‘And, can you imagine the mob scene at entrance gates before kickoff or the opening faceoff with fans – especially tailgaters at Bills games who wait until the last minute – frantic to have apps scanned, ticket holders who inevitably forget their phones or those who merely protest the vaccination policy and gum up the entry process?’
Archives for 2021
Observations: With Luukkonen on the horizon, Tokarski finally gets a win for Sabres
‘”It’s an incredible feeling. I can’t think the guys enough tonight,” said Tokarski, who was 0-4-2 in his first six appearances this season. “They played an incredible hockey game, put the body on the line, got the offense going and really helped my job tonight. … There’s nothing better for a goalie than celebrating with your teammates after a win.”‘
New power broker for Sabres: Kevyn Adams calls Jason Karmanos a ‘critical hire’
‘”Everything that’s going to be happening from today moving forward in our organization, Jason’s going to be involved with,” Adams said. “We’re going to make decisions together. We’re going to work hand in hand in every area with other staff members.”‘
Sabres notebook: No. 1 pick Jack Quinn slides to center in Rochester
‘”I loved playing center, I thought it was a pretty good first game there for myself,” Quinn told reporters afterward. “Obviously there’s a lot of spots that need to be better. But I think I can adjust pretty quick, maybe a couple more games and I’ll have that stuff figured out. And I think there’s also some good things that came with playing center.”‘
Sabres goalie Dustin Tokarski dedicates first NHL win since 2015 to late father
‘Tokarski’s comeback season stands out as a bright spot in a rough year for the Sabres. Prior to his season debut March 22, he hadn’t played an NHL game since a 10-minute stint with the Anaheim Ducks early in 2016-17. He played last season for the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins on an AHL contract.’
Sabres notes: Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen could make NHL debut this weekend
‘If Luukkonen hadn’t suffered a lower-body injury with the Rochester Americans, the Sabres likely would’ve recalled him before Thursday’s 5-2 road win over the Washington Capitals at Capital One Center. The Finn missed Wednesday’s 5-3 loss to the Cleveland Monsters in Rochester.’
Friday’s Washington Coverage
The Capitals honor Nicklas Backstrom, then fall flat in a loss to lowly Sabres (Washington Post)
Caps ‘lack compete level’ in Sabres loss, still in first place (NBC Sports Washington)
Sabres spoil the Backstrom party in upset win over Caps (NBC Sports Washington)
Capitals pay tribute to Backstrom in his 1,000th career game (NBC Sports Washington)
Despite loss, Backstrom’s 1,000th game still a day to remember (NBC Sports Washington)
Backstrom honored by Capitals, former teammates for 1,000th game (NHL.com)
Photo gallery (NHL.com)
Sabres Drop Caps, 5-2 (WashingtonCaps.com)
A Grand Occasion (WashingtonCaps.com)
Bjork, Sabres spoil Backstrom’s 1,000th game, beat Capitals
‘“The guys kind of told me when I came here, ‘We’re a lot different team right now,’” Bjork said. “We’re still growing, but it’s cool to see where we’re heading.”’
Sabres beat up Capitals in D.C.
‘The Buffalo Sabres made their final meeting of 2020-21 with the Washington Capitals a memorable one, as the blue and gold came into Capital One Arena and dispatched the home team by a final score of 5-2. Dustin Tokarski grabbed the win for Buffalo between the pipes; his first NHL victory in over five years.’
Opinion: Buffalo plays well from start to finish and beats the red hot Capitals
‘You can see how much fun these players are having on the ice together. They enjoy that what they do well on the ice is appreciated and wanted in the game plan.’