The Buffalo Sabres have taken player injuries to a whole new level already in 2011-12. Now it appears their horrible misfortunes have spilled over to their head coach.

According to a report by Mike Harrington of the Buffalo News, Lindy Ruff was injured and taken from the First Niagara Center today following a collision with defensemen Jordan Leopold.

Harrington writes that Leopold was working on a one-one-one drill with forward Ville Leino when he lost his balance and went sliding into Ruff from behind.   Harrington said “Ruff went airbone and landed hard on the ice, letting out a scream as his body crumpled that echoed through the empty arena.”

Goaltender Ryan Miller told reporters that he’s worried about Ruff and hopes that coach being a former hockey player helped him in the fall.

“To see him in that much pain, he probably has something going on there,” Miller said. “Hopefully we get that sorted out and he’s all right. We need him behind the bench yelling and calling the lines. Lindy being a former player, he knew how to take the fall. He took it into his body instead of letting his head whip back or else it could have been really devastating.”

We’ll update Ruff’s status as more information becomes available.

**UPDATE** Ruff suffered three broken ribs in the fall. Although he’ll be in severe pain, he’s expected back with the team for practice on Tuesday.

MSG Networks and the Buffalo Sabres announced today that they will make the February 11 Sabres-Lightning game available to fans who have been shutout of watching their favorite team after Time Warner Cable dropped MSG and MSG+ from its channel lineup on January 1. MSG’s coverage of the game will now be telecast on WGRZ-TV (Channel 2) in Buffalo and WHEC-TV (channel 10) in Rochester, along with a full postgame show.

“We are pleased that we have been able to work with WGRZ-TV, WHEC-TV and the Sabres to deliver this game to Sabres fans, who are among the most loyal and passionate in the NHL,” said Dan Ronayne, executive vice president and general manager, MSG Networks. “It is extremely unfortunate that the fans have been caught in the middle of this dispute and we continue to urge them to switch TV providers so they don’t miss any additional games.”

“We are glad that MSG has found a way to offer this Sabres game to our fans on local television,” said Ted Black, president, Buffalo Sabres. “We realize that fans have been in a tough spot since January 1 and we are hopeful that Time Warner Cable will engage in meaningful negotiations with MSG so that a deal can be reached to bring MSG’s networks and our games back to Time Warner Cable customers.”

MSG, Sabres To Televise Lightning Game On WGRZ-TV – continue reading…

The Buffalo Sabres have played much better of late, though it hasn’t really helped them move up in the standings.  Following their seven-game losing streak the Sabres have earned five of a possible six points over their last three games.

They’ll try to make it seven out of eight points this evening as they venture down to New York and face the Islanders.  Buffalo currently trails eighth-place Toronto by 10 points in the Eastern Conference standings.

Ryan Miller is expected to get the start in net for Buffalo, as he should because he’s been sensational in net lately.  Miller’s suffered through perhaps the worst season of his career but has been nearly unbeatable over his last three outings; surrendering just two goals over the last 198 minutes of action and has turned away 83 or 85 pucks in his last three.

Sabres Try To Get Back To Winning vs. Isles – continue reading…

The bad news is the Buffalo Sabres winning streak ended at a modest two games after losing in a shootout to the New York Rangers, 1-0 at the First Niagara Center.

The good news is if the Sabres are to make any kind of late season playoff push, they desperately need Ryan Miller to take matters into his own hands… and pads.

Without question, Miller is back to doing exactly that.

Ryan Callahan scored in the fifth round of a shootout to win it for the Rangers after Ville Leino couldn’t score for Buffalo.  It was the only goal of the night that counted.  Marian Gaborik scored on New York’s first chance before Miller turned away the next three to keep his team in it.

Miller Spectacular But Sabres Fall in Shootout – continue reading…

Buffalo Sabres General Manager Darcy Regier today announced that forward Zack Kassian has been recalled from the Rochester Americans of the American Hockey League and will be in the lineup when the Sabres host the New York Rangers at the First Niagara Center.

Kassian has played in 28 games for the Americans this season, tallying 22 points (11+11) and appearing in the 2012 AHL All-Star Game.

The need to recall Kassian arose after forward Thomas Vanek was injured in last night’s victory at Montreal.  Vanek is expected to miss at least a week.

