Zadorov - Buffalo Hockey Beat

Sabres’ defense slowly improving, still mistake-prone

BUFFALO – Twenty-two games into the season, the Sabres’ weak and often sloppy defense corps has combined for two goals, 20 points and a minus-41 rating entering tonight’s game against the Montreal Canadiens.

As evidenced by the Sabres’ recent three-game winning streak, a stretch in which they allowed only four goals, the defense has looked much better – sturdier, you might say – during some contests this month.

Still, it’s a mistake-prone group. And with ... Read the full article

Maturity has helped Sabres’ Nikita Zadorov become NHL regular

BUFFALO – Nine weeks ago, Nikita Zadorov wasn’t even ready to play in a prospects tournament. The 19-year-old Sabres defenseman, one of the few players with NHL experience, got benched.

“That benching was not because I’m a bad player, because I was not ready for that game,” Zadorov said Thursday inside the First Niagara Center. “Coach (Chadd Cassidy) said I didn’t have enough effort. It’s kind of my bad, and it was in my head.... Read the full article

Former Sabres tough guy John Scott enjoying time with Sharks

BUFFALO – John Scott was scratched again Tuesday, the 15^th time in 21 games the hulking San Jose Sharks tough guy has watched this season.

Scott understands his role means he must sit out regularly. Still, the popular former Sabres fighter wanted to play badly in his return to the First Niagara Center.

“It’s always fun to come back,” Scott said prior to the Sabres’ 4-1 win. “I wish I was playing tonight. I ... Read the full article

Sabres’ Nikita Zadorov happy to have roster spot

BUFFALO – So, Sabres defenseman Nikita Zadorov, how did it feel to hear coach Ted Nolan say you have earned a roster spot?

“Did he say that?” Zadorov said this morning inside the First Niagara Center. “I didn’t know that.”

Assuming the game is played, the 19-year-old will make his ninth appearance tonight. His contract kicks in with a 10^th.

Nolan said Monday he was “more than positive he’s earned his keep,” meaning ... Read the full article

Sabres notes: Nikita Zadorov will stay in Buffalo

BUFFALO – Sabres defenseman Nikita Zadorov is staying put. Coach Ted Nolan said Monday the 19-year-old Russian has earned a roster spot.

After playing seven straight games, including a 25-minute outing Thursday, it was assumed the Sabres would keep him.

“I try not to assume, but I’m more than positive he’s earned his keep,” Nolan said inside the First Niagara Center.

Tonight’s tilt against the San Jose Sharks will be Zadorov’s ninth game. His contract ... Read the full article

Sabres plan to keep Nikita Zadorov

BUFFALO – Sabres defenseman Nikita Zadorov is staying put. Coach Ted Nolan said this afternoon the 19-year-old Russian has earned a roster spot.

After playing seven straight games, including a 25-minute outing Thursday, it was assumed the Sabres would keep him.

“I try not to assume, but I’m more than positive he’s earned his keep,” Nolan said inside the First Niagara Center.

Tuesday’s tilt against the San Jose Sharks will be Zadorov’s ninth game. ... Read the full article

Watch: Sabres’ Nikita Zadorov fight through the years

In 141 total games between the Ontario Hockey League and NHL, Buffalo Sabres defenseman Nikita Zadorov has fought six times, according to hockeyfights.com.

Expect that number to go up.

The 6-foot-5, 220-pound Russian is cocky and loves to hit. He will have to answer the bell.

Zadorov fought St. Louis’ Ian Cole on Tuesday, his first NHL scrap. The 19-year-old paid back Cole when the defenseman hit the diminutive Tyler Ennis after the whistle.... Read the full article

Young Sabres Rasmus Ristolainen, Nikita Zadorov impressing as tandem

BUFFALO – When you’re struggling and searching for anything to ignite the team, you experiment. So with nothing to lose, Sabres coach Ted Nolan paired Rasmus Ristolainen, 20, and rookie Nikita Zadorov, 19, together last game.

The defensemen became the Sabres’ top tandem in Saturday’s ugly 6-1 loss to Pittsburgh, each skating more than 20 minutes, more than Tyler Myers. Zadorov wasn’t on the ice for any goals against.

“If you look at both ... Read the full article

Sidney Crosby and high-powered Penguins destroy Sabres

BUFFALO – This one lasted one shift. Eighty-one seconds into the Pittsburgh Penguins’ 6-1 annihilation of the Sabres, Kris Letang converted Sidney Crosby’s slick pass, the first of the superstar’s five assists Saturday.

Game over.

The Penguins utterly destroyed the hapless Sabres before a capacity crowd of 19,070 fans inside the First Niagara Center.

The potent Penguins scored again before the Sabres recorded their first shot 13:21 into the lopsided contest. They led 3-0 ... Read the full article

Sabres notes: Mike Weber disappointed by sitting out

BUFFALO – Following an embarrassing 5-0 loss eight days ago in Pittsburgh, defenseman Mike Weber passionately called for more anger and intensity from the reeling Sabres.

The gritty Weber sat out the next night, the first of three straight healthy scratches. The 26-year-old, an emotional presence, hadn’t missed a game since Dec. 10.

The Pittsburgh native played again in Saturday’s 6-1 loss to the Penguins inside the First Niagara Center.

“It was extremely tough,” Weber ... Read the full article