Published by hockeybuzz.com, 9-29-2019
That headline was a fun to write because it will draw the ire from a number of fans in Sabreland who see Buffalo Sabres defenseman Marco Scandella and forward Zemgus Girgensons, among others, as utter deplorables. Having both players score to help Buffalo overcome a 2-0 deficit at Pittsburgh before the Sabres eventual 3-2 win in the shootout was satisfying in a way. About the only thing better would have been for Vladimir Sobotka to score the shootout winner instead of Casey Mittelstadt, which would have a medal-sweep by "The Deplorables."
Of course, it's only preseason, unless you're talking about 18 yr. old Dylan Cozens whom many believe should have a spot on the Sabres roster based upon one very strong preseason game against the Toronto Maple Leafs. Or Rasmus Asplund who performed very well in his role as a two-way forward to the point where a case could be made for him to be in a fourth-line role in Buffalo. Asplund outperformed fourth-line/depth players on the Sabres as well as Mittelstadt and there was a groundswell calling for Mittelstadt to be cut and Asplund up with the big club. Both Cozens and Asplund would be welcome faces to replace a group we've seen plenty of the past two-plus seasons. And they will be in Buffalo, just not now.
As we head towards the final cuts this year, fans in Sabreland are tired of seeing the likes of Scandella, Girgensons, Johan Larsson and Vladimir Sobotka on the team and would gladly throw the likes of Mike Card and Michael Funk in there if just for a change of faces. Last year young players Alexander Nylander and Tage Thompson were pined for as replacements for some in that group even though Nylander wasn't ready. Nor was Thompson, as we found out after watching him for a couple months.
Monday, September 30, 2019
Sunday, September 29, 2019
Last shot to make a preseason impression as Buffalo travels to Pittsburgh
A few Sabres players will have one last shot to make an impression as Buffalo takes on the Penguins in Pittsburgh for their final preseason game. Whether that will be enough for any individual player to unseat a veteran on this team is another story but how they grasp what new head coach Ralph Krueger and his staff are trying to do will go a long way in determining their organizational status this season.
The Sabres are loaded with veteran players in lower roles, especially up front, who look to have one more season to prove themselves in the Blue and Gold. Vladimir Sobotka, Zemgus Girgensons, Johan Larsson and Scott Wilson are all bottom-line/reserve players who are all pending unrestricted free agents. They also play the same style game, are interchangeable and, it would seem, ultimately have the spots to lose.
Saturday, September 28, 2019
Dylan Cozens sent to Lethbridge (WHL,) Sabres top-six taking shape
Published by hockeybuzz,com, 9-26-2019
There was huge groundswell of emotion touting at least a nine-day trial-run for 2019 first round draft pick Dylan Cozens as he showed very well in training camp this year. However, it was for naught as the Buffalo Sabres announced today that the 18 yr. old center will be headed back to the Lethbridge Hurricanes of the Western Hockey League to further his development in Canadian Junior.
At 6'3" 191 lbs., Cozens has a good NHL frame and he displayed some great skating ability and skills while throughout training camp. However, this is how Sabres head coach framed the decision while talking with the gathered media today (via John Vogl tweets):
"This decision today is about the development and future of an outstanding young man and athlete. It's maybe some pain for him at the moment, but there's a pace and there's an intensity to the National Hockey League season that we just didn't feel he was quite ready for. We believe he's going to come back and make a very hard push for being part of this team next year."
There was huge groundswell of emotion touting at least a nine-day trial-run for 2019 first round draft pick Dylan Cozens as he showed very well in training camp this year. However, it was for naught as the Buffalo Sabres announced today that the 18 yr. old center will be headed back to the Lethbridge Hurricanes of the Western Hockey League to further his development in Canadian Junior.
At 6'3" 191 lbs., Cozens has a good NHL frame and he displayed some great skating ability and skills while throughout training camp. However, this is how Sabres head coach framed the decision while talking with the gathered media today (via John Vogl tweets):
"This decision today is about the development and future of an outstanding young man and athlete. It's maybe some pain for him at the moment, but there's a pace and there's an intensity to the National Hockey League season that we just didn't feel he was quite ready for. We believe he's going to come back and make a very hard push for being part of this team next year."
Thursday, September 26, 2019
This is a roster that looks to be in tune-up mode for the season opener
With only two preseason games left and less than 10 days until the Buffalo Sabres open up the regular season at Pittsburgh against the Penguins, head coach Ralph Kreuger is icing a lineup tonight that will be very similar to the one he'll be using on October 3. At least up front.
Although injuries have been a huge factor on the blueline, the forwards look to be pretty set with maybe a few question marks, and here are the projected lines for tonight's game against the Columbus Blue Jacktes (from sabres.com):
Victor Olofsson - Jack Eichel - Sam Reinhart
Jeff Skinner - Marcus Johansson - Kyle Okposo
Jimmy Vesey - Casey Mittelstadt - Evan Rodrigues
Zemgus Girgensons - Vladimir Sobotka - Tage Thompson
Wednesday, September 25, 2019
Building the 2019-20 Buffalo Sabres roster--Reserves and Contenders
Published by hockeybuzz.com, 9-24-2019
Today we fill out a potential final 2019-2020 opening night roster with three more players. As we've gone through this process, more than a few of the names presented here have drawn the ire of many Sabres fans, yet they more than likely will be there on opening night. Names like Kyle Okposo, Johan Larsson, Zemgus Girgensons and Marco Scandella represent bad times in Sabreland however for various reasons they'll probably be there come October 3.
While many have clamored for an influx of youth and vitality, as well as speed and skill, it would seem as if Buffalo GM Jason Botterill will be sticking with the tried and true (at least to start the season) with regards to the lower lines and pairings. Fact is, although there's some talent waiting in the wings, Botterill is a firm believer in developing that talent. He seems willing bring players up full time only if their ready, which is why some youngins will end up in their proper developmental leagues while the Sabres under new head coach Ralph Kreuger trudge their way through yet another season of transition.
