season.

Still, the slick winger’s 11-goal, 23-point start has been dynamic. Count Penguins superstar Sidney Crosby among those who’ve noticed Vanek’s exploits.

“I’m pretty aware of how consistent he’s been,” Crosby said Saturday after the Penguins prepared for the Sabres inside the First Niagara Center.

In Crosby’s ... Read the full article

Sabres’ Sekera likely out for Penguins game

BUFFALO – Sabres defenseman Andrej Sekera, who left Friday’s 4-2 win over the Boston Bruins after suffering a charley horse midway through the third period, will likely miss Sunday afternoon’s tilt against the Pittsburgh Penguins.

“He’s doing OK today,” Sabres coach Lindy Ruff said this afternoon following practice inside the First Niagara Center. “I’d say doubtful for tomorrow.”

It’s likely Mike Weber will return to the lineup after getting scratched Friday.

The Sabres just dealt ... Read the full article

Sabres shake off poor second period, roar back and down Bruins with 3 late goals

BUFFALO – It could’ve been about 8-1 after 40 minutes against the Boston Bruins on Friday. Instead, goalie Ryan Miller held his teammates in the contest, stopping 16 of 17 shots as the Sabres kept imploding in their own zone during the second period.

Miller, who’s been hung out to dry all season, gave the reeling Sabres the extra life they sorely needed as the capacity crowd of 19,070 fans booed them off the ice.... Read the full article

Sabres give goalie Miller little help, fall to Bruins late

BUFFALO – A night after his dynamic effort stole a victory for his teammates in New York, the Sabres demanded an encore performance from goalie Ryan Miller.

Thirteen games into the season, the Sabres are a gigantic mess defensively, allowing 40 shots some nights and loads of scoring chances.

Miller can only do so much, but he dazzled again Sunday in the Sabres’ 3-1 loss to the scorching Boston Bruins, stopping 36 shots before 18,869 ... Read the full article

Grigorenko and Myers sit as Regehr returns; Sabres waive Ellis

BUFFALO – The Sabres’ lineup reshuffling Sunday included rookie Mikhail Grigorenko’s first healthy scratch but still left struggling defenseman Tyler Myers’ watching for a second consecutive night.

Meanwhile, the Sabres waived forward Matt Ellis to make room for defenseman Robyn Regehr on the 23-man roster prior to their 3-1 loss to the Boston Bruins.

Teams have until noon today to claim the 31-year-old Ellis, a high-energy fourth-liner.

Sabres’ Tyler Myers could’ve been scratched much earlier

If the Buffalo Sabres’ defense corps hadn’t been down three regulars, it’s possible coach Lindy Ruff would’ve scratched the struggling Tyler Myers long before tonight’s contest against the Islanders in New York.

Instead, Myers got a few extra games to work his problems out. Ruff said Wednesday the 23-year-old’s game was improving.

Still, with Andrej Sekera (bone bruise) set to return, Myers will sit tonight as healthy scratch for the second time in his four-year ... Read the full article

Sabres can’t rely on Vanek’s sizzling production forever

BUFFALO – Follow Sabres superstar Thomas Vanek’s dynamic run closely. Enjoy watching the nifty goals, the points and knowing each time he steps on the ice something special could happen.

This might be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. NHL players just don’t score at Vanek’s torrid pace anymore.

The slick Austrian already has 10 goals and 21 points through 10 appearances, a stat line from eras past. He’s on track for 47 goals and 99 points in ... Read the full article

Ehrhoff’s return pushes Pardy out of Sabres’ lineup

BUFFALO – Going back to the minors was difficult at first, Adam Pardy said. Other than a two-game conditioning stint last season, the Sabres defenseman had spent more than four years in the NHL.

Then the Sabres, who acquired Pardy from Dallas in July, waived the 28-year-old during training camp last month. Numbers kicked Pardy, the ninth defenseman in an eight-man race, back to the AHL.

“It’s something I’ve never went through before,” Pardy said ... Read the full article

Sabres’ Ehrhoff plans to return tonight

BUFFALO – The Sabres’ banged-up defense corps should be getting their best player back tonight against the Montreal Canadiens.

Christian Ehrhoff, sidelined by a muscle strain Tuesday, skated this morning inside the First Niagara Center.

“I took the whole skate and I’m ready to go tonight,” Ehrhoff said afterward.

Sabres coach Lindy Ruff wouldn’t pronounce Ehrhoff fully ready yet, however.

“He’s going to take warm-up tonight and we’ll see where he’s at,” Ruff said. “Early ... Read the full article