'Miller, still beloved in Western New York for his heroics with the Buffalo Sabres from 2002-14, needed a few moments to collect his thoughts after watching a tribute video that included well wishes from family, former teammates and coaches and play-by-play announcer Rick Jeanneret.' … [Read more...] about Retiring Ryan Miller: ‘Buffalo is always going to have a big part of my heart’
Buffalo News
Sam Reinhart's successful transition to center strengthens Sabres' depth
'The Sabres suddenly have four dynamic center options for 2021-22: Eichel, Reinhart, Mittelstadt and Dylan Cozens, all of whom were selected in the top 10 in their respective draft. Cody Eakin is under contract through next season, although he has only two goals in 44 games this season. Arttu Ruotsalainen and Rasmus Asplund are possible options at center.' … [Read more...] about Sam Reinhart’s successful transition to center strengthens Sabres’ depth
Sabres rookie Dylan Cozens turns to fighting to try to ignite his own game
'Now opponents may think twice about trying to push around the rookie. Despite handling himself well in two fights this season, Cozens has little experience dropping the gloves. His only scrap in junior hockey occurred in a Western Hockey League preseason game on Sept. 14, 2018, when he fought Sam Pouliot of the Swift Current Broncos.' … [Read more...] about Sabres rookie Dylan Cozens turns to fighting to try to ignite his own game
Observations: Even in defeat, Sabres pleased with UPL's progress in Game 2
'"I have to learn from that. The plays happen so quickly here," Luukkonen said. "You have to be ready. Even though your team might have the puck, the pressure comes hard in this league and the turnover is happening. You can't do anything about it always. You just have to be more ready on those plays."' … [Read more...] about Observations: Even in defeat, Sabres pleased with UPL’s progress in Game 2
The Wraparound: Lafreniere goal hands Luukkonen first loss as Sabres fall to Rangers
'Luukkonen finished the game with 38 saves on 41 shots as the Rangers outshot Buffalo, 41-37, in a wide-open affair. Luukkonen made 19 saves on 20 shots in the second period. New York goalie Igor Shesterkin had an outstanding night with 36 saves, including 16 in a scoreless first period.' … [Read more...] about The Wraparound: Lafreniere goal hands Luukkonen first loss as Sabres fall to Rangers
The curse of Ville Leino? Ten years ago today was Sabres' last playoff game
'Miller was utterly hit or miss as he posted a 2.93/.917 in the seven games. He earned 1-0 shutouts in Game 1 and Game 4 (goals by Patrick Kaleta and Jason Pominville, respectively, won the games). But he also gave up five goals in losses in Games 2 and 6, and four before getting yanked in favor of Jhonas Enroth in Game 7.' … [Read more...] about The curse of Ville Leino? Ten years ago today was Sabres’ last playoff game
It's a work in progress, but Sabres finally seeing results on power play
'When Victor Olofsson scored in Sunday's 6-3 loss to the New York Rangers, it gave Buffalo a power-play goal for the fourth time in six games. The Sabres are 5 for 23 in that stretch, a far cry from the 3-for-52 disaster of the previous 26 games. They scored on the power play in only three of those contests and won only five.' … [Read more...] about It’s a work in progress, but Sabres finally seeing results on power play
Travis Yost's Sabre Metrics: What the numbers show about Casey Mittelstadt's recent surge
'Considering the circumstances, it’s hard to imagine any player would look good in the Sabres lineup right now. But concerns remain over offensive consistency and the ease in which these defenses can push Mittelstadt out toward the perimeter and away from the dangerous areas of the attacking zone. Add that Mittelstadt’s never been a great individual shooter or a strong … [Read more...] about Travis Yost’s Sabre Metrics: What the numbers show about Casey Mittelstadt’s recent surge
Observations: Mistakes on defense cost Sabres in loss to open road trip
'Defense remains a priority for Granato, though. Pressuring opponents is an effective way to regain possession. And while the Sabres rank last in the NHL in shots allowed per game since March 31, Granato’s preferred method of defensive-zone coverage has limited the sort of high-danger scoring chances that were common in Ralph Krueger’s final days as coach.' … [Read more...] about Observations: Mistakes on defense cost Sabres in loss to open road trip
The Wraparound: Sabres' comeback falls short after ugly first period at MSG
'The Sabres (13-29-7) could have moved out of last place in the National Hockey League with a win and New Jersey Devils regulation loss. Instead, Buffalo dropped to 7-6-2 since snapping a franchise-record 18-game winless streak March 31.' … [Read more...] about The Wraparound: Sabres’ comeback falls short after ugly first period at MSG
Don Granato opting to go young with Sabres' defense corps
'But the final weeks of the season have been about looking at prospects, and the Sabres have gone with a kiddie corps on defense – with an average age of 22.7 years...'. … [Read more...] about Don Granato opting to go young with Sabres’ defense corps
Inside the NHL: Dustin Tokarski has fond memories of historic AHL run
'That Norfolk team set a professional hockey record with a 28-game winning streak and you should have seen the smile on Tokarski's face when I asked him his memories of that streak, which only ended due to the close of the regular season.' … [Read more...] about Inside the NHL: Dustin Tokarski has fond memories of historic AHL run
45 words at center of Cuomo-Poloncarz dispute over stadium vaccination requirement
'“No directive shall be extended or modified to the extent that such directive prohibits the adoption by any municipality of this state a local executive order within such municipality’s existing power except where such an order conflicts with any executive order issued by the state.”' … [Read more...] about 45 words at center of Cuomo-Poloncarz dispute over stadium vaccination requirement
Latest chapter in Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen's 'journey:' Securing a Sabres win
'Luukkonen’s teammates helped and hurt him at times. The Sabres (13-28-7) backed him with five consecutive goals, capped by Sam Reinhart’s second of the game. A young defense corps helped sweep away Luukkonen’s rebounds and prevented the Bruins from earning quality scoring chances from the middle.' … [Read more...] about Latest chapter in Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen’s ‘journey:’ Securing a Sabres win
Luukkonen's debut victory is a silver lining moment for a tough Sabres season
'Now, let's not go all Dominik Hasek or Ryan Miller here after the big Finn beat the Boston Bruins in his NHL debut. Keep in mind that Luukkonen is 22 and will probably spend the bulk of next season in Rochester. Yes, I said next season.' … [Read more...] about Luukkonen’s debut victory is a silver lining moment for a tough Sabres season