Published by hockeybuzz.com, 6-17-2018
Buffalo Sabres general manager Jason Botterill is ramping up as he, like his fellow GM's, have a very busy couple of weeks ahead. The NHL is set to announce the 2018-19 salary cap sometime this week and the 2018 NHL Draft takes place Friday and Saturday which is quickly followed by the "interview period" next Sunday as teams may begin talking with unrestricted free agents.
On Monday June 25 teams must tender qualifying offers to their restricted free agents then the following day another "interview period" begins with RFA's being allowed to talk offer sheets with other teams. The buyout window closes on Saturday, June 30 and July 1 heralds the beginning of free agency where unrestricted free agents are free to sign with any team.
While we were busy with the 2018 Mock Draft, Botterill did get things rolling with some moves and some Sabres-related chatter this past week. Time to play a little catch-up with thoughts on Sabres-related moves.
Botterill talks with WGR550's Paul Hamilton on a few subjects.
--The GM implied that there probably wouldn't be any changes to a coaching staff on a last place team that was wretched at times, mostly at home where Botterill was said to take out his frustrations on tables, doors and an unsuspecting taco bar. However, the status quo shouldn't be completely comfortable in their positions as Botterill left some wiggle room.
"Right now we feel comfortable with our guys," he told Hamilton. "We continue to talk with Phil [Housley] from that standpoint, but right now our staff is the same as it was.”
Last month Alexander Nilsson, who covers hockey in Sweden and follows the Sabres tweeted the following, "Sabres is interested in bringing in Sweden men's national team head coach Rikard Grönborg according to Sportbladet. Carolina also interested. Unknown in which capacity. Grönborg has one more year on his contract with the Swedish Ice Hockey Association."
Grönborg just finished coaching Team Sweden to their second consecutive IIHF World Hockey Championship and the dual Swedish/U.S. citizen isn't opposed to moving back to the States.
With Buffalo projected to draft Swedish defenseman Rasmus Dahlin first overall on Friday and with their recent signing of SHL Defenseman of the Year, Lawrence Pilut, it makes sense that they'd be interested in the former St. Cloud State defenseman, but in what capacity?
Changes should be made to coaching staff after the terrible season the team just went through, and with all due respect to assistant coach Chris Hajt, that defense was a mess as he looked way in over his head. But bringing in Grönborg this season as an assistant might put too much pressure on Housley, who's entering his sophomore season as a head coach.
Until Grönborg signs somewhere else, it's a name to keep an eye on, possibly as head coach in Buffalo should Housley not make adequate year over year progress.
--For those looking for the team to buyout ugly contracts, Botterill was pretty firm in his statement to Hamilton. "I don’t see us having any buyouts this year," he said. "Obviously things could always change over the next little bit here, but from our standpoint, just the way some of our contracts are structured, we don’t want to have cap hits beyond this year, so we see it being more beneficial to ride the year out and go from there.”
That means Matt Moulson and his $5 million contract are on the books for one more (probable AHL) season. It also means that Zach Bogosian and the two years remaining on his $5.14 AAV contract are here for at least this season and players like Zemgus Girgensons and Johan Larsson will be playing out the remainder of their deals this season. Barring trades, of course.
And that's the way it should be this year. The Sabres don't need the cap room so why bother?
--Botterill also brought up a name that we thought was a one-and-done in Buffal0--defenseman Victor Antipin.
Last we saw of Antipin on the ice was him literally laying there after being plastered into the boards by Nashville's Scotty Hartnell in a boarding play that went unpunished. Antipin was stretchered off the ice, missed the final four games and it was thought he was back to Mother Russia to play in the KHL.
Not so fast.
"In our conversations with his agent and in our conversations with him," said Botterill, "he wants to play in North America again next year. Because of his past resume, there will always be that option in the KHL, but it’s my understanding, he hasn’t signed there.”
Perhaps he'll have another opportunity, maybe even with the Sabres. Or at least in Rochester. Too bad his one-year free agent deal had an option to head to the KHL should he be sent to the AHL. He needed time to adjust to the North American game. It would be worth taking a shot on him as long as he starts in Rochester.
Hudson Fasching trade
Former GM Tim Murray's first trade for the Sabres (and his first as a general manager) sent defenseman Brayden McNabb, forward Jonathan Parker and two second round picks to the LA Kings for forwards Hudson Fasching and Nic Deslauriers, whom he described as "heavies."
It turned into a bad trade for the Sabres as neither Deslauriers, who was traded to Montreal this past season, nor Fasching, who was just traded to the Arizona Coytoes, are with the club.
McNabb played a top six role for the Kings before he fell down the depth chart and was left unprotected by Los Angeles in the 2017 expansion draft. The Vegas Golden Knights snatched him up and he played top-pairing minutes for the 2018 Stanley Cup runner-up. The two second round picks Buffalo gave up in the trade were the two second rounders the Kings had previously traded to the Sabres for defenseman Robyn Regehr. In 2014 defenseman Alex Lintumiemi was selected 60th-overall in the draft and has spent the last two seasons with the Ontario Reign, LA's AHL affiliate. Defenseman Eric Cernak was selected in 2015 (43rd-overall) by the Kings and his rights were traded to Tampa Bay in the Ben Bishop trade on February 26, 2017.
Fasching was a forward that ended up in the wrong conference at the wrong time. The Kings won the Cup in 2014, their second in three seasons, with strong goaltending and a very Western Conference, heavy-style team and Murray was locked into that style when he made the trade. Also at the time of the trade the Sabres prospect pool was heavier on defense than it was on forwards, so he pulled the trigger.
Regardless of the circumstances and thought process involved, it was a bust for the Sabres. Even though McNabb is usually overrated by many Sabres fans because of the terrible seasons Buffalo has had, because of the hate directed towards Murray and/or maybe because everyone traded away is looked at as upper-echelon simply because Buffalo never can do anything right, they lost this one. Even if the other parts of the trade never make it to the NHL.
Coming back from the 'Yotes in the trade are the rights to BU defenseman Brandon Hickey and unrestricted free agent Mike Sislo.
“We would’ve been qualifying [Fasching]," said Botterill to Hamilton, "but with players like Justin Bailey, Nick Baptiste, bringing in Danny O’Regan, bringing in Andrew Oglevie, we felt we had an abundance at right wing and we’ve looked to try to bring in more defensemen and continue to work with them.
“We’re very excited about young players such as Brendan Guhle and having players such as Casey Fitzgerald within the organization and we plan to bring more players into that too, so that’s why we signed a player like Lawrence Pilut and with Brandon, we bring in a player whose skating is an asset and we’re looking forward to working with them the next few years.”
Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen signs entry-level deal
The Sabres announced on Thursday that goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen signed his entry-level deal. The 6'4" 198 lb. native of Espoo, Finland was a part of Botterill's first draft class last year and was selected in the second round (54th overall.)
Luukkonen's contract is a three-year deal worth as much as $2.775 million which may slide next year should he stay in Finland, which is likely.
Buffalo has a really thin goalie pool right now with Linus Ullmark (2012, 163rd) getting the call to Buffalo full-time this season and Jonas Johansson (2014, 61st) as the only goalies in the system drafted by the Sabres.
