Buffalo News

'“You see guys like Marcus Foligno blocking shots at the end of periods, end of games. That’s what we need. We need guys laying it on the line. Things can change from shift to shift with momentum, so that’s the stuff we need to play more desperate.”' … [Read more...] about Sabres’ Gionta shows fight, expects more of the same

'“You’re never comfortable being the new guy,” the 28-year-old said, “but it’s a hockey locker room, so the camaraderie’s there. It’s a situation where you can get into it and feel comfortable relatively quickly.”' … [Read more...] about Fedun fitting in; O’Reilly still day-to-day

'“It’s a feeling you would like to have after every game,” Sabres goaltender Anders Nilsson said after a 2-1 shootout win over Pittsburgh. “This was a huge confidence boost. Hopefully, we can take this win with us and continue the path, continue to develop and improve our game, play an even better game Monday.”' … [Read more...] about Sabres get a chance to exhale after beating Penguins

'Quick quiz: If I told you in training camp my prediction was that the Sabres would beat the Penguins in November on a goal by William Carrier and a shootout winner from Cal O'Reilly, what kind of reaction would that elicit? You'd say I was insane.' … [Read more...] about Sabres battle for a win that proves they can still compete

'"It was just one of those games where you leave feeling like you deserve better but ultimately we’ve got to find a way to bury a few chances," said Crosby, who scored the Pens' lone goal on the power play in the third period. "I thought we created a number of them, especially in the third.' … [Read more...] about Pittsburgh fails to capitalize

'The dominance was even more impressive with Sidney Crosby in the lineup. The Penguins' captain had presided over 15 victories in a row against the Sabres.' … [Read more...] about Quick hits: Sabres 2, Penguins 1 (SO)

'O’Reilly and Nylander have not yet been in Buffalo. Schneider (one assist in two games) and Bailey (no points in two games) have made appearances, joining Baptiste (two goals in 12 games), William Carrier (no points in seven games) and Rodrigues (no points in two games) as the season’s recalls.' … [Read more...] about Sabres’ youngsters haven’t yet answered the call

'I'm sorry, there's no excuse for scoring eight goals in seven home games, six of them losses, or for losing consecutive games by a 4-1 score. They're not deep or fast enough; the defense isn't nearly good enough, and the Sabres don't play with enough of an edge, regardless of where they are in their development.' … [Read more...] about Injuries matter, but no excuse for slovenly Sabres

'NHL teams don’t benefit from the cap-relieving device known as long-term injured reserve until they need to exceed the ceiling, so every injured player is on Buffalo’s cap. That includes forward Cody McCormick, who hasn’t played in almost two years because of blood clots, and defenseman Dmitry Kulikov, who is day-to-day. Jack Eichel, Tyler Ennis, Ryan O’Reilly, Zach Bogosian … [Read more...] about Injuries have Murray thinking cap

'Ristolainen practiced with a Bauer Nexus after using a Warrior Covert for the opening 17 games. He broke a white Warrior during the morning skate Thursday, then snapped another at night against Tampa Bay. It’s happened often, usually during a power play.' … [Read more...] about Ristolainen may switch sticks; turkey drive

'For those scoring at home, that's eight goals in seven games downtown. The NHL's worst offense has scored one goal or less nine times in 17 games overall. The per-game average is down to a paltry 1.82.' … [Read more...] about Belief in short supply as Sabres’ slide continues

'"I've made some calls just to see what's going on and what's out there. It's very hard to make a trade because it has to be money for money," Murray said Thursday night during his weekly appearance on WGR Radio. "We've had 27 guys on our roster right now and we're right up against the cap so it's a daily grind.' … [Read more...] about Sabres GM Murray: ‘A lot of vague talk’ on trade market

'How refreshing it would be if the Sabres adopted the same mentality after moping through most of the first 18 games. Sure, they had tough luck. It cannot be disputed and should not be overlooked. Eichel’s high-ankle sprain left them physically shorthanded and emotionally shaken, a fragile team to be sure.' … [Read more...] about Bolts show Sabres how to succeed without superstar

'"I think it’s just by committee," Killorn said of Tampa Bay's offense without Stamkos. "There’s not one guy that’s going to step in and take Stammer’s spot. I think a couple guys – three, four guys have to step up and chip in here and there and help the team for sure.' … [Read more...] about Lightning find a way to win without Stamkos

'The Sabres played the Bolts four times in the first 15 games last season and the only win came in the finale, a 4-1 triumph in Tampa on Nov. 10, 2015. In recent seasons, playing Tampa is a tall task in good times and a brutal one when times are tough.' … [Read more...] about Quick Hits: Lightning 4, Sabres 1