‘“It gives you confidence when the coach kind of trusts you and believes in you,” Skinner, 29, said following practice Wednesday in KeyBank Center. “Obviously, at the same time, you’ve got to earn that. You’ve got to work for it. You’ve got to make sure that you’re proving him right.”’
Archives for September 2021
Sabres’ Will Butcher has special chance to reignite sputtering career
‘“We had other experienced players – (Anders Bjork), Vinnie Hinostroza and (Zemgus) Girgensons – using that game as a gauge,” said Granato, whose Sabres play a road game Thursday against the Detroit Red Wings. “I could see those guys aren’t close to where they can be in another three days, a week or a month. Yet, Will was making plays as if he was already in midseason form.”’
Sabres’ Henri Jokiharju ready to seize fresh opportunities
‘“It was way easier to play,” Jokiharju said Wednesday inside KeyBank Center. “You play the hockey, just go out there. You weren’t just passive or falling back. I felt like that was huge for my game. Just skating forward, getting good gaps out there. The game flow was so much different. You get pucks more. You just felt way better.”’
Adamczyk: Two cheers for the upcoming season
‘Depending on who’s the opponent and where in the building you’re seated, it can cost up to $246 to attend a single Sabres game, although most games are available on cable television, and incidentally, what is the cost of watching television these days? Factor in parking, an overpriced beer to dull what is likely to be a disappointing outcome, and what have you?’
Jeff Skinner not worried about anything other than on-ice improvement
‘“[Skinner’s] practice habits have changed completely,” Granato elaborated on Wednesday. “You can see him targeting things that he wants to get done in a game.”’
‘Hungry’ Butcher sees good fit with Granato, Sabres
‘Butcher had been an everyday player during his first three seasons with the Devils, with whom he signed as a sought-after undrafted free agent out of the University of Denver in 2017. He had visited the Sabres and considered them a finalist prior to making his decision.’
Sharpen Up: September 30, 2021 | Sabres prep for 2nd preseason game
‘Following a thrilling 5-4 come-from-behind shootout win in Columbus on Tuesday, the Sabres were hard at work, practicing in two groups as training camp continues.’
Observations: Linus Weissbach sparks Sabres’ big rally in preseason opener
‘A seventh-round pick in 2017, Weissbach played four years at Wisconsin and just signed his entry-level contract in April. The winger has showed plenty of speed and a nose for the puck during prospect games and training camp.’
Sabres coach Don Granato will lean on Jason Christie’s history in ‘crisis management’
‘“Jason Christie was a big part of things for me because of all his years of head-coaching experience,” Granato explained. “I mean, the crisis management that you have at the ECHL level and being a head coach is amazing. You’re dealing with not only agents and players, the entire staff, training, medical, all that stuff, immigration, you do everything. So, for Jason, he’s like having another head coach right there every time that can help manage things. So he’s got more of the macro.”’
J-J Peterka, Jack Quinn showcase skills in Sabres’ come-from-behind win
‘“We just played with heart in the third,” Peterka said on a Zoom call from Nationwide Arena. “Everyone was working for everyone and everyone was supporting, everyone wanted us to get the puck deep, to get the pucks on the net and everyone was also cheering for each other. That was an awesome feeling.”’