WNY and Buffalo NY Hockey Coverage
March Edition
Darcy Regier has assets to trade. ©2013, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald
BUFFALO – The Sabres hold four of the first 52 picks in this month’s deep NHL Entry Draft, including the eighth and 16th selections. They also have starting goalie Ryan Miller and ace scorer Thomas Vanek, two stars with a year left on their contracts, dangling.
Still, despite a slew of assets, Sabres general manager Darcy Regier said today securing one of the top three selections – future stars Jonathan Drouin, Seth Jones and ... Read the full article
Terry Pegula rarely speaks about his team. ©2013, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald
BUFFALO – Terry Pegula has finally spoken again.
In a rare “interview,” the Sabres owner fielded questions on his team’s radio program, “Sabres Hockey Hotline,” this morning, chatting 25 minutes by phone with hosts and team employees Kevin Sylvester and Andrew Peters.
Most notably, Pegula defended general manager Darcy Regier, whose teams have missed the playoffs the last two seasons, asking, “What’s he done wrong?” Pegula said he wants Ryan Miller and Thomas Vanek, ... Read the full article
James Patrick had coached with the Sabres since 2006-07. ©2013, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald
BUFFALO – The Sabres have fired assistant coaches James Patrick and Kevyn Adams, according to multiple reports.
It was believed new Sabres coach Ron Rolston, whose interim tag was removed Tuesday, would make some changes to his staff.
The reports state assistant Teppo Numminen will stay on. The status of goalie coach Jim Corsi is unclear.
Other than one year playing in Europe, Patrick has been a Sabres player or coach since 1998-99. The ... Read the full article
Darcy Regier is putting the Stanley Cup, the ultimate goal, ahead of simply reaching the postseason. ©2013, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald
BUFFALO – The Sabres want their rabid fan base to understand something, general manager Darcy Regier said. The organization’s new philosophy – one that embraces building for a Stanley Cup, not simply making the playoffs – could require some suffering.
“We have gone with more determination in a very distinct direction, which is about the Stanley Cup,” Regier said Monday during a contentious and even bizarre 46-minute season-ending news conference inside the First Niagara Center. ... Read the full article
Ryan Miller could be traded this offseason. ©2013, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald
BUFFALO – With his future as the Sabres’ franchise goalie iffy, Ryan Miller said he’s trying to find a balance. The veteran doesn’t want to jump to any conclusions as rumors swirl he’ll be traded from the struggling club this offseason.
For years, one of Miller’s greatest strengths has been becoming “really focused and fired up,” he said. But that hurt him at times.
So the 32-year-old wants to “let go just a little bit.”... Read the full article
Tyler Myers struggled much of this season. ©2013, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald
BUFFALO – Sabres defenseman Tyler Myers said the season-ending hairline fracture he suffered in his left leg April 11 “could’ve been a blessing in disguise.”
The injury allowed the 23-year-old to spend a few weeks working with the team’s strength and conditioning staff.
“(We) just had a lot of talks about what was expected, what was needed,” Myers said Saturday as the Sabres cleaned out their lockers inside the First Niagara Center. “It’s just more ... Read the full article
Ryan Miller talks to the media Friday following the Sabres’ 2-1 shootout win. ©2013, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald
BUFFALO – With his future as the Sabres’ franchise goalie iffy, Ryan Miller said he’s trying to find a balance. The veteran doesn’t want to jump to any conclusions as rumors swirl he’ll be traded this offseason.
For years, one of Miller’s greatest strengths has been becoming “really focused and fired up,” he said. But that hurt him at times.
The 32-year-old wants to let go a bit now.
“I’m just trying to be open ... Read the full article
Ryan Miller celebrates after stopping John Tavares to win Friday’s game. ©2013, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald
BUFFALO – The cheers started before Friday’s season finale. First, fans applauded Ryan Miller’s name in the starting lineup. Minutes later, as the Sabres honored the goalie as their MVP prior to his 500th NHL game, Miller received a loud ovation.
Some fans ever stood up.
It was a far cry from last Friday, when Miller sarcastically saluted the crowd in between two Bronx cheers.
That ugly outing felt like the end of ... Read the full article
Thomas Vanek has one year left on his contract. ©2013, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald
BUFFALO – So, has slick winger Thomas Vanek given thought to tonight possibly being his last game with the Sabres?
“A little bit,” Vanek said this morning inside the First Niagara Center. “But at the same time, not really because I do have a year left (on my contract). We’ll see.”
Some Sabres will almost certainly be making their final appearance in blue and gold during tonight’s season finale against the New York Islanders.
It’s ... 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