Buffalo News

'After a promising six-game start to the season, this team has suddenly become utterly unwatchable for large stretches of games.' … [Read more...] about Mike Harrington: With offense in crisis, Sabres have taken turn for the worse

'Most of the five Islanders on the ice clogged the middle of the ice, daring the Sabres to force a pass to the slot or settle for a shot from the perimeter. There was no need to focus on offense after seizing another early lead in KeyBank Center.' … [Read more...] about Wraparound: Sabres shut out by Islanders after third-period goal overturned

'They both had 47% Corsi ratings in the game, but the Sabres had 60% of the shots on goal when the pair was on the ice, with the Islanders managing just four in the game against them. Borgen played 14:43, had a key shot block on a penalty kill and was second on the team with three hits. Davidson played 11:36. Neither was on the ice for a goal against in the 3-1 loss.' … [Read more...] about Sabres notebook: Up from taxi squad, Will Borgen, Brandon Davidson give defense a lift

'"Obviously (McCabe and Ristolainen) eat a ton of minutes and (Brandon Montour) as well," Sabres winger Kyle Okposo said. "When three of your top D men are out, that's going to be tough for sure. But I thought our D played well. There’s guys that played bigger minutes. ..."' … [Read more...] about Sabres observations: Mistakes on defense magnified in 3-1 loss to Islanders

'They don't score at 5-on-5, they constantly play from behind (giving up the first goal for the eighth time in 11 games), they get confused on defensive coverages too much and they just don't get enough saves. It also sure seemed, after two weeks off, that they had nothing left in their tanks for the third period.' … [Read more...] about Mike Harrington: No fresh start and more of the same for Sabres

'Rieder, McCabe and Montour each told the media following the morning skate Monday that they battled symptoms after testing positive for Covid-19. The trio rejoined the Sabres in KeyBank Center after clearing the league’s protocols, including a mandatory minimum 10-day isolation and negative test results.' … [Read more...] about Sabres’ Jake McCabe, Brandon Montour, Tobias Rieder return after bout with Covid-19

'"First of all, I didn't want to fall down right after two weeks off," Krueger told reporters on a video call after practice. "So I checked that box. ... Getting out on the ice for a few minutes just gives you so much energy back. You know why you're here. You love the group you're working with and the potential of the group and the individuals. Outstanding to be back on the … [Read more...] about As energy returns after Covid-19 bout, Sabres coach Ralph Krueger thrilled by return

'The Sabres don't have two consecutive off days again until March 14-15, and practice time is going to be at a premium with nine games the rest of February and 16 in March.' … [Read more...] about Sabres Notebook: With packed schedule, practice time will be at a premium

'It’s been well-established that the risk of spreading Covid-19 is greater indoors. The Sabres and several other NHL teams have been coping this month with outbreaks of the virus, which caused the league to remove glass partitions from behind the players’ benches. That will dictate that fans not be seated on the bench side of the building in the 100 level.' … [Read more...] about The Editorial Board: Bringing fans back to KeyBank Center will be test of keeping indoor venues safe

'“I plan on playing,” said Hall. “I think at this point, whether you play a game or not, your first game back is always going to feel maybe a little bit rusty after time off, but there’s no better way to get back into it than to throw yourself in and just play. I think with doctors and the medical staff, we still need to chat a little bit and review some things and all that. … [Read more...] about Taylor Hall back with Sabres after quarantining as result of positive Covid-19 test

'“I look for the green button and when I’m green, I’m a happy guy,” said Smith, who is running Sabres practices while his friend and colleague, head coach Ralph Krueger, recovers from Covid-19. “But I’ve got to tell you, every morning I have a pit in my stomach wondering whether or not it’s going to be my day. There’s no doubt that there’s fear in everyone, that’s for … [Read more...] about Inside the Sabres: Mental health an area of focus during the pandemic

'The only way for the league to get through the pandemic season is to take the time and spend the money for rapid testing on game days. And the new Covid-19 protocols announced last week call for exactly that. Good move, albeit a long overdue one.' … [Read more...] about Inside the NHL: Rapid testing, family spread are the current points of emphasis

'I had started a career transition program through the Olympic Committee, following the Olympics. It was going to come sooner or later, and I wanted to start to educate myself and figure out what I wanted to do after. It had been in the works for a couple of years. I was still all in on playing, but I think that organically, the time was right to move on last year and I got … [Read more...] about New goals: David Leggio shifts from hockey to banking

'Four of Buffalo’s top defensemen are on the Covid protocol list: Rasmus Dahlin, Rasmus Ristolainen, Jake McCabe and Brandon Montour. Five forwards have also been unavailable: Taylor Hall, Dylan Cozens, Curtis Lazar, Tobias Rieder and Casey Mittelstadt. Coach Ralph Krueger is away from the team while recovering from Covid-19.' … [Read more...] about Shorthanded Sabres to receive reinforcements as Covid list remains at 9 players

'Adams, who is amid his first season leading the Sabres' hockey operations, is joined on the advisory group by John Vanbiesbrouck and eight other active general managers: David Poile, Don Waddell, Stan Bowman, Jeff Gorton, Lou Lamoriello, Bill Guerin, Tom Fitzgerald and Bill Zito.' … [Read more...] about Sabres GM Kevyn Adams part of advisory group to assist U.S. Men’s National Team