Buffalo Hockey Beat - WNY and Buffalo NY Hockey Coverage

Jeff Skinner’s return helps boost Sabres in win over Capitals

BUFFALO – Right away, the fans noticed Jeff Skinner’s unlikely presence. So when the Sabres’ leading goal scorer touched the puck seconds into the third period, the crowd roared.

Earlier in Saturday afternoon’s 5-2 win over the Washington Capitals, Skinner’s season and the Sabres’ slim playoff hopes looked finished.

Less than five minutes into the second period, Carl Hagelin put his stick around Skinner’s lower left leg, causing his ankle to bend awkwardly as he ... Read the full article

Sabres notes: Sam Reinhart enjoys first hat trick in Buffalo

BUFFALO – On the first of his three goals Saturday afternoon, Sabres winger Sam Reinhart showcased a little flash.

After grabbing center Evan Rodrigues’ nifty one-handed pass, Reinhart unleashed a wicked wrist shot from the right circle, beating Washington Capitals goalie Braden Holtby over the right shoulder 12:51 into the 5-2 win.

Later in the contest, Reinhart put the Sabres up two goals again, sealing the game by tipping defenseman Matt Hunwick’s shot in front ... Read the full article

Sabres’ Kyle Okposo skates; Danny O’Regan, Scott Wilson to play

BUFFALO – Sabres winger Kyle Okposo, out since suffering a concussion last Friday, skated this morning, coach Phil Housley said.

“That’s a great sign,” Housley said inside KeyBank Center. “He’s got a smile on his face. So those are all good signs for us.”

Okposo, 30, has a concerning history of concussions. The veteran hasn’t played since suffering another one fighting New York Rangers defenseman Tony DeAngelo.

Housley believes Okposo will play again this season.... Read the full article

Sabres’ Jeff Skinner might’ve found long-term home in Buffalo

BUFFALO – Three-quarters into the season, Jeff Skinner hasn’t shown many signs of cooling off. Having scored a team-high 36 goals through 60 games, the slick winger could become the first Sabre to hit the prestigious 50-goal mark in 26 years.

Entering this afternoon’s home game against the Stanley Cup champion Washington Capitals, Skinner is scoring at a torrid 49-goal pace over his first season with the Sabres.

While Skinner, 26, hasn’t scored in the ... Read the full article

Sabres recall Danny O’Regan, Scott Wilson, send Lawrence Pilut down

BUFFALO – The Sabres added two forwards this afternoon, recalling Danny O’Regan and Scott Wilson from the Rochester Americans.

They also sent defenseman Lawrence Pilut back to the AHL and placed winger Kyle Okposo, who has a concussion, on injured reserve.

The Sabres host the Washington Capitals on Saturday, their last game before Monday’s trade deadline.... Read the full article

Sabres GM Jason Botterill backs coach Phil Housley

Phil Housley’s job is safe. General manager Jason Botterill backed his coach today, saying that despite their recent struggles, the reeling Buffalo Sabres have grown this season.

“We’ve made progress as an organization compared to last year,” Botterill told reporters in Tampa Bay, where the Sabres play the Lightning on Thursday. “We’ve been in a position where we’ve been in games. I’ve see the results on the ice, I see the communication we’re going ... Read the full article

Sabres’ Kyle Okposo diagnosed with concussion

After returning to Buffalo to undergo further evaluation, winger Kyle Okposo has been diagnosed with a concussion, the Sabres announced this morning.

Sabres coach Phil Housley told reporters in Florida there is no timetable for Okposo’s return.

“I just want to be cautious with Kyle,” Housley said inside the BB&T Center.

Okposo, 30, has a concerning history of concussions. This is at least his third in less than two years. After suffering one late in ... Read the full article

Sabres send Kyle Okposo home for further medical evaluation

The Sabres have sent winger Kyle Okposo, who suffered a one-punch knockdown during a brief fight Friday, back to Buffalo for further medical evaluation, coach Phil Housley said.

Okposo, 30, fought New York Rangers defenseman Tony DeAngelo, who was upset the veteran had hit teammate Mats Zuccarello, late in the 6-2 loss at KeyBank Center. Okposo, who rarely fights, left the game bleeding around the mouth.

Housley said Saturday Okposo did not have a concussion. ... Read the full article

Sabres recall Casey Nelson from AHL conditioning assignment

The Buffalo Sabres recalled defenseman Casey Nelson today from his AHL conditioning assignment with the Rochester Americans.

Nelson, 26, played five games with the Amerks, compiling one assist and four penalty minutes. He hasn’t played with the Sabres since suffering an upper-body injury Dec. 4.

He could play in tonight’s road tilt against the Devils. Defenseman Marco Scandella suffered an undisclosed injury in Friday’s 6-2 loss to the New York Rangers and didn’t accompany the ... Read the full article

Sabres regroup for road trip after taking step back

BUFFALO – When the Sabres enjoy some success, their identity is pretty straightforward, really. They come at you in waves and showcase a rigid defense.

Nothing fancy, right?

“It’s our work, our reloads and our checking detail,” coach Phil Housley said of the Sabres’ identity. “It’s pretty simple. When we do those three things well and on top of that manage the game, we’re a tough team to play against.”... Read the full article