Ideally Buffalo would have a third rounder this year to use on a goalie but they'll need to make due with a fourth-rounder. Perhaps any trade concerning Ryan O'Reilly will include an additional second or third rounder that they can use to add a goaltender to the system.
Ryan O'Reilly
Yup, it wouldn't be a blog with out a ROR mention.
The Montreal Canadiens, who seem to be the hottest destination for the top-six center and they made a trade this week sending Alex Galchenyuk to the Arizona Coyotes for Max Domi. It's a trade that really has nothing to do with O'Reilly as the Canadiens still need a top center, but it was worth mentioning.
Domi scored nine goals last season for the 'Yotes, four of them empty netters. For a little perspective, Girgensons had seven goals, zero empty-netters.
Happy Father's Day to all the Dad's out there. I'm very thankful for my children who are the best a father could hope for.
Showing posts with label Hudson Fasching. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Hudson Fasching. Show all posts
Monday, June 18, 2018
Wednesday, June 6, 2018
Impressions of, and questions concerning--RW, Hudson Fasching
Published by hockeybuzz.com, 6-5-2018
Right Wing--Hudson Fasching
DOB: July 28, 1995 (Age, 22)
Draft: 2013, 4th round (118th-overall)
How acquired: Trade with LA Kings, March 4, 2014
Last contract signed: March 21, 2016, 3 yr./$4.05 million (w/bonuses)
Final year of contract: 2017-18
2017-18 Stats: 5 games played | 0 goals | 0 assists | 0 points | -1 | 9:42 ATOI
Buffalo Career Stats: 22 games | 1 goal | 2 assists | 3 points | even | 10:36 ATOI
What we wrote preseason: Made the team out of camp last season, but was injured. Has a good shot of making the Sabres once again albeit because of his skating, probably in a bottom-six role.
What we wrote mid-season: Is the latest prospect to get the call to Buffalo and like many who've been called up only to be sent down, Fasching impressed the first couple games but then regressed to the point where he's been a healthy scratch. The work they're doing in Rochester seems to be working in some aspects. As mentioned, Rodrigues continued to produce at the NHL-level and Fasching, although point-less so far, looks like a better, faster player this year in Buffalo as opposed to last season. But, he has to produce if he wants to stay in the lineup.
Impressions on his play this year: Fasching was a part of Tim Murray's first trade in Buffalo as the first-time GM seemed to put an emphasis on "heavies." In three seasons the 6'3" 205 lb. winger has gotten tastes of the NHL but has been unable to stick with the Sabres. He seems to do what nearly every prospect has done for the past few seasons--make and impression the first game or two then fade into oblivion.
Fasching has a great net front presence and is hard on the forecheck, but lacks NHL speed. He's said to have been working on that the past few off seasons and word is that there has been some progress, albeit minimal. At 22 yrs. old, Fasching's upside is diminishing and so may the Sabres patience with him.
GM Jason Botterill has no ties to Fasching and the big powerforward doesn't look like his type of player to begin with. As an RFA who's no longer waiver-exempt there are questions as to whether or not he'll be a Sabre next season.
Questions moving forward: How much upside does he have? Can he improve a bit more on his skating? Can he get to those dirty areas and produce more? Can he do so at the NHL-level for more than a game or two? Is any remaining upside worthy of a contract spot? Will he be part of a trade? Or will he simply not be qualified and allowed to walk?
Contract info via CapFriendly, stats via sabres.com and hockey reference.com.
Right Wing--Hudson Fasching
DOB: July 28, 1995 (Age, 22)
Draft: 2013, 4th round (118th-overall)
How acquired: Trade with LA Kings, March 4, 2014
Last contract signed: March 21, 2016, 3 yr./$4.05 million (w/bonuses)
Final year of contract: 2017-18
2017-18 Stats: 5 games played | 0 goals | 0 assists | 0 points | -1 | 9:42 ATOI
Buffalo Career Stats: 22 games | 1 goal | 2 assists | 3 points | even | 10:36 ATOI
What we wrote preseason: Made the team out of camp last season, but was injured. Has a good shot of making the Sabres once again albeit because of his skating, probably in a bottom-six role.
What we wrote mid-season: Is the latest prospect to get the call to Buffalo and like many who've been called up only to be sent down, Fasching impressed the first couple games but then regressed to the point where he's been a healthy scratch. The work they're doing in Rochester seems to be working in some aspects. As mentioned, Rodrigues continued to produce at the NHL-level and Fasching, although point-less so far, looks like a better, faster player this year in Buffalo as opposed to last season. But, he has to produce if he wants to stay in the lineup.
Impressions on his play this year: Fasching was a part of Tim Murray's first trade in Buffalo as the first-time GM seemed to put an emphasis on "heavies." In three seasons the 6'3" 205 lb. winger has gotten tastes of the NHL but has been unable to stick with the Sabres. He seems to do what nearly every prospect has done for the past few seasons--make and impression the first game or two then fade into oblivion.
Fasching has a great net front presence and is hard on the forecheck, but lacks NHL speed. He's said to have been working on that the past few off seasons and word is that there has been some progress, albeit minimal. At 22 yrs. old, Fasching's upside is diminishing and so may the Sabres patience with him.
GM Jason Botterill has no ties to Fasching and the big powerforward doesn't look like his type of player to begin with. As an RFA who's no longer waiver-exempt there are questions as to whether or not he'll be a Sabre next season.
Questions moving forward: How much upside does he have? Can he improve a bit more on his skating? Can he get to those dirty areas and produce more? Can he do so at the NHL-level for more than a game or two? Is any remaining upside worthy of a contract spot? Will he be part of a trade? Or will he simply not be qualified and allowed to walk?
Contract info via CapFriendly, stats via sabres.com and hockey reference.com.
Friday, October 28, 2016
Unacceptable
Published by hockeybuzz.com, 10-26-2016
If it was the 90's and "Iron Mike" Keeanan was the coach of the Buffalo Sabres, a third period performance like the one last night it would be bag-skate day at practice this morning. It wouldn't matter if the team had a three-game in four night stretch coming up with back-to-back day games, the latter of which is in Winnipeg. A third period collapse like the one last night where the Sabres gave up a three-goal lead then proceeded to lose the game in the shootout is unacceptable, especially when Philadelphia was coming off of a 3-1 loss in Montreal the prior night.
Playoff teams don't blow a three-goal, third period lead in a game like that.
The Sabres fell into some bad habits last night that cost them dearly and it began with a fourth line that was disjointed on their first shift of the third period. Rookie Hudson Fasching took a hooking call and the Sabres almost killed off the penalty. But with less than :30 seconds left, 19 yr. old Travis Konecny redirected a shot from 19 yr. old Ivan Provorov and just like that the Flyers found some life.
The Sabres played smart hockey until Buffalo defenseman Dmitry Kulikov caught Philly's Jakub Voracek with a bone-jarring late hit at the Sabres blueline. Kulikov was called for charging by te referee as they found that the head was not the initial point of contact. Although Kulikov got the penalty it was set up by Buffalo forward Johan Larsson who got a little too cute in his own zone and coughed up the puck.