Kassian has also appeared in 18 games for Buffalo this season, recording six points (3+3) and 13 penalty minutes.

The road back to the Eastern Conference playoff race will be long and hard but hey, the Buffalo Sabres have to start somewhere, no?

Returning from the All-Star break after a full week off, the Sabres did something they hadn’t previously done since November 11—won consecutive games.   Buffalo played a good game in Montreal for nearly 60 minutes and were rewarded for it, defeating the Canadiens 3-1 after giving up the game’s first goal.

Their recent 12-game road losing streak is slowly, very slowly starting to appear in the rearview mirror.  We’ll see how real this team is Wednesday night when they return home to host the New York Rangers.

Ville Leino and Paul Gaustad scored for Buffalo at Montreal while Pat Kaleta added an empty netter.  Ryan Miller made 27 saves in net for the Sabres.

We’ll have much more on this game tomorrow.

If the Buffalo Sabres are going to make any kind of second half of the season push, particularly on the road,  there’s probably no better place to start than Montreal.  To say the Sabres have stunk on the road may be an understatement, but that hasn’t been the case when they visit the Canadiens.  In fact, Buffalo returns from the All-Star break tonight in search of their fifth consecutive victory in Montreal.

Unfortunately the slumping Sabres haven’t had the same success against the rest of the league.  Buffalo endured a 12-game road losing streak that saw them get outscored 51-18 before finally earning two points in New Jersey via a shootout in their last game before the break.

The slide has caused Buffalo to fall all the way to a tie for last in the Eastern Conference with Carolina and the New York Islanders with just 45 points.

However, nothing cures a losing feeling like a hot streak.  As bad as the Sabres been, they are only 10 points out of eighth place in the conference and a playoff spot. A long road, sure–but not insurmountable.

Of course, the way this team has played they’ll be smart to not look past Montreal since Buffalo hasn’t been on a winning streak since November.  The team gets closer to full health tonight with the return of Tyler Ennis, who’s been out since mid-December with an ankle injury. Only Paul Gaustad and Brayden McNabb, who started the season in Rochester remain out of the lineup.

The Buffalo Sabres today announced that the next installment of the 2011-12 Power Play Luncheon series will take place on Friday, Feb. 10 in the 100 level Harbour Club at First Niagara Center. Sabres Hall of Famer Dave Andreychuk will serve as the event’s guest speaker.

The Power Play Luncheon series offers corporations and individuals an exclusive first-hand look at the Sabres’ organization and the NHL, with a portion of the proceeds from the event benefiting the Buffalo Sabres Foundation.

The luncheon begins at 12 p.m. and attendees will be asked to adhere to a business casual dress code.  Free parking will be available in the ramp adjacent to the arena.

Dave Andreychuck To Speak At Power Play Luncheon – continue reading…

Don’t worry Buffalo Sabres fans– it only seems like the first victory this year.

The final games before the NHL All-Star break took place Tuesday evening and the Sabres can finally feel good about themselves for a few days after defeating the New Jersey Devils in a shootout, 2-1 to snap a 12-game road losing streak as defensemen Robyn Regehr and Christian Ehrhoff returned to the lineup.

Jordan Leopold scored Buffalo’s lone regulation goal in the first period, which stood up in large part because Ryan Miller was excellent in net with 27 saves.  Jason Pominville and Nathan Gerbe went on to score in the shootout as the Sabres got two points on the road for the first time since defeating the Nashville Predators, 3-2 on December 3.

Sabres Finally End Road Losing Skid In New Jersey – continue reading…

The Buffalo Sabres are dead last in the entire Eastern Conference this morning after waking up to a Carolina victory over Winnipeg Monday evening, leaving the Sabres with a conference low 43 points. Buffalo will try to add a point or two to their unimpressive total tonight when they face off with the Devils in New Jersey.

Of course, a single point would be better than anything they’ve gotten over their last 12 road contests.  The team has also lost their last five overall and is just 2-7-1 in their last 10 as a once promising season has almost completely went down the tubes.  As of this morning the Sabres were a full 10 points behind Washington for the final playoff spot in the East.

Perhaps more disturbing than the losing is the consistent lackluster manner in which it’s happening.  The Sabres offense has been abysmal, scoring just seven times over their last five games.

