Buffalo Hockey Beat - WNY and Buffalo NY Hockey Coverage

Benoit Pouliot sees Sabres on similar path as Oilers

BUFFALO – Sabres winger Benoit Pouliot knows from firsthand experience a bad NHL team can morph from an also-ran into a contender in a short time.

Three seasons ago, after years of ineptitude, the Edmonton Oilers believed they finally had a playoff-caliber team. But instead of contending, they imploded early, losing 35 of their first 45 games.... Read the full article

Sabres’ Marco Scandella embracing Buffalo, fresh start

BUFFALO – Minutes after his first practice with the Sabres ended, a smiling Marco Scandella entered a media scrum and could hardly contain his excitement.

“Coming to a new team, it feels like my first year again,” the loquacious defenseman said Friday following the first sessions of training camp inside HarborCenter.... Read the full article

Sabres notes: Ryan O’Reilly not thinking about captaincy

BUFFALO – Center Ryan O’Reilly, the Sabres’ most versatile presence on the ice and their most accountable voice off it, certainly makes a fine candidate for the Sabres’ vacant captaincy.

Coach Phil Housley said Thursday he’s in no hurry to name a captain, meaning the Sabres might not have someone wearing the ‘C’ permanently for a few weeks or even later.... Read the full article

Ryan O’Reilly hasn’t thought about Sabres’ captaincy

BUFFALO – Center Ryan O’Reilly, the Sabres’ most versatile presence on the ice and their most accountable voice off it, certainly makes a fine candidate for the Sabres’ vacant captaincy.

Sabres excited for fresh start with coach Phil Housley

BUFFALO – Having spent the first eight seasons of his Hall of Fame playing career here, Phil Housley has a special appreciation for the city and the Sabres, the team he now coaches.

So Thursday morning, as a smiling Housley stood at a podium wearing a blue Sabres jacket talking about his team, the moment wasn’t lost on the rookie head coach.... Read the full article

Sabres’ Jack Eichel out to prove himself

BUFFALO – In his first two seasons, Sabres center Jack Eichel quickly morphed into one of the NHL’s most dynamic talents, compiling 48 goals and 113 points in 142 outings.

At just 20 years old, he is the face of the franchise, often an electrifying presence and a potential superstar. In the near future, the former second overall pick should sign a long-term contract worth perhaps $10 million a season.... Read the full article

Sabres begin Phil Housley era optimistic

BUFFALO – Having spent the first eight seasons of his Hall of Fame playing career here, Phil Housley has a special appreciation for the city and the Sabres, the team he now coaches.

So this morning, as a smiling Housley stood at a podium wearing a blue Sabres jacket talking about his team, the moment wasn’t lost on the rookie head coach.... Read the full article

Sabres’ Jack Eichel on first two seasons: ‘I’ve proven nothing’

BUFFALO – In his first two seasons, Sabres center Jack Eichel has quickly morphed into one of the NHL’s most dynamic talents, compiling 48 goals and 113 points in 142 outings.

Brendan Guhle aiming to crack Sabres out of training camp

BUFFALO – In his three recent outings, Sabres defenseman Brendan Guhle wowed the crowd, consistently showcasing the slick talents that make him an elite prospect.

At just 20 years old, Guhle often looks like a veteran, swiftly moving the puck up the ice and getting to the net.

In Saturday’s 7-4 win against the Boston Bruins, Guhle zoomed up and dished across the zone to C.J. Smith before connecting on the return pass at the ... Read the full article

Sabres GM Jason Botterill expects prospects to battle for roster spots

BUFFALO – Right now, just one day before the Sabres open training camp, veterans and established youngsters seemingly take up every roster spot for the upcoming season.

Counting returning regulars and offseason additions, the Sabres have 13 forwards and seven defensemen, more than a full lineup.

So what about the prospects? Could some force themselves onto the roster?... Read the full article