With that in mind, the first name we trot out for a reserve spot on the Sabres roster won't make a lot of fans happy, but is logical in the sense that he'll be in a reserve/fourth-line role:
Today we fill out a potential final 2019-2020 opening night roster with three more players. As we've gone through this process, more than a few of the names presented here have drawn the ire of many Sabres fans, yet they more than likely will be there on opening night. Names like Kyle Okposo, Johan Larsson, Zemgus Girgensons and Marco Scandella represent bad times in Sabreland however for various reasons they'll probably be there come October 3.
While many have clamored for an influx of youth and vitality, as well as speed and skill, it would seem as if Buffalo GM Jason Botterill will be sticking with the tried and true (at least to start the season) with regards to the lower lines and pairings. Fact is, although there's some talent waiting in the wings, Botterill is a firm believer in developing that talent. He seems willing bring players up full time only if their ready, which is why some youngins will end up in their proper developmental leagues while the Sabres under new head coach Ralph Kreuger trudge their way through yet another season of transition.
With that in mind, the first name we trot out for a reserve spot on the Sabres roster won't make a lot of fans happy, but is logical in the sense that he'll be in a reserve/fourth-line role:
Tuesday, September 24, 2019
Routsalainen and 14 other Sabres get cut plus some quick notes
Published by hockeybuzz.com, 9-22-2019
The Buffalo Sabres finished a home-and-home with the Toronto Maple Leafs with a split after a 5-3 win at KeyBank Center last night. A Sabres squad that will look very much like the one they'll be icing on opening night took care of business against that was minus the likes of Auston Matthews, William Nylander, Morgan Reilly and No. 1 goaltender, Frederik Andersen.
Even without those top Leafs players, Toronto looked extremely sharp led by John Tavares and Mitch Marner along with defensive anchor, Jake Muzzin. Head coach Mike Babcock has had his system in place for four seasons and he's running it with a talent pool that's deep and high on skill and speed.
For their part, the Sabres are on their third coach since Babcock was hired in Toronto and by the looks of it, they've taken to a system that pushes the pace and allows for plenty of creativity.
The Buffalo Sabres finished a home-and-home with the Toronto Maple Leafs with a split after a 5-3 win at KeyBank Center last night. A Sabres squad that will look very much like the one they'll be icing on opening night took care of business against that was minus the likes of Auston Matthews, William Nylander, Morgan Reilly and No. 1 goaltender, Frederik Andersen.
Even without those top Leafs players, Toronto looked extremely sharp led by John Tavares and Mitch Marner along with defensive anchor, Jake Muzzin. Head coach Mike Babcock has had his system in place for four seasons and he's running it with a talent pool that's deep and high on skill and speed.
For their part, the Sabres are on their third coach since Babcock was hired in Toronto and by the looks of it, they've taken to a system that pushes the pace and allows for plenty of creativity.
Sunday, September 22, 2019
BUF/TOR Part II tonight plus putting the breaks on rushing prospects
Published by hockeybuzz.com, 9-21-2019
Buffalo's roster for the second of a home-and-home preseason matchup with the Toronto Maple Leafs was released and it has the look of what the Sabres may be icing come October 3, their season opener. Last night a Sabres B-squad went out against the likes of the Leafs Auston Matthews, William Nylander, Morgan Reilly, Codi Ceci and goalie Frederik Andersen and played well despite being shutout 3-0 in Toronto. Buffalo head coach Ralph Krueger was more interested in his teams overall play really liked the way his team played.
"They really pressed hard early," said the coach of his team, "they played and aggressive, pressure game. I thought that Toronto had to make adjustments for the pressure we were giving. We're practicing hard, we're practicing without any eye on the game."
With the team down 2-0 in the third Krueger urged his team to press. "We were obviously pushing," he said, "we were asking everybody to push, push. We gave the green-light for risk and one bounced in the other way."
Buffalo's roster for the second of a home-and-home preseason matchup with the Toronto Maple Leafs was released and it has the look of what the Sabres may be icing come October 3, their season opener. Last night a Sabres B-squad went out against the likes of the Leafs Auston Matthews, William Nylander, Morgan Reilly, Codi Ceci and goalie Frederik Andersen and played well despite being shutout 3-0 in Toronto. Buffalo head coach Ralph Krueger was more interested in his teams overall play really liked the way his team played.
"They really pressed hard early," said the coach of his team, "they played and aggressive, pressure game. I thought that Toronto had to make adjustments for the pressure we were giving. We're practicing hard, we're practicing without any eye on the game."
With the team down 2-0 in the third Krueger urged his team to press. "We were obviously pushing," he said, "we were asking everybody to push, push. We gave the green-light for risk and one bounced in the other way."
Saturday, September 21, 2019
Brandon Montour injury clouds Sabres blueline, highlights Rasmus Ristolainen trade rumors
The Buffalo Sabres announced that defenseman Brandon Montour has a hand injury, the severity of which has not been revealed. The Sabres tweeted today that Montour "will miss the rest of the preseason due to a hand injury" and that they'll update his status "at the conclusion of training camp."
So much for the right-handed, log-jam on defense.
Buffalo general manager Jason Botterill acquired the 24 yr. old Montour from the Anaheim Ducks on February 25 for d-prospect Brendan Guhle (2015, 51st-overall) and a 2019 first round pick (LW, Brayden Tracey, 29th.) Montour was the first of three right-handed d-men acquired by Botterill the past seven months as he also acquired Colin Miller from the Vegas Golden Knights on June 28 and Henri Jokiharju from the Chicago Blackhawks on July 9.
