‘”Gotta win games, gotta win,” Okposo said. “This is our playoffs right now. I think everybody in this room knows what we have to do big picture, but as long as we keep taking it one game at a time. It’s fun when you have a game like today, you don’t play your best but you know you need two points and you find a way to get it. Huge testament to all the guys in the room and we’re looking forward to playing some meaningful hockey.”‘
Archives for February 24, 2020
One reason Sabres are actually in race is that they’re finally getting some saves
‘Carter Hutton was in one of the darkest black holes in franchise history with a 12-game losing streak and has suddenly won five of his last six starts. Linus Ullmark had stretches of 7-2-2 and 5-1 to take over the No. 1 job before he got hurt. Then came Sunday, when rookie Jonas Johansson got his first NHL win in a 2-1 nailbiter over Winnipeg in KeyBank Center.’
Kyle Okposo scores twice, delivers strong defensive performance in Sabres win
‘”It’s awesome,” Zemgus Girgensons, one of Okposo’s linemates, said. “He’s been great for us all year, previous years. He’s a role model in the locker room. He’s one of the guys I look up to. It’s great to see him do that. It’s great to play with him.”‘
The Wraparound: Sabres 2, Jets 1
‘The Sabres (29-25-8) have won five of their last six games to close within six points of the Atlantic Division’s third-place Toronto Maple Leafs. Buffalo will now embark on a four-game road trip, which begins Wednesday night in Colorado.’
Kyle Okposo’s goals help Sabres beat Jets, surge back into playoff race
‘“We made Jason’s job a little more difficult, which that was our goal is,” Sabres winger Kyle Okposo said after scoring both goals in Sunday’s win. “We like the group that we have in here. We think that we’ve shown some resiliency that’s been missing in the past. It’s shows that we’re turning the page.”’
Sabres notes: Jonas Johansson dazzles in first NHL win
‘“Just sticking to the plan, you’ve got to try to stay relaxed and stay in the moment,” Johansson said of his play during the second period. “That’s just what you’ve got to do and sometimes you have a little luck, too.”’
Jimmy Vesey, Sabres’ other UFAs should draw interest at trade deadline
‘Vesey, an unrestricted free agent following the season, could be in demand as a rental player as Monday’s trade deadline approaches.’
Sullivan: Sabres’ murky outlook clouds deadline expectations
‘But really, you needn’t be a cynic to see the Sabres as little more than a tease, a team with the talent to make little runs and raise temporary hope, but lacking the overall depth and competitive character to sustain it over time.’
Sabres coach feels he’s right man for the job
‘”It just fits like a glove here. Nothing feels forced. It’s a big challenge but I felt ready then and feel even more prepared now that I’m well in it, for sure,” he told the Free Press over the weekend. “I’m really enjoying working with the players that we have. We have an excellent group of core players. I don’t think we’re missing too many pieces to take the next step.”‘
Monday’s Winnipeg Coverage
Sabres edge Jets 2-1 (Winnipeg Free Press)
Winnipeg native makes solid debut as Jet (Winnipeg Free Press)
Sabres coach feels he’s right man for the job (Winnipeg Free Press)
Sluggish Jets lose snails’ race 2-1 to Sabres (Winnipeg Sun)
Disappointed with trade, Eakin still happy to be in the playoff fight with Jets (Winnipeg Sun)
Photo gallery (NHL.com)
Wheeler scores, but Jets fall to Sabres (WinnipegJets.com)
Eakin eager to help Jets in playoff race (WinnipegJets.com)