'“Casey, it’s nice to see him get that opportunity,” said Granato. “He has a lot of potential to grow into that nicely. This is a great opportunity for experience and that’s what we’re seeing. He’s a fast learner. He’s a competitive guy. He’s put in a lot of work. I’m excited that he does have this opportunity. I’m excited to work with him in regard to that.”' … [Read more...] about Casey Mittelstadt thrust into prominent role with Sabres low on centers
Archives for March 2021
Casey Mittelstadt’s development earns him gig as Sabres’ top center
'“He’s progressed to the point where I’m comfortable putting him at center regardless of the fact that we’ve lost the guys that we have due to injury or being traded,” Granato, whose Sabres have lost 18 straight games, said on a Zoom call Tuesday. “He was starting to earn that position anyway.”' … [Read more...] about Casey Mittelstadt’s development earns him gig as Sabres’ top center
Sabres’ Jacob Bryson set to return; Dylan Cozens’ status uncertain
'Bryson practiced beside Rasmus Ristolainen. Based on today’s defense pairings, Bryson’s return would push defenseman Matt Irwin out of the lineup.' … [Read more...] about Sabres’ Jacob Bryson set to return; Dylan Cozens’ status uncertain
Wednesday's Philadelphia Coverage
Flyers visit the Sabres after overtime victory (AP) 5 Things: Flyers vs. Sabres (PhiladelphiaFlyers.com) … [Read more...] about Wednesday’s Philadelphia Coverage
Jeff Skinner playing more, but not producing more under Granato
'“You’ve got to build on those things," he said. "Every team is chasing that consistency. There’s going to be ebbs and flows and there’s going to be changes in momentum, and you just have to stick with it. It’s not going to be easy. Especially in this division, you can’t let up and you can’t play the game in spurts. To do that, you have to find your game and be consistent with … [Read more...] about Jeff Skinner playing more, but not producing more under Granato
Sabres' Granato after back-to-back blown third periods: 'I don't feel it's a conditioning issue anymore'
'"We had a lot of anxiety to our game, which was fatigue. I mentioned at that time we’re going to practice longer, practice harder, and it may cost us in the short term but we need to prop up our game conditioning. I feel we’ve done that. What I felt in the last two games was our opponent being great opponents in Boston and Philly took in the first two periods, elevated in the … [Read more...] about Sabres’ Granato after back-to-back blown third periods: ‘I don’t feel it’s a conditioning issue anymore’
Take 2: Sabres making progress? Paul Hamilton says yes
'The reason I didn’t even give losing a thought was for the first time all season they played fast and played with confidence. Interim head coach Don Granato told our Julianne Pelusi that when he took over, he realized this team needed to work harder.' … [Read more...] about Take 2: Sabres making progress? Paul Hamilton says yes
Mittelstadt seeking to take advantage of opportunity at center
'"It's no secret it's a big opportunity for me," Mittelstadt said. "I feel like I've been playing well and making plays. It's just, we got to get the results."' … [Read more...] about Mittelstadt seeking to take advantage of opportunity at center
Wednesday's Rochester Coverage
Amerks prepare for three games in four nights this week (Amerks.com) … [Read more...] about Wednesday’s Rochester Coverage
Observations: Dylan Cozens' injury adds to litany of issues for Sabres
'Rookie center Dylan Cozens suffered an upper-body injury on a hit delivered by Flyers defenseman Philippe Myers along the boards with 8:17 remaining in the first period. With Eric Staal traded to Montreal and Jack Eichel still out, the Sabres were already forced to move Casey Mittelstadt to center.' … [Read more...] about Observations: Dylan Cozens’ injury adds to litany of issues for Sabres
Mike Harrington: Seriously now, that kind of Sabres loss just can't happen
'"We made mistakes, simple mistakes," Granato said. "I wouldn't call it panic. If we hit the open net, would we be talking about panic? We made bad decisions and mistakes under pressure. I wouldn't say we panicked. That is going a little bit too far. We stayed active and aggressive. We just didn't make the right decisions."' … [Read more...] about Mike Harrington: Seriously now, that kind of Sabres loss just can’t happen
The Wraparound: Sabres spoil 3-goal lead, winless streak reaches 18 in OT
'Buffalo, now 6-23-5, remains last in the National Hockey League with 17 points and is well on its way to matching the league record with a 10th consecutive season outside the playoffs.' … [Read more...] about The Wraparound: Sabres spoil 3-goal lead, winless streak reaches 18 in OT
Sabres notebook: Seth Appert returns to coach Amerks after whirlwind trip to NHL
'"I packed first, showered, got in the car, started heading to Pittsburgh as safely as possible, but I was probably going a little too fast," Appert joked on a video call Monday from Blue Cross Arena. "I made it on time around 6:40 but had to get a rapid test and wait 30 minutes for that. I wasn't going to walk on the bench in a middle of a period so I watched the first period … [Read more...] about Sabres notebook: Seth Appert returns to coach Amerks after whirlwind trip to NHL
Sabres blow three-goal lead, lose in OT to Flyers: ‘This … is embarrassing’
'As the Sabres began imploding, it felt like only a matter of time before the Flyers roared back and tied it.' … [Read more...] about Sabres blow three-goal lead, lose in OT to Flyers: ‘This … is embarrassing’
Sabres’ Tage Thompson could thrive under interim coach Don Granato
'“Anytime you know somebody previously and you have that already established relationship, you know what their expectations are of you,” Thompson said. “It just makes the game easier, you don’t have to really think too much out there, you just have to go out and play."' … [Read more...] about Sabres’ Tage Thompson could thrive under interim coach Don Granato