When added to roster players Zach Bogosian and Casey Nelson, those acquisitions loaded up the right side and really fueled speculation that disgruntled defenseman, Rasmus Ristolainen, a righty himself, was on the move. The Sabres have been adamant since that they were not shopping the 24 yr. old Ristolainen but there was said to be a lot of smoke surrounding his name with the Winnipeg Jets seemingly as the most likely match in a trade. Deductive reasoning has the Sherlock Holmes' of the internet hockey world pairing the Sabres and Jets in a two-plus-two scenario beginning with the Jacob Trouba saga with the plot thickening even more the past couple of weeks.
Thursday, September 19, 2019
Evaluation time as the Sabres players get a day off
Whelp, it wasn't the best of performances last night at Columbus against the Blue Jackets. At best it could be described as a group of players still grappling with chemistry and structure while hitting the ice against real competition for the first time. At worst it was a throwback to some pretty dismal times in Sabreland as the team looked outclassed and disjointed and generally looked flat-footed until they found themselves down by two goals late in the third period.
Then again, it's best to remember this was game No. 2 of the preseason.
"It looked a little sluggish at the start," new Sabres bench boss, Ralph Krueger said in his post-game interview, "The first period I thought were a little bit flat but we did like some things that developed in the second period. There were moments where we found our game, we created some nice o-zone time. In the third [period] we put up a good fight but in the end didn't really do enough to deserve to win here."
Wednesday, September 18, 2019
Plenty of Sabres players to watch as Buffalo visits Columbus tonight
Published by hockeybuzz.com, 9-17-2019
Last night the Buffalo Sabres displayed some star-power in their opening preseason game at Pegula Ice Arena on the campus of Penn State University. The 'Pegula' mentioned above is the Pegula family lead by patriarch Terry who sold interests in his East Resources Energy company and donated over $100 million dollars to his alma mater to start a NCAA Division I hockey program. The crown jewel of Terry's generous donation is the 6,000-plus seat multi purpose arena that began hosting Sabres preseason games in 2016 with a game versus the Minnesota Wild. For the past three years Buffalo has opened up the home portion of the preseason against the Pittsburgh Penguins, an organization that Pegula also has ties to.
So it's not surprising that the Sabres trotted out captain Jack Eichel, 2018 first-overall pick Rasmus Dahlin, 40-goal scorer Jeff Skinner and 2019 first round pick Dylan Cozens for last nights game in the hopes of some fireworks, especially with a new head coach in Ralph Krueger. The Sabres dominated the first two periods outshooting the Penguins a whopping 37-9 and took a 4-1 lead into the third period. That would dissipate, however, as Pittsburgh scored three unanswered goals to send the game to overtime. Eichel saved the day as he scored the overtime winner with only eight seconds left in the extra session.
Last night the Buffalo Sabres displayed some star-power in their opening preseason game at Pegula Ice Arena on the campus of Penn State University. The 'Pegula' mentioned above is the Pegula family lead by patriarch Terry who sold interests in his East Resources Energy company and donated over $100 million dollars to his alma mater to start a NCAA Division I hockey program. The crown jewel of Terry's generous donation is the 6,000-plus seat multi purpose arena that began hosting Sabres preseason games in 2016 with a game versus the Minnesota Wild. For the past three years Buffalo has opened up the home portion of the preseason against the Pittsburgh Penguins, an organization that Pegula also has ties to.
So it's not surprising that the Sabres trotted out captain Jack Eichel, 2018 first-overall pick Rasmus Dahlin, 40-goal scorer Jeff Skinner and 2019 first round pick Dylan Cozens for last nights game in the hopes of some fireworks, especially with a new head coach in Ralph Krueger. The Sabres dominated the first two periods outshooting the Penguins a whopping 37-9 and took a 4-1 lead into the third period. That would dissipate, however, as Pittsburgh scored three unanswered goals to send the game to overtime. Eichel saved the day as he scored the overtime winner with only eight seconds left in the extra session.
Tuesday, September 17, 2019
Sabres haul out the big names for tonight's preseason opener
Published by hockeybuzz.com, 9-16-2019
Preseason begins tonight for the Buffalo Sabres as they make their annual visit to Pegula Ice Arena to face off against the Pittsburgh Penguins at 7 p.m.
Among the marquis names to hit the ice for the Sabres tonight will be captain Jack Eichel, 40-goal scorer Jeff Skinner and 2018 first-overall pick, defenseman Rasmus Dahlin. Joining that star-studded trio will be forward Jimmy Vesey along with defensemen Colin Miller and Henri Jokiharju, all three of whom were traded for in the off season. Also on the ice will be 2019 first round pick, forward Dylan Cozens.
The Sabres had 52 players at training camp (28 forwards, 18 defensemen and six goalies,) four of which are on the injured list--defensemen Zach Bogosian, Matt Hunwick and Lawrence Pilut plus goaltender Ukka-Pekka Luukkonen. They were broken into two groups, Blue and Gold, with the Gold Group first up tonight and the Blue Group set to face off against the Columbus Blue Jackets at Nationwide Arena tomorrow night.
Preseason begins tonight for the Buffalo Sabres as they make their annual visit to Pegula Ice Arena to face off against the Pittsburgh Penguins at 7 p.m.
Among the marquis names to hit the ice for the Sabres tonight will be captain Jack Eichel, 40-goal scorer Jeff Skinner and 2018 first-overall pick, defenseman Rasmus Dahlin. Joining that star-studded trio will be forward Jimmy Vesey along with defensemen Colin Miller and Henri Jokiharju, all three of whom were traded for in the off season. Also on the ice will be 2019 first round pick, forward Dylan Cozens.
