Buffalo News

'The Sabres fell completely out of the playoff race in January, despite finishing sixth in the league in scoring at 3.31 goals per game. They only went 6-6-1 because they were 30th in goals against at 3.54. The five teams above Buffalo in offense for the month were Nashville, Winnipeg, the New York Rangers, Detroit and Edmonton − and they combined to go 44-17-7.' … [Read more...] about Inside the NHL: In wake of Gaudreau tragedy, Blue Jackets have stuck together for playoff push

'Thompson skated on his own the last two days and during Friday’s practice in LECOM Harborcenter, he was a full participant. He took his regular shift on right wing with Jiri Kulich and JJ Peterka and was in his regular spot on the power play.' … [Read more...] about Tage Thompson ready to return for Sabres, satisfied with team meeting about response to hit

'“With all that’s going on, you hunker down and you handle things internally and you can’t listen to the outside noise,” Zucker, the Sabres’ oldest skater at 33, told The Buffalo News after practice on Wednesday. “It was a situation that we all took very seriously. It’s easy to look at it and say all the negative things, and rightfully so."' … [Read more...] about Sabres notebook: Jason Zucker says club has worked to block out criticism from Thompson affair

'Thompson skated on his own Wednesday, according to coach Lindy Ruff, and got through the workout without any issues. He still needs to pass the necessary tests and protocols to be cleared to play. His status won't be the only one to monitor ahead of the Sabres' final game before the NHL's 4 Nations Face-Off break.' … [Read more...] about Tage Thompson, UPL not ruled out for Sabres’ game Saturday in Nashville

'Ruff wouldn’t disclose whether general manager Kevyn Adams was in the room when team leaders discussed the lack of reaction when New Jersey Devils winger Stefan Noesen hit Thompson in the head during the third period of the Sabres’ 4-3 win Sunday.' … [Read more...] about Sabres’ team meeting needs to be first step toward ensuring inaction doesn’t happen again

'The whole thing seemed pointless. All it did was raise more questions. The biggest: If the Sabres were going to put Gilbert on the ice for some staged pugilism on Tuesday after getting shredded as a bunch of cowardly lions, why didn't Ruff do it over the last 15 minutes on Sunday -- against the team that actually took Thompson out?' … [Read more...] about Mike Harrington: Maybe it was bizarre, but at least Dennis Gilbert stuck up for the Sabres’ logo

'In fact, it’s likely the Sabres were downtown as scheduled for their morning meeting and film review. And that they probably spent a good deal of time talking about the lack of reaction to the Tage Thompson-Stefan Noesen situation.' … [Read more...] about Mike Harrington: A canceled practice later, Sabres’ lack of response remains hard to fathom

Rosen has 23 goals and 39 points in 40 games this season for Rochester, including nine goals in his last seven games. He is second in the AHL in goals and ninth in points but only six back of the leader − Williamsville native Andrew Poturalski of San Jose (18-27-45). … [Read more...] about Sabres call up Isak Rosen from All-Star season in Rochester

'Ruff didn’t want the Sabres to take a reckless, irresponsible penalty. He wanted the win. And, though fans were irate to see no one retaliate before Stefan Noesen was kicked out of the game, Ruff passionately defended his players after they got their revenge with a 4-3 win over the Devils.' … [Read more...] about Tage Thompson ‘good’ after blindside hit that could have overshadowed Sabres’ 4-3 win

'You’re not expecting Jiri Kulich to do anything about it. Unfortunately, Owen Power isn’t built that way. And that leaves Mattias Samuelsson, who took the fall on the situation as he should have.' … [Read more...] about Mike Harrington: Sabres say the scoreboard is the response. Not this time.

'"I think we're more equipped but the proof will be in the pudding there," Ruff said after his team practiced in LECOM Harborcenter. "They've been a good team. They've had their struggles recently (going 3-5 in the last 8), but they still have some elite speed up front. You look at Jasper Brett, Jack Hughes, and you look at you Luke Hughes on the back end who might be one of … [Read more...] about Sabres Notebook: Dealing with Jersey’s speed will be a key to Sunday matinee

'The Sabres have the option to trade Zucker and Greenway if contract talks don’t lead to a deal, then re-engage in negotiations when they become free agents July 1. Even if Byram, McLeod and Peterka are re-signed, their cap hits should cost less than $20 million. There would still be enough money to sign Zucker and Greenway. AFP Analytics projects Zucker to a receive a two-year … [Read more...] about How the NHL’s record salary-cap increase could help the Sabres now and into the future

'The immediate notion for a Sabres package for Pettersson has to include Dylan Cozens because Vancouver would need a center in return. Cozens loves Buffalo, but the one place he would undoubtedly jump at in a trade would be Vancouver. His family is from Whitehorse in the Yukon and would obviously be much closer (they were at recent Sabres games in Seattle and Vancouver).' … [Read more...] about Inside the NHL: What does Vancouver’s trade of J.T. Miller mean for Sabres’ bid for Elias Pettersson?

'Then it ended. When the pandemic hit in 2020, hockey – and Allen’s time as an anthem singer – went on pause. Then in September 2021, when the sport was fully reopening and Covid-19 vaccinations were required for spectators and game day employees, Allen stepped back. In an open letter to Sabres fans, he wrote, “I am not anti-vaccine. There are many people at risk who should get … [Read more...] about A nostalgic night: Anthem singer Doug Allen returns to Sabres for one night

'So it was important to see them Sabres get tougher, especially mentally, and pull out a 4-3 win over Nashville. It was a game they quickly led, 2-0, in the first nine minutes, gave up the next three goals and finally pulled out on red-hot Jiri Kulich's second goal of the night with 2:04 left.' … [Read more...] about Mike Harrington: On Rob Ray’s night, it was good to see Sabres’ hard work produce a win