Olean Times Herald

'In a dreadful year in which the Sabres could finish dead last again, Houser’s first big league start created a feel-good story that provided some excitement and intrigue to a meaningless late-season game.' … [Read more...] about Sabres goalie Michael Houser shines in NHL debut: ‘A very special night’

'Sabres assistant coach Mike Bales, a former NHL goalie, will serve as the emergency backup, according to the team.' … [Read more...] about Sabres sign Amerks goalie Stefanos Lekkas to PTO, make other moves

'But the Sabres inked Houser to a one-year NHL contract on March 19, a day before they traded goalie Jonas Johansson to the Colorado Avalanche. Then they recalled Houser from the Rochester Americans to the taxi squad. NHL teams must carry three goalies this season.' … [Read more...] about Sabres goalie Michael Houser enjoying first taste of NHL: ‘Cool experiences’

'After a solid few weeks, the Buffalo Sabres have started reminding everyone why they’ve occupied the NHL’s basement for months.' … [Read more...] about Sabres lose ugly game to Bruins, goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen to injury

'“He’s excited in general just to have an opportunity to keep playing the game,” Granato said on a Zoom call after the Sabres prepared for Saturday afternoon’s game against the Bruins. “He has a deep passion for the game and for competing. And so he’s a guy that when given an opportunity, he cherishes it. He realizes every moment’s an opportunity to play in the National Hockey … [Read more...] about Drake Caggiula excited for opportunity with Sabres, moving up lineup

'“It’s all about development,” interim Sabres coach Don Granato said on a Zoom call. “I keep saying it, we have to get better and so that is the push, to get better. Again, you compete every night to win. You lay a game plan, a strategy out to implement that targets the win. But you have to get better and we’ve seen that. Our players, there’s no question they feel that. It’s … [Read more...] about Sabres started winning, showcased rapid improvement in April

'So Miller, the Sabres’ all-time wins leader, said he “wanted to do right by the fans.” Buffalo offered him special things – a career and a place to live and grow – so he repaid it by becoming an active member of the community through his Steadfast Foundation and other endeavors.' … [Read more...] about Former Sabres star Ryan Miller to retire; Buffalo still special place for goalie

'Moving Reinhart was the genesis of his torrid, career-best stretch. In 16 games back at center, he has morphed into the Sabres’ top offensive threat, compiling 10 goals, 15 points and a minus-2 rating.' … [Read more...] about Sabres’ Sam Reinhart morphing into star as center

'“After you drop the gloves, the adrenaline boost is something you can’t really get from anything else,” he said. “I do think after a fight it does give me a huge boost. It’s definitely something I think I’ll do when I’m not happy with my game and not happy with how I’m feeling."' … [Read more...] about Sabres rookie Dylan Cozens wants to use fights as tool to ignite own game

'The 6-foot-4 Luukkonen challenged shooters, tracked shots through traffic and stood his ground as players whacked at second chances – all signs of the Finn’s confidence, according to Granato.' … [Read more...] about Sabres’ Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen looks sharp, displays growing confidence

'“Being familiar with young players and the growth rate development, I was really excited with him,” Granato said on a Zoom call prior to Sunday’s 6-3 road loss to the New York Rangers. “He’s … ultra-competitive and he has enough hockey sense.”' … [Read more...] about Sabres rookie Arttu Ruotsalainen scoring, earning keep in NHL

'“Even though I don’t speak of defense a lot, it’s a cornerstone,” Granato said on a Zoom call following Sunday’s 6-3 loss to the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden. “I’ve joked around a little bit I don’t say it, but don’t underestimate how important that is. I know how important that is.”' … [Read more...] about Sabres settle down after awful start, avert blowout against Rangers

'Goalies Carter Hutton and Linus Ullmark are injured. Dustin Tokarski has proven he can be a capable fill-in. The Sabres should ride the 6-foot-4, 220-pound Luukkonen over the final two weeks.' … [Read more...] about Sabres should keep playing goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen

'The Sabres’ offense, which mustered just one total goal in two losses to the Bruins earlier this week, also reached another level Friday.' … [Read more...] about Goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen shines in NHL debut, helps Sabres beat Bruins

'Pekar’s ability to be a supreme pest makes him a unique prospect. He possesses a fierce edge.' … [Read more...] about Sabres prospect Matej Pekar uses fight with Amerks to generate confidence