Buffalo News

'The first postseason miss in Vegas franchise history would sure be one delicious bit of irony in the eyes of Buffalo fans, and don't forget about how that would impact the Sabres come summer at the NHL draft. The Sabres own Vegas' first-round pick, and the Golden Knights missing the playoffs could land the Buffalo pick in the Nos. 10-15 range, when you were reasonably thinking … [Read more...] about Mike Harrington: Jack Eichel is glad it’s over after tough night on the ice, in the stands

'"It's a great moment to take it and just enjoy it," said Anderson, 40. "You just don't know how the game is going to go. You don't know how the night, what the future holds. But you try to stay in the moment as best you can and take it all in. And that's pretty much what you do in those types of situations."' … [Read more...] about Sabres’ Craig Anderson becomes sixth U.S.-born goalie to 300 wins

'Eichel did, however, strike a bit of a different tone during an exclusive interview with ESPN that was taped last week in Las Vegas and was released on Wednesday. In that interview, he said he felt the Sabres were "toying" with him when they didn't trade him last summer and complained that the club stripped him of his captaincy in a phone call from General Manager Kevyn Adams … [Read more...] about Jack Eichel on return to Buffalo: ‘No bitterness in me whatsoever’

'"These are games that are going to have a lot of eyes on," Tuch said. "So I hope that guys feel a little bit of the pressure, but I hope that they learn from it. They've also got to know that once the puck is dropped, you've got to just focus on the game. It doesn't matter if there's a million people in the building or zero, or a million viewers or zero viewers, you got to … [Read more...] about Mike Harrington: How will Sabres react to all the eyes on them the next two games?

'The complete national television schedule was announced in mid-September, nearly two months before Eichel was traded to Vegas. So it's simply coincidental the highly anticipated game will not be on MSG, where you would imagine it would have drawn the best rating of the season.' … [Read more...] about If you want to watch Jack Eichel’s return on TV, it’s ESPN+/Hulu or bust

'“When you initially go to Roswell, it’s eye opening,” said Eichel. “The first time you’re there, you’re seeing these young kids and the things they’re going through, and the state that they’re in, you wouldn’t want to see anyone like that and going through what they’re going through. You think about when I was a kid, I didn’t have to do this. He doesn’t get to go to recess … [Read more...] about How the ‘Jack Eichel effect’ continues at Roswell Park after his exit from the Sabres

'Eichel was given too much pull far too soon in his career to influence the firing of coach Dan Bylsma, was handed an $80 million contract at age 20 and the captaincy at 21. Fans clearly feel they didn't get enough payback, and the owners probably do, too.' … [Read more...] about Mike Harrington: Here’s hoping Sabres fans don’t boo former Captain Jack

'"To me, there were lots of simple stuff offensively or transition wise that we didn’t execute, and it really showed with our inability to convert when we had really good chances to convert," coach Don Granato said. "It adds up. ... That team doesn’t stop."' … [Read more...] about Observations: Sabres fall apart, allow 4 goals in second period of 6-1 loss

'Sabres fans are clamoring for both to play more games in Buffalo, but the challenge is finding roster spots for them. Entering Monday, the Sabres had the maximum 23 players on their active roster and three on injured reserve are close to returning: forward Zemgus Girgensons and defensemen Colin Miller and Will Butcher.' … [Read more...] about Sabres facing roster crunch with Zemgus Girgensons, Colin Miller close

'There wasn’t a substantive update on Tuch’s condition after the game. Initial testing revealed no concussion, but imaging was needed to determine if there was any structural damage to the shoulder, said Granato. The Sabres needed every difference-making forward against an opponent that played shutdown defense as soon as it took a 1-0 lead with 3:05 remaining in the second … [Read more...] about Observations: Collision sidelines Alex Tuch in final minutes of Sabres’ loss

'"We have to continue to mold our identity," right winger Kyle Okposo said. "We have to continue to mold the framework of our game so we can try and play that way all the time. That's just the NHL. ... You have to find your strengths and you have to play them because if you try to play somebody else's game, more often than not, you're going to lose unless you're one of the two … [Read more...] about Mike Harrington: A loss to learn from on and off the ice at the start of Sabres’ big week

'Anderson’s historic production is remarkable, considering how it all began. He was winless in 15 straight games for the rebuilding Blackhawks, found himself claimed on waivers three times during the 2005-06 season and didn’t receive a starting opportunity until the age of 28, when he appeared in 71 of 82 games for the Colorado Avalanche.' … [Read more...] about Craig Anderson closing in on 300th win after ‘tough start’ to ‘remarkable’ career

'Iafallo had dozens of family and friends at KeyBank Center when he played his first game against the Sabres in Buffalo in February 2017. He isn’t sure how big the postgame greeting party will be Sunday, but estimated there will be “quite a few” on hand.' … [Read more...] about Eden’s Alex Iafallo a key player in Kings’ push for a playoff spot

'Skinner was howling in celebration after his tying goal and Dylan Cozens was waving good-bye to players on the Minnesota bench after a large scrum following the final horn. A feisty game included Casey Fitzgerald's third-period fight with Mason Shaw that energized the Sabres and ended in near chaos after Minnesota defenseman Jared Spurgeon slashed Rasmus Dahlin. Cozens and … [Read more...] about Observations: Late heroics by Jeff Skinner send Sabres past Wild

'The Sabres’ medical staff will evaluate Girgensons following practice in the coming days to assess his recovery. He has yet to be cleared for contact, and a timeline for his return isn’t known.' … [Read more...] about Sabres Notebook: Zemgus Girgensons nearing return after extended absence