The Sabres had 52 players at training camp (28 forwards, 18 defensemen and six goalies,) four of which are on the injured list--defensemen Zach Bogosian, Matt Hunwick and Lawrence Pilut plus goaltender Ukka-Pekka Luukkonen. They were broken into two groups, Blue and Gold, with the Gold Group first up tonight and the Blue Group set to face off against the Columbus Blue Jackets at Nationwide Arena tomorrow night.
Monday, September 16, 2019
Building the 2019-20 Buffalo Sabres roster--The Fourth Line
Published by hockeybuzz.com, 9-15-2019
In this series we build the 2019-20 Buffalo Sabres roster one by one leading up to the season opener on October 3.
There will be a lot of competition for a role on Buffalo's fourth line as the additions of top-nine forwards Marcus Johansson and Jimmy Vesey push players down the depth chart to where they should be in the first place. Sabres general manager Jason Botterill and new head coach Ralph Krueger have a group of veteran fourth-line players that are interchangeable battling for three spots on the line and they'll be joined by a former goal-scorer who's struggled in that department, some young bucks trying to make a name for themselves and a couple of AHL scorers trying to crack an NHL lineup.
One thing we probably won't see this season are young skilled players/scorers, like first round pick Dylan Cozens or Tage Thompson, skating in a fourth-line role as players will sink or swim with the skills, and within the roles they were drafted for.
Which is a good thing.
In this series we build the 2019-20 Buffalo Sabres roster one by one leading up to the season opener on October 3.
There will be a lot of competition for a role on Buffalo's fourth line as the additions of top-nine forwards Marcus Johansson and Jimmy Vesey push players down the depth chart to where they should be in the first place. Sabres general manager Jason Botterill and new head coach Ralph Krueger have a group of veteran fourth-line players that are interchangeable battling for three spots on the line and they'll be joined by a former goal-scorer who's struggled in that department, some young bucks trying to make a name for themselves and a couple of AHL scorers trying to crack an NHL lineup.
One thing we probably won't see this season are young skilled players/scorers, like first round pick Dylan Cozens or Tage Thompson, skating in a fourth-line role as players will sink or swim with the skills, and within the roles they were drafted for.
Which is a good thing.
Sunday, September 15, 2019
Building the 2019-20 Buffalo Sabres roster--G, Linus Ullmark
Published by hockeybuzz.com, 9-14-2019
In this series we build the 2019-20 Buffalo Sabres roster one by one leading up to the season opener on October 3.
G--Linus Ullmark
26 yrs. old
6'4" 213 lbs.
2012, sixth round (163rd overall)
Career stats: 63 games played | 24-27-7 record | 2.87 GAA | .910 Sv% | 2 shutouts
Sabres backup goalie Linus Ullmark had a rude awakening last season, although you'd never have known it as the player with the twitter handle, "Icebear Dude," is always chill even in the face of the disaster like the one that unfolded during the second half of the season for the team and himself. Ullmark takes it as it comes and maintains his calm demeanor opting for a general philosophy that involves inevitability and acceptance rather than fits of emotion. Just how far this takes the 26 yr. old netminder in the National Hockey League remains to be seen, but goaltenders are a quirky bunch so...whatever works.
In this series we build the 2019-20 Buffalo Sabres roster one by one leading up to the season opener on October 3.
G--Linus Ullmark
26 yrs. old
6'4" 213 lbs.
2012, sixth round (163rd overall)
Career stats: 63 games played | 24-27-7 record | 2.87 GAA | .910 Sv% | 2 shutouts
Sabres backup goalie Linus Ullmark had a rude awakening last season, although you'd never have known it as the player with the twitter handle, "Icebear Dude," is always chill even in the face of the disaster like the one that unfolded during the second half of the season for the team and himself. Ullmark takes it as it comes and maintains his calm demeanor opting for a general philosophy that involves inevitability and acceptance rather than fits of emotion. Just how far this takes the 26 yr. old netminder in the National Hockey League remains to be seen, but goaltenders are a quirky bunch so...whatever works.
Saturday, September 14, 2019
Sabres hit the ice for Ralph Krueger's first practice as Buffalo head coach
Published by hockeybuzz.com, 9-13-2019
It seems like a classic wash-rinse-repeat September day as on-ice sessions begin for the Buffalo Sabres. Five years ago it was Stanley Cup-winning head coach Dan Bylsma taking over for Ted Nolan, who coached the Sabres through most of their 2013-15 tank seasons. Bylsma was relieved of his duties two years later and in came rookie head coach Phil Housley, who's top-notch work with the Nashville Predators defense as an assistant turned him into a top head coach candidate.
The tenures of Bylsma and Housley both lasted two years, both ended up with underachieving clubs and prior to their dismissal, both had lost the locker room. They finished 23rd, 26th, 31st (a first for the league with the inclusion on the expansion Vegas Golden Knights) and 27th, respectively, and combined for a 126-157-454 post-tank record, which was last in the league during that period. It was a dismal showing, especially for a team and fanbase where the promised "suffering" of 2013-15 came to fruition but wasn't followed by any modicum of success save for maybe the 2015-16 season.
So out went an aloof head coach in Bylsma and a rookie coach in Housley who was in way over his head and in comes Krueger.
It seems like a classic wash-rinse-repeat September day as on-ice sessions begin for the Buffalo Sabres. Five years ago it was Stanley Cup-winning head coach Dan Bylsma taking over for Ted Nolan, who coached the Sabres through most of their 2013-15 tank seasons. Bylsma was relieved of his duties two years later and in came rookie head coach Phil Housley, who's top-notch work with the Nashville Predators defense as an assistant turned him into a top head coach candidate.