Ehrhoff, Regehr Could Return For Sabres Tonight – continue reading…

Buffalo Sabres General Manager Darcy Regier announced today that defenseman TJ Brennan has been recalled from the Rochester Americans of the American Hockey League.

Brennan joins the Sabres for his fourth recall of the season. The first-year defenseman has recorded one point (1+0) and four penalty minutes in five NHL games this season, averaging 14:55 of ice time per game.

In his third AHL season, Brennan has 17 points (7+10) and 13 penalty minutes in 29 games with the Americans, leading all Amerks defensemen in goals and points. In 2010-11, he ranked second among Portland Pirates (AHL) defensemen with 39 points (15+24) in 72 games.

Sabres Recall TJ Brennan – continue reading…

The Buffalo Sabres have won two games in a row before.  Right now, it only seems like that’s never happened in franchise history.  November 11 remains the last time the Sabres pulled off consecutive victories after the team dropped a 4-2 affair Saturday night in Long Island to the New York Islanders.

Patrick Kaleta and Derek Roy scored for Buffalo as they twice erased deficits, but Michael Graber scored the game-winner for New York with just 3:03 remaining.  Thomas Vanek had a chance to tie the game for Buffalo on a penalty shot but rang one off the goal post after beating Evgeni Nabokov in the final moments.  Graber then scored again into an empty net to secure the victory.

Jhonas Enroth got the start in net for Buffalo and played extremely well, particularly early to keep his team in the game as the Islanders dominated early.  Enroth finished with 36 saves.

Sabres Drop Another On Road To Isles – continue reading…

Buffalo Sabres General Manager Darcy Regier today announced that defenseman Joe Finley has been recalled from the Rochester Americans of the American Hockey League.

Finley (6’8”, 260 lbs., 6/29/87) joins the Sabres for his third recall this season after making his NHL debut in early December. In his two previous recalls, he appeared in three games for the Sabres.

In his third professional season, Finley has three points (1+2) in 30 AHL games with the Americans and leads the team with 78 penalty minutes.

Sabres Recall Finley From Rochester – continue reading…

Buffalo Sabres captain Jason Pominville was named the team’s lone representative for the NHL All-Star game, which holds a Fantasy Draft on January 26 to determine the teams after captains have been selected.

Despite the Sabres dreadful offense halfway through the regular season, Pominville has been one of the few bright spots.  He leads the team 43 points, including 14 goals in 42 this season.

Luke Adam was one of 12 players named to the All-Star Rookie team.  Adam has 10 goals and 10 assists in 42 games this season.

Thomas Vanek being left off the team is at least mildly surprising.  Vanek has a team-high 19 goals and 41 points this season and statistically, measures up favorably to several forwards who were given the All-Star nod.

There’s not really much to say about the Buffalo Sabres these days other than the obvious—they stink.

With plenty on the line and seemingly heavy motivation to get the offense going, the Sabres couldn’t produce a single goal in Toronto Tuesday evening and got exactly what they deserved, a 2-0 shutout loss.

The Sabres have won just two of their last nine game and over their last seven have mustered all of 11 goals.

Think it’s time for a change?

Sabres Offense Absent Yet Again – continue reading…

After welcoming over 5,000 fans to First Niagara Center to watch the Sabres/Hurricanes game on Jan. 6, the Buffalo Sabres today announced they will be hosting another viewing party at the arena to provide fans with an opportunity to watch the team’s game against Toronto on Tuesday, Jan. 10 at 7 p.m. Due to the popularity of the first viewing party, a greater number of concession stands will be open and more staff will be available to serve fans at Tuesday’s event.

Arena doors will again open at 6 p.m. and fans will be able to watch the game on the high-definition video board, which will be lowered to a comfortable viewing height. Admission and parking in the arena parking ramp will be free to all fans.

The team’s concessionaire, Delaware North/Sportservice, will be providing discounted food and beverage specials throughout the night.  As fans pass though security they will be given a $4 coupon redeemable at all concession stands.  20 oz. draft beer for $4, and family-friendly food prices on hot dogs, nachos, pretzels and chicken nuggets will again be available throughout the night.

