Buffalo News

'“It’s something the whole world looks forward to, us included,” Eichel said in KeyBank Center. “In terms of trying to grow our game, I think it could have been a good opportunity for us and usually is. I think it’s a good way to bring our country together.' … [Read more...] about Sabres Notebook: Olympic thoughts; Okposo still ill

'The Sabres certainly weren’t ready for the opening shift. Or the second. Or the third. Just fill in any number, and odds are great the Sabres weren’t ready for that shift.' … [Read more...] about Sabres pull disappearing act as Nylander makes debut

'“It’s kind of crazy that I’m going to play against my brother in my first game,” Nylander said before taking on William Nylander and the Toronto Maple Leafs. “He’s helped me a lot since he came last year halfway through the season to the NHL. He’s just helping me try to develop as much in the AHL and just be ready when this moment comes.”' … [Read more...] about Sabres’ Nylander gets early chance to show his skill

'The Sabres were outshot, 18-2, in a first period that ended with them in a 3-0 hole. They gave up 33 shot attempts and took only 11. They lost 15 of 21 faceoffs. It was the kind of performance that gets coaches fired. The kind that gets GMs sent out the door too. The kind that should get the owner speaking out to apologize to the fans for the sham they've been sold.' … [Read more...] about Mike Harrington: This was tank-era hideous hockey

'According to Elias Sports, that makes the Toronto Maple Leafs the second team in NHL history to feature three rookies with 60-plus points joining the 1980-81 Quebec Nordiques.' … [Read more...] about Sabres Notebook: Toronto’s trio of rookies making history

'The Leafs built their advantage to 26-5 late in the second before heading to the break with a 29-8 edge.' … [Read more...] about Quick hits: Maple Leafs 4, Sabres 2

'“He’s got a high skill level,” said Sabres center and former Rochester teammate Evan Rodrigues. “He got drafted high for that reason, and that’s what he’s going to bring to the table. He’s going to bring a skill set. He’s going to bring an offensive game.' … [Read more...] about Sabres’ Smith gets assist in NHL debut; Nylander up next

'Every Matthews visit means Jack Eichel has to step up his game. The loss to the Isles was not one of Eichel's better days as he was pointless with a minus-2 rating, including the turnover that led to Ho-Sang's goal. It's the first time he's gone two straight games without a point since Jan. 31 and Feb. 2, and he seemed sluggish and not nearly as explosive as he has been of … [Read more...] about Mike Harrington: Visit by Leafs, Nylander callup should make for a manic Monday

'“As a player and as a coach, he demands that respect right away,” the Sabres winger said Sunday. “You respected him as a player and a person, so it’s easy to respect him as a coach and listen to what he has to say. You know what he’s saying to you is thought out and coming from a place of great intelligence.”' … [Read more...] about Sabres Notebook: Moulson impressed with Weight; Tavares done

'"We deserved a better fate," Lehner said. "I have to be better."' … [Read more...] about Quick hits: Islanders 4, Sabres 2

'"I don't really like watching. You can't do much. You want to be there with the guys," Ristolainen said. "Actually most of the time I was working out during the game but I was watching the power play. It's easier when you watch and actually they played pretty well."' … [Read more...] about A rested Rasmus Ristolainen ready to return to the Sabres lineup

'"It's going to be a real good opportunity for him to show what he can do," Bylsma said of Smith. "We've seen him the last two days in practice and he's got some speed and jump to his game. I really kind of noted his puck skills and his tenaciousness on the puck. He's not a big guy and he's not going to be fooling anyone out there with his size, but I've liked the way in … [Read more...] about Sabres Notebook: With Okposo still out, Smith will make his NHL debut

'“The real reason I came to Buffalo was I found out that you get 24 beers for half the price that you could in Canada,” he said.' … [Read more...] about Inside the Sabres: At age 80, hockey is still funny business for Harry Neale

'"His biggest asset is his passion for the game. He loves to play. He seems to get more consistent every year. He's improving with every year and that's a good sign that his upside is yet to be determined."' … [Read more...] about New Sabre C.J. Smith developed a two-game at UMass-Lowell

'Byslma should get at least another season. Tim Murray has done a miserable job of assembling a defense and deserves a big share of the blame for the Sabres' disappointing season. If he fires Bylsma, his seat only gets hotter.' … [Read more...] about Sully’s Mailbag: Whose seat is hotter, Bylsma or Whaley?