The penalty came with 3:20 left in the game and just :24 seconds into the powerplay, the Flyers caught the Sabres out of position and a cross ice pass to Brayden Schenn was in the back of the Sabres net.
A poor decision by Marcus Foligno lead to Sam Reinhart eventually being called for a high stick. Reinhart blocked a shot in his own zone then headed up ice. Foligno picked up his drop pass and hit the Flyers blueline but instead of making the smart play and getting the puck deep, he tried to get too cute and sent an ill-advised pass back to Reinhart who had a man right on him. The puck was intercepted, Reinhart went to the box for the high stick and :36 seconds later the game was tied.
As much as you can fault the players in this one, they're an extension of coaching and management. Head coach Dan Bylsma's decision to move Reinhart to center between Tyler Ennis and Zemgus Girgensons did pay off as Ennis deflected a Girgensons shot to get the Sabres the 1-0 lead. But Bylsma, who's known for juggling lines as much as, if not moreso than former Sarbes head coach Lindy "The Tinkerer" Ruff also mixed up his defensive pairings.
Bylsma broke up his most solid d-pairing dating back to last season in Zach Bogosian and Jake McCabe. The idea was to ramp up Kulkiov's playing time but it backfired. There was very little chemistry between Bogosian and Kulikov, and it showed on the Flyers first powerplay goal, while McCabe was sent to the great outpost known as the Isle of Franson and hopefully returns unscathed for the next game.
Buffalo's fourth line fell apart in the third period. Even though they did manage a scoring opportunity, having rookie Hudson Fasching play with a checking-line/depth player like Nicolas Deslauriers and an NHL/AHL tweener like Derek Grant. Fasching himself doesn't look ready for prime time as he's still having some trouble catching up to the NHL game. There are more and better options in Rochester, like Cole Schneider or Cal O'Reilly and this fixation with Fasching caught up to the team.
One player who's been in Bylsma's doghouse for over a year is Girgensons. Often times last year Girgensons was part of an "out-line" that came on the ice after a penalty kill to stabilize things when restoring order to the lines, but he's been used very little in that role so far this year. He was also used extensively on the penalty kill before Bylsma's arrival and lead the team with three shorthanded goals in the 2014-15 season. Sometimes X's and O's are overrated.
What it comes down to is this--it was a team/organizational collapse last night from the decisions to bring up certain players, to the use of players and the construction of the defense pairings to the players themselves. We know about "Iron Mike" and his tough approach to players but when it comes to coaching and management, had this been the George Steinbrenner/Billy Martin NY Yankees, "The Boss" would have been all over Martin for a collapse like that.
For the second time in three games the Sabres coughed up a point after blowing leads in the third period--at Calgary and at Philadelphia. Those are two points that may be desperately needed during the stretch-drive if their in the running for a playoff spot.
Some may write this one off, but fact is, what transpired last night is totally unacceptable.
If it was the 90's and "Iron Mike" Keeanan was the coach of the Buffalo Sabres, a third period performance like the one last night it would be bag-skate day at practice this morning. It wouldn't matter if the team had a three-game in four night stretch coming up with back-to-back day games, the latter of which is in Winnipeg. A third period collapse like the one last night where the Sabres gave up a three-goal lead then proceeded to lose the game in the shootout is unacceptable, especially when Philadelphia was coming off of a 3-1 loss in Montreal the prior night.
Playoff teams don't blow a three-goal, third period lead in a game like that.
The Sabres fell into some bad habits last night that cost them dearly and it began with a fourth line that was disjointed on their first shift of the third period. Rookie Hudson Fasching took a hooking call and the Sabres almost killed off the penalty. But with less than :30 seconds left, 19 yr. old Travis Konecny redirected a shot from 19 yr. old Ivan Provorov and just like that the Flyers found some life.
The Sabres played smart hockey until Buffalo defenseman Dmitry Kulikov caught Philly's Jakub Voracek with a bone-jarring late hit at the Sabres blueline. Kulikov was called for charging by te referee as they found that the head was not the initial point of contact. Although Kulikov got the penalty it was set up by Buffalo forward Johan Larsson who got a little too cute in his own zone and coughed up the puck.
The penalty came with 3:20 left in the game and just :24 seconds into the powerplay, the Flyers caught the Sabres out of position and a cross ice pass to Brayden Schenn was in the back of the Sabres net.
A poor decision by Marcus Foligno lead to Sam Reinhart eventually being called for a high stick. Reinhart blocked a shot in his own zone then headed up ice. Foligno picked up his drop pass and hit the Flyers blueline but instead of making the smart play and getting the puck deep, he tried to get too cute and sent an ill-advised pass back to Reinhart who had a man right on him. The puck was intercepted, Reinhart went to the box for the high stick and :36 seconds later the game was tied.
As much as you can fault the players in this one, they're an extension of coaching and management. Head coach Dan Bylsma's decision to move Reinhart to center between Tyler Ennis and Zemgus Girgensons did pay off as Ennis deflected a Girgensons shot to get the Sabres the 1-0 lead. But Bylsma, who's known for juggling lines as much as, if not moreso than former Sarbes head coach Lindy "The Tinkerer" Ruff also mixed up his defensive pairings.
Bylsma broke up his most solid d-pairing dating back to last season in Zach Bogosian and Jake McCabe. The idea was to ramp up Kulkiov's playing time but it backfired. There was very little chemistry between Bogosian and Kulikov, and it showed on the Flyers first powerplay goal, while McCabe was sent to the great outpost known as the Isle of Franson and hopefully returns unscathed for the next game.
Buffalo's fourth line fell apart in the third period. Even though they did manage a scoring opportunity, having rookie Hudson Fasching play with a checking-line/depth player like Nicolas Deslauriers and an NHL/AHL tweener like Derek Grant. Fasching himself doesn't look ready for prime time as he's still having some trouble catching up to the NHL game. There are more and better options in Rochester, like Cole Schneider or Cal O'Reilly and this fixation with Fasching caught up to the team.
One player who's been in Bylsma's doghouse for over a year is Girgensons. Often times last year Girgensons was part of an "out-line" that came on the ice after a penalty kill to stabilize things when restoring order to the lines, but he's been used very little in that role so far this year. He was also used extensively on the penalty kill before Bylsma's arrival and lead the team with three shorthanded goals in the 2014-15 season. Sometimes X's and O's are overrated.
What it comes down to is this--it was a team/organizational collapse last night from the decisions to bring up certain players, to the use of players and the construction of the defense pairings to the players themselves. We know about "Iron Mike" and his tough approach to players but when it comes to coaching and management, had this been the George Steinbrenner/Billy Martin NY Yankees, "The Boss" would have been all over Martin for a collapse like that.
For the second time in three games the Sabres coughed up a point after blowing leads in the third period--at Calgary and at Philadelphia. Those are two points that may be desperately needed during the stretch-drive if their in the running for a playoff spot.
Some may write this one off, but fact is, what transpired last night is totally unacceptable.
Monday, October 24, 2016
Fasching, Nelson back as Buffalo readies for the Flyers
Published by hockeybuzz.com, 10-23-2016
Forward Hudson Fasching and defenseman Casey Nelson got the call from Buffalo to return to the Sabres after helping the Rochester Americans to a division sweep of the Toronto Marlies (TOR) and Binghamton Senators (OTT.) Both players were on Buffalo's opening night roster and accompanied the team on the recent western Canada swing before being sent to Rochester on Friday.
