Buffalo News

'“If you're looking at individual growth and you're not mentioning Rasmus Dahlin, I think it's folly,” Okposo said. “He took some steps this year, some giant ones. Just the way he figured out how to play on both sides of the puck this year. I think his defensive game was what gave him so much confidence offensively."' … [Read more...] about Rasmus Dahlin emerged as leader, top defenseman in fourth season with Sabres

'"It's nice just knowing that you won't have all that stuff (next year)," Power said after the Sabres' season ended. "Training wise, it's not much different. You just still go in there every day and try and get better. So I feel like it's definitely a little bit more relaxing knowing kind of what's coming instead of just having all those thoughts and possibilities. It will be … [Read more...] about Owen Power’s crazy whirlwind of a season ended with a sparkling NHL debut

'Craig Anderson, Dustin Tokarski and Malcolm Subban are unrestricted free agents. Injuries have prevented Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen from seizing a full-time job in Buffalo. Devon Levi and Erik Portillo opted to return to college rather than signing with the Sabres.' … [Read more...] about Takeaways: Sabres GM Kevyn Adams to look outside for a goalie this summer

'But now it's time to get real after the season-ending kumbayas. Never has there been more happiness around a 75-point, non-playoff season, but it's fair and important to say there's no satisfaction in it either. This was a classic bridge year, from the disgrace of the Ralph Krueger teams and the end of the Eichel-Reinhart era to a new feel.' … [Read more...] about Mike Harrington: The Sabres’ culture is transformed, but GM Kevyn Adams has plenty more work to do

'The ratings for the Sabres picked up for the season’s final eight games as the play of Rasmus Dahlin, Tage Thompson, Jeff Skinner, Alex Tuch and other young players gave fans renewed hope that next year’s team will break the 11-year playoff drought. Six of the team’s last seven games averaged a 4.5 rating or higher.' … [Read more...] about Alan Pergament: Despite Jeanneret’s late-season assist, Sabres’ ratings down 10% from year ago

'"I was getting lots of chances the second half, they just weren't quite finding the back of the net for me," Cozens said Sunday in KeyBank Center. "As frustrating as it was, I tried to focus on the positive things. I think the second half I really kind of stepped up my defensive game and reliability. That's something as a young guy, I want to be reliable and trusted in the … [Read more...] about Mike Harrington: The goals stopped coming but Dylan Cozens kept pushing and can be a breakout player

'Everyone on both benches – Subban was a member of the Blackhawks before the trade – smiled and laughed when they realized this wasn't a video recording. Subban belted out every note, including those he didn't think his voice could ever reach again. The crowd roared in approval and people across the NHL lauded the remarkable performance.' … [Read more...] about Malcolm Subban surprises the Sabres and himself by singing national anthem

'Olofsson is arbitration-eligible and acknowledged that a resolution won’t come anytime soon. He waited almost eight months for a contract following the 2019-20 season because of the Covid-19 pandemic’s impact on the NHL offseason.' … [Read more...] about Sabres notebook: Victor Olofsson prepared to wait awhile for contract

'“Obviously there were going to be mixed opinions from the fan base and from the city, and I just saw nothing but overwhelming support,” Tuch, 25, told the media during his end-of-season press conference Saturday. “I have to say thank you for that. It made my job a lot easier and my family’s life a lot more enjoyable in that regard."' … [Read more...] about Alex Tuch’s ‘dream come true’ brightened Sabres’ outlook, sparked change

'This is the first season through this entire playoff drought that players, coaches, fans and even media are bummed we've hit a finish line and aren't saying good riddance to it all.' … [Read more...] about Mike Harrington: Sabres carry a good vibe into the offseason but have to keep pushing forward

'On the ice, he delivered 17 wins – including victories over Toronto, Vegas, Minnesota, Nashville and Carolina – across 31 games in Buffalo’s net. In the dressing room, and between stoppages in play, he provided words of wisdom. He exemplified the professionalism, dedication and perseverance that coaches and management want in the organization.' … [Read more...] about Craig Anderson views Sabres as ‘ideal situation’ if he decides to continue playing

'On the ice, there were highlight-reel, tension-inducing plays by the foundational players who are the new faces of the franchise. Tage Thompson, a 24-year-old who switched to center in camp, scored his team-leading 38th goal of the season to tie the score 1-1 in the third period on a cross-ice pass from a rejuvenated Jeff Skinner.' … [Read more...] about Sabres show potential in memorable season finale, send RJ off with OT win

'No, it wasn't Brad May or Jason Pominville or Maxim Afinogenov, Danny Briere, Rene Robert or the countless other memorable goal scorers Jeanneret has called over the years in overtime. But it was a wholly appropriate way to finish.' … [Read more...] about Mike Harrington: Last Call goes to ohhhhhhhhhh-vertime for Rick Jeanneret

'"We had our opportunities," said Sabres center Dylan Cozens. "We had lots of shots. They just found a way to put it in the back of the net and we didn’t. They scored on their power play, and we didn’t. ... It's a frustrating one to lose."' … [Read more...] about Observations: Sabres cap road schedule with streak-snapping 5-0 loss in Boston

'Here, at the home of the Bruins, Fitzgerald won two state championships with Malden Catholic High School and competed in big games as a defenseman for Boston College, including the annual Beanpot and Hockey East tournaments.' … [Read more...] about Sabres notebook: Casey Fitzgerald learning through ‘ups and downs’ on defense