Vanek - Buffalo Hockey Beat

Sabres rookie T.J. Brennan gets another chance to shine

In seven NHL games this season, Buffalo Sabres defenseman T.J. Brennan has zero points and 14 shots on goal (how many have missed the net?) while averaging 14:11 on the ice each appearance.

After scoring 14 goals and 35 points in 36 games with Rochester this season, Brennan has underwhelmed mightily.

If the 23-year-old didn’t have to clear waivers, he likely would’ve been returned to the AHL. Instead, rather than risk losing him, the Sabres ... Read the full article

Despite ‘changed’ style, Sabres’ Kaleta banned 5 games for boarding Richards

BUFFALO – Patrick Kaleta insists he has changed his game over the years, calming his ultra-aggressive style down to become a more complete and responsible player.

Players have noticed, he said. Referees have even lauded the Sabres’ top agitator.

“The referees have came up and said, ‘Hey, we respect what you’ve done so far. As long as you keep showing respect toward us, then we’ll respect you,’” Kaleta told reporters Monday in Raleigh before the ... Read the full article

Sabres beat Devils, have first 3-game winning streak this season

BUFFALO – Suddenly, the Sabres’ worst season in recent memory looks much more promising. Don’t order those playoff tickets yet. But the team, given up for dead just a week ago, has quickly cobbled together three straight wins under interim coach Ron Rolston, responding to adversity in each one.

In their latest victory, a 4-3 shootout triumph on Saturday before a noisy capacity crowd of 19,070 fans inside the First Niagara Center, the Sabres never ... Read the full article

Sabres rookie Flynn makes NHL debut as injured Vanek sits

BUFFALO – In Brian Flynn’s mind, he “had no business getting drafted.” Getting bypassed during two consecutive NHL Entry Drafts was no slight.

“I wasn’t very good,” the 24-year-old Flynn acknowledged Saturday afternoon prior to making his NHL debut in the Sabres’ 4-3 shootout win over the New Jersey Devils inside the First Niagara Center. “I was undersized. But I think that helped me a lot. Ever since then I’ve gotten better every year.”

Flynn ... Read the full article

Sabres’ Vanek out; Flynn set to make NHL debut

BUFFALO – When Thomas Vanek sat out practice as a maintenance day Friday, interim Sabres coach Ron Rolston thought his leading scorer would play today against the New Jersey Devils.

“Coming back this morning, he still was sore,” Rolston said earlier this afternoon inside the First Niagara Center.

Vanek (upper body) will sit today, although Rolston believes it’s just a short-term injury. The slick winger could return Sunday in New York versus the Rangers.

Meanwhile, ... Read the full article

Sabres recall Flynn from Amerks

BUFFALO – The Sabres recalled rookie Brian Flynn from Rochester early tonight, a curious move with 12 forwards believed to be healthy.

Sabres winger Thomas Vanek sat out practice today, although interim coach Ron Rolston said the team’s leading scorer was enjoying a maintenance day.

The 24-year-old Flynn, a college free agent from Maine, has been arguably the Americans’ biggest surprise this season, scoring a team-high 16 goals and 32 points in 45 games.

Flynn, ... Read the full article

Sabres’ Leino finally nearing return; Enroth could start soon

AMHERST – Long before his teammates began practicing this afternoon, winger Ville Leino was skating inside the Northtown Center, testing his injured hip.

When the rest of the Buffalo Sabres finally hit the ice, the Finn stayed on, participating in his first full team full practice since Jan. 18.

Leino, who hasn’t played a game since April 7, believes he could return as soon as next week.

“The rehab’s been good lately, and I’ve been ... Read the full article

Sabres’ Foligno lucky he wasn’t scratched earlier

If the Buffalo Sabres had some better options, Marcus Foligno could’ve been benched weeks ago.

Instead, the 21-year-old power forward, a healthy scratch tonight against the Florida Panthers, kept struggling right beside the rest of the Sabres’ anemic offense.

It’s often cliché to talk about the “sophomore jinx,” but Foligno’s certainly experiencing an epic slump during his first full NHL season.

Twenty contests into the 48-game campaign, Foligno has just one goal and eight points. ... Read the full article

Sabres’ Rolston: ‘It’s going to be a process’ improving

BUFFALO – Rebuilding the bottom-feeding, 15^th-place Sabres back into a strong hockey club could be a long and arduous process following Lindy Ruff’s dismissal as coach last week.

The team’s in shambles, having lost four straight games and six of the last seven. There’s little to like about the Sabres and no quick fix.

They possess no identity.

“I know patience isn’t big with anybody,” interim coach Ron Rolston said Monday inside ... Read the full article

Sabres summon Pardy from Rochester with Sulzer sidelined

BUFFALO – The Sabres’ injury and on-ice woes could help defenseman Adam Pardy, an NHL regular before numbers kicked him back to the minors this season, carve out a spot on the blue line.

With Jordan Leopold (hand) and Alexander Sulzer (lower body) sidelined, the Sabres on Monday summoned Pardy from Rochester for the second time this season.

He should play tonight in Tampa Bay against the Lightning, the start of a two-game Florida ... Read the full article