NEU » Friday night.Montana State (3-1) dropped it

BUFFALO, N.Y. -- Encouraging as it might appear, Sabres general manager Tim Murray isnt overly impressed by the big jump Buffalo made in the standings last year.Going from rock bottom to respectability isnt considered a mean feat when taking into account Buffalo still finished 23rd despite a 12-win and 27-point improvement. Its not as if the Sabres could have been much worse after finishing last in each of the previous two seasons.We should be getting better, Murray told The Associated Press. When we stop getting better, then weve done something wrong.The hard part now is for the Sabres to evolve another step and start resembling contenders to end a five-season playoff drought -- the longest in franchise history.It doesnt happen overnight, Murray said. We think were much improved from last season. But we have to prove that on the ice. Well see.After spending his first 18 months gutting Buffalos high-priced, aging roster to rebuild the team from scratch, Murray is placing his faith in the young lineup that began showing signs of promise last season.Forward Ryan OReilly emerged as an on- and off-ice leader in his first season after being acquired in a trade from Colorado. And the Sabres young crop of draft picks made an immediate impact with Jack Eichel and Sam Reinhart combining for 47 goals 98 points.Murray raised expectations by making two significant offseason additions by signing forward Kyle Okposo to a seven-year, $42 million contract, and acquired defenseman Dmitry Kulikov in a trade with Florida.That gives you a boost of energy, excitement with some of the high-quality players that we brought in, defenseman Josh Gorges said. We expect a lot of big things out of our group.The Sabres confidence is bolstered by how the team began jelling in the second half last season, its first under coach Dan Bylsma. After opening 19-26-4, Buffalo closed 16-10-7.Kulikov had no reservations being traded to Buffalo after seeing the team improve last year.I feel like all the pieces are in place right now said Kulikov, who went through a few rebuilding phases during his first seven seasons in Florida. When youre talking rebuild, I dont think its about our team. I think our team has already passed that point. And we need to show it and get off to a good start.A number of things to watch out for as the Sabres prepare to open the season hosting Montreal on Oct. 13:ROCKIN ROBINGoalie Robin Lehner is ready to establish himself as a bona fide starter now that hes healthy after two injury-shortened seasons. Acquired for a first-round draft pick from Ottawa in June 2015, Lehners first year in Buffalo was sidetracked 30 minutes into the season opener when he hurt his left ankle.He went 5-9-5 in 21 games, and his previous season in Ottawa was shortened because of a concussion.Lehner spent the summer working out and was notably slimmer upon reporting for training camp.It doesnt matter how good of a summer Ive had, Ive got to go out and perform, Lehner said. I know what I can do. Im not eager to prove anyone wrong or right.ENNIS RETURNSTyler Ennis is eager to return after missing the final four months of the season sidelined by a concussion. Entering his eighth season in Buffalo, the speedy, diminutive forward is the teams longest serving active player. Hes a three-time 20-goal-scorer who is being counted upon to fill a top-six role.AT AN IMPASSEDefenseman Rasmus Ristolainen remains unsigned . Hes a restricted free agent and coming off a season in which he led Buffalo in averaging more than 25 minutes of ice time, and led the teams defensemen with 41 points (nine goals, 32 assists).In a sign of good faith, Ristolainen reported to training camp last week after representing Finland at the World Cup of Hockey. Though pleased to have Ristolainen on the ice practicing, Murray doubted his presence in Buffalo would speed up contract talks.KANE WATCHForward Evander Kane is coming off a tumultuous offseason. He faces numerous charges for allegedly grabbing three women by the hair and neck in separate instances during an altercation at a downtown Buffalo bar in June. The 25-year-old is also being sued by a 21-year-old woman claiming he seriously injured her during an attack in his hotel room in December.ROOMIESEichel and Reinhart have decided to move in together after establishing an on- and off-ice bond last year.We room together on the road as well, so were pretty familiar with each other, Reinhart said. Eichel spent his rookie season living with forward Matt Moulson and his family. Wholesale Puma Shoes . -- San Francisco 49ers linebacker Ahmad Brooks was fined $15,570 by the NFL on Wednesday for his hit on Saints quarterback Drew Brees last Sunday. Wholesale Authentic Puma Shoes . They hope to persuade the other team owners and commissioner Roger Goodell to put pressure on Redskins owner Daniel Snyder to drop the nickname they find offensive. "Given the way the meeting transpired," Ray Halbritter, an Oneida representative and leader of the "Change the Mascot Campaign," said Wednesday, "it became somewhat evident they were defending the continued use of the name. http://www.cheapshoespuma.com/ . Dusautoir, the former World Player of the Year, sustained a torn bicep playing for Toulouse in the Heineken Cup on Saturday. The flanker, who has played 65 times for France, is expected to be out for up to four months. Cheap Puma Shoes Outlet . Brett Kulak and Jackson Houck of the Vancouver Giants were each charged with assault causing bodily harm on Aug. 18, according to the B.C. court services. Cheap Puma Shoes Online . But the quarterback hopes to stay involved in football after officially calling it quits Tuesday. "Id love to look at those opportunities as they arise," Pierce said in an interview from his Winnipeg eatery. BOZEMAN, Mont. -- Tyler Hall scored 24 points to lead Montana State to its third straight win, knocking off James Madison 80-73 on Friday night.Montana State (3-1) dropped its opening game to Washington State 69-65 before getting three consecutive wins.Harald Frey had 14 points and three assists for the Bobcats, who made 23 of 32 free throw attempts. James Madison was 29 of 38 from the line as the teams were whistled for 56 total fouls. Hall made 6 of 7 free throws, his first miss off the season after making 32 straight.ddddddddddddThe Bobcats held a 39-32 advantage at the break. The Dukes (0-3) closed to 75-70 with 42 seconds left when Joey McLean nailed a 3-pointer, but the Bobcats made five free throws down the stretch to seal the win.McLean and Shakir Brown had 15 point apiece for James Madison. Brown also grabbed eight rebounds. ' ' '