‘Dahlin rarely showed joy under Krueger this season. Dahlin wasn’t carrying the puck with confidence. His lack of engagement offensively carried over into his own zone, where there were continued lapses in coverage around the Sabres’ net. He seemed to be second-guessing himself and his abilities.’
Archives for April 8, 2021
No timeline for Sabres to receive Covid-19 vaccinations, says interim coach Don Granato
‘“I know that the medical team here, the trainers have been looking at that,” Granato said following an optional practice Wednesday when asked about vaccinations. “I don’t have any news today on it, but they’ve been looking at that for a while, when this will potentially become available for our guys. So, I’m sure they’re hard at work on it. I know, like I’ve said, they’ve been hopeful for that day to come sooner than later.”’
Rasmus Asplund promoted to Sabres’ first line, close to earning regular duty
‘“I’m looking forward to the next day, which I felt last year I didn’t do,” said Asplund, a second-round-pick in 2016, 33rd overall. “I was still (thinking about) yesterday and thinking about the game yesterday. Just my mind never really got a rest. So when you get to play like 25, 30 games like I did last year, your mental game is not there. You feel tired, you’re not sleeping well.”’
Sabres notes: Power play in rut; Don Granato ‘doing something special’
‘“We scored a very big goal last night on the power play,” Granato said on a Zoom call following Wednesday’s optional practice. “We just haven’t been consistent on the power play. We’ve hit a couple goal posts on the power play … but it was still spotty.’
Thursday’s New Jersey Coverage
Devils take on the Sabres on 4-game skid (AP)
Game preview: Devils at Sabres 4.8.21 (NewJerseyDevils.com)
Taylor Hall trade rumors: Four potential landing spots for the Sabres winger
‘Yes, Hall has battled injuries in the last few years and he only dressed for 33 games in 2018-19 due to a knee injury that resulted in arthroscopic surgery to remove bone fragments. But he also has some firepower with 582 points in 664 career games. One major concern though is that the 29-year-old 2010 first-round pick looks to now be destined for his fifth NHL team in just 11 seasons. Not a good look.’
Top Five Trade Destinations for Taylor Hall
‘The Panthers check more boxes than any other team when it comes to a hospitable Hall environment. They rank among the top Stanley Cup contenders in the NHL at the moment. They need a true No. 2 left winger behind Jonathan Huberdeau rather than mixing and matching the likes of Mason Marchment, Anthony Duclair and Frank Vatrano. In matchup master Joel Quenneville, they have a legendary coach who could probably get the most out of Hall. Even though their biggest need is obviously on the right side of their blueline after Aaron Ekblad’s heartbreaking leg injury, the Panthers can afford to acquire Hall plus a defense upgrade given the cap savings from placing Ekblad on LTIR. There may be no contender with more financial flexibility at the moment.’
Asplund relishing new opportunity on line with Thompson and Mittelstadt
‘In his three games played, Asplund has managed to score a pair of goals, while using his speed and physical presence to push his tempo of play to the next level. That was on full display on Tuesday night in New Jersey when he shined on a line with Mittelstadt and Thompson, playing 14:07 of total ice-time, and scoring Buffalo’s first goal of the game in the first period.’
Opinion: The future for Linus Ullmark looks cloudy
‘In what now seems to be an unlikely scenario, due to how Adams views Ullmark, the Sabres could trade their starting goaltender at the deadline, as to not risk losing him for nothing in free agency.'[
Dahlin’s confidence growing under Granato
‘“He’s been great,” Granato said. “[Tuesday night] was evident of it. We don’t win that game without him rising to the level he can rise to and he made a couple of big plays to tip that game back our way and that’s what you hope for of guys with his talent. Special player, fun to watch and very engaged right now.”’