'Cozens’ evolution into a consistent, playmaking center required patience and harnessing his disgust for losing. When the Sabres were short on experienced centers last season, Granato chose to use Cozens against the other team’s top players. Some difficult lessons were learned along the way. He was trying to win faceoffs and puck battles against the best in the world.' … [Read more...] about Sabres center Dylan Cozens working to ‘earn’ respect when facing NHL’s best
Archives for November 2, 2022
After slow start and short break, Sabres rookie Jack Quinn starting to catch fire
'“He can recalibrate and figure it out,” Granato said hours before Quinn scored his first goal this season in Monday’s 8-3 shellacking of the Detroit Red Wings at KeyBank Center. “It’s amazing how he came back in the lineup. He looks like a new player with new energy."' … [Read more...] about After slow start and short break, Sabres rookie Jack Quinn starting to catch fire
Thompson’s historic night further showcases Sabres’ early success
'“It was a great pass by Skinny. I knew as soon as he got it he was looking for me coming down the slot there,” recalled Thompson of the goal that earned him the hat trick. “Those are one of the goals where you just don’t know what you’re doing. You just black out.”' … [Read more...] about Thompson’s historic night further showcases Sabres’ early success
Wednesday's Pittsburgh Coverage
Penguins take 5-game losing streak into matchup with the Sabres (AP) Game Preview: 11.02.22 at BUF (PittsburghPenguins.com) … [Read more...] about Wednesday’s Pittsburgh Coverage
Thompson takes flight at centre for Sabres
'Enter Don Granato, who permanently moved Thompson from the wing to centre at the start of the 2020-21 season. We see positional moves – though usually it goes inside-out – all the time at the NHL level, but this change played out very differently. Thompson is emerging as a top-six centre.' … [Read more...] about Thompson takes flight at centre for Sabres
Rasmus Dahlin enters the Norris Trophy conversation
'The Sabres had three head coaches in Dahlin’s first three years, finally finding some stability in Don Granato during a time when stability in the world was at its lowest during a global pandemic. This helped Dahlin begin to unlock the potential he had. It just took some deprogramming of bad habits from what the previous coaches had previously instilled.' … [Read more...] about Rasmus Dahlin enters the Norris Trophy conversation
Sabres had good October, but not watching standings
'First off, Rasmus Dahlin has improved his game even more. He worked on his shot and he gets it off quicker, and it’s also harder.' … [Read more...] about Sabres had good October, but not watching standings
Granato: Guys on top line getting better together
'“The guys have been really good back there," Granato said. "The demand is heavy, because there’s a lot of experience that needs to be gained. So we’re going to be challenged."' … [Read more...] about Granato: Guys on top line getting better together
Hamilton Take2: Sabres show promise with fast start
'Don’t bring up the standings with Don Granato because he says he pays no attention. Granato’s attention since the day he moved into the head coach's office has been today and today only. He has so much confidence in his players on and off the ice that he thinks if you win today, the results will fall right into place.' … [Read more...] about Hamilton Take2: Sabres show promise with fast start
Quinn taking game to 'new level' after early-season adjustments
'"He has reached another level, probably a couple," Granato said. "It's a credit to him, his talent. A little bit miraculous where he looked like things were challenging him in different areas, offensively and defensively."' … [Read more...] about Quinn taking game to ‘new level’ after early-season adjustments
Wednesday's Rochester Coverage
Simplicity is key among D core chaos (Amerks.com) Amerks Week 3 round-up: Redemption in Laval, reinforcements arrive at the blueline (Amerks.com) … [Read more...] about Wednesday’s Rochester Coverage