The tenures of Bylsma and Housley both lasted two years, both ended up with underachieving clubs and prior to their dismissal, both had lost the locker room. They finished 23rd, 26th, 31st (a first for the league with the inclusion on the expansion Vegas Golden Knights) and 27th, respectively, and combined for a 126-157-454 post-tank record, which was last in the league during that period. It was a dismal showing, especially for a team and fanbase where the promised "suffering" of 2013-15 came to fruition but wasn't followed by any modicum of success save for maybe the 2015-16 season.
So out went an aloof head coach in Bylsma and a rookie coach in Housley who was in way over his head and in comes Krueger.
Friday, September 13, 2019
Building the 2019-20 Buffalo Sabres roster--RHD, Colin Miller
Published by hockeybuzz.com, 9-12-2019
In this series we build the 2019-20 Buffalo Sabres roster one by one leading up to the season opener on October 3.
RHD, Colin Miller
26 yrs. old
6'1" 196 lbs.
2012, 5th-round pick (151st-overall, LAK)
Career Stats: 250 games | 22 goals | 77 assists | 99 points | -4
Where Colin Miller ultimately ends up in the lineup for the Buffalo Sabres is dependent upon a number of things, including the status of fellow right-handed defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen. With plenty roster decisions up in the air right now, Miller should get the opportunity to skate next to top defenseman Rasmus Dahlin at training camp, which begins today, before eventually settling into his role on the Sabres.
Miller started last season on the top-pairing in Vegas while Golden Knights d-anchor Nate Schmidt served his 20-game suspension for violating the league's substance abuse policies. He struggled next to Schmidt's top-pairing partner, Brayden McNabb, while playing against the league's best (0 goals, 6 assists, minus-4 rating) during that time and fell down the depth chart and back into his usual third-pairing role when Schmidt returned. Although Dahlin and McNabb are totally different players in style and caliber, it would be tough to see Miller in a top-pairing role as his offensive-minded game and struggles defensively against the league's best players may not translate well. However, new head coach Ralph Krueger is looking for chemistry up and down the lineup and if it works, he'll go with it.
In this series we build the 2019-20 Buffalo Sabres roster one by one leading up to the season opener on October 3.
RHD, Colin Miller
26 yrs. old
6'1" 196 lbs.
2012, 5th-round pick (151st-overall, LAK)
Career Stats: 250 games | 22 goals | 77 assists | 99 points | -4
Where Colin Miller ultimately ends up in the lineup for the Buffalo Sabres is dependent upon a number of things, including the status of fellow right-handed defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen. With plenty roster decisions up in the air right now, Miller should get the opportunity to skate next to top defenseman Rasmus Dahlin at training camp, which begins today, before eventually settling into his role on the Sabres.
Miller started last season on the top-pairing in Vegas while Golden Knights d-anchor Nate Schmidt served his 20-game suspension for violating the league's substance abuse policies. He struggled next to Schmidt's top-pairing partner, Brayden McNabb, while playing against the league's best (0 goals, 6 assists, minus-4 rating) during that time and fell down the depth chart and back into his usual third-pairing role when Schmidt returned. Although Dahlin and McNabb are totally different players in style and caliber, it would be tough to see Miller in a top-pairing role as his offensive-minded game and struggles defensively against the league's best players may not translate well. However, new head coach Ralph Krueger is looking for chemistry up and down the lineup and if it works, he'll go with it.
Thursday, September 12, 2019
Building the 2019-20 Buffalo Sabres roster--LHD, Marco Scandella
Published by hockeybuzz.com, 9-11-2019
In this series we build the 2019-20 Buffalo Sabres roster one by one leading up to the season opener on October 3.
LHD--Marco Scandella
29 yrs. old
6'3" 210 lbs.
2008, 2nd round (55th-overall, MIN)
Career Stats: 518 games | 38 goals | 86 assists | 124 points | -38
One can almost feel the angst and anger emanating from Sabreland with the placing of left-handed defenseman Marco Scandella in this slot on the third pairing. Hell, there's a large contingent that are upset just seeing his name in print as part of the Buffalo Sabres and will just rail on him ad infinitum and another group that will bust out charts and colorful graphics to back their opinion that he shouldn't be on the team. Maybe any team.
Make no mistake, Scandella had a rough 2018-19 season. Everything from an offensive or possession standpoint went south last season for the former second-round pick and he, like other defensemen on the Sabres, looked as if he was just plain lost much of the time. Some of that might be traced back to coaching where former head coach Phil Housley produced a train wreck on defense. As he was trying to bring his Nashville system to a Buffalo team that had nowhere near the high-end personnel the Predators had, the only full-time Sabre last season to rise above the malaise on the blueline was Rasmus Dahlin who, as a first-overall pick with a franchise label attached to him, has the talent to rise above almost anything. Even as an 18-yr. old.
In this series we build the 2019-20 Buffalo Sabres roster one by one leading up to the season opener on October 3.
LHD--Marco Scandella
29 yrs. old
6'3" 210 lbs.
2008, 2nd round (55th-overall, MIN)
Career Stats: 518 games | 38 goals | 86 assists | 124 points | -38
One can almost feel the angst and anger emanating from Sabreland with the placing of left-handed defenseman Marco Scandella in this slot on the third pairing. Hell, there's a large contingent that are upset just seeing his name in print as part of the Buffalo Sabres and will just rail on him ad infinitum and another group that will bust out charts and colorful graphics to back their opinion that he shouldn't be on the team. Maybe any team.
Make no mistake, Scandella had a rough 2018-19 season. Everything from an offensive or possession standpoint went south last season for the former second-round pick and he, like other defensemen on the Sabres, looked as if he was just plain lost much of the time. Some of that might be traced back to coaching where former head coach Phil Housley produced a train wreck on defense. As he was trying to bring his Nashville system to a Buffalo team that had nowhere near the high-end personnel the Predators had, the only full-time Sabre last season to rise above the malaise on the blueline was Rasmus Dahlin who, as a first-overall pick with a franchise label attached to him, has the talent to rise above almost anything. Even as an 18-yr. old.
