'Fans filed into KeyBank Center and watched from afar on national television as the Sabres tried to ascend to a playoff spot at the All-Star break for the first time since 2010. They witnessed another harsh lesson for the youngest team in the NHL.' … [Read more...] about Observations: Slow start spoils Sabres’ opportunity to jump into playoff spot
Archives for February 2, 2023
Mike Harrington: Both on the ice and in the stands, the Sabres' situation at home is complicated
'So then you looked around for real. After being filled for the last two home games, the downtown barn wasn't close to capacity Wednesday night. The announced crowd was 14,166, which is just over 4,900 shy of capacity. You'd like it to be better for a team coming off a 3-0-1 road trip but, in the end, it was far from an October terrible turnout either like I was fearing it … [Read more...] about Mike Harrington: Both on the ice and in the stands, the Sabres’ situation at home is complicated
Sabres lose game to Hurricanes, Tage Thompson to injury
'The TNT broadcast showed Thompson wincing in pain late in the period.' … [Read more...] about Sabres lose game to Hurricanes, Tage Thompson to injury
Sabres notes: Jack Quinn’s goal shows growth; Jeff Skinner hits milestone
'“He’s giving up some size and strength, obviously, at his age,” he said. “So when he looks fresh, you see a lot more skill out of him. And in that goal there was a lot from just technical edge control, mechanics and skill, to confidence.”' … [Read more...] about Sabres notes: Jack Quinn’s goal shows growth; Jeff Skinner hits milestone
Sabres goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen named top rookie for January
'Luukkonen has registered a 13-5-2 record with a 3.26 goals-against average and a .900 save percentage in 20 games this season.' … [Read more...] about Sabres goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen named top rookie for January
Thursday's Carolina Coverage
Recap: Three-Goal First Leads Canes To A Seventh Consecutive Win (Hurricanes.com) Photo gallery (Buffalo News) … [Read more...] about Thursday’s Carolina Coverage
Noesen has goal, assist as Hurricanes rout Sabres 5-1
'“Never got in a rhythm and obviously we played a very good hockey team and a capable hockey team,” Sabres coach Don Granato said. “It didn’t matter who we played tonight. That result was going to be not a favorable one for lots of the reasons that were well within our control.”' … [Read more...] about Noesen has goal, assist as Hurricanes rout Sabres 5-1
Sabres enter break with loss to Carolina
'Buffalo was without Thompson for the third period. He appeared to be nursing an injury in the middle period, and was not on the bench for the final 20 minutes.' … [Read more...] about Sabres enter break with loss to Carolina
Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen named NHL's Rookie of the Month
'Luukkonen has led all rookie goaltenders with nine starts going 6-2-1 in that span. He also finished the month with a .907 saver percentage. He posted 30 or more saves five times in the month of January including a 39 save performance in their 6-5 overtime win over the Minnesota Wild.' … [Read more...] about Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen named NHL’s Rookie of the Month
Tage Thompson injured in Sabres’ loss before All-Star break
'“We’ve earned the position we’re in and we know we’re in it,” said defenseman Rasmus Dahlin, who could replace Thompson at the All-Star Game in Florida. “We had a long stretch now with a lot of games so it’s good to get some break and push harder when we get back. We’ve got something good going on so we can’t really be too worried about this game. We’ve got to move on and play … [Read more...] about Tage Thompson injured in Sabres’ loss before All-Star break
Sabres’ ascent ‘should continue for the next decade’ says TNT host, UB grad Liam McHugh
'“I’m just so happy for the Buffalo Sabres fans, because the wait has been so long,” McHugh said this week by phone, ahead of the Sabres’ final regular season appearance on TNT when they face the Hurricanes on Wednesday night. “Hopefully they make a run this year. But if they don’t, to me they are absolutely a playoff team next year. And that should continue for the next … [Read more...] about Sabres’ ascent ‘should continue for the next decade’ says TNT host, UB grad Liam McHugh
Aho scores in 6th straight, Hurricanes top Sabres for 7th win in row
'"We fought it," Buffalo coach Don Granato said. "It was the first time in a while I've seen our guys carry frustration and start to play with frustration, which hasn't happened in quite some time for us, which then complicates matters even more. Never got in a rhythm and obviously we played a very good hockey team and capable hockey team."' … [Read more...] about Aho scores in 6th straight, Hurricanes top Sabres for 7th win in row
Postgame Report | Thompson injured in Sabres' 5-1 loss to Hurricanes
'"They came at us with a lot of energy. They kept it simple. They were flipping pucks out, keeping us on our heels," Tuch said. "We weren't able to sustain their pressure. We collapsed early on and when you go down 3-0 against a team like that, it's going to be impossible to come back, honestly. We dug ourselves a hole and couldn't get out of it."' … [Read more...] about Postgame Report | Thompson injured in Sabres’ 5-1 loss to Hurricanes
Luukkonen named NHL Rookie of the Month for January
'Luukkonen led rookie goaltenders with nine starts in January, during which he went 6-2-1 with a .907 save percentage. He made 30-plus saves in five of those games, including a 39-save victory over Minnesota on January 7.' … [Read more...] about Luukkonen named NHL Rookie of the Month for January