'“He finds a way to connect with people,” Amerks assistant coach Vinny Prospal, a longtime NHL forward, told The Buffalo News following a recent practice in Rochester’s Blue Cross Arena. “There are times when I’m exhausted and don’t want to talk to anyone, and he finds a way to talk to everyone. He’s a great communicator. You have to have a gift to, at certain times, remain … [Read more...] about How Seth Appert’s days as a college goalie showed his ‘gift’ to coach Sabres prospects
The Sabres Report - May 2, 2024
Connor Clifton not surprised he's watching playoffs this spring after seeing how 2023-24 season unfolded
'“There were just so many unforced mistakes by us and I don’t even think we’d be here if we didn’t have ‘Upie’. It was just so many mistakes in puck management and in this time of the year it’s so hard to score goals and when we’re giving up one or two in the first and then we play our game and if we don’t score two goals, we’re losing because of those three minutes we took off … [Read more...] about Connor Clifton not surprised he’s watching playoffs this spring after seeing how 2023-24 season unfolded
Sabres prospect Komarov named QMJHL defenseman of the year
'“Vsevolod had an excellent season," Sabres director of player development Adam Mair said. "He is a very smart, two-way defenseman that can move the puck, contribute offensively, and shut plays down on the D side. His growth over the last two years has been impressive, and we are very excited about his future.”' … [Read more...] about Sabres prospect Komarov named QMJHL defenseman of the year
Thursday's Rochester Coverage
Amerks ready for game three against powered up Crunch (WROC-TV) Amerks looking to take over Syracuse (Amerks.com) … [Read more...] about Thursday’s Rochester Coverage
The Sabres Report - May 1, 2024
Mike Harrington: For now, Sabres need to forget about titles and get their Andy Dalton moment
'Ruff’s troops need to get into the postseason, take some five-game loss in Round 1 and then we can all get on to the process of aiming toward much longer hockey springs around here. And he’ll be a hero. You might argue that’s a pretty low standard to have and you’re right. But that’s simply the reality of where this organization is.' … [Read more...] about Mike Harrington: For now, Sabres need to forget about titles and get their Andy Dalton moment
By end of difficult season, Sabres’ Tage Thompson became elite scorer again
'To wit: in his final 28 games, he recorded 14 goals and 27 points. He often performed dynamically over his last 18 outings, scoring 11 goals and 21 points.' … [Read more...] about By end of difficult season, Sabres’ Tage Thompson became elite scorer again
Ruff: 'You've got to get comfortable being uncomfortable'
'"I think that's probably the area I've most grown, how hard you can push and how hard you can go," said Ruff on Tuesday during an appearance on the "Jeremy and Joe Show" on WGR. "I think the players, myself, Kevyn, we really have to stay connected in the direction we're trying to go, in the direction we're trying to get each individual too. Understanding that each player will … [Read more...] about Ruff: ‘You’ve got to get comfortable being uncomfortable’
Noah Ostlund thrown right into Calder Cup Playoffs with Amerks
'Ostlund seems to be learning fast in just four AHL games played. "It’s a good confidence. I’ve been playing better and better," said Ostlund earlier this week.' … [Read more...] about Noah Ostlund thrown right into Calder Cup Playoffs with Amerks
'He's always fighting' | Quinn showed growth despite limited playing time in 2023-24
'“It was great to be back in the lineup for myself and, you know, try to help the team win,” Quinn said. “And I think we’re really close to being a really good team in this league, and we’re gonna do everything we can to be there next year.”' … [Read more...] about ‘He’s always fighting’ | Quinn showed growth despite limited playing time in 2023-24
Wednesday's Rochester Coverage
Amerks lean on last year’s comeback against Syracuse ahead of game 3 (WHEC-TV) … [Read more...] about