Monday, April 10, 2017

Brendan Guhle shows his stuff.

Published by hockeybuzz.com, 4-8-2017


When Sabres d-prospect Brendan Guhle finished his 2015-16 WHL season he went to the Rochester Americans and proceeded to score a goal and add three assists in six games for the Amerks. Expectations remained high for the 6'3" 194 lb. Sherwood Park, Alberta native coming into Buffalo's 2016 training camp, but Guhle ended up back in junior.

An emergency call-up in November when the Sabres d-corps was devastated by injuries gave Guhle his first taste of NHL action, and just like in Rochester, the 2015 second-round pick never looked out of place. Unfortunately he had to go back to junior for the remainder of the season but he's back in the pros once again skating with the Amerks.

Last night was his first game back and he proceeded to score a goal as he joined the rush and sent a quick snap-shot home. Thanks to the Rochester Americans, here's what it looked like:




Guhle possesses NHL athleticism and skating ability and although he's known more for his savvy in the defensive zone, that shot and his ability to join the rush gives him the look of a mobile, two-way puck-mover. That he can step right in to the pros after his stint in junior bodes well for both him and the Sabres. That Guhle has continued to progress at a quick pace means he could very well be on track for the NHL next season.


*****

The Sabres announced the signing of West Seneca native Sean Malone to an entry-level contract and he'll be in the lineup tonight at Florida vs. the Panthers. Malone's Harvard Crimson was eliminated in the NCAA Frozen Four on Thursday and the 6'0" 190 lb. will don No. 42 in his pro debut. According to Jourdon LaBarber of sabres. com, Malone will be on the fourth line with Zemgus Girgensons and Nicolas Deslauriers.

Malone finished his college career with 42 goals and 57 assists in 115 games for the Crimson.


 *****

Only two games left for the Sabres this season--tonight at Florida, tomorrow at Tampa Bay--and only the game against the Lightning may carry any meaning.

Last night Tampa defeated the Montreal Canadians to draw within one point of the Toronto Maple Leafs for the second wild card spot in the Eastern Conference. Toronto plays tonight at home vs. the Pittsburgh Penguins and tomorrow vs. the Columbus Blue Jackets. Should the Leafs win this evening, they're in. Should they lose it will come down to tomorrow. The Lightning take on the Sabres beginning at 5 p.m. and the Leafs and Jackets face off at 6 p.m.

And let's not forget about the NY Islanders who are also only one point behind the Leafs.

They're on a four-game winning streak riding the hot hand of Jaroslav Halak and are on the road at the New Jersey Devils tonight and then finish off the season with a home date vs. the Ottawa Senators tomorrow.

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