Fasching played the first two games for the Sabres--a 4-1 loss vs. Montreal and a 6-2 win at Edmonton--but was held off the scoresheet and finished a minus-1. Nelson played in only one game, for Buffalo replacing an injured Dmitry Kulikov. Against the Canadiens Nelson skated 11:47, did not register a point and finished the game a minus-1.
Both Fasching, 21, and Nelson, 24 did have an immediate impact in Rochester as Fasching jumped on a puck in the neutral zone and roofed a wrister on a breakaway to stake the Amerks to a 2-1 lead over Toronto and Nelson scored on the powerplay to give Rochester a two-goal, third period cushion as the Amerks won 5-2. Last night at Binghamton, neither registered a point in Rochester's 3-1 win over the Senators.
The Sabres and Amerks have alternating schedules from now until Saturday when both teams will be playing. The action this week is with the Sabres as they travel to Philadelphia to take on the Flyers in the last of a four-game road trip. On Thursday Buffalo welcomes the Minnesota Wild.
Rochester is off until Friday when they travel to the outpost known as St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada for a two-game stint against the Ice Caps (MTL.)
At forward, Williamsville native Cole Schneider is off to a roaring start and made a pitch for a call with three goals and eight points in five games for the Amerks while on defense Taylor Fedun has been making his presence known with a goal and three assists in five games.
With Jack Eichel and Evander Kane both out with long-term injuries, the Sabres will be doing some juggling until either they return or GM Tim Murray decides to trade for forward help. Buffalo has the top-six on defense in place and are simply in need of a reserve d-man unless injury hits one of those six.
With Fasching and Nelson getting the call it would seem as if both are the preferred choices for Buffalo as they tray to navigate some pretty choppy waters early in the season. Both have played well and have contributed to the Sabres and both are getting valuable time in Buffalo skating with the regulars.
Forward Hudson Fasching and defenseman Casey Nelson got the call from Buffalo to return to the Sabres after helping the Rochester Americans to a division sweep of the Toronto Marlies (TOR) and Binghamton Senators (OTT.) Both players were on Buffalo's opening night roster and accompanied the team on the recent western Canada swing before being sent to Rochester on Friday.
Fasching played the first two games for the Sabres--a 4-1 loss vs. Montreal and a 6-2 win at Edmonton--but was held off the scoresheet and finished a minus-1. Nelson played in only one game, for Buffalo replacing an injured Dmitry Kulikov. Against the Canadiens Nelson skated 11:47, did not register a point and finished the game a minus-1.
Both Fasching, 21, and Nelson, 24 did have an immediate impact in Rochester as Fasching jumped on a puck in the neutral zone and roofed a wrister on a breakaway to stake the Amerks to a 2-1 lead over Toronto and Nelson scored on the powerplay to give Rochester a two-goal, third period cushion as the Amerks won 5-2. Last night at Binghamton, neither registered a point in Rochester's 3-1 win over the Senators.
The Sabres and Amerks have alternating schedules from now until Saturday when both teams will be playing. The action this week is with the Sabres as they travel to Philadelphia to take on the Flyers in the last of a four-game road trip. On Thursday Buffalo welcomes the Minnesota Wild.
Rochester is off until Friday when they travel to the outpost known as St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada for a two-game stint against the Ice Caps (MTL.)
At forward, Williamsville native Cole Schneider is off to a roaring start and made a pitch for a call with three goals and eight points in five games for the Amerks while on defense Taylor Fedun has been making his presence known with a goal and three assists in five games.
With Jack Eichel and Evander Kane both out with long-term injuries, the Sabres will be doing some juggling until either they return or GM Tim Murray decides to trade for forward help. Buffalo has the top-six on defense in place and are simply in need of a reserve d-man unless injury hits one of those six.
With Fasching and Nelson getting the call it would seem as if both are the preferred choices for Buffalo as they tray to navigate some pretty choppy waters early in the season. Both have played well and have contributed to the Sabres and both are getting valuable time in Buffalo skating with the regulars.
Sunday, October 23, 2016
Look for some yo-yoing between Buffalo and Rochester this week
Published by hockeybuzz.com, 10-22-2016
It started yesterday at noon when three players--forwards Nick Baptiste and Hudson Fasching plus defenseman Casey Nelson--were sent to Rochester. All three had just finished a western Canada swing with the Buffalo Sabres and represented the cavalry for the Americans this weekend beginning with a game against the rival Toronto Marlies last night.
After a sluggish start the Amerks slowly came to life scoring twice late in the second period to take a 2-1 lead as Fasching scored the go-ahead goal on a breakaway late in the stanza. Nelson also contributed after Toronto closed the gap in the third as he sent a top-shelf wrister that put the Amerks up 4-2 late in the third period. Daniel Catenacci scored an empty-netter as Rochester improved to 2-2 on the season.
As with all AHL teams, Rochester is at the mercy of the parent club. Injuries in Buffalo have taken top-six forwards Jack Eichel and Evander Kane out of the lineup forcing the Amerks into a feeder role right off the bat as two forwards from Rochester were needed to replace them. Add in the strong play of Derek Grant who forced his way on to the Sabres roster with an impressive training camp and that's three forwards from the planned Amerks roster that were missing opening weekend.
The Amerks started their season last weekend with three games in three nights, minus Fasching, Nelson and center Grant. Somehow they came away with a win in the opener against Hershey (WSH) but after Baptiste was recalled last Saturday, the Amerks proceeded to drop a home-and-home with Syracuse (TBL.) The Crunch outscored Rochester by a 10-4 margin in those two games and outshot them by a combined 74-42. The Amerks were outshot in all three games last weekend by a combined 103-54.
It started yesterday at noon when three players--forwards Nick Baptiste and Hudson Fasching plus defenseman Casey Nelson--were sent to Rochester. All three had just finished a western Canada swing with the Buffalo Sabres and represented the cavalry for the Americans this weekend beginning with a game against the rival Toronto Marlies last night.
After a sluggish start the Amerks slowly came to life scoring twice late in the second period to take a 2-1 lead as Fasching scored the go-ahead goal on a breakaway late in the stanza. Nelson also contributed after Toronto closed the gap in the third as he sent a top-shelf wrister that put the Amerks up 4-2 late in the third period. Daniel Catenacci scored an empty-netter as Rochester improved to 2-2 on the season.
As with all AHL teams, Rochester is at the mercy of the parent club. Injuries in Buffalo have taken top-six forwards Jack Eichel and Evander Kane out of the lineup forcing the Amerks into a feeder role right off the bat as two forwards from Rochester were needed to replace them. Add in the strong play of Derek Grant who forced his way on to the Sabres roster with an impressive training camp and that's three forwards from the planned Amerks roster that were missing opening weekend.
The Amerks started their season last weekend with three games in three nights, minus Fasching, Nelson and center Grant. Somehow they came away with a win in the opener against Hershey (WSH) but after Baptiste was recalled last Saturday, the Amerks proceeded to drop a home-and-home with Syracuse (TBL.) The Crunch outscored Rochester by a 10-4 margin in those two games and outshot them by a combined 74-42. The Amerks were outshot in all three games last weekend by a combined 103-54.
