Buffalo News

'“The past 13 years have been pretty tough,” said Killian, 38, of the Town of Tonawanda, who’s gone to games since he was 7 and the team played at Memorial Auditorium. “I keep telling myself the next season is going to be better. It’s got to be better.”' … [Read more...] about Some ‘suffering’ Sabres fans not ready to give up on season tickets, but others have

'The issues that plagued the Sabres all season reared their ugly head during their must-win games in the final weeks, though. They had too many bad first periods, not enough power-play goals and never looked like the offensive juggernaut that ranked third in the NHL in goals scored while compiling 91 standings points in 2022-23.' … [Read more...] about GM Kevyn Adams has his sights set on an experienced coach to lead the Sabres

'This firing seems a little different though. There is utter desperation within this organization to break this 13-year playoff drought that is unmatched in NHL annals and a civic embarrassment of the highest order.' … [Read more...] about Mike Harrington: The drought was too long for Don Granato to survive. Pegula, Adams had no choice

'The Sabres took too long to fix their bad starts to games. They allowed 97 goals in the first period and finished with a negative-30 goal differential in the opening frame of games this season. Their 7-21-1 record when allowing two or more goals in the first period was a troubling trend, particularly in the first half of the season.' … [Read more...] about Observations: Don Granato mum on job status after Sabres finish season with win

'“It’s definitely been a tough year for me,” Cozens told The Buffalo News following the Sabres’ morning skate Monday. “Honestly, not even close to what I wanted, and I know that. I just know I have way more to give, and I can be way better.”' … [Read more...] about Dylan Cozens plans to use disappointing season as fuel to be difference-maker for Sabres

'And the Amerks’ lineup got even better recently with the addition of 2023 second-round pick Anton Wahlberg from Sweden. The 18-year-old power forward has a goal and three assists in six games. He’s a skilled, 6-foot-3 forward who can play center or wing – though he’s skated only at the latter in Rochester. And his skill set is an ideal complement to the plethora of speed and … [Read more...] about Sabres notebook: Anton Wahlberg making instant impact for surging Amerks

'They need to manage situations in games the way they did Saturday night. It was only the second time since Dec. 23 that Buffalo earned a point by losing in overtime or a shootout. The Sabres’ 38 wins are more than the Metropolitan Division’s third-place New York Islanders (37), but the latter is in a playoff spot because they have 16 loser points. The standings would look … [Read more...] about Observations: Sabres’ OT loss to Panthers a reminder that loser points matter

'Then Quinn wrecked his ankle in the January win at San Jose and needed surgery. He will play only 27 games this season and you see the glimpses of what he was going to be for the season. He’s on a 26-goal pace even with several games just to get up to speed. No stretch to say Quinn could have been a 30- to 35-goal scorer this year if healthy.' … [Read more...] about Inside the NHL: A look at 13 moments that led to Year 13 of Sabres’ playoff drought

'The Sabres finished above .500 at KeyBank Center (21-19-1) for the first time since 2019-20. They won nine of their last 12 in Buffalo and finished with a plus-7 goal differential on home ice, a vast improvement from the negative-18 from last season.' … [Read more...] about Observations: Jack Quinn, Dylan Cozens score in third to help Sabres win home finale

'What should Thursday have been in KeyBank Center? Probably the most important hockey game the Buffalo Sabres have played downtown since the failed playoff race of 2012.' … [Read more...] about Mike Harrington: Fan Appreciation Night and this whole season should have meant so much more for Sabres

'Vancouver defenseman Tyler Myers is the only player remaining in the league to have suited up in a playoff game for the Sabres. Myers, now 34, was traded in 2015 and is nine games away from playing in the 1,000th of his career.' … [Read more...] about Mike Harrington: As they enter home finale, Sabres’ playoff drought has now become a teenager

'“We’re a young team and that shouldn’t be an excuse anymore,” said Dahlin, an alternate captain. “We are looking ourselves in the mirror and we have to be better, so this is something we have to learn from this season and make sure it doesn’t happen again. We want to do something special in Buffalo and everyone is on the train. This summer is going to be very, very important … [Read more...] about Observations: Sabres’ playoff drought officially reaches 13 years with loss in Dallas

'“It’s tough, obviously,” Power recalled, his voice muffled by the stitches. “You don’t want to leave the game at any time and not come back, but especially big games like that. When we’re down, it definitely hurts a little more, but it was just bad luck and nothing you can do about it.”' … [Read more...] about Sabres notebook: Owen Power ‘pushed through’ inconsistent play to earn top-pair role

'The Sabres were without Jacob Bryson and Owen Power for the final 6:08 of regulation Sunday in Detroit when they failed to mount a comeback against the Red Wings and lost 3-1 in Little Caesars Arena.' … [Read more...] about Injuries on defense cause Sabres to cancel practice as city of Dallas prepares for eclipse

'The red flags that have emerged since October suggest that the Sabres need a new voice, though. Young forwards are repeating the same mistakes. They are 7-21-1 when allowing two more goals in the first period, and they’ve allowed a league-worst 93 goals in the first period of games this season.' … [Read more...] about Sabres mailbag: Inconsistent play raises more questions about Don Granato’s future