SABRESPACE

‘Only one team in history – the 2016-17 Philadelphia Flyers – has had a 10-game winning streak during a season and failed to make the playoffs that spring. Are the Sabres going to become No. 2? An improvement from 62 points to, say, 88 points that would have been notable in October will now be bitterly disappointing in April.’

‘”I think it’s going to be really important,” coach Phil Housley said. “We talked about it – to really enjoy themselves, re-energize, reboot, get ready for the second-half push in the season. At the same time, when we get back we’re entering three games in four nights, and we’re starting on the road.”‘

‘If the Sabres do well over the next couple seasons and Housley manages to establish himself as a stellar head coach, that hall of fame status won’t be the driving reason behind it. Rather, there’s another piece of memorabilia in his basement that provides a clue into a little-known part of Housley’s career that much more neatly translates into what he’s doing today. It’s a circular framed plaque with an image of a pony holding a hockey stick above the words “Coach Phil Housley.”’

‘”Longevity is a huge accolade for an equipment manager,” Williams, who joined the Sabres in 2005, told The Buffalo News. “That’s how you earn an All-Star invite at our level. It’s not based on performance. Our performance is driven by longevity. If you aren’t good you’re gone. That’s our measuring stick. It’s nice to be recognized for that.”‘

‘Both the NHL and the NHL Players Association issued statements that logistics just don’t make it feasible to have a tournament 20 months from now, but that they’re working toward a framework for future international play.’

‘Though the Sabres have the offensive firepower to keep up with the NHL’s best, they make too many makes in their own zone. A remarkable effort to beat Calgary Wednesday was not a magical elixir, either.’

‘In these parts, Reinhart is no longer known only as the top prospect from North Vancouver whose father played for two seasons for the Canucks. Now, he’s an established NHL player.’

‘After getting the first goal of the game and twice tying the score, Buffalo made too many mistakes in a 4-3 loss to the Vancouver Canucks. The Sabres enter the extended All-Star break with a 24-17-6 record and four points back of Pittsburgh for the second wild-card playoff spot.’

‘”Personally, Patrik is a terrific guy,” Housley said. “He meant well. He was a team player. Great teammate and just an unfortunate incident occurred. I wish him nothing but the best. All these situations can work out differently. It’s unfortunate that we had to let Patrik go, but [General Manager Jason Botterill] and the management handled that correctly. I just wish him the best. It’s a tough situation, I’m sure, the decision he made. At the same time we have to focus on the guys in the locker room.”‘