Buffalo Hockey Beat - WNY and Buffalo NY Hockey Coverage

Sabres send 3 rookies to Amerks

BUFFALO – The Sabres sent rookies Nick Baptiste, Hudson Fasching and Casey Nelson to the Rochester Americans this afternoon.

The Sabres don’t play again until Tuesday, when they close a four-game road trip in Philadelphia. The Amerks play tonight at home and Saturday in Binghamton.

Baptiste, a winger, played his first two NHL games earlier this week, scoring his first NHL goal in Thursday’s 2-1 loss in Vancouver.

Meanwhile, Fasching, a winger, and ... Read the full article

Former Sabre Matt Ellis happy in retirement, excited for future

BUFFALO – As last season unfolded, popular former Sabres forward Matt Ellis sensed the inevitable end to his long and unlikely career.

At times, Ellis, 35, said he felt like a spare part with the Rochester Americans, a victim of age and a changing game. AHL veteran rules often forced him to sit out as a healthy scratch. The adversity, he believes, tested his character and how badly he wanted to keep playing.

“There ... Read the full article

Amerks’ Tyson Strachan offers Sabres depth

BUFFALO – Tyson Strachan’s only human, you know. So while the veteran said his confidence never wavered looking for work during the summer, thoughts about his uncertain future crept into his head.

As the weeks dragged on without a contract, the gritty former Sabres defenseman wondered if he might have to play overseas or complete his degree at Ohio State University.

“I’d be lying to say those things don’t come into your mind,” Strachan said ... Read the full article

Former Sabres goalie Chad Johnson happy with Flames

All along, Chad Johnson said, returning to Buffalo was his first choice. The goalie thrived in his only season with the Sabres, becoming the team’s backbone while playing a career-high 45 games.

But when free agency opened in June, Johnson quickly learned how much his career year had impressed other NHL teams.

Johnson, 30, said he talked to six or seven suitors, including his hometown Calgary Flames.

“You talk to other teams and (learn how) ... Read the full article

Sabres believe they can rely on entire defense

BUFFALO – Technically, the Sabres’ defense pairs are numbered.

Rasmus Ristolainen and his partner, Josh Gorges or Dmitry Kulikov, form the top tandem. Zach Bogosian and Jake McCabe are No. 2. Cody Franson and Casey Nelson skated as the third opening night.

On paper, the defense (average age: 27) has the makings of a solid group. Still, the Sabres don’t have an elite pair. Sure, Ristolainen is the undisputed No. 1. But on a ... Read the full article

Sabres’ Jack Eichel knows he can’t rush back from ankle injury

BUFFALO – Jack Eichel emerged through a curtain and wheeled his scooter to his normal spot in the dressing room. The Sabres center’s sprained left ankle was encased in a boot. His skates and equipment, meanwhile, were hanging in his locker, where they could remain for weeks or even – gasp – months.

Then Eichel, 19, began answering questions for the first time since sustaining a dreaded high ankle sprain late in practice Wednesday, ... Read the full article

Sabres’ Evander Kane out ‘weeks’ with 3 cracked ribs

BUFFALO – The injury-plagued Sabres, already down four top players just one game into the season, will be without winger Evander Kane for “weeks” after he broke three ribs crashing hard into the end boards Thursday, coach Dan Bylsma said.

Kane slid on his back following contact from Alexei Emelin late in the second period of the Sabres’ 4-1 loss to Montreal, his left side taking most of the impact. He was transported to the ... Read the full article

Sabres’ Jack Eichel believes mental aspect will be hardest part of recovery

BUFFALO – Jack Eichel can handle the physical part of his high ankle sprain, a notoriously tough injury. The hardest aspect of his recovery, the Sabres center said, will be the mental portion.

Eichel, 19, had never experienced a long-term injury before his leg buckled late in Wednesday’s practice. He said he’s not a patient person, either.

Watching Thursday’s 4-1 season-loss to Montreal inside KeyBank Center was tough for Eichel, a young star fresh off ... Read the full article

Sabres lose opener to Canadiens, Evander Kane to injury

BUFFALO – If Thursday’s dispirited 4-1 opening-night loss to the Montreal Canadiens turns out to be a harbinger for the 2016-17 season, well, the Sabres could be in for a long six months.

In addition to an ugly setback to their Atlantic Division rival, first-line winger Evander Kane was taken to the hospital after he slid on his back and crashed his left side hard into the end boards following contact from Alexei Emelin late ... Read the full article

Sabres’ Jack Eichel could miss 6-8 weeks; GM Tim Murray signs contract extension

BUFFALO – In Ottawa, top pick Auston Matthews compiled the greatest debut in modern NHL history, scoring an eye-popping four goals for Toronto. In Edmonton, the slick Connor McDavid enjoyed a dynamic season opener, scoring two goals and three points.

Hours before Jack Eichel’s contemporaries began the 2016-17 season in grand fashion Wednesday, the young Sabres star sustained a high left ankle sprain late in practice.

Eichel, 19, watched Thursday’s 4-1 season-opening loss to the ... Read the full article