'On an opening night when many in the arena were still wearing the No. 9 of the injured Jack Eichel, and awaiting a trade that would send the frustrated former captain out of Buffalo, his replacements showed the short-term outlook may be brighter than fans expected.' … [Read more...] about Observations: With all eyes on young core, Sabres veterans shine in opening win
Archives for October 15, 2021
Mike Harrington: In stellar opener, the connection was back between Sabres and fans
'The announced attendance of 8,467 was the smallest for an opener in the building's history. But props to those of you who came. You made such a difference and you got rewarded with a 5-1 crunching of shell-of-itself Stanley Cup finalist Montreal.' … [Read more...] about Mike Harrington: In stellar opener, the connection was back between Sabres and fans
Exciting win over Canadiens shows Sabres buying into Don Granato’s plan
'“We are a team that are young, can skate fast and are going to make mistakes,” Anderson said. “But they’re going to do it out of passion. And I think we’ve got a little bit naiveness right now, too, where we’re just going out there and playing what we’re told to do and reading and reacting.”' … [Read more...] about Exciting win over Canadiens shows Sabres buying into Don Granato’s plan
Sabres notes: Arttu Ruotsalainen sits out opener; Rene Robert honored
'In Ruotsalainen, they sat out one their most intriguing young forwards. The Finn, 23, enjoyed regular duty over the final month last season, compiling five goals and six points in 17 games.' … [Read more...] about Sabres notes: Arttu Ruotsalainen sits out opener; Rene Robert honored
Sabres dominate Canadiens, seize opening night win with ease
'The 8,647 fans in attendance on Tuesday night enjoyed an exciting show put on by the youthful Sabres. Those who decided not to make the trip were left wishing they did.' … [Read more...] about Sabres dominate Canadiens, seize opening night win with ease
Very young Sabers in the center
'"Yes, that will be a challenge," noted Don Granato, head coach of the Sabers. We all know that there are a lot of responsibilities for centers in the NHL. They need to help our defenders in many situations and they have to pay attention to many details. But we also have options. Zemgus Girgensons can play center, as can Arttu Ruotsalainen."' … [Read more...] about Very young Sabers in the center
Mission (almost) impossible
'This is the first wave of the power play. The second wave is made up of players who probably weren't drafted very early in your pool: Rasmus Asplund, Jacob Bryson and Colin Miller, to name a few.' … [Read more...] about Mission (almost) impossible
Friday's Montreal Coverage
Poor special teams sink Canadiens' chances in Buffalo blowout (Montreal Gazette) In the Habs' Room: 'We have to show up and compete,' Jeff Petry says (Montreal Gazette) About Last Night: Special teams struggle for Habs in 5-1 loss to Sabres (Montreal Gazette) The disoriented hospital (Journal de Montreal) Pathetic (Journal de Montreal) Don't panic but ... (Journal de … [Read more...] about Friday’s Montreal Coverage
Sabres, minus Eichel, open season with 5-1 rout of Canadiens
'“We are a team that’s young, can skate fast and is going to make mistakes, but they’re going to do it out of passion,” he added. “I think we’ve got a little bit of naiveness right now, too, where we’re just going out there and playing what we’re told to do.”' … [Read more...] about Sabres, minus Eichel, open season with 5-1 rout of Canadiens
Sabres begin season with resounding win over Montreal
'Buffalo used special teams as a catalyst to their success with three power play goals against the Canadiens.' … [Read more...] about Sabres begin season with resounding win over Montreal
Three observations: Sabres win in exciting fashion
'That's the same Kyle Okposo who has worn the same number 21 since the 2015-16 season. Okposo entered his sixth season as a Buffalo Sabre tonight and may have delivered his best performance while wearing a Sabres jersey.' … [Read more...] about Three observations: Sabres win in exciting fashion
Granato: We want to play with 'a lot of passion, a lot of energy'
'"I'm re-assured that they are willing and ready to compete. Their conditioning level I thought was great coming in, then it became getting them into game condition level. They can't do that over the summer time. The physicality is there, and they've competed hard in practice every day. We've had lots of practice time, which is a luxury, and they've taken advantage of it. I'm … [Read more...] about Granato: We want to play with ‘a lot of passion, a lot of energy’
Rick Jeanneret to call 20 games in final season as play-by-play voice of Sabres
'Jeanneret will also have the play-by-play action of the Sabres' weekend matchup with the Arizona Coyotes on Saturday in Downtown Buffalo before taking nearly a month off until his next broadcast on Nov. 13.' … [Read more...] about Rick Jeanneret to call 20 games in final season as play-by-play voice of Sabres
Opinion: Five bold predictions for 2021-22 Sabres season
'Something will get done before Eichel's no-movement clause officially kicks in next offseason.' … [Read more...] about Opinion: Five bold predictions for 2021-22 Sabres season
Three Observations: Sabres open season with 5-1 thrashing of Montreal
'The one place a lack of star power may hurt the most is on the man advantage. But the Sabres went three for six on the power play and didn’t allow a single tally when they were on the penalty kill.' … [Read more...] about Three Observations: Sabres open season with 5-1 thrashing of Montreal