WNY and Buffalo NY Hockey Coverage
Free Agency Edition
C.J. Smith has compiled 41 points in 41 AHL games this season. ©2019, Hickling Images
BUFFALO – Sooner or later, coach Phil Housley had to make some significant changes, right? The Sabres have fallen from first overall to three points out of a playoff spot.
Having compiled an awful 8-14-4 mark in their last 26 games, their marathon slump has surpassed the two-month mark. In their last 10 outings, they’re 3-7.
In recent games, the Sabres have shown little interest in playing defense and struggled to score goals. Their power ... Read the full article
Relie Elie (81) hasn’t played in the AHL since last season. ©2019, Hickling Images
The Buffalo Sabres assigned winger Remi Elie to the Rochester Americans today after he cleared waivers.
Elie, 23, compiled one assist in 16 games after the Sabres claimed him off waivers from the Dallas Stars in October.
The former second-round pick hasn’t played in the AHL since last season, when he compiled three goals and 10 points in 25 total games with the Texas Stars. He has scored 16 goals and 46 points in 121 ... Read the full article
Jeff Skinner compiled 10 shots and a minus-3 rating Friday. ©2019, Hickling Images
BUFFALO – On Saturday, hours after a dreadful 7-3 home loss to the Chicago Blackhawks, coach Phil Housley refused to show the Sabres video of the debacle.
“I don’t think it was the right time,” Housley said inside KeyBank Center.
Following a day off, Housley said he plans to review the footage with his players Monday. So, no, Housley hasn’t trashed the footage of the loose defensive effort.
“I really wanted to get back to ... Read the full article
The Sabres claimed Remi Elie off waivers in October. ©2019, Hickling Images
BUFFALO – The Sabres waived winger Remi Elie this morning.
Elie, 23, isn’t practicing with his teammate inside HarborCenter, meaning if he clears, he could be bound for the Rochester Americans.
Sunday update: Elie has cleared, according to reports.
The Sabres claimed Elie from the Dallas Stars in October. The former second-round pick has played 16 games this season, including the last two, compiling one assist.... Read the full article
Carter Hutton got yanked after 40 minutes. ©2019, Janet Schultz
BUFFALO – An agitated Phil Housley mentioned it four times during his three-and-a-half minute news conference following Friday’s ugly 7-3 loss to the last-place Chicago Blackhawks.
The Sabres don’t respect the defensive side of the game.
In their sixth loss in eight games, the Sabres, like so many other recent outings, played a one-dimensional contest, simply focusing on their offense. The Blackhawks, meanwhile, exploited seemingly every miscue, scoring five goals off turnovers.
The ugly, disjointed ... Read the full article
Casey Mittelstadt has strong chemistry with his linemates. ©2019, Hickling Images
BUFFALO – One of the best stretches of Casey Mittelstadt’s 57-game NHL career – two goals and four points over seven recent contests – hasn’t boosted the Sabres rookie’s confidence.
“I don’t think I’m more confident or anything,” Mittelstadt said prior to Friday’s 7-3 loss to the Chicago Blackhawks inside KeyBank Center. “I don’t struggle in that department.”
Mittelstadt, 20, doesn’t lack confidence.
“I know what I’m capable of doing,” the slick center said.... Read the full article
Casey Mittelstadt know he possesses talent. ©2019, Hickling Images
BUFFALO – One of the best stretches of Casey Mittelstadt’s 56-game NHL career – two goals and four points over seven contests – hasn’t boosted the Sabres rookie’s confidence.
“I don’t think I’m more confident or anything,” Mittelstadt said this morning inside KeyBank Center. “I don’t struggle in that department.”
If you can’t tell, Mittelstadt, 20, doesn’t lack confidence.
“I know what I’m capable of doing,” the slick center said.... Read the full article
Lawrence Pilut hasn’t played since Jan. 18. ©2019, Hickling Images
BUFFALO – Rejoice, Sabres fans. Rookie defenseman Lawrence Pilut will return tonight against the Chicago Blackhawks after sitting out two straight games as a healthy scratch.
Sabres coach Phil Housley changed his blue line the last two contests, inserting Matt Hunwick and Nathan Beaulieu while Pilut, 23, watched.
While Housley said he liked what the veterans showcased, Pilut, a slick youngster fans have been clamoring to see, will play his first game since Jan. 18.... Read the full article
Goalie Carter Hutton could see plenty of action during the Sabres’ home stand. ©2019, Hickling Images
BUFFALO – For a struggling team that must rattle off wins if it hopes to snag a playoff spot for the first time since 2011, this is a gift. Starting tonight, the Sabres play their next seven games at home.
How rare is a seven-game home stand? It’s the longest in franchise history, tying a stretch from Jan. 20 to Feb. 2, 1997.
The Sabres’ season hinges on this 15-day stretch. Realistically, they need to ... Read the full article
Matt Hunwick hasn’t played since Dec. 18. ©2019, Hickling Images
BUFFALO – Doing extra work on and off the ice to stay sharp for your next opportunity is the easy part for healthy scratches.
“It’s not so much my body, my hands, my legs,” said Sabres defenseman Nathan Beaulieu, who has been scratched 12 out of the last 15 games. “It’s more the mental part of it. The game’s really fast. You step in the position you’re in, a lot is on the line, ... Read the full article