'Another early deficit made it challenging for the Sabres to mount a comeback. They own the league’s worst first-period goal differential (-22), and no team has allowed more goals (42) in the first period this season. The Bruins led 2-0 only 13:42 into the game because of a pair of coverage mistakes on goals by Mason Lohrei and Charlie Coyle.' … [Read more...] about Observations: Ineffective special teams the difference in Sabres’ loss to Bruins
Archives for December 28, 2023
Mike Harrington: A chat with the GM has Dylan Cozens refocused on the right numbers
'Cozens’ long-term contract, which takes him through the 2029-30 season and all the way to age 29, crept onto the ice far more than it should have this year. Players earn those deals because of their natural ability. They don’t think the game. Instincts rule. But Cozens was too cautious with his play much of the time.' … [Read more...] about Mike Harrington: A chat with the GM has Dylan Cozens refocused on the right numbers
Special teams doom Sabres in loss to Bruins: ‘Achilles’ heel for us tonight’
'Chew on these ghastly, NHL-worst numbers: the Sabres have allowed a whopping 48 first-period goals and possess a minus-22 goal differential in the opening 20 minutes this season.' … [Read more...] about Special teams doom Sabres in loss to Bruins: ‘Achilles’ heel for us tonight’
After getting waived by Sabres, Jacob Bryson seizes chance with Amerks
'“I felt like they thought that was the best decision for the team and for myself, getting games down here rather than keep me up there,” Bryson said. “And I felt like they weren’t going to put me in anyways because I had been out for so long. I felt like that was the move they had to make and it’s good for, I feel like, my career. It’s nice to play and get minutes and get my … [Read more...] about After getting waived by Sabres, Jacob Bryson seizes chance with Amerks
Thursday's Boston Coverage
Bruins return to action, snap losing streak with win over Sabres (Boston Globe) Jim Montgomery barely tweaks the lineup before Bruins end four-game funk (Boston Globe) Bruins get back on track with 4-1 win in Buffalo (Boston Herald) 5 takeaways from Bruins’ first win in four games (Springfield Republican) Bruins ‘owe a lot’ to goalies this season (Springfield … [Read more...] about Thursday’s Boston Coverage
Charlie Coyle scores twice as Bruins beat Sabres 4-1 to end 4-game skid
'“Bottom line is special teams, no doubt,” Johnson said. “They scored when they needed to and they capitalized on their chances, especially on the power play. That was the difference.”' … [Read more...] about Charlie Coyle scores twice as Bruins beat Sabres 4-1 to end 4-game skid
How the NHL's first Winter Classic overcame many hurdles
'Finally, the NHL got a "yes." It was from Larry Quinn, the former managing partner of the Buffalo Sabres. "Larry was very forward thinking about a lot of things, as a business guy as well as a hockey guy. And so he raised his hand and said, 'We'll host,'" recalled Collins.' … [Read more...] about How the NHL’s first Winter Classic overcame many hurdles
Special teams dooms Sabres against Boston
'Despite a strong start by Buffalo, it was the Bruins that struck first in the opening period. Mason Lohrei was able to come down from the blue line and convert on a rebound chance just over four minutes into the game to give Boston a 1-0 lead.' … [Read more...] about Special teams dooms Sabres against Boston
Opinion: After 36 games, nothing has changed this season for the Sabres
'The Sabres looked very rusty after having three days off from practices and games, but Boston had the same three days off and they didn’t look rusty at all.' … [Read more...] about Opinion: After 36 games, nothing has changed this season for the Sabres
Granato: 'When you feel like you can score, you always feel like you're in the game'
'"Your psyche is key and when you feel you can't score, it's really hard. This is a tough league when you feel like you can't score and flip it when you feel like you can score you always feel like you're in the game you're ready for you're excited for that next shift, give me the puck, I can do it. Nobody fears a team that can score in this league. We're going to focus and be … [Read more...] about Granato: ‘When you feel like you can score, you always feel like you’re in the game’
Sabres overpowered in home loss vs. Bruins
'While Buffalo went scoreless on six power plays, the penalty killers gave up a season-high three goals against Atlantic Division-leading Boston.' … [Read more...] about Sabres overpowered in home loss vs. Bruins
Coyle scores twice, Bruins end 4-game skid with win against Sabres
'“We’re passing up good opportunities, we’re not supporting each other. It just kind of adds up. It’s a snowball effect, and each guy has to look at one another and try to work for one another, because it’s five against four. I mean, we shouldn’t be out there and getting outchanced. … It’s confidence, it’s swagger. We obviously don’t have it right now, and we’re going to work … [Read more...] about Coyle scores twice, Bruins end 4-game skid with win against Sabres
Special teams makes the difference in Sabres' loss to Bruins
'The Bruins scored on their first three power plays and finished the night 3-for-4. The Sabres went 0-for-6, which included 28 seconds at 5-on-3 and 1:32 at 4-on-3.' … [Read more...] about Special teams makes the difference in Sabres’ loss to Bruins
Thursday's Rochester Coverage
Amerks come up short in rematch with Crunch (Amerks.com) Crunch blow past Amerks, 3-1 (SyracuseCrunch.com) … [Read more...] about Thursday’s Rochester Coverage