Buffalo News

'“With everything going on in the world today, you would think there would be a decline, but sales are strong and they’re even stronger when Buffalo teams are doing better,” Marasciulo said. “When there is an ugly loss, the topic of conversation with people at the store is, ‘It was a rough game, I don’t know if I should buy this?’”' … [Read more...] about Buffalo sports teams winning doesn’t make holiday sales, but they sure do help

'The Sabres’ .453 points percentage through 32 games is the third-worst mark in the Eastern Conference. They beat the best team in the NHL one night earlier, the defending Stanley Cup champion Vegas Golden Knights, only to lose a game in which they generated enough scoring opportunities to win.' … [Read more...] about Observations: Sabres suffer another ‘frustrating’ loss after UPL’s game-changing mistake

'Across 21 games, Benson has four goals and 10 points while averaging 14:59 of ice time per game. His presence became even more important for Buffalo when it had to place winger Jeff Skinner on injured reserve Thursday. And, for those wondering how Benson feels about the decision, rest assured that he’s thrilled to be in the NHL less than six months after he was drafted 13th … [Read more...] about Zach Benson’s latest heroics show why Sabres elected to not send him to World Juniors

'Buffalo (13-15-3) delivered a complete performance after its brutal loss Wednesday night in Colorado to the Avalanche, but it wouldn't have happened without the stellar goaltending of Devon Levi, who made 32 saves against Vegas. Mittelstadt added his second goal, an empty-netter, to secure the win.' … [Read more...] about Devon Levi stellar in Sabres’ stunning win over defending Cup champions

'“I think he’s [capable of] more than just playing on the fourth line, killing penalties. Sees the ice really well and has offensive talent. Really composed with the puck. For me, at least, I hope they can get him in more of an offensive position because he’s a pretty damn good player.”' … [Read more...] about Still on Sabres’ fourth line, Peyton Krebs doing whatever it takes to ‘evolve’

'Benson departing Buffalo became even more unlikely during the 5-1 loss to Colorado when Sabres winger Jeff Skinner was lost to an upper-body injury. The team placed Skinner on injured reserve Thursday and recalled winger Brett Murray. Skinner is tied with JJ Peterka for the team lead in goals (12) and is tied for second in points (22).' … [Read more...] about Sabres notes: Zach Benson will be needed in Buffalo’s top six with Jeff Skinner on IR

'It began one of the Sabres’ worst periods through 30 games this season. They were down three goals before they even had a shot on goal. For whatever reason, none of their forwards or defensemen followed the game plan that helped Buffalo build a three-game point streak, including wins over Boston and Arizona.' … [Read more...] about Another lopsided first period dooms Sabres in loss to Avalanche in Colorado

'His 717 regular-season games between 2011 and 2023 rank eighth in franchise history. Only one defenseman has played more NHL games for the Avalanche or Quebec Nordiques: Adam Foote.' … [Read more...] about A mentor for young Sabres, Erik Johnson celebrated for ‘huge’ role in Avs’ Cup win

'The Sabres have averaged a 5.0 rating for the 26 games carried on MSG and the one on TNT. That’s in the range of last season’s average of 5.4, which was up 38% from the 3.9 rating the games averaged in the 2021-22.' … [Read more...] about Alan Pergament: Buffalo Sabres TV ratings are in ballpark of last season’s numbers

'Now Luukkonen is healthy and ready to reclaim the Buffalo Sabres’ goal crease Wednesday night in Colorado. Goaltending was supposed to be a real problem for the Sabres this season, not a good one. Their two young guys are turning it into that.' … [Read more...] about Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen’s return gives Sabres another strong option in goal

'Captain Kyle Okposo and newcomer Eric Robinson easily earned their wings around center Peyton Krebs, with Okposo and Robinson collecting three points apiece in a solid 5-2 win over the Arizona Coyotes in KeyBank Center.' … [Read more...] about Observations: Kyle Okposo, Eric Robinson earn their wings as Sabres roll past Arizona

'“It was a special moment. Firstborn, you hear a lot of stories. I didn’t really know what to expect,” Tuch said. “All I can say is my wife is a warrior. Twenty-seven hours of labor and ended up having an emergency C-section. You never know what’s gonna happen when you go in there and she was unbelievable."' … [Read more...] about A whirlwind few days for Sabres’ winger Alex Tuch: Birth of son, imminent return to the lineup

'The Sabres went 3-0 on that trip last year but this clearly won’t be easy, even if Buffalo gets Alex Tuch and Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen back in the lineup. The Coyotes are the biggest surprise in the Central Division while the Avalanche and Flying Jack Eichels lead the Central and Pacific, respectively.' … [Read more...] about Mike Harrington: Sabres are finally finding their game but they better start finding some wins, too

'Yet, one area of their play wasn’t good enough and cost them their second win streak of the season: an ineffective power play that went 0 for 5 while challenging goalie Cayden Primeau with 10 shots on goal.' … [Read more...] about Observations: Sabres’ power-play struggles loom large after shootout loss

'Levi was told by the league’s hockey operations department that he can no longer kneel in the area in front of his net because the crews need to be able to clean the ice. He countered with a possible compromise, but was quickly told to take his routine elsewhere.' … [Read more...] about Sabres notes: NHL forces goalie Devon Levi to move meditation routine out of slot