Author: Ian Smyth

The First Five: Sabres Week Recap

Hockey is really truly back. We have unexpected wagons like the Red Wings disaster classes like the Oilers, and the Islanders exist. But what about the Buffalo Sabres? After being possibly the most hyped-up team this offseason, they’ve been slow out the gate. But it’s still early. Let’s take a look at the good, the […]

Three Takeaways From The Sabres First Win: Sabre Postgame

It’s never simple with the Sabres. When I watch this team, I tend to be more tense than I am at any other point in my week. No matter. The boys in royal blue got their first win of the season, thanks to a Dylan Cozens snipe in ooooooovertime. I have three big takeaways from […]

Opinion: The Oilers Defence is a Mess…Again

All offseason, we heard the same old story from the Oilers organization. “We learned lessons”. “Defence is a priority”. But after two embarrassing losses to the Vancouver Canucks, the Oilers are back at square one. What’s wrong? Let’s break it down. And offer a solution at the end, specifically meant for the ears of Ken […]

The House That Kevyn Built: The New Age Sabres

It’s June 2020, and the Sabres have truly hit rock bottom. They are a terrible bottom feeding team, just like the last decade. The only bright spot on the team, star center Jack Eichel, wants out. Ralph Krueger is their head coach. Every Sabres fan is miserable. Until Jason Botteril, who was the GM at […]

Sabres Sign Dahlin To Massive Extension

After many extension rumors swirling around during training camp about franchise defenceman Rasmus Dahlin, the Sabres have finally locked him up. Signing a franchise-record eight-year, 11 million AAV contract cements Dahlin as the cornerstone of a Buffalo team on the rise. This extension comes on the heels of his best season to date, scoring 15 […]

The Case For Zach Benson To Play On Opening Night

Back in a prior article, I talked about the Sabres’ prospect challenge. Among other things, the pairing of Zach Benson and Matt Savoie was a main focus. The pair lit up juniors, and I fully expected them to put on a show. Even though Savoie was injured in the challenge’s final game, he dominated every […]

Australia Proves The Coyotes Franchise Can Succeed, So How Do They Do It

I’ll start off by saying I am by no means a fan of Gary Bettman. I think he has stagnated the NHL growth-wise, and his marketing/PR decisions have been…questionable, to say the least. But the NHL Global Series is a great tool to expand the reach of the league. Playing games worldwide just seems like […]

Oilers Preseason Reactions: Game 1

Hockey is finally back, and the Oilers kicked off their preseason schedule with a 2-1 shootout loss to the Winnipeg Jets. After watching the game, here are my takeaways. Players of the Game I’ll start by giving props to the best player on each side. For the Oilers, I have to go with Zach Hyman. […]

Coyotes Re-Sign Jan Jenik

The Arizona Coyotes announced yesterday that they have brought back RFA Jan Jenik on a one year, two-way contract worth $775,000. The 23-year-old has spent his career so far bouncing between the Tucson Roadrunners of the AHL and the Coyotes. He last registered 23 points and 50 penalty minutes in 30 games for Tucson. As […]

What Did We Learn From The Sabres Prospect Challenge?

The prospect challenge has finished. With a 2-1 record, the Sabres continued to highlight their deep farm system. So what did we learn from the three games, and what changes going into the season? Has The Bubble Changed? In my last article on the Sabers prospects, I mentioned which prospects I thought might be on […]