'“I don’t think it was anything they did,” Sabres center Tage Thompson said of his team’s inability to attempt a comeback in the third against the Canadiens. “I think it was our own doing. Sloppy with the puck. Turnovers. Couldn’t execute. Turn the puck over, you’re not going to win any chances. That was pretty much it.”' … [Read more...] about ‘We have to go to the Bell Centre and win’: Sabres can’t create third-period comeback in 5-1 loss to Canadiens
Archives for May 9, 2026
Mike Harrington: Whether injured or not, Tage Thompson has to escape his struggles
'What is up with Tage Thompson? You saw all you really needed to know about Game 2 in a 10-second span early in the third period Friday night in KeyBank Center. And it was not pretty.' … [Read more...] about Mike Harrington: Whether injured or not, Tage Thompson has to escape his struggles
Canadiens not underestimating Sabres, even after 5-1 Game 2 win
'"I'd say focus and confidence, knowing that we had what it takes to be able to play against these guys," Matheson said. "They had a lot of success against us in Game 1. And even after tonight, I don't think we have a feeling of having all the answers against them. We obviously were able to have a good stretch of scoring against them tonight. But we've got a lot respect for the … [Read more...] about Canadiens not underestimating Sabres, even after 5-1 Game 2 win
Sabres notebook: Line of Zucker, McLeod and Quinn wants to get connected vs. Canadiens
'“We played as a connected unit,” Zucker said. "This goes for probably any line in the league. If you’re not staying close together, helping each other out, coming to pucks, making little plays and winning battles together as a unit, you’re not going to have much success. That last game was a step in the right direction.”' … [Read more...] about Sabres notebook: Line of Zucker, McLeod and Quinn wants to get connected vs. Canadiens
‘He would love to play on this team’: Dale Hawerchuk’s ties to the 2026 Sabres stay strong
'“I always try to cheer for any of the teams my dad played for,” said Hawerchuk, who also co-founded his family’s fundraising foundation, Hawerchuk Strong, after his dad's death from stomach cancer in 2020. “Winnipeg – they put a statue of him there, and when they’re in it, it’s hard not to cheer for them. But the Buffalo hype is real."' … [Read more...] about ‘He would love to play on this team’: Dale Hawerchuk’s ties to the 2026 Sabres stay strong
4 things that stood out in Sabres lopsided loss to Canadiens
'Ruff is right, the series is even, but he also hit on the key difference: Montreal is much better than Boston. The Sabres were clearly the more talented team in the first round and it showed when they went into Boston and had their way in Games 3 and 4 to grab firm control. This time, they are not more talented than their opponent; at best they’re even, and going into Montreal … [Read more...] about 4 things that stood out in Sabres lopsided loss to Canadiens
Sabres struggle as Canadiens tie series at 1; Tage Thompson has rough night
'In addition to his gaffe and compiling a wretched minus-4 rating in Game 2, Thompson’s goal drought hit a season-long seven games. He hasn’t scored since a two-goal outburst late in the Sabres’ first game of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.' … [Read more...] about Sabres struggle as Canadiens tie series at 1; Tage Thompson has rough night
Two years after trade, Sabres’ Bowen Byram earning place among NHL’s elite defensemen
'“You just see he’s got that F-you mentality on the ice,” Dahlin said. “He’s a hell of a competitor. … He just goes in to every game with no respect, just doing his own thing, and team is kind of feeding off that, too. It’s fun to watch.”' … [Read more...] about Two years after trade, Sabres’ Bowen Byram earning place among NHL’s elite defensemen
Newhook scores twice, leads Canadiens to Game 2 victory in Buffalo
'The Sabres power play dropped back to reality after scoring twice on three opportunities in Game 1. Buffalo, 1-for-24 in the first round against the Boston Bruins, failed to score on five power plays.' … [Read more...] about Newhook scores twice, leads Canadiens to Game 2 victory in Buffalo
Some Power-ful words for whoever Maple Leafs pick first overall
'“Have fun with it and enjoy it,” Power said on Friday morning. “Don’t put too much pressure on yourself or listen to the outside too much. Whoever it is, I’m sure they’re going to be fine.”' … [Read more...] about Some Power-ful words for whoever Maple Leafs pick first overall
Opinion | Thanks for singing ‘O Canada,’ Buffalo. We love and miss you — but don’t expect us back anytime soon
'Toronto may be a giant metropolis, but its proximity to the border means Buffalo is part of our life too and its absence is felt. A place to go for day trips or weekends. To take in culture and sports of all kinds: the closest NFL team and Frank Lloyd Wright-designed houses to Toronto. Something for everyone. The Albright-Knox art gallery. Cool bars in Allentown. The … [Read more...] about Opinion | Thanks for singing ‘O Canada,’ Buffalo. We love and miss you — but don’t expect us back anytime soon
This is the Sabres system: a terrifying beast under autopsy
'The Sabres have a special composition and their system is precisely structured around the components that make them abnormal.' … [Read more...] about This is the Sabres system: a terrifying beast under autopsy
Bowen Byram finds a good friend at the Canadiens
'On one side there's defenseman Bowen Byram and on the other, forward Alex Newhook. Their friendship dates back to their early NHL seasons when they played for the Avalanche.' … [Read more...] about Bowen Byram finds a good friend at the Canadiens
Buffalo fans are hungry
'To give you an idea, the oldest player on the Sabres, Luke Schenn, was 21 and finishing his third NHL season in the spring of 2011, the last time the team skated in the playoffs. The youngest, Konsta Helenius, was 5 years old.' … [Read more...] about Buffalo fans are hungry
Lindy Ruff lashes out at his team
'"I said it after the first game. Our puck play wasn't good enough," he said in a press conference after the 5-1 loss in the second game. It was the same thing on Friday, in his opinion. The result was, once again, "bad puck handling."' … [Read more...] about Lindy Ruff lashes out at his team