Sabres To Host Another Viewing Party Tuesday Night – continue reading…

It’s time to stop beating around the bush.  Either the Buffalo Sabres undergo some major shake ups in the coming days/weeks to turn this season around, or the entire team can make advance tee times at Fox Valley for the morning after the regular season ends.

The Sabres offense stalled yet again, scoring just once and as a result, lost to the Winnipeg Jets in overtime Saturday at the First Niagara Center, 2-1.  The Sabres have now scored just one goal in three of their last six games and have been held to two or less in seven of their last nine.  It’s a huge reason why their 2-6-2 over their last 10 games.

But hey—at least someone other than Thomas Vanek or Jason Pominville scored a goal.

Sabres Offense Remains Disastrous – continue reading…

The Buffalo Sabres announced they will host a viewing party at First Niagara Center to provide fans with an opportunity to watch the team’s game against Carolina on Friday, Jan. 6 at 7 p.m.

Arena doors will open at 6 p.m. and fans will be able to watch the game on the high-definition video board, which will be lowered to a comfortable viewing height. Admission and parking in the arena parking ramp will be free to all fans.

Sportservice will be providing discounted food and beverage specials throughout the night, as well as distributing vouchers for free Coca-Cola products and popcorn for the first 3,000 fans through the doors. Half-priced beer and family-friendly food prices on hot dogs, pizza, nachos and combination platters will also be available throughout the night.

Sabres Announce Free Viewing Party Friday Night – continue reading…

It appears the Buffalo Sabres are finally getting a lot closer to returning to full health.  John Vogl of the Buffalo News reports that defensemen Tyler Myers could return as soon as Friday while forwards Ville Leino and Tyler Ennis both could also be back by the weekend.

Their additions surely will be a welcomed boost to a team struggling on both sides of the rink and as a result has won just two of their last eight games.  Myers has been on the team’s injured list since November 20 after breaking his wrist and requiring surgery.

Ennis hasn’t played since December 18 after suffering his second ankle injury of the year, and Leino has been out with a lower body injury since December 14.

Trio Of Sabres Stars Close To Returning – continue reading…

A pair of talented forwards that have now become the most unlikely of sources provided a much-needed offensive boost in the third period; each tallying in a decisive third period as the Buffalo Sabres broke a tie late and defeated the Edmonton Oilers, 4-3 Tuesday in front of a relieved First Niagara Center crowd.

Drew Stafford put Buffalo ahead 3-2 with 6:26 remaining to play—his first goal in eight games and just the third in his last 26.  Nathan Gerbe broke a 15-game scoreless drought 2:04 later for the winning margin as Ryan Miller held off the Oilers over the last 1:50 after Edmonton got back within one on a goal by Corey Potter.

Miller stopped 23 of 26 shots as Buffalo took advantage of a tired and injured Edmonton team that played last night and didn’t arrive in Western New York until almost 4am this morning.

Slumping Forwards Give Sabres Needed Boost – continue reading…

It was more of the same for the Buffalo Sabres Wednesday evening; another night, another loss and another significant injury.  The Sabres looked as lackluster as ever in their 3-1 loss at the New Jersey Devils.

The defeat was the Sabres fifth straight on the road and overall they’ve lost four of their last five.

Perhaps more worrisome than their latest setback was the lethargic manner in which they performed.  Buffalo often skated and hit like they were flat-out disinterested in playing and as a result got exactly what they deserved.  Peter Sykora scored twice and Zach Parise also scored as the Devils took a commanding 3-0 lead.

Uninspired Sabres Fall At New Jersey – continue reading…

It’s a shame the Buffalo Sabres couldn’t play the Washington Capitals every night.  If they did, perhaps it would be time to start planning an early summer Stanley Cup parade on Niagara Square.

Brayden McNabb’s first career NHL goal highlighted a four goal first period as Jason Pominville, Matt Ellis and Christian Ehrhoff also scored in the game’s first 14:14.  From there, Ryan Miller did his part in net and the Sabres snapped a three-game losing streak with a convincing 4-2 victory at the First Niagara Center.

It was the second straight time Buffalo dominated the meeting between the clubs.   The Sabres defeated Washington, 5-1 on November 26 in Buffalo and after the game Washington fired head coach Bruce Boudreau was fired and replaced with Dale Hunter.

Sabres Erupt Early, Defeat Caps 4-2 – continue reading…