Buffalo News

'Asked after practice Tuesday in Chicago if he’s close to being able to play without the shield, Cozens started out by saying, “Yeah, I’m hoping to get rid of it,” but you knew he had more to say when he didn’t completely stop talking and added an “umm, now” to the answer. “We’ll see what happens,” Cozens said with a laugh, knowing he had let a cat out of its bag with his … [Read more...] about Facing the issue: Sabres center Dylan Cozens battling through trouble caused by wearing full face shield

'“Pacioretty obviously went through it last year, and he’s been great to me,” said Quinn. “He’s reached out a bunch and helped me out with the process. Just told me what he’s gone through and gave me a lot of advice, so that’s one guy. With something like this, when I did it, I didn’t really know it was a possibility. It was all new and just gathering all of the information … [Read more...] about Jack Quinn skates with the Sabres for the first time since frustrating Achilles injury

'Wednesday night’s matchup against the streaking Washington Capitals in Capital One Arena will mark Benson’s ninth game of his rookie season. After that, the Sabres have a decision to make: They will either keep Benson – who has played very well in a top-6 forward role the last two games – and burn the first year of his entry-level contract, or send him back to junior hockey … [Read more...] about As Sabres’ decision looms, Zach Benson sticks with his next-game mentality

'Sunday in United Center – when too many of their forwards were oddly scuffling against a lousy team that won’t be that way too much longer – Dahlin was the best player in the building for 60 minutes.' … [Read more...] about Mike Harrington: At Sabres’ early crisis point, Rasmus Dahlin is making point of carrying team

'"I saw some ice, took it and just tried to drive wide and elevate the puck and get it to the net as quick as I could," Johnson said. "Thankfully it was able to go in. We weren't at our best tonight and you know you're not always going to be at your best and you've still got to find a way to win the game."' … [Read more...] about Observations: Erik Johnson makes the play Sabres need to secure win over Blackhawks

'Peterka entered Sunday tied with Jeff Skinner for the team lead in goals (7) and one behind Skinner and Casey Mittelstadt for the team lead in points with 12. He’s also carrying the best rating on a club at plus-4.' … [Read more...] about Sabres Notebook: JJ Peterka can take a huge jump on offense in Tage Thompson’s absence

'The Sabres are one of several teams that have been in regular contact with Kane. The real question is how interested he is in them at this point of his career, when chasing another Stanley Cup could have far more significance to him than money.' … [Read more...] about Roundtable: Debating the pursuit of Patrick Kane and the Sabres’ role in it

'"Our guys finally decided to wake up and compete harder instead of waiting," Granato said after the Sabres dominated the third period but couldn't pull even in a 3-2 loss to the Winnipeg Jets. "I had a message for them that was unlike their normal message you'd get after a period. I liked the way they responded, but it's not what I say."' … [Read more...] about Observations: Granato has his say and Sabres rally, but fall short in Winnipeg

'“It’s definitely nice,” captain Kyle Okposo said Friday before the Sabres’ game against the Winnipeg Jets in Canada Life Centre. “Nice to get on the road, get some camaraderie and do some things you wouldn’t normally do, things you wouldn’t do at home.”' … [Read more...] about Sabres go West as three-game set marks first team bonding trip of the season

'“It’s a coach’s decision now,” Tuch told reporters after he skated in a yellow, noncontact jersey. “I feel good and ready. It’s something that took a little bit longer than I originally anticipated, but it’s a long season. It was something that we didn’t want to flare up again. We just wanted to make sure to keep it under control. … Just wanted to be 100 percent. It was really … [Read more...] about Alex Tuch, Zach Benson likely to return to Sabres’ lineup at start of road trip

'It would be weak of me to waffle only 16 games into the season, so yes, I’ll stick to my prediction the Sabres will secure a wild-card spot. The odds are stacked against them, though. Missing Thompson for 15-20 games is a massive blow to their playoff chances. This team already was struggling to replicate the fast-paced, aggressive style of play that made it one of the NHL’s … [Read more...] about Sabres Mailbag: Is Tage Thompson’s injury a season killer? Would Patrick Kane help?

'Mittelstadt has been among the Sabres’ top players during their 7-8-1 start this season with three goals and 13 points. His 39 even-strength points in 49 games dating to Feb. 1 were tied for seventh in the NHL entering play Wednesday. He’s excellent at protecting the puck and creating space for his linemates to score, and he showed late last season that he can succeed while … [Read more...] about Sabres notebook: Dylan Cozens, Casey Mittelstadt must ‘step up’ at center

'The Sabres will be without Thompson for a “significant” amount of time because of the injury, coach Don Granato revealed to reporters. The puck hit Thompson on the left wrist as he tried to prevent Charlie McAvoy’s shot from reaching Buffalo’s net with the Sabres trailing by four goals and killing a penalty in the second period.' … [Read more...] about Observations: Tage Thompson’s long-term injury another problem for Sabres

'Okposo’s impact on hockey will be echoed throughout the careers of the players he’s helped along the way. His empathy, honesty, kindness and perspective have made him beloved by Sabres players and staff since he arrived in Buffalo in July 2016. He chaired the search committee that led the NHL Players’ Association to hire former U.S. Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh as its … [Read more...] about 1,000 games into an NHL career, Sabres captain Kyle Okposo continues to help others

'“We haven’t found our game yet,” Okposo shared with reporters ahead of his 1,000th NHL regular-season game Tuesday night. “We need to get back to doing what makes us successful. We’ve got to stop trying to be like everybody else. We’ve got to be like us. That’s when we’re powerful and that’s when we’re at our best. … Everybody in the room knows we can be better and we’re going … [Read more...] about Sabres’ inconsistent start reveals need for an impactful call-up or external upgrade