Buffalo News

'"You have 19,000 people you might send home disappointed," said Granato. "And if you think that doesn’t affect your psyche as a team, as individuals, it’s a load to handle. And our guys just – the way they handled that, it didn’t affect them in any negative manner. They were dialed in and believed in their ability to come back, tie the game, and they never lost their ability … [Read more...] about Observations: ‘Special’ night for Sabres ends with Victor Olofsson’s goal in OT

'"It's been a topic of conversation in our community. And I know that our guys, as I've mentioned many times, are very proud of being in this community. I felt that, saw that during the storm. (Sabres center) Dylan Cozens stayed in his house without power. And when I asked him about it, he was like, 'Yeah, it's just what you do.' Very proud to be here in Buffalo."' … [Read more...] about Inside the NHL: A ‘moment of celebration’ all night long from Sabres sets stage for big day in Orchard Park

'As of Friday, the health of the Sabres’ 23-man roster, combined with a lack of waivers-exempt forwards and defensemen to send to the American Hockey League, makes a three-goalie system seem improbable. The Sabres want to evaluate Comrie to see if the 27-year-old can be part of the solution in goal this season and beyond. Buffalo’s defense depth was ravaged by injuries during … [Read more...] about Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen forcing Sabres to consider a three-goalie depth chart

'“It’s been a tough journey, tough road, and I’ve definitely faced a lot of adversity along the way,” Thompson told reporters following practice Friday. “So, I think it just makes you grateful for where you’re at in your career now. It makes you not want to take things like this for granted. So just something I’m going to be able to enjoy, something that I’ve worked for. So, … [Read more...] about Sabres Notebook: Tage Thompson relishes ‘rewarding feeling’ of All-Star nod

'“It’s been a whirlwind of emotions, for sure,” Okposo said. “Obviously, first and foremost, our thoughts, our prayers are with Damar and his family and all the players over there, the Bills, the entire organization, everybody that’s directly affected with it. And it’s great to see we get a positive update, which is phenomenal. I think that sports is such a – it’s woven into … [Read more...] about A ‘whirlwind of emotions’ for Sabres as players monitor Damar Hamlin’s progress

'"I found that out right after the game, and I'm a big believer in God," Thompson said. "And I think that's a sign. I don't know if you can make up something quite like that. I think prayer is a powerful thing. And that's, really, all you can do in this situation. That's what we're going to continue to do. He's making some good strides right now. So just continue to pray and … [Read more...] about Mike Harrington: For Tage Thompson, good things come in 3s as Sabres continue to pay tribute to Damar Hamlin

'The NHL changed the selection process this season, though. Rather than beginning with a fan vote, the league’s hockey operations department chose one player from each of the 32 teams. Former Sabres goalie Linus Ullmark was chosen to represent the Boston Bruins.' … [Read more...] about Sabres center Tage Thompson selected for NHL All-Star Game

'Buffalo (19-15-2) has earned at least one point in seven of its last eight games, including a win streak of six that ended Sunday in Ottawa. Luukkonen made 28 saves to help the Sabres withstand the Capitals’ push, but Alex Ovechkin scored twice to spark the rally for Washington (21-13-6).' … [Read more...] about ‘We’re in this together’: Sabres earn OT win to cap emotional day for Buffalo

'Neither Blues trainer Ray Barile nor team physician Dr. Aaron Birenbaum could find a pulse on Pronger's neck or wrist. Pronger’s lips were blue, and becoming bluer by the second, while his eyes were rolled back into his head. Barile cut Pronger’s jersey and shoulder pads to prepare to perform CPR when, suddenly, he awoke.' … [Read more...] about Chris Pronger, a Hockey Hall of Fame defenseman, recalls his ‘scary’ cardiac event

'Over the 80 games he appeared in during 2022 – two shy of a normal season – Thompson piled up 53 goals, 46 assists and 99 points. Those are numbers not seen by a Buffalo player since 1993, when Alexander Mogilny had 59-50-109 in 75 games and Pat LaFontaine piled up 34-65-99 in just 63 games.' … [Read more...] about Tage Thompson looks to snap brief cooldown after red-hot 2022 breakout with Sabres

'There were plenty of shots in the game, with Buffalo holding a 34-33 edge. But with both teams playing a back to back, there wasn't any sort of up-and-down action. The Senators (17-17-3) hounded the Sabres (18-15-2) at every opportunity and the game lacked the kind of free flow the Sabres thrive at on the rush.' … [Read more...] about Observations: Sabres’ winning streak meets a quiet end with loss to Senators

'The Sabres went toe-to-toe with the Boston Bruins and didn't blink on the home ice of the NHL's best team. They had a lot of adversity over the course of nearly 64 minutes but they were the team that made all the key plays at the most important times.' … [Read more...] about Mike Harrington: A win over Bruins is the kind of statement Sabres haven’t made in a long time

'Without Samuelsson in the lineup, the Sabres went 3-10 in the stretch spanning from Oct. 25 through Nov. 19. Over that 24-day period, Buffalo was 31st in the NHL in points (6) and points percentage (.231) and 30th in the penalty kill (64.1%). The Sabres were outscored, 55-40. Since Samuelsson came back, the Sabres entered Saturday's game in Boston 10-3-2. That was tied for … [Read more...] about Inside the NHL: The numbers don’t lie about Mattias Samuelsson’s impact on Sabres’ fortunes

'The Sabres are 0-7-2 in their last nine games in Boston, which has a league-best plus-57 goal differential. The Bruins entered play Friday ranked first in the NHL in goals allowed per game, while sitting second in goals scored per game and penalty-kill success rate. They’re 7-0-2 in their last nine games, led by former Sabres goalie Linus Ullmark, who owns a remarkable 20-1-1 … [Read more...] about Sabres’ rematch with Bruins an opportunity to measure their progress

'“It was awesome to see,” said Sabres coach Don Granato. “First of all, the energy in the building was incredible. I even talked to the coaching staff, and we minimized our strategy going into the game just knowing the crowd was going to be as big as it was. The passion our guys have for being a Buffalo Sabre, being in our community, and I think that was, I felt that beforehand … [Read more...] about Observations: Sabres’ emotional return following blizzard ends in 6-3 win