Tyler Ennis left Sunday’s game early. ©2013, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald

Sabres’ Ennis ‘dinged up’ from Simmonds hit, not concussed

BUFFALO – Tyler Ennis, whose face was crunched into the boards by Wayne Simmonds 15:48 into the Sabres’ 3-2 loss Sunday in Philadelphia, missed practice Monday and is day-to-day, interim coach Ron Rolston said.

“He’s a little dinged up,” Rolston said after the Sabres prepared for tonight’s contest against the New York Rangers inside the First Niagara Center.

Ennis, who left the game, didn’t suffer a concussion, Rolston said. The slick center received some stitches ... Read the full article

Tyler Ennis received stitches after getting hit Sunday. ©2013, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald

Sabres’ Ennis day-to-day, not concussed

BUFFALO – Tyler Ennis, whose face was crunched into the boards by Wayne Simmonds 15:48 into the Sabres’ 3-2 loss Sunday in Philadelphia, missed practice today and is day-to-day, interim coach Ron Rolston said.

“He’s a little dinged up,” Rolston said this afternoon inside the First Niagara Center.

Ennis, who left the game, didn’t suffer a concussion, Rolston said. The slick center received some stitches on his forehead.

What about the hit? Simmonds nailed Ennis ... Read the full article

Tyler Ennis was hurt Sunday. ©2013, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald

Sabres’ Ennis not practicing

BUFFALO – Center Tyler Ennis, whose face was crunched into the boards by Wayne Simmonds 15:48 into the Sabres’ 3-2 loss Sunday in Philadelphia, isn’t practicing this morning inside the First Niagara Center.

Ennis left the game and received stitches, interim Sabres coach Ron Rolston said.

Sabres defenseman Mike Weber quickly fought Simmonds.... Read the full article

Ryan Miller was angry following the Sabres’ fourth straight loss. ©2013, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald

Sabres blink first against Islanders, drop to last in Eastern Conference

BUFFALO – Nothing has changed. The Sabres are still a mess, perhaps the NHL’s worst team. Since firing Lindy Ruff on Wednesday and naming Ron Rolston interim coach, they’ve lost both games and scored one goal.

The disenchanted crowd inside the First Niagara Center booed and moaned Saturday throughout an ugly 4-0 loss to the New York Islanders, just like they did during Tuesday’s 2-1 defeat to Winnipeg, Ruff’s final game as coach.... Read the full article

T.J. Brennan returned to the lineup Tuesday. ©2013, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald

Sabres rookie T.J. Brennan replaces struggling Jordan Leopold

BUFFALO – The gaffe gnawed away at Jordan Leopold. His blown coverage on Pascal Dupuis’ late tying goal a day earlier left the struggling Sabres defenseman “upset … the whole day” Monday, he said.

The 32-year-old, a veteran of 602 NHL games, probably felt even worse Tuesday morning.

For Lindy Ruff, leaving Dupuis wide open in the right circle, something Leopold called an “easy read,” was the last straw. The Sabres coach scratched Leopold for ... Read the full article

Jordan Leopold skates this morning. ©2013, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald

Struggling Leopold to sit as Sabres turn to rookie Brennan

BUFFALO – Jordan Leopold walked into the dressing room following a long skate this morning, began taking off his equipment and noticed a few reporters waiting to chat with him.

The struggling defenseman was the last player off the ice for a reason.

“You guys smell blood or what?” joked Leopold, who will sit as a healthy scratch tonight against the Winnipeg Jets inside the First Niagara Center.

Leopold, a team-worst minus-7, has never been ... Read the full article

Sidney Crosby shoots the puck Sunday. ©2013, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald

Crosby continues dominance of Sabres

BUFFALO – No one can quite explain Sidney Crosby’s success against the Sabres. Chalk it up to the 25-year-old being hockey’s most talented superstar. Chalk it up to a bit of luck, too.

Whatever the case, the Pittsburgh Penguins center owns the Sabres.

Crosby registered a goal and three points in Sunday afternoon’s 4-3 win inside the First Niagara Center, extending his point streak against the Sabres to 14 games, a span in which he’s ... Read the full article

Cody McCormick fights Tanner Glass in the third period Sunday. ©2013, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald

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

Sidney Crosby believes several tools make Thomas Vanek a superstar. ©2013, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald

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

Andrej Sekera will likely miss Sunday’s game. ©2013, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald

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