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'“A lot of times it’s very challenging to watch the playoffs when you’re not in it,” coach Don Granato said Wednesday at his postseason press conference. “This year … you watch it with the intent you’re there. You’ll be there 12 months from now.”' … [Read more...] about On cusp of NHL playoffs, Sabres have ‘absolute conviction’ better days ahead

'Closing out the season with a 5-2 victory Friday night at Columbus, the Sabres finished with 91 points (42-33-7), their most since the 2011 team that qualified for the playoffs with 96 points (43-29-10).' … [Read more...] about Sabres finish with winning record for first time during 12-year playoff drought

'“It’s unbelievable,” Anderson said. “You’re kind of mind-numb to it all. You’re just like ‘did this really just happen?’ This is the way it’s supposed to be. Things happen for a reason. This was the way it was supposed to play out. They get a point, we get a point. We win in overtime. You couldn’t ask for a better story.”' … [Read more...] about Sabres send off Craig Anderson with a win in home finale

'Tuch’s favored status in Sabreland was spotlighted prior to Thursday night’s home finale at KeyBank Center when he was presented with the Rick Martin Memorial Award. The top-line winger is the third recipient of the award voted on by fans to recognize the Sabres player who “best demonstrates on-ice excellence, resiliency, and dedication to the community.”' … [Read more...] about Sabres fan favorite Alex Tuch receives Rick Martin Memorial Award

'Total attendance for the season was 638,174. That averages out to 15,565 fans per game over the course of 41 home matchups. In 40 games at KeyBank Center in 2021-22, the Sabres averaged 9,998 fans per game. An additional Sabres home game that season was played against the Toronto Maple Leafs at Tim Hortons Field in Hamilton, Ontario.' … [Read more...] about Sabres attendance up more than 55% in 2022-23

'The Sabres’ streak of non-playoff seasons is tied with the NFL’s New York Jets for the longest in North American professional sports now that the NBA’s Sacramento Kings have ended their 16-year drought, and the Seattle Mariners last fall advanced to the MLB playoffs for the first time in 21 years.' … [Read more...] about Sabres playoff drought reaches 12 seasons, tied for longest in 4 major sports

'Despite being eliminated from playoff contention with a 5-2 loss to the New Jersey Devils on Tuesday, Sabres fans are encouraged by the team’s performance this year and already have their sights set on next season.' … [Read more...] about Hockey fever in Buffalo: Sabres success inspires hope for future

'Winning for the fifth time in six games, Buffalo (40-32-7) moved within four points of the last wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference. Trying to hold off the longest postseason drought in NHL history from extending to a 12th season, the Sabres avoided elimination Monday with losses by the New York Islanders (91 points) and Florida Panthers (92 points). The Pittsburgh … [Read more...] about Sabres stave off elimination with shootout win against Rangers

'In his 20th NHL season, Anderson has compiled a 10-11-2 record with a .908 save percentage and 3.07 goals-against average. He is 27-23-4 with a .902 SV% and 3.09 GAA across two seasons with the Sabres. The veteran among four goalies on Buffalo’s roster, Anderson has taken on a mentorship role for rookies Ukka-Pekka Luukkonen and Devon Levi.' … [Read more...] about Craig Anderson is Buffalo’s Masterton Trophy nominee

'Levi led the country with a .933 save percentage in his junior season at Northeastern University, after setting an NCAA record with a .952 save percentage as a sophomore. Levi’s also was MVP of the Beanpot series, Hockey East Player of the Year, and one of 10 finalists for the Hobey Baker Award, college hockey’s top honor, as a junior.' … [Read more...] about Sabres goalie Devon Levi repeats as Richter Award winner

'If the Sabres do hypothetically go 5-1-1, in order to jump into a wild card spot, it requires at least two of the teams ahead of them to lose a minimum of two games in regulation.' … [Read more...] about What needs to happen for the Sabres to make the playoffs?

'Skinner spun around and pointed at Levi while the goal horn blared, making the 21-year-old goalie the center of attention as the crowd of 18,009 at KeyBank Center danced along to Skinner’s goal song, “I Wanna Dance With Somebody.”' … [Read more...] about Sabres win Devon Levi’s debut on Jeff Skinner’s OT goal

'“I’ve been dreaming of this moment for my whole life,” Levi said following his second full practice with the team. “For it to finally be here, it’s a big deal. I’m going to be really excited.”' … [Read more...] about Devon Levi to make NHL debut Friday in Buffalo

'The narrow space between winning and losing cost the Sabres a crucial point in the closing stretch of the playoff race.' … [Read more...] about Sabres let point slip away in shootout loss

'Lyubushkin is citing an anti-gay Kremlin law and fears of retribution at home in Russia for electing not to participate in the Buffalo Sabres’ pregame warmup on the team’s Pride night, when players are expected to wear rainbow-colored jerseys in support of the LGBTQ+ community.' … [Read more...] about NHL Pride Night controversy: Lyubushkin sits out, fears Russian retribution