Wednesday, September 11, 2019
Onward to training camp as the 2019 Sabres Prospects Challenge ends
Published by hockeybuzz.com, 9-10-2019
It was a good weekend for the Buffalo Sabres prospects, even though it would be hard to characterize some of them as "prospects" as their ages push that term to it's very limits. Players like winger 24 yr. old Victor Olofsson stood out and was clearly head and shoulders above the other skaters out there. As he should have been. Olofsson looks as if he's ready for a top-nine role in Buffalo this year after playing nearly four full seasons in the Swedish Elite League before hitting North America last season and leading the Rochester Americans in scoring.
Others on the near-term radar include center Rasmus Asplund, who had a great September last year and looked even better this year, and defenseman Will Borgen, who has become quite the presence on the ice after only one full pro season. It will be tough for either of them to crack the Sabres lineup for 2019-20 but their development has them on pace to be there in a full-time role next season. Forward Andre Oglevie and defenseman Brandon Hickey look like they'll be carrying some heavy weight in Rochester while defensemen Jacob Bryson and Casey Fitzgerald look primed to compete for bigger minutes with the Amerks in their first pro seasons.
It was a good weekend for the Buffalo Sabres prospects, even though it would be hard to characterize some of them as "prospects" as their ages push that term to it's very limits. Players like winger 24 yr. old Victor Olofsson stood out and was clearly head and shoulders above the other skaters out there. As he should have been. Olofsson looks as if he's ready for a top-nine role in Buffalo this year after playing nearly four full seasons in the Swedish Elite League before hitting North America last season and leading the Rochester Americans in scoring.
Others on the near-term radar include center Rasmus Asplund, who had a great September last year and looked even better this year, and defenseman Will Borgen, who has become quite the presence on the ice after only one full pro season. It will be tough for either of them to crack the Sabres lineup for 2019-20 but their development has them on pace to be there in a full-time role next season. Forward Andre Oglevie and defenseman Brandon Hickey look like they'll be carrying some heavy weight in Rochester while defensemen Jacob Bryson and Casey Fitzgerald look primed to compete for bigger minutes with the Amerks in their first pro seasons.
Tuesday, September 10, 2019
Building the 2019-20 Buffalo Sabres roster--RW, Conor Sheary
Published by hockeybuzz.com, 9-9-2019
In this series we build the 2019-20 Buffalo Sabres roster one by one leading up to the season opener on October 3.
RW--Conor Sheary
27 yrs. old
5'8" 176 lbs.
Undrafted free agent, 2015
Career Stats: 262 games | 62 goals | 65 assists | 127 points | +7
Forward Conor Sheary was a tribute to the development process in a very successful Pittsburgh Penguins organization, of which Buffalo Sabres general manager Jason Botterill played a big part. The undrafted college free agent out of UMASS (Amherst) was signed by the Pens in July, 2015 while Botterill was making his way up the managerial ranks and it would prove to be a pretty shrewd signing. Sheary would make his mark with the Wilkes Barre-Scranton Penguins for a season and a half (27 goals and 81 points in 90 games) before getting the call to Pittsburgh for 44 games during the 2015-16 season. The following year he blew up for 53 points (23+30) in 61 games in a season where the Pens would go on to win the first of two consecutive Stanley Cups. However, his production fell off in 2017-18 and he would be traded to the Buffalo Sabres that off season.
In this series we build the 2019-20 Buffalo Sabres roster one by one leading up to the season opener on October 3.
RW--Conor Sheary
27 yrs. old
5'8" 176 lbs.
Undrafted free agent, 2015
Career Stats: 262 games | 62 goals | 65 assists | 127 points | +7
Forward Conor Sheary was a tribute to the development process in a very successful Pittsburgh Penguins organization, of which Buffalo Sabres general manager Jason Botterill played a big part. The undrafted college free agent out of UMASS (Amherst) was signed by the Pens in July, 2015 while Botterill was making his way up the managerial ranks and it would prove to be a pretty shrewd signing. Sheary would make his mark with the Wilkes Barre-Scranton Penguins for a season and a half (27 goals and 81 points in 90 games) before getting the call to Pittsburgh for 44 games during the 2015-16 season. The following year he blew up for 53 points (23+30) in 61 games in a season where the Pens would go on to win the first of two consecutive Stanley Cups. However, his production fell off in 2017-18 and he would be traded to the Buffalo Sabres that off season.
Monday, September 9, 2019
Hockey's back. Quick notes from the Prospects Challenge
Published by hockeybuzz.com, 9-7-2019
When you look at the starting lineup for last night's Buffalo Sabres/New Jersey Devils Prospects Challenge game, one of the things that stands out for Buffalo is the number of mid to lower-round picks and free agents on the roster. It was a pleasant surprise to see 2019 first round pick (7th-overall) Dylan Cozens on the ice after undergoing thumb surgery just after development camp and Sabres fans got their first taste of defenseman Henri Jokiharju (2017, 10th, CHI) in the Blue and Gold. Jokiharju was obtained by Buffalo in July for former first rounder, Alexander Nylander.
The next highest draft pick was center Rasmus Asplund who was picked in the second round (33rd) of the 2016 NHL Draft after the Sabres traded up for him. After that Buffalo's roster consisted of three third-rounders, five fourth-rounders, one sixth round pick, one seventh round pick and six undrafted players.
A 6-4 win, after jumping out to a 6-0 lead is pretty good for a group with so little top-end draft picks.
When you look at the starting lineup for last night's Buffalo Sabres/New Jersey Devils Prospects Challenge game, one of the things that stands out for Buffalo is the number of mid to lower-round picks and free agents on the roster. It was a pleasant surprise to see 2019 first round pick (7th-overall) Dylan Cozens on the ice after undergoing thumb surgery just after development camp and Sabres fans got their first taste of defenseman Henri Jokiharju (2017, 10th, CHI) in the Blue and Gold. Jokiharju was obtained by Buffalo in July for former first rounder, Alexander Nylander.
The next highest draft pick was center Rasmus Asplund who was picked in the second round (33rd) of the 2016 NHL Draft after the Sabres traded up for him. After that Buffalo's roster consisted of three third-rounders, five fourth-rounders, one sixth round pick, one seventh round pick and six undrafted players.
A 6-4 win, after jumping out to a 6-0 lead is pretty good for a group with so little top-end draft picks.
Saturday, September 7, 2019
Star power and intrigue at the 5th annual Sabres Prospects Challenge
The 5th annual Buffalo Sabres Prospects Challenge begins tonight. Prospects from the Sabres, Boston Bruins, New Jersey Devils and Pittsburgh Penguins will get the opportunity to show what they've got against their peers in the round-robin tournament that ends on Monday. The event will be held at Harborcenter in downtown Buffalo adjacent to KeyBank Center and admission is $10.
Sabres fans get to see their prospect pool in a competitive environment, some of whom will be donning the Blue and Gold for the first time. And for those attending tonight's game at 7:30 pm, they'll have the added bonus of seeing 2019 first-overall pick Jack Hughes in action as he'll be skating for the Devils.
Hughes is the marquis name at the tournament and one can expect a heavy dose of the 5'10" 166 lb. Orlando, Florida native as he'll be bringing his speed, vision and skill-set to the rink for the first time in a Devils sweater. Fans of all four teams will be watching their own prospects but Hughes is the player that should grab the attention of every fan base.
Friday, September 6, 2019
Building the 2019-20 Buffalo Sabres roster--LW, Victor Olofsson
Published by hockeybuzz.com, 9-5-2019
In this series we build the 2019-20 Buffalo Sabres roster one by one leading up to the season opener on October 3.
LW--Victor Olofsson
24 yrs. old
5'11" 181 lbs.
2014, 7th round (181st-overall)
Career Stats: 6 games | 2 goals | 2 assists | 4 points | +1
In a way, winger Victor Olofsson is a key player for the Sabres organization moving forward. Having a former seventh-round pick make an impact at the NHL level would prove to be a big step for Buffalo and makes it a tad easier to fill in other holes in the lineup without overspending for talent in free agency.
There's no question that any big strides players like 19 yr. old Rasmus Dahlin, and 21 yr. old Casey Mittelstadt this season will be directly proportional to any success Buffalo might have in 2019-20 and we can fit Olofsson, a 24 yr. old rookie, right into that narrative as well.
In this series we build the 2019-20 Buffalo Sabres roster one by one leading up to the season opener on October 3.
LW--Victor Olofsson
24 yrs. old
5'11" 181 lbs.
2014, 7th round (181st-overall)
Career Stats: 6 games | 2 goals | 2 assists | 4 points | +1
In a way, winger Victor Olofsson is a key player for the Sabres organization moving forward. Having a former seventh-round pick make an impact at the NHL level would prove to be a big step for Buffalo and makes it a tad easier to fill in other holes in the lineup without overspending for talent in free agency.
There's no question that any big strides players like 19 yr. old Rasmus Dahlin, and 21 yr. old Casey Mittelstadt this season will be directly proportional to any success Buffalo might have in 2019-20 and we can fit Olofsson, a 24 yr. old rookie, right into that narrative as well.
Thursday, September 5, 2019
Building the 2019-20 Buffalo Sabres roster--C, Evan Rodrigues
Published by hockeybuzz.com, 9-4-2019
In this series we build the 2019-20 Buffalo Sabres roster one by one leading up to the season opener on October 3.
C--Evan Rodrigues
26 yrs. old
5'10" 176 lbs.
Undrafted free agent, 2015
Career Stats: 154 games | 21 goals | 41 assists | 62 points | -22
Forward Evan Rodrigues, who rode shotgun on Jack Eichel's line at Boston University in 2015, has carved himself out a pretty good professional hockey career thus far. Many, if not most, believed that riding Eichel's coattails got him a pro contract with the Buffalo Sabres but so far he's proved them wrong. Step by step Rodrigues made his way up the ranks and now finds himself a legit NHL player, which is a feather in the cap of both player and team in terms of development.
In this series we build the 2019-20 Buffalo Sabres roster one by one leading up to the season opener on October 3.
C--Evan Rodrigues
26 yrs. old
5'10" 176 lbs.
Undrafted free agent, 2015
Career Stats: 154 games | 21 goals | 41 assists | 62 points | -22
Forward Evan Rodrigues, who rode shotgun on Jack Eichel's line at Boston University in 2015, has carved himself out a pretty good professional hockey career thus far. Many, if not most, believed that riding Eichel's coattails got him a pro contract with the Buffalo Sabres but so far he's proved them wrong. Step by step Rodrigues made his way up the ranks and now finds himself a legit NHL player, which is a feather in the cap of both player and team in terms of development.
Wednesday, September 4, 2019
Building the 2019-20 Buffalo Sabres roster--RHD, Rasmus Ristolainen
Published by hockeybuzz.com, 9-3-2019
In this series we build the 2019-20 Buffalo Sabres roster one by one leading up to the season opener on October 3.
RHD--Rasmus Ristolainen
24 yrs. old
6'4" 215 lbs.
2013, 8th-overall
Career Stats: 424 games | 36 goals | 158 assists | 194 points | -143
Rasmus Ristolainen is easily the most polarizing on-ice player to skate for the Buffalo Sabres since goalie Ryan Miller. The 24 yr. old defenseman has been the workhorse for a team that has been historically bad not only in the National Hockey League, but throughout all of the four major North American Sports. With futility oozing into every crevice of Sabreland, Buffalo's league-long, eight-year playoff drought, which includes three last place finishes, brings the blame-game to unprecedented levels and seems to have touched every player at some level or another. Jack Eichel isn't Connor McDavid. Sam Reinhart stinks and was drafted too high. Ryan O'Reilly is over-rated. Robin Lehner was a flake. Evander Kane wasn't very good on the ice and even worse off it. Zemgus Girgensons should be shipped to Siberia, Jeff Skinner is one-dimensional and now severely overpaid, etc, etc., etc.
And so it goes.
In this series we build the 2019-20 Buffalo Sabres roster one by one leading up to the season opener on October 3.
RHD--Rasmus Ristolainen
24 yrs. old
6'4" 215 lbs.
2013, 8th-overall
Career Stats: 424 games | 36 goals | 158 assists | 194 points | -143
Rasmus Ristolainen is easily the most polarizing on-ice player to skate for the Buffalo Sabres since goalie Ryan Miller. The 24 yr. old defenseman has been the workhorse for a team that has been historically bad not only in the National Hockey League, but throughout all of the four major North American Sports. With futility oozing into every crevice of Sabreland, Buffalo's league-long, eight-year playoff drought, which includes three last place finishes, brings the blame-game to unprecedented levels and seems to have touched every player at some level or another. Jack Eichel isn't Connor McDavid. Sam Reinhart stinks and was drafted too high. Ryan O'Reilly is over-rated. Robin Lehner was a flake. Evander Kane wasn't very good on the ice and even worse off it. Zemgus Girgensons should be shipped to Siberia, Jeff Skinner is one-dimensional and now severely overpaid, etc, etc., etc.
And so it goes.
Tuesday, September 3, 2019
Building the 2019-20 Buffalo Sabres roster--LHD, Jack McCabe
Published by hockeybuzz.com, 9-1-2019
In this series we build the 2019-20 Buffalo Sabres roster one by one leading up to the season opener on October 3.
LHD--Jake McCabe
25 yrs. old
6'1" 206 lbs.
2012, 44th-overall
Career stats: 274 games | 14 goals | 47 assists | 61 points | -19
When you look at Jake McCabe's stat-line above, there's one stat that stands out: his minus-19 plus/minus rating. Although the question of why a negative rating stands out seems rather dubious for a player, one only need to look at the Buffalo Sabres as a whole and on an individual basis since McCabe's first full season in 2015-16. It was the year that Jack Eichel and Sam Reinhart, two second-overall picks, would join a group of players led by a trio of young vets that were to bring the Sabres out of the depths of their tank years on a march to the playoffs and hopefully to the status of Stanley Cup contender.
Unfortunately, it didn't work out that way. In those four years Buffalo compiled a 126-157-45 record and those 297 total points ranked them dead last in the league. Their 817 goals-for was third-worst in the league as was their 992 goals-against, good for a minus-175 goal-differential and with a negative number like that, it affected every player on the team, especially those who skated big minutes.
In this series we build the 2019-20 Buffalo Sabres roster one by one leading up to the season opener on October 3.
LHD--Jake McCabe
25 yrs. old
6'1" 206 lbs.
2012, 44th-overall
Career stats: 274 games | 14 goals | 47 assists | 61 points | -19
When you look at Jake McCabe's stat-line above, there's one stat that stands out: his minus-19 plus/minus rating. Although the question of why a negative rating stands out seems rather dubious for a player, one only need to look at the Buffalo Sabres as a whole and on an individual basis since McCabe's first full season in 2015-16. It was the year that Jack Eichel and Sam Reinhart, two second-overall picks, would join a group of players led by a trio of young vets that were to bring the Sabres out of the depths of their tank years on a march to the playoffs and hopefully to the status of Stanley Cup contender.
Unfortunately, it didn't work out that way. In those four years Buffalo compiled a 126-157-45 record and those 297 total points ranked them dead last in the league. Their 817 goals-for was third-worst in the league as was their 992 goals-against, good for a minus-175 goal-differential and with a negative number like that, it affected every player on the team, especially those who skated big minutes.
Sunday, September 1, 2019
Building the 2019-20 Buffalo Sabres roster--RW, Marcus Johansson
Published by hockeybuzz.com, 8-31-2019
In this series we build the 2019-20 Buffalo Sabres roster one by one leading up to the season opener on October 3.
RW--Marcus Johansson
28 yrs. old
6'1" 205 lbs.
2009, 24th-overall, NSH
In this series we build the 2019-20 Buffalo Sabres roster one by one leading up to the season opener on October 3.
RW--Marcus Johansson
28 yrs. old
6'1" 205 lbs.
2009, 24th-overall, NSH
Career stats: 588 games | 120 goals | 214 assists | 334 points | -5
Landing Marcus Johansson was a bit of a coup for the Buffalo Sabres as he brings tons of experience, including 94 games of playoff experience. But even more important for Sabres general manager Jason Botterill was getting Johansson on a short, two-year deal at a reasonable $4.5 million cap hit. Johansson was an unrestricted free agent and was coming off of an excellent playoff run with the Boston Bruins who came just short of winning the Stanley Cup.
Johansson's play was lauded after slow start with the B's who acquired him from the New Jersey Devils at the trade deadline. "a bit of an incomplete at the end of the regular season turned into a great postseason performance," wrote Adam Denhard for SB Nations, Stanley Cup of Chowder. "Johansson more than earned his keep on the Bruins long post season run [and although] 11 points in 22 post season games might not sound like a torrential outpouring of points, his patience and vision with the puck made for lots of free space around him as he seemed to draw an extra defender's attention when driving play."
What's that worth financially to a team looking to sign him? Apparently what Buffalo got him for. What's it worth to the Sabres? Plenty.