Buffalo News

'"I honestly have no idea there," Smith said of coaching following Thursday's practice in KeyBank Center. "That's not something that's been discussed at this point in time. .... As far as guys that are in COVID protocol right now. I don't know anything about it to tell you the truth. It's not my place to be involved. So I'm going to stay out of that question. I apologize for … [Read more...] about Sabres assistant Steve Smith uncertain about his status, admits ‘there’s fear in everyone’

'"We just got him out of quarantine and we're getting him back to game shape," Appert said Thursday during an interview on WGR Radio. "Certainly with how high of a prospect he is and how young he is, we want to make sure that coming out of quarantine that he's got enough practices under his belt where he's back to game shape and game ready. He'll be in a lineup shortly."' … [Read more...] about Sabres notebook: With OHL still paused, Jack Quinn nears Amerks debut

'“This is an opportunity, I think, as a leader to step up, and take on a bigger role if we're missing guys,” said Eichel after practice at KeyBank Center. “You never know what's going to happen. So, just want to try and help impact this team as positively as I can and help us win games.”' … [Read more...] about Jack Eichel ready to ‘step up’ when shorthanded Sabres’ schedule resumes

'"I mean, we're hockey players. We like playing hockey," Miller said in such a simple answer that meant so much. "And I think that's what we're here to do. Right? So every team is going to be going through the same thing. You've just got to handle it the best we can, come to the rink trying to get your recovery when you can and be ready to play."' … [Read more...] about Mike Harrington: Sabres know lots of hockey is coming on their daunting schedule

'“This is obviously unchartered territory and something we haven’t been through, so at times maybe we’re learning as we go,” said Eichel, the Sabres’ 24-year-old center and third-year captain. “But this is just part of it. We aren’t the only ones dealing with Covid in terms of the NHL. It’s something that’s directly affected the entire universe. It’s tough to say and put the … [Read more...] about With eye toward future, Sabres not blaming NHL or Devils for Covid pause

'The Sabres would have to determine which season ticket holders could attend and what it will do about allowing fans in luxury suites. The organization has to determine ticket and concession policies, with many arenas and stadiums that have opened to fans going mobile and cashless in those areas to cut down on contact points.' … [Read more...] about Cuomo decision on reopening large arenas could be good news for Sabres

'At this point, it feels inevitable that teams won’t make it to the 56-game threshold. Whereas the Scotia North division has been kept relatively insulated from Covid-19 outbreaks, the other three newly crafted divisions cannot say the same. Scheduling compression was already being felt as recently as a week ago, and that was before another wave of positive tests hit the … [Read more...] about Travis Yost’s Sabre Metrics: Will 56 games happen this season? It doesn’t look good

'"The doctors ultimately gave me the comfort (to resume practices) that based on the science and based on the contact tracing and exactly when positive cases had come out or close-contact cases had come out, that they were comfortable,” said Adams, who added that some players and staff are symptomatic. ”The original guidance was that we potentially could have practiced last … [Read more...] about Sabres GM Kevyn Adams: Guidance from NHL led to decision to play Devils

'It looked like a practice, but it felt like training camp in September. You can't suddenly take a full team off the ice for more than a week and expect them to look very good. And remember now, because of this break, this is a team that has only played 10 games in the last 11 months. You're going to have to break out the Rust-Oleum again.' … [Read more...] about Mike Harrington: Kevyn Adams only looking ahead and Sabres’ challenges are daunting

'Reinforcements would be available through the taxi squad – two forwards and two defensemen have been in quarantine with the rest of the active roster since the pause began last Tuesday – and call-ups via Rochester, which played its season opener with only 10 forwards because of injuries and mandatory quarantines. The Amerks added three players on tryout agreements Monday, … [Read more...] about Two more Sabres games postponed after Rasmus Dahlin added to Covid list

'It remains unclear if the team will be able to return to work in time to host the Capitals on Thursday and Saturday.' … [Read more...] about Sabres faced with uncertain restart after adding eighth player to Covid-19 protocol list

'It is notable that the Sabres’ next scheduled game remains Thursday against the Washington Capitals in KeyBank Center. Twelve games were officially rescheduled Saturday morning, including the four immediately impacted by the pause.' … [Read more...] about 12 Sabres game dates changed as Dylan Cozens, Curtis Lazar added to Covid list

'This was an odd comment from Krueger considering Skinner and Eichel were on the ice together for 53 goals at 5-on-5 in 2018-19. Krueger is reluctant to use Skinner in a top-line role, but the Sabres need to try to ignite Skinner’s confidence – he has zero goals on 24 shots this season – and Hall can drive play from the left wing on another line.' … [Read more...] about Inside the Sabres: Jack Eichel, Taylor Hall should skate apart, and other observations amid pause

'There's real fear now, albeit circumstantial rather than scientific evidence, of in-game transmission. Detroit coach Jeff Blashill insists his team was infected by playing Carolina. The Sabres apparently feel likewise about New Jersey, and the NHL Players Association was consulted by the club before Sunday's game here, according to NBCSN's Bob McKenzie.' … [Read more...] about Inside the NHL: Teams could use a pause to beef up Covid protocols

'The league does not differentiate between players who have tested positive and those considered close contacts to others who have positive tests.' … [Read more...] about No new Sabres added to NHL’s Covid protocol list but Devils’ total hits 17