Buffalo News

'The 4-3 defeat at the hands of the Florida Panthers in KeyBank Center might look like any other loss in the standings, but don't be fooled. Coach Don Granato was so pumped after it, you felt like he wanted to run his team back out on the ice Sunday night against the same opponent.' … [Read more...] about Mike Harrington: Even in defeat, lots for Sabres to learn from tussle with pugnacious Panthers

'“We’re eager to show operators what’s possible for stadiums and football fans,” said R.J. Horsely, chief operating officer of SpotOn. “The fan experience is a key factor in attracting fans to stadiums, convincing them to spend more than $50 billion annually on their favorite teams and leagues, and developing a relationship that will carry a fan from their first game to … [Read more...] about Sabres, Bisons use technology to reduce long stadium food lines

'“I like to think of myself as a student of the game,” said Comrie, who, at 27, has been in goal for 28 career NHL games. “I like to think about the game, I watch the game of hockey. So, you watch different guys and you can kind of say, ‘OK, this is what this guy does well here. This is what Connor does well here, this is what (Craig Anderson) does well here.’”' … [Read more...] about Eric Comrie’s debut among Sabres storylines to watch entering Game 2

'This wasn’t a flawless performance by any stretch. We saw the miscues that are typical with early-season hockey and, as expected, young players endured some challenges while adjusting to the fast-paced, physical game against an intradivisional opponent. But the Sabres’ performance validated the increased expectations and fanfare around a club that hasn’t made the Stanley Cup … [Read more...] about Observations: Sabres showcase their potential in season-opening win

'Buffalo got outshot, 16-9, in a sluggish first period but the Sabres found another gear – "elevating" is Granato's catch-phrase for it – and poured 27 shots on the Ottawa net in the final 40 minutes. They had 15 of those in the second period, when they outskated the visitors plenty, killed off a 5-on-3 and got goals from JJ Peterka and Rasmus Dahlin to take their first lead of … [Read more...] about Mike Harrington: Sabres overcome the jitters and find stride in entertaining opener

'“What an effort,” coach Don Granato said of Anderson. “It’s amazing to think he’s 41 and this is a young man’s sport. In this sport, you’re in your prime in your mid-20s so anything after that is perseverance. Tremendous job because we don’t win that game without him holding things down at really key moments.”' … [Read more...] about Sabres goalie Craig Anderson sharp in winning eighth career opening-night start

'Now comes the first game of the new season. Tage Thompson and Mattias Samuelsson have fat new contracts, with extensions that start next season and pay them as core members of the team. Adams has an extension and, on the eve of the opener Wednesday, Granato got a richly-deserved one, as well. Game on, boys.' … [Read more...] about Mike Harrington: Yes, it’s just the season opener. But with Ottawa in town, this is a big one for the Sabres

'There’s risk involved in any contract but particularly those given to athletes with shorter track records of success, like the seven-year, $50 million deal the club gave Tage Thompson in August following his breakout 38-goal season while playing center in the NHL for the first time. The Sabres weighed past performance when preparing offers for both players, but the final … [Read more...] about Analyzing the Sabres’ 7-year ‘investment’ in defenseman Mattias Samuelsson

'More prospects will arrive in Rochester and important veterans are back, including West Seneca native Sean Malone. Some of the bigger names in the Sabres’ burgeoning prospect pipeline, including Matt Savoie, are playing elsewhere this season, but the Amerks’ roster again is filled with young, intriguing talent that wants to make it to Buffalo.' … [Read more...] about Sabres have another group of prospects learning in Rochester

'Crozier left the Sabres in 1974 after the team failed to make the playoffs, coaching the Vancouver Blazers of the World Hockey Association. He returned to Buffalo 10 years later to serve as an assistant coach under Scotty Bowman during the 1984-85 season. When Bowman was fired in 1986, Crozier left coaching and worked in scouting and then as a team ambassador in alumni … [Read more...] about Joe Crozier, Sabres coach who formed French Connection and took team to first playoff berth, dies at 93

'“We know their potential skill,” Granato said. “We know they're (talented) and, like I said, they compete, they're dedicated to improvement. If they weren't, they wouldn't be here because they need to improve. They need to get better, they need to acclimate to size, strength, speed of NHL players. They're behind right now and it's going to take them a bit, but we know their … [Read more...] about Jack Quinn, JJ Peterka ready to learn through ‘ups and downs’ with Sabres

'“You know, no matter what we did, we want to win and win more,” Granato said. “And I've said it many times, if there's one thing I'm greedy about, it's wanting to win. I'll take more and more. … Things might look good, good things might look great, but don't we want better? I don't want to settle for good or great. I want better, better. So, that's easy. That's the mindset.”' … [Read more...] about Unsatisified by fine finish, Sabres strive to reach another level in 2022-23

'“I feel like we know each other better than anybody else, having gone through all the highs and lows and being there to support each other,” Rachel added while cradling Brooks.' … [Read more...] about ‘You want what’s best for him:’ How Tage Thompson’s wife helped fuel his Sabres emergence

'But things are different under Don Granato. Skinner is a first-line player again, a 33-goal scorer last season who could push 40 again.' … [Read more...] about Mike Harrington: Jeff Skinner is scoring, smiling and chirping. But when will he and the Sabres finally get to the playoffs?

'21. Buffalo Sabres. Will the good vibes of March, April and training camp continue? Will Owen Power win the Calder? Stay tuned. Fun ride ahead.' … [Read more...] about NHL power rankings: Avalanche have real shot to repeat but a strong field of challengers to tackle