WIVB

'This wasn’t O’Reilly’s first time playing in Buffalo since he was traded to St. Louis in 2018 offseason, but it was his first appearance here since joining Atlantic Division rival Toronto by traded last week.' … [Read more...] about Ryan O’Reilly leads Leafs with hat trick, Sabres continue to struggle at home

'Dan Bylsma coaxed a bit better point percentage (.485) out of his 164 games. But Granato (.476) is rising. Entering the final third of the season, the Sabres are on pace for more than 90 points, their best total since Ruff was coach. That would get Granato close to .500, and could potentially end the NHL’s longest postseason drought in history at 11 years.' … [Read more...] about Don Granato’s 69th win gives him most by any Sabres coach since Lindy Ruff

'The Sabres haven’t had this many players with this many goals in the same season since 2007-08 — Thomas Vanek (36), Derek Roy (32), Jason Pominville (27), Ales Kotalik (23), Jochen Hecht (22).' … [Read more...] about Sabres have NHL-best 5 players with 20 goals for 1st time in 15 years

'Striding into the Eastern Conference playoff race with 60 points in 54 games, Buffalo improved its wild-card position with Washington, Detroit, Florida, and the New York Islanders logging losses. On a 91-point pace, the Sabres’ percentage (.556) now rates eighth in the conference, and their goal differential (+12) ranks seventh.' … [Read more...] about Sabres skate away from Sharks, 6th Pacific road win most in franchise history

'“I had like 100 people here, so I obviously wanted to play well,” said Gilbert, who received a loud ovation from family and friends when he walked out into the stands after the game. “But the win was the most important thing. I will say it was nice hearing a couple boos at some points during the game because they were getting rattled at how we were playing.”' … [Read more...] about Buffalonian Dennis Gilbert scores back home, Flames singe Sabres in return from break

'Six remaining games against other teams in the playoff race will be crucial in the push to bring playoff hockey back to Buffalo: at Florida on Feb. 24, vs. Washington on Feb. 26, at New York Islanders on March 7, at Washington on March 15, at New York Islanders on March 25, and at Florida on April 4.' … [Read more...] about What are Sabres’ chances of ending longest playoff drought in NHL history?

'“Because of the break, the normal thing to do would put him through with the medical team and the skate, which he did today,” said Granato, adding that Thompson could’ve participated in Thursday’s practice but the team didn’t want to overload him. “And that skate was intense enough that we didn’t want him to do both.”' … [Read more...] about Tage Thompson ready to play with Sabres back from break

'The Sabres now have their top two centers locked up long term. Cozens’ extended contract’s $7.1 million annual value is worth slightly less than the 7-year deal, $50 million extension that top-line center Tage Thompson signed with the Sabres in August. The 25-year-old Thompson’s deal, which doesn’t kick in until next season, already looks like a bargain as leads the Sabres … [Read more...] about Sabres sign Dylan Cozens to 7-year extension worth $7.1M annually

'Dahlin, who was a late All-Star replacement for the Sabres’ most powerful shooter, Tage Thompson, clocked in at 102.3 mph on his second slap shot. Another Swedish player, Canucks forward Elias Pettersson won the competition with a 103.2 mph velocity.' … [Read more...] about Buffalo’s Rasmus Dahlin slaps 102 mph shot at NHL All-Star Weekend

'The 22-year-old Dahlin was an All-Star a year ago and has been even better this season. Dahlin’s 14 goals are a career-high and he leads the Sabres with 40 assists. He ranks second among NHL defenseman with 54 points, the second-most by a Buffalo blue-liner through the first 50 games in history. He is on pace to break Hall of Famer Phil Housley’s team record for points by a … [Read more...] about Sabres’ Rasmus Dahlin replacing injured Tage Thompson in NHL All-Star Game

'“We’ve earned the position we’re in and we know we’re in it,” said defenseman Rasmus Dahlin, who could replace Thompson at the All-Star Game in Florida. “We had a long stretch now with a lot of games so it’s good to get some break and push harder when we get back. We’ve got something good going on so we can’t really be too worried about this game. We’ve got to move on and play … [Read more...] about Tage Thompson injured in Sabres’ loss before All-Star break

'“I’m just so happy for the Buffalo Sabres fans, because the wait has been so long,” McHugh said this week by phone, ahead of the Sabres’ final regular season appearance on TNT when they face the Hurricanes on Wednesday night. “Hopefully they make a run this year. But if they don’t, to me they are absolutely a playoff team next year. And that should continue for the next … [Read more...] about Sabres’ ascent ‘should continue for the next decade’ says TNT host, UB grad Liam McHugh

'Going 3-0-1 on a four-game trip that included wins at Dallas, St. Louis and Winnipeg, the Sabres have earned points in seven consecutive away games for the first time in 12 years.' … [Read more...] about Sabres keep piling up points on the road

'Buffalo (26-19-3) has three regulation wins on a four-game road trip that concludes Saturday in Minnesota, and with 55 points through 48 games, the Sabres closed in on the Penguins (57 points in 48 games), who lost in a shootout Thursday against the Capitals (58 points in 51 games). The second win streak of five or more games this season gives Buffalo a 48% chance of ending … [Read more...] about Sabres streaking into playoff contention

'Tage Thompson had two assists, including the slick pass that set up Power’s one-timer from the right circle 56 seconds into overtime. Thompson now has 31 assists to go with his 32 goals, bringing him within five points of the career-high 68 he recorded last season. The 20-year-old Power became the fifth-youngest Sabres player and third-youngest defenseman to score an overtime … [Read more...] about Owen Power’s OT goal gives Sabres win in goalie Craig Anderson’s 700th NHL game