Buffalo News

'“He made sure everyone continued to believe,” Czechia coach Patrik Augusta said of Kulich after he helped his teammates score six consecutive goals to defeat Finland, 8-5, and medal at the tournament for a second straight year. “Even if they made mistakes, he kept telling them it was possible. The guys on the bench were discouraged after the fifth goal, but there was still … [Read more...] about Jiri Kulich, Noah Ostlund shine as Sabres’ prospect riches on display at World Juniors

'The Sabres improved to 2-0 in the new year by pulling out a pulsating 3-1 win over the Pittsburgh Penguins on Saturday night in PPG Paints Arena. Zemgus Girgensons scored the tiebreaking goal with 4:38 to play, and Ukko-Pekka Lukkonen was spectacular in net, making 40 saves.' … [Read more...] about Observations: Sabres overcome Pens and finally forge a two-game winning streak

'There are plenty of soft opponents coming up from the bottom of the standings and many at home. The computers look at that as a very good thing, but they don’t watch the Sabres every day. We know otherwise. We just saw them get outscored, 14-5, in losses to Columbus and Ottawa and they entered the weekend 28th in the NHL in points at home.' … [Read more...] about Inside the NHL: It’s only January but long homestand feels like Sabres’ last chance

'It was just the third time all season the Sabres had multiple goals with the man advantage in a game – and the first time in a win.' … [Read more...] about Sabres notebook: Power play provides a boost with two-goal night in Montreal

'This season hasn’t gone like Dahlin envisioned. The 2018 No. 1 draft pick wanted to will the Sabres into the Stanley Cup Playoffs, but they are 16-19-4 after their win Thursday night in Montreal. He quarterbacks a power play that’s struggled to replicate its success from late in 2022, and he’s endured more frustrating nights in the defensive zone.' … [Read more...] about Rasmus Dahlin’s third All-Star nod a source of pride for the Sabres defenseman

'Six Sabres had multiple points, led by Jeff Skinner's goal and three assists. Quinn increased Buffalo’s lead to 3-1 with his shot off the post and in early in the third period; Thompson had two goals and an assist; Rasmus Dahlin added an empty-net goal; and Alex Tuch had a pair of assists. Buffalo had 38 shots on net, scored twice on the power play to break out of a slump and … [Read more...] about Observations: Devon Levi helps Sabres secure 6-1 win in ‘special’ homecoming

'This group is weighed down by external pressure. The expectations inside and outside the dressing room. The franchise’s utterly disastrous playoff drought. The feeling of several of the key players that have to play up to the level of their bloated new contracts – instead of just playing the same way that got them those deals.' … [Read more...] about Mike Harrington: Don Granato’s trip to the video shows last year’s swagger that Sabres are missing

'The Buffalo Sabres’ No. 1 draft pick in 2022 was the centerpiece of a major trade Thursday as the Wenatchee (Wash.) Wild sent him to the Moose Jaw Warriors for seven draft picks.' … [Read more...] about Sabres prospect Matt Savoie is centerpiece of blockbuster WHL trade

'“That’s going to be super-special. Being in that building will be really, really cool,” Levi said after practice Wednesday in KeyBank Center. “Last time I’ve been in there, it’s probably a while back when I was a kid watching the Habs game. It will be cool to be on the other side of it."' … [Read more...] about As Sabres settle into having two goalies, Devon Levi prepares for his Montreal homecoming

'Doctors cleared Thompson to return for a game against Detroit on Dec. 5, but with one bothersome caveat: He had to wear a brace on his left hand.' … [Read more...] about Sabres’ Tage Thompson finally ‘back to normal’ after shedding bothersome brace

'“Even in-game, you feel like you would in the press box or as a defensive coordinator or something like that, absolutely a different perspective when it came to puck drop and game time,” said Granato. “Fortunate we were able to have Seth come in and keep everybody in their spots and keep moving with some continuity.”' … [Read more...] about Sabres notebook: Don Granato returns to work after missing 2 games with illness

'The Sabres (15-19-4) had a 46-31 advantage in shots on goal but that was really nothing more than shiny window dressing in a loss to the Eastern Conference's worst team. The reality is they gave up far too many odd-man rushes, did nothing of note as usual in going 0-for-3 on the power play and turned another backup goalie into a star.' … [Read more...] about Observations: Sabres bid adieu to 2023 with dreary loss in Ottawa

'Comrie is 1-5-0 this season with a 4.01 goals-against average and .863 save percentage. He’s on the second year of a two-year deal signed on free agency day in 2022 that carries a cap hit of $1.8 million. The contract and his performance likely mean he will clear waivers and could be sent to the Amerks as early as Monday afternoon.' … [Read more...] about Sabres end goalie logjam by putting Eric Comrie on waivers

'“In between periods, Apps was pretty funny,” Mittelstadt said. “He’s like, ‘I haven’t been here, but it seems to me like you guys are playing great, so just keep going.' Yeah, that’s what we did. I thought we played great in the first two. We had so many chances, and they weren’t going in. Obviously, we found a way to win, which was huge for our club.”' … [Read more...] about Observations: Unusual day for Sabres ends with Seth Appert behind bench for OT win

'KeyBank Center has become about the most toxic environment in the NHL. Understandably frosted by the longest playoff drought in league history and the summer hype that has turned into a winter of discontent, the fans jump the Sabres at the first opportunity. Power play failures and quick deficits, which happen far too often, are great opportunities for that.' … [Read more...] about Inside the NHL: In 2023, home was not where the Sabres’ heart-and-soul efforts played out