Buffalo News

'His return wasn’t the only dose of good news for Lindy Ruff and the Sabres. Zach Benson skated with the team for the first time since a lower-body injury prevented him from playing in the final game in Czechia. Benson was back with linemates Dylan Cozens and Jack Quinn and received time with one of the power-play units, though Jiri Kulich also took turns in case he needs to … [Read more...] about JJ Peterka, Zach Benson optimistic they will be in Sabres’ lineup for home opener

'Some of it was by necessity, with injuries knocking JJ Peterka and Zach Benson out of the lineup and thus off the power play Saturday. But there’s urgency to fix this part of the Sabres’ game heading into Thursday’s home opener against the Los Angeles Kings. Buffalo was 29th in the NHL last season and did itself no favors at the start of this campaign.' … [Read more...] about In return home from Europe, Sabres put in lots of extra time on power play prep

'“Big loss because that line we really like,” Ruff said. “That line was great energy with scoring goals, was the type of line that I think almost any team would embrace when you’re putting a fourth line out that’s physical. ... heavy on the body, had some massive hits in the preseason. Even had massive hits inside those games (in Prague). So it’s a loss. You deal with it. … [Read more...] about Sabres Notebook: Timetable for Nicolas Aube-Kubel’s return is 3-6 weeks after injury in Prague

'That effort will be a big part of what phase two of upgrades will look like. At this point, the team is still auditing the building and evaluating the “street to seat” experience, Guelli said.' … [Read more...] about New videoboard just the beginning of revamping KeyBank Center

'So the first point to make after the Sabres’ dismal weekend in Prague is not to go all Doomsday on a season that just started. There’s a lot to worry about for sure, but many of those same concerns would be the same had the Sabres gone 1-1 on the trip, which they would have done had they simply won the third period on Saturday. Still, if that split had taken place, there … [Read more...] about Mike Harrington: It’s not time to panic about the Sabres, but two tough home games loom

'The Ducks had a need in goal with starter John Gibson down due to an appendectomy and reached out to pluck Reimer, 36, off the Buffalo roster. Reimer was 11-8-2 with a 3.11 goals-against average and .904 save percentage last season in 25 games for the Detroit Red Wings.' … [Read more...] about Sabres lose goalie James Reimer on waivers to Anaheim

'The Sabres outshot the Devils 19-7 at 5-on-5 when Greenway was on the ice, and they had 73.6% of the shot attempts, according to Natural Stat Trick. A first-line role wasn’t what Ruff envisioned for Greenway before training camp began last month. He started on the right wing next to offseason acquisitions Ryan McLeod and Jason Zucker, but Greenway showed, at least for one … [Read more...] about What we learned from the Sabres’ pair of losses in Prague

'The Sabres managed to score first despite sending out a short-handed lineup, but a series of mistakes in the third period allowed the Devils to roar back and take the lead and caused Buffalo to head home with a 3-1 loss.' … [Read more...] about Sabres takeaways: JJ Peterka’s injury looms large as Devils complete sweep in Prague

'They traveled to Czechia’s capital city from across Europe, including places such as Portugal and England, where ice rinks are scarce, and any mention of Sabres would raise eyebrows or conjure “Star Wars” references, and as far away as the Pacific Northwest.' … [Read more...] about Sabres fans travel to Prague from across the globe to cheer on Buffalo: ‘This is our year!’

'Much like the spot Matt Savoie was in last year with the Sabres, Musty really could stand to get the opportunity to play in the AHL. But at 20, he can’t go there yet because of the NHL/CHL agreement. And that’s a shame in this case.' … [Read more...] about Inside the NHL: Sharks give Hamburg’s Quentin Musty marching orders on way back to OHL

'Tops has become the official grocer of the Sabres, renewing a partnership that went on for nearly two decades, but ended seven years ago as the grocer struggled with a massive debt load and fell into bankruptcy. The two entities previously collaborated from 1999 until 2017.' … [Read more...] about Sabres, Tops rekindle partnership for upcoming season

'Once the first period was underway, though, the Sabres’ performance reminded fans of forgettable games in Buffalo not long ago. Despite having a different coach behind the bench, Lindy Ruff, and a revamped lineup with several offseason additions, the same mistakes that cost them a playoff spot for a 13th consecutive year reared their ugly head.' … [Read more...] about Sabres takeaways: Early deficit dooms Sabres in 4-1 loss in Prague to open the season

'It’s been a great learning experience. Get a lot of time in all departments that have to do with goaltending, so that’s been good. I’m also thankful to work with a lot of great people. Mike Grier, former Sabre as GM, (Thomas) Vanek is a scout. In my role, I blend amateur scouting, pro scouting and development. I get to see a lot of goalies. Even Todd Marchant is from Buffalo, … [Read more...] about Q&A with Ryan Miller during his trip to Prague: ‘We want to keep the Sabres culture strong’

'“I wanted to be around with other people that were possibly interested in the event, seeing how everybody else’s reaction is to get ready for next week,” said Chris Williams, a financial planner and Sabres season ticket holder, already looking forward to the first game in Buffalo.' … [Read more...] about Buffalo Sabres fans kick off new season at Seneca One tower

'“It’s cool to be starting as the opening goalie, but the game Friday matters as much, hopefully, as the last game of the season and mentally it’s the same,” Luukkonen told The Buffalo News following practice Thursday in O2 Arena. “You need to perform. Nothing is given, everything is earned. It doesn’t matter what game it is. You’ve got to be ready.”' … [Read more...] about Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen finally broke through. Now, he’s driven to be even better for Sabres