Friday, October 7, 2016
Building the 2016-17 Buffalo Sabres roster--The Contenders
Published by hockeybuzz.com, 10-06-16
Based upon last season,the construct of the 2016-17 Buffalo Sabres roster leans towards having 13 forwards, eight defensemen and two goalies. However, GM Tim Murray and head coach Dan Bylsma are looking at a situation where a number of forwards are battling for the 13th forward spot while as of now there seems to be only one veteran NHL defenseman who will stick in a depth role.
Forward Derek Grant, a July 1 signing by Murray, has forced his way into the conversation by playing in five consecutive pre season games and having an impact in most of them. Last night Grant stepped in when both Ryan O'Reilly and Daniel Catenacci were pulled for precautionary reasons in Buffalo's 3-2 shootout loss vs. the Carolina Hurricanes.
Bylsma has had nothing but praise for the 6'3" 206 lb. forward and he continued with it last night pointing out Grant's pass to spring Evander Kane for Buffalo's first goal while also being a key contributor on a 4-on-3 overtime penalty kill. "[When] you're trying to earn a spot on the team, you're trying to find a role as a player coming in, you can clearly see where Derek Grant could be a factor for our team," said Bylsma to the post-game media.
Nicolas Deslauriers scored the game-winner in Buffalo's 2-0 shutout win vs. Buffalo in the Kraft Hockeyville game the prior night and has looked pretty solid throughout this preseason. Deslauriers was in a bottom-six/checking line role last season and there's no reason to believe that he'll be anywhere else but there heading into the season.
Based upon last season,the construct of the 2016-17 Buffalo Sabres roster leans towards having 13 forwards, eight defensemen and two goalies. However, GM Tim Murray and head coach Dan Bylsma are looking at a situation where a number of forwards are battling for the 13th forward spot while as of now there seems to be only one veteran NHL defenseman who will stick in a depth role.
Forward Derek Grant, a July 1 signing by Murray, has forced his way into the conversation by playing in five consecutive pre season games and having an impact in most of them. Last night Grant stepped in when both Ryan O'Reilly and Daniel Catenacci were pulled for precautionary reasons in Buffalo's 3-2 shootout loss vs. the Carolina Hurricanes.
Bylsma has had nothing but praise for the 6'3" 206 lb. forward and he continued with it last night pointing out Grant's pass to spring Evander Kane for Buffalo's first goal while also being a key contributor on a 4-on-3 overtime penalty kill. "[When] you're trying to earn a spot on the team, you're trying to find a role as a player coming in, you can clearly see where Derek Grant could be a factor for our team," said Bylsma to the post-game media.
Nicolas Deslauriers scored the game-winner in Buffalo's 2-0 shutout win vs. Buffalo in the Kraft Hockeyville game the prior night and has looked pretty solid throughout this preseason. Deslauriers was in a bottom-six/checking line role last season and there's no reason to believe that he'll be anywhere else but there heading into the season.
Thursday, June 9, 2016
Buffalo Sabres top-three prospects by position--Right Wing
Reprinted with permission from hockeybuzz.com
If there's one position that will keep the Buffalo Sabres prospect pool in the top-half of the league it's right wing. Trades and graduation, plus Jack Eichel's direct route to the NHL, were direct hits to the talent pool. Which is the way it should be when the big club starts to build in earnest.
Every position in the prospect pool took a hit as all of the Sabres right-wingers were in their proper developmental leagues making significant strides in their development. With that in mind, it's not surprising that Kris Baker of sabresprospects.com/sabres.com has six RW's in the top-15 of his April, 2016 rankings, three in the top-eight and two of them occupying spots directly behind highly regarded d-prospect, Brendan Guhle.
None were ready for the NHL, but one may be there right now.
If there's one position that will keep the Buffalo Sabres prospect pool in the top-half of the league it's right wing. Trades and graduation, plus Jack Eichel's direct route to the NHL, were direct hits to the talent pool. Which is the way it should be when the big club starts to build in earnest.
Every position in the prospect pool took a hit as all of the Sabres right-wingers were in their proper developmental leagues making significant strides in their development. With that in mind, it's not surprising that Kris Baker of sabresprospects.com/sabres.com has six RW's in the top-15 of his April, 2016 rankings, three in the top-eight and two of them occupying spots directly behind highly regarded d-prospect, Brendan Guhle.
None were ready for the NHL, but one may be there right now.
Wednesday, May 25, 2016
On the recently completed 2016 IIHF World Hockey Championships
Reprinted with permission from hockeybuzz.com
I really hope that I never see a Buffalo Sabres roster player on Team USA again for the IIHF World's as I'd rather see them competing in the NHL Stanley Cup playoffs. Prospects? You Team USA can have all the prospects they want, and hopefully there will be many competing at the Worlds, but next year I want to see the likes of Ryan O'Reilly, Sam Reinhart, Jake McCabe and maybe even Hudson Fasching chasing Lord Stanley with the rest of the Sabres.
Canada and the rest of the world put their souls into this tournament
Matt Duchene (COL) scored an empty-netter with 0.9 seconds left in the gold medal game and the Canadian team rushed on the ice to celebrate. The horn didn't sound but they were so pumped they couldn't help themselves. After order was restored and Team Finland was forced to line up at center ice for the final puck-drop, the finality of emotions set in on the Finns.
NBCSN had shots of Team Finland fans weeping in the crowd while their dejected hockey club watched Team Canada rush back on the ice for a rather anti-climatic second celebration. It was a crushing blow for Finland as expressed by the emotions of their players during these few moments.
In the bronze medal game, Team Russia crushed Team USA 7-2. As the home team the Russians enjoyed a packed house cheering and jeering throughout the game and their players responded with a resounding victory over the Americans.
Except for the opening five or six minutes when the Americans took it to Team Russia, it was a pretty lame effort from the Red, White and Blue. They were playing, but you could see their heart just wasn't in it. Words like "waltzing through," "disinterested," and "ready for the off season" defined the emotional output of Team USA as a whole, even though there were a few players who played with heart. Even after two Americans, Jordan Schroeder (MIN) and JT Compher (COL) got leveled by the Russians, Team USA still didn't figure out that Team Russia was playing for keeps.
It seems as if there's not as much emotional investment from America in international competition (save for the Olympics) as there is in other countries. And that's too bad as the US is starting to produce quality and quantity from their hockey programs nationwide.
I really hope that I never see a Buffalo Sabres roster player on Team USA again for the IIHF World's as I'd rather see them competing in the NHL Stanley Cup playoffs. Prospects? You Team USA can have all the prospects they want, and hopefully there will be many competing at the Worlds, but next year I want to see the likes of Ryan O'Reilly, Sam Reinhart, Jake McCabe and maybe even Hudson Fasching chasing Lord Stanley with the rest of the Sabres.
Canada and the rest of the world put their souls into this tournament
Matt Duchene (COL) scored an empty-netter with 0.9 seconds left in the gold medal game and the Canadian team rushed on the ice to celebrate. The horn didn't sound but they were so pumped they couldn't help themselves. After order was restored and Team Finland was forced to line up at center ice for the final puck-drop, the finality of emotions set in on the Finns.
NBCSN had shots of Team Finland fans weeping in the crowd while their dejected hockey club watched Team Canada rush back on the ice for a rather anti-climatic second celebration. It was a crushing blow for Finland as expressed by the emotions of their players during these few moments.
In the bronze medal game, Team Russia crushed Team USA 7-2. As the home team the Russians enjoyed a packed house cheering and jeering throughout the game and their players responded with a resounding victory over the Americans.
Except for the opening five or six minutes when the Americans took it to Team Russia, it was a pretty lame effort from the Red, White and Blue. They were playing, but you could see their heart just wasn't in it. Words like "waltzing through," "disinterested," and "ready for the off season" defined the emotional output of Team USA as a whole, even though there were a few players who played with heart. Even after two Americans, Jordan Schroeder (MIN) and JT Compher (COL) got leveled by the Russians, Team USA still didn't figure out that Team Russia was playing for keeps.
It seems as if there's not as much emotional investment from America in international competition (save for the Olympics) as there is in other countries. And that's too bad as the US is starting to produce quality and quantity from their hockey programs nationwide.
Monday, March 28, 2016
Fasching and Nelson as advertised in NHL debuts. Charge of the youngins.
Reprinted with permission from hockeybuzz.com
At 6'2" 207, we knew Buffalo Sabres winger Hudson Fasching was a big body and from we'd gathered throughout his college career, especially this past season, we knew he liked being around the net. Fasching, who scored 46 goals in 115 NCAA games for the Minnesota Golden Gophers, always has had a nose for the net and the skill to finish when he got there.
Yesterday afternoon he did exactly that.
After fellow first-time-NHL'er Casey Nelson worked the puck to d-partner Mark Pysyk, Fasching headed up ice and grabbed Pysyk's pass along the wall at the Winnipeg Jets blueline. The Jets Jacob Trouba seemingly had the rush cover save for the fact that he underestimated the player with the puck. Fasching shrugged off Trouba's check, cut to the net and deposited his first-ever NHL goal, on his first shot, right from the blue paint.
You only get your first NHL goal once and it was a doozy.
Nelson was credited with the secondary assist on the play as he hit the scoresheet for his first-ever NHL point. The undrafted free-agent defenseman was locked in all game and if he was nervous, one couldn't tell most of the afternoon. He adapted to the pace of the NHL really well and save for a few glitches, none of them detrimental, he had a really solid NHL debut. Sabres head coach Dan Bylsma gave Nelson 16:33 of ice-time, including :53 on the powerplay, and the 23 yr.old rookie came away with the assist and a plus-1 rating.
At 6'2" 207, we knew Buffalo Sabres winger Hudson Fasching was a big body and from we'd gathered throughout his college career, especially this past season, we knew he liked being around the net. Fasching, who scored 46 goals in 115 NCAA games for the Minnesota Golden Gophers, always has had a nose for the net and the skill to finish when he got there.
Yesterday afternoon he did exactly that.
After fellow first-time-NHL'er Casey Nelson worked the puck to d-partner Mark Pysyk, Fasching headed up ice and grabbed Pysyk's pass along the wall at the Winnipeg Jets blueline. The Jets Jacob Trouba seemingly had the rush cover save for the fact that he underestimated the player with the puck. Fasching shrugged off Trouba's check, cut to the net and deposited his first-ever NHL goal, on his first shot, right from the blue paint.
You only get your first NHL goal once and it was a doozy.
Nelson was credited with the secondary assist on the play as he hit the scoresheet for his first-ever NHL point. The undrafted free-agent defenseman was locked in all game and if he was nervous, one couldn't tell most of the afternoon. He adapted to the pace of the NHL really well and save for a few glitches, none of them detrimental, he had a really solid NHL debut. Sabres head coach Dan Bylsma gave Nelson 16:33 of ice-time, including :53 on the powerplay, and the 23 yr.old rookie came away with the assist and a plus-1 rating.
Sunday, March 27, 2016
Under the radar--fomer Minnesota State defenseman Casey Nelson
Reprinted with permission from hockeybuzz.com
When the Buffalo Sabres announced the signing of Minnesota
State
Fellow collegian Hudson Fasching, who had just been signed by Buffalo on Monday, was much more well known having played for the Minnesota Golden Gophers of the BIG 10. Fasching was a former fourth round pick (2013, 118th overall, LAK) who had a career year in 2015-16 and was still getting most of the headlines when Nelson signed a day later.
Minnesota State is rather obscure to those of us outside the state of Minnesota and the Western Collegiate Hockey Association of the NCAA but for three of the past four years, they've been a part of the NCAA Division I Men's Hockey Tournament. Last year they joined the field of 16 by winning the WCHA conference, in 2014 they were WCHA Tournament Champions and the Mavericks won an at-large bid in 2013. Unfortunately, they lost in the WCHA Tournament this year, but it did allowed Nelson the opportunity to forgo his senior season to pursue his NHL dreams.
Unlike with Fasching, there really wasn't much anticipation and/or fanfare with the Nelson signing. Buffalo GM Tim Murray announced it with a simple two-sentence statement. “We’ve been consistently impressed with Casey’s play for the last two years,” said the GM in the release. “We identified him as one of the top college free agents available and we’re excited to have him join the organization.”
Saturday, March 26, 2016
Fasching in the fold, seven prospects in NCAA Tournament that begins Fri.
Reprinted with permission from hockeybuzz.com
Back in October, 2014 Ryan Kennedy of The Hockey News was giving some love to the NCAA when he released a list of "50 college players you need to know." The impetus behind Kennedy's list was the sheer talent that sat atop in what he called "The Fab Five Frosh" lead by Jack Eichel.
Eichel, of course, would go on to have a phenomenal season at Boston University and would be plucked second-overall in the 2015 NHL Draft by the Buffalo Sabres. Rounding out the top-five were Boston College defenseman Noah Hanifan who went 5th-overall to Carolina in the 2015 Draft, Mike Reilly (2011, 98th, CBJ,) Dylan Larkin (2014, 15th, DET) and goalie John Gilles (2012, 75th, CGY.)
In addition to the Sabres landing the top college player in Eichel, they also placed four other college players in the top-36 of Kennedy's list. Michigan's JT Compher, who was traded to the Colorado Avalanche in the Ryan O'Reilly deal, came in at No. 15 while Notre Dame's Connor Hurley was ranked No. 32. Providence defenseman Anthony Florentino, who's Friars begin their defense of the national title was ranked No. 36. All three will be playing in the NCAA Tournament which begins on Friday.
One player who will not be in the tournament is Hudson Fasching who's Minnesota Golden Gophers were beaten in the BIG 10 Championship game by Compher's Wolverines.
Fasching was ranked No. 16 by Kennedy, one spot behind Compher, and this is Kennedy's blurb, "Tank-sized power forward was brilliant at 2014 world juniors. Rights strangely traded from Los Angeles to Buffalo last season."
Listed as 6'2", 207 lbs., Fasching rolled like a tank this past season reaching career highs with 20 goals and 18 assists in 27 games played, but decided to forgo his senior season at Minnesota to join the Buffalo Sabres. "We are pleased to sign him,” Buffalo GM Tim Murray said in a statement. “We believe he has the potential to be an effective NHL player and wanted to bring him in as soon as possible.”
It wasn't too long ago that a BIG 10 interview had some questioning whether he'd sign with Buffalo or not. Such is the internet where a simple statement by Fasching got blown out of proportion. "It's tough, it's a tough situation," he said when asked about keeping in the present with the NHL a real possibility this year. "You talk to other pro teams being around, but your focus needs to [stay] here. That's what I try to do."
Apparently because "other pro teams were around," there was a possibility he was somehow being influenced into signing elsewhere. That's been put to rest now as he'll be bringing his power forward game to the Buffalo Sabres who, coincidentally, have had a hole on the right side ever since Tyler Ennis went down with a concussion.
Fasching will be in a good spot as he'll probably get his feet wet on Eichel or O'Reilly's wing in the top-six. Can't ask for much more than that.
**********
With seven prospects at the 2016 NCAA Men’s Ice Hockey Tournament Buffalo will be well represented this year.
The No. 1 seed in the West Region belongs to St. Cloud State who have prospects Will Borgen (2015, 92nd-overall) and Judd Peterson (2012, 204th.) West Seneca native Sean Malone (2013, 159th) and the Harvard Crimson will face off against Christopher Brown (2014, 151st) and the Boston Eagles. Notre Dame's Hurley (2013, 38th) and Cal Petersen (2013, 129th) plus Florentino (2013, 143rd) all begin their quest for the Frozen Four this weekend.
Back in October, 2014 Ryan Kennedy of The Hockey News was giving some love to the NCAA when he released a list of "50 college players you need to know." The impetus behind Kennedy's list was the sheer talent that sat atop in what he called "The Fab Five Frosh" lead by Jack Eichel.
Eichel, of course, would go on to have a phenomenal season at Boston University and would be plucked second-overall in the 2015 NHL Draft by the Buffalo Sabres. Rounding out the top-five were Boston College defenseman Noah Hanifan who went 5th-overall to Carolina in the 2015 Draft, Mike Reilly (2011, 98th, CBJ,) Dylan Larkin (2014, 15th, DET) and goalie John Gilles (2012, 75th, CGY.)
In addition to the Sabres landing the top college player in Eichel, they also placed four other college players in the top-36 of Kennedy's list. Michigan's JT Compher, who was traded to the Colorado Avalanche in the Ryan O'Reilly deal, came in at No. 15 while Notre Dame's Connor Hurley was ranked No. 32. Providence defenseman Anthony Florentino, who's Friars begin their defense of the national title was ranked No. 36. All three will be playing in the NCAA Tournament which begins on Friday.
One player who will not be in the tournament is Hudson Fasching who's Minnesota Golden Gophers were beaten in the BIG 10 Championship game by Compher's Wolverines.
Fasching was ranked No. 16 by Kennedy, one spot behind Compher, and this is Kennedy's blurb, "Tank-sized power forward was brilliant at 2014 world juniors. Rights strangely traded from Los Angeles to Buffalo last season."
Listed as 6'2", 207 lbs., Fasching rolled like a tank this past season reaching career highs with 20 goals and 18 assists in 27 games played, but decided to forgo his senior season at Minnesota to join the Buffalo Sabres. "We are pleased to sign him,” Buffalo GM Tim Murray said in a statement. “We believe he has the potential to be an effective NHL player and wanted to bring him in as soon as possible.”
It wasn't too long ago that a BIG 10 interview had some questioning whether he'd sign with Buffalo or not. Such is the internet where a simple statement by Fasching got blown out of proportion. "It's tough, it's a tough situation," he said when asked about keeping in the present with the NHL a real possibility this year. "You talk to other pro teams being around, but your focus needs to [stay] here. That's what I try to do."
Apparently because "other pro teams were around," there was a possibility he was somehow being influenced into signing elsewhere. That's been put to rest now as he'll be bringing his power forward game to the Buffalo Sabres who, coincidentally, have had a hole on the right side ever since Tyler Ennis went down with a concussion.
Fasching will be in a good spot as he'll probably get his feet wet on Eichel or O'Reilly's wing in the top-six. Can't ask for much more than that.
**********
With seven prospects at the 2016 NCAA Men’s Ice Hockey Tournament Buffalo will be well represented this year.
The No. 1 seed in the West Region belongs to St. Cloud State who have prospects Will Borgen (2015, 92nd-overall) and Judd Peterson (2012, 204th.) West Seneca native Sean Malone (2013, 159th) and the Harvard Crimson will face off against Christopher Brown (2014, 151st) and the Boston Eagles. Notre Dame's Hurley (2013, 38th) and Cal Petersen (2013, 129th) plus Florentino (2013, 143rd) all begin their quest for the Frozen Four this weekend.
Sunday, March 6, 2016
Things we found out about...
Reprinted with permission from hockeybuzz.com
the game last night:
--Calgary's in a bad way right now. The Flames are a fast, young team that gave the Buffalo Sabres all kinds of trouble when they met earlier in the season. But last night they were in disarray for long stretches and took penalties (three hooking, two tripping and two interference) indicative of a team that was playing the game as step behind. And, for a team that came into the league ranked 30th in the league on the penalty kill (72.8%,) it made a bad situation even worse as they came up on the wrong end of a 6-3 score.
--It would seem as if Buffalo shook off the west coast road trip blues last night. It's been said time and again, most notably by WGR's Paul Hamilton, that coming home from a trip on the opposite coast is a tough task. The Sabres came back to Buffalo after a three-game trip to California and played a sub-par game against the Edmonton Oilers in "McEichel-I." Last night against Calgary was a different story as they came out skating. And, what a surprise, in a normally docile First Niagara Center, there were actually signs of life emanating from the crowd. I see a correlation, fast skating and aggressive play seems to excite the fan-base.
--When the Sabres skate they can be a pretty entertaining team and they played that way last night. Buffalo was particularly aggressive on penalty kill when they managed two short handed shots on goal in the first period including one on a 2-on-1 break where captain Brian Gionta's shot from in tight forced Flames' goalie Jonas Hiller into a very tough save. The crowd loved that then went bonkers as Marcus Foligno scored a shortie to put the Sabres up 2-1.
--Foligno's goal was on a quick snap that beat Hiller top-shelf. It's amazing what a quick snapper or wrister can do--quick off the stick and "Ping!" off the post and in. Bam! Foligno's goal was followed by one from Calgary's Dougie Hamilton :16 seconds later and then another one for Buffalo from Nicolas Deslauriers all three in a 1:17 span and all quick releases that went off the iron and in.
the game last night:
--Calgary's in a bad way right now. The Flames are a fast, young team that gave the Buffalo Sabres all kinds of trouble when they met earlier in the season. But last night they were in disarray for long stretches and took penalties (three hooking, two tripping and two interference) indicative of a team that was playing the game as step behind. And, for a team that came into the league ranked 30th in the league on the penalty kill (72.8%,) it made a bad situation even worse as they came up on the wrong end of a 6-3 score.
--It would seem as if Buffalo shook off the west coast road trip blues last night. It's been said time and again, most notably by WGR's Paul Hamilton, that coming home from a trip on the opposite coast is a tough task. The Sabres came back to Buffalo after a three-game trip to California and played a sub-par game against the Edmonton Oilers in "McEichel-I." Last night against Calgary was a different story as they came out skating. And, what a surprise, in a normally docile First Niagara Center, there were actually signs of life emanating from the crowd. I see a correlation, fast skating and aggressive play seems to excite the fan-base.
--When the Sabres skate they can be a pretty entertaining team and they played that way last night. Buffalo was particularly aggressive on penalty kill when they managed two short handed shots on goal in the first period including one on a 2-on-1 break where captain Brian Gionta's shot from in tight forced Flames' goalie Jonas Hiller into a very tough save. The crowd loved that then went bonkers as Marcus Foligno scored a shortie to put the Sabres up 2-1.
--Foligno's goal was on a quick snap that beat Hiller top-shelf. It's amazing what a quick snapper or wrister can do--quick off the stick and "Ping!" off the post and in. Bam! Foligno's goal was followed by one from Calgary's Dougie Hamilton :16 seconds later and then another one for Buffalo from Nicolas Deslauriers all three in a 1:17 span and all quick releases that went off the iron and in.
Tuesday, June 16, 2015
Ramp-up to the 2015 NHL Draft Pt. 3-- RW size and depth
Reprinted with permission from hockeybuzz.com
When Sabres GM Tim Murray traded RW prospect Joel Armia to the Winnipeg Jets as a part of the Tyler Myers/Evander Kane trade he traded away the most highly skilled winger in the system. Projections for the big Finn had him in the top-line/top-six category with "high-end scoring potential."
In looking at the prospects down the right side, there's size as well as plenty of all-around skill and depth, but the wow-factor of pure offensive upside--at least in the near-term--doesn't seem to be there at this juncture.
When Sabres GM Tim Murray traded RW prospect Joel Armia to the Winnipeg Jets as a part of the Tyler Myers/Evander Kane trade he traded away the most highly skilled winger in the system. Projections for the big Finn had him in the top-line/top-six category with "high-end scoring potential."
In looking at the prospects down the right side, there's size as well as plenty of all-around skill and depth, but the wow-factor of pure offensive upside--at least in the near-term--doesn't seem to be there at this juncture.
Tuesday, May 12, 2015
"If you build it..." Plus some other news and notes.
Reprinted with permission from hockeybuzz.com
Detroit Red Wings coach Mike Babcock had a very busy Mother's Day yesterday. After, presumably, taking care of his wife Maureen, the mother of their three children, Babcock was busy getting a feel for potential coaching destinations.
First up was Toronto.
According to Elliot Friedman of sportsnet, "No one’s giving a straight answer about it, but there was an interesting private plane in Detroit yesterday." It's assumed that the "interesting private plane" had Maple Leafs GM Brendan Shanahan on board and that they did a little more than their one season together back in 2005-06. Tornoto's set to begin a massive rebuild and because they are the self-proclaimed "Center of the Hockey Universe" they jumped right into the fray and got to the head of the line.
Detroit Red Wings coach Mike Babcock had a very busy Mother's Day yesterday. After, presumably, taking care of his wife Maureen, the mother of their three children, Babcock was busy getting a feel for potential coaching destinations.
First up was Toronto.
According to Elliot Friedman of sportsnet, "No one’s giving a straight answer about it, but there was an interesting private plane in Detroit yesterday." It's assumed that the "interesting private plane" had Maple Leafs GM Brendan Shanahan on board and that they did a little more than their one season together back in 2005-06. Tornoto's set to begin a massive rebuild and because they are the self-proclaimed "Center of the Hockey Universe" they jumped right into the fray and got to the head of the line.
Saturday, October 4, 2014
Sabres at 'Canes for last preseason game, plus...
Reprinted with permission from hockeybuzz.com
The Buffalo Sabres are in Raleigh, NC tonight getting ready for their final preseason against the Carolina Hurricanes. And for a handful of players, this will be the last chance for them to impress before a decision is made on where they'll start the season.
It was a spirited, workmanlike 2014 training camp full of competition for roster spots, something that was a focal point of the organization heading into camp.
One of the players battling for a spot is Sabres defenseman Tyson Strachan who was signed by GM Tim Murray to a one-year deal back in early July. The well-traveled journeyman came into camp this season with promises from the Sabres that there would be an open competition for what roster spots were available. And to him, the team delivered on that promise.
"Honestly, that was what they told me in July, and I think that’s what they’re doing now,” defenseman Tyson Strachan said yesterday. “Really, at the end of the day, that’s all you can hope for and all you can appreciate is getting a fair look and being given the opportunity. What you do with it is on you.”
Strachan has performed very well thus far and the former 5th round pick (137th overall) will have another opportunity to show what he can offer while playing against the team that drafted him back in 2003.
The Buffalo Sabres are in Raleigh, NC tonight getting ready for their final preseason against the Carolina Hurricanes. And for a handful of players, this will be the last chance for them to impress before a decision is made on where they'll start the season.
It was a spirited, workmanlike 2014 training camp full of competition for roster spots, something that was a focal point of the organization heading into camp.
One of the players battling for a spot is Sabres defenseman Tyson Strachan who was signed by GM Tim Murray to a one-year deal back in early July. The well-traveled journeyman came into camp this season with promises from the Sabres that there would be an open competition for what roster spots were available. And to him, the team delivered on that promise.
"Honestly, that was what they told me in July, and I think that’s what they’re doing now,” defenseman Tyson Strachan said yesterday. “Really, at the end of the day, that’s all you can hope for and all you can appreciate is getting a fair look and being given the opportunity. What you do with it is on you.”
Strachan has performed very well thus far and the former 5th round pick (137th overall) will have another opportunity to show what he can offer while playing against the team that drafted him back in 2003.
Wednesday, March 12, 2014
Murray adds depth on the wing. A look at his three new forward additions
The Buffalo Sabres acquired three big wingers leading up to and at the 2014 trade deadline--William Carrier, Hudson Fasching and Nicolas Deslauriers.
All three are power forwards at least 6' tall and weigh in at about 200 lbs. or more.
Hockey's future slots Carrier and Deslauriers as the Nos. 2 and 3 LW behind 5'10" 180 lb. Daniel Catenacci (2011, #77.)
Fasching, the youngest of the three, has the most upside. He's #4 on the right side behind Joel Armia (2011, #16,) who just came over from Finland and has been with Rochester this season, Justin Bailey (2013, #52) and Nicolas Baptiste (2013, #69.)
All three are power forwards at least 6' tall and weigh in at about 200 lbs. or more.
Hockey's future slots Carrier and Deslauriers as the Nos. 2 and 3 LW behind 5'10" 180 lb. Daniel Catenacci (2011, #77.)
Fasching, the youngest of the three, has the most upside. He's #4 on the right side behind Joel Armia (2011, #16,) who just came over from Finland and has been with Rochester this season, Justin Bailey (2013, #52) and Nicolas Baptiste (2013, #69.)
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