WNY and Buffalo NY Hockey Coverage
Stanley Cup Playoffs Edition
Ted Nolan re-joined the Sabres on Nov. 13. ©2014, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald
BUFFALO – The Sabres removed the interim tag from Ted Nolan today, signing the coach to a reported three-year contract extension.
While the rebuilding club is 16-30-8 under Nolan, the culture around the Sabres has changed dramatically. Nolan’s straightforward approach has connected with many players, most notably center Tyler Ennis and winger Drew Stafford, who have been thriving in recent months.
“We are very happy to get this deal done and have Ted Nolan ... Read the full article
Mikhail Grigorenko played two AHL games last season. ©2014, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald
BUFFALO – In a not-so-surprising move, the Sabres today assigned 19-year-old center Mikhail Grigorenko to the Rochester Americans.
The Russian’s junior season with the QMJHL’s Quebec Remparts ended last week, making him eligible to play in the AHL.
Interim coach Ted Nolan hinted Saturday the Sabres would send Grigorenko to the Amerks, where he played two playoff games last season.
Since he had junior eligibility left, the NHL rejected Grigorenko’s AHL conditioning assignment in November. ... Read the full article
Matt Hackett made 29 saves Saturday. ©2014, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald
BUFFALO – Nothing has changed, Matt Hackett said. Forget that he was enduring a terrible season in Rochester before injuries forced his recall. Forget that general manager Tim Murray recently said the Sabres’ goalie of the future likely wasn’t in the organization.
Hackett, a key piece of April’s Jason Pominville trade with the Wild, hasn’t lost much confidence. The 24-year-old still believes he can become the team’s No. 1 netminder, a coveted spot that’s up ... Read the full article
Dominik Hasek received a special saber for being inducted into the Hall of Fame. ©2014, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald
BUFFALO – One current Sabre, forward Matt Ellis, played with legendary goalie Dominik Hasek, who was inducted into the team’s Hall of Fame prior to Saturday’s 4-3 overtime loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning inside the First Niagara Center.
Ellis played 16 games as a rookie with Detroit in 2006-07, Hasek’s 15th NHL season. Incredibly, Hasek posted a 2.05 goals-against average and .913 save percentage as 42-year-old that year.
“He was a ... Read the full article
Ville Leino couldn’t skate this morning. ©2014, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald
BUFFALO – What the heck is going on with Sabres forward Ville Leino?
Interim Sabres coach Ted Nolan said the Finn, who left Thursday’s 6-1 loss in Nashville early after experiencing some lightheadedness, was evaluated and came to this morning’s skate.
“He was doing OK and then just before going on the ice he didn’t feel very well again,” Nolan said after the Sabres prepared for tonight’s tilt against the Tampa Bay Lightning inside the ... Read the full article
Dominik Hasek smiled a lot Friday recalling special memories. ©2014, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald
BUFFALO – They hadn’t spoken in almost 17 years, since Ted Nolan’s first run as coach ended amid speculation Dominik Hasek, his star goalie, had just quit on the Sabres during the playoffs.
The two, who reportedly feuded, never crossed paths again until Friday.
After Nolan was essentially fired following the 1996-97 season, Hasek kept tending perhaps the best goal in NHL history, piling up awards while winning two Stanley Cups. Nolan, meanwhile, had trouble ... Read the full article
Ville Leino didn’t practice Friday. ©2014, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald
BUFFALO – Interim Sabres coach Ted Nolan said what happened to forward Ville Leino early in Thursday’s 6-1 loss in Nashville “was strange.”
Leino experienced some lightheadedness and left the game. He didn’t practice Friday.
“He just started not feeling very well,” Nolan said after the Sabres prepared for tonight’s game against the Tampa Bay Lightning inside the First Niagara Center, their first home tilt following an awful 1-4 road trip. “When something like that ... Read the full article
Ted Nolan hadn’t spoken to Dominik Hasek since 1997. ©2014, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald
BUFFALO – Dominik Hasek and Ted Nolan hadn’t spoken in almost 17 years, since Nolan’s first run as coach ended amid speculation his star goalie had quit on the Sabres during the playoffs.
Hasek’s back in town to enter the team’s Hall of Fame Saturday. He said earlier today he wanted to see Nolan.
“I never really ran into him anywhere,” Nolan said this afternoon following practice inside the First Niagara Center. “He came ... Read the full article
Ville Leino left Thursday’s loss early. ©2014, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald
BUFFALO – Interim Sabres coach Ted Nolan said what happened to forward Ville Leino early in Thursday’s 6-1 loss in Nashville “was strange.”
Leino experienced some lightheadedness and left the game. He didn’t practice today.
“He just started not feeling very well,” Nolan said this afternoon following practice inside the First Niagara Center. “When something like that happens, you got to make sure you’re careful with it.”
Nolan said doctors are examining Leino today.
“Hopefully, ... Read the full article
Dominik Hasek talks this morning. ©2014, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald
BUFFALO – Dominik Hasek swears he’s retired from hockey. The legendary Sabres goalie hasn’t played professionally since his one-year stint in the Russian KHL ended in February 2011.
His goalie equipment, Hasek said, hasn’t left the bag since then. These days, the 49-year-old plays once or twice a week as a defenseman in a rec league back in his native Czech Republic.
“You wake up and you enjoy your life different ways,” Hasek, whose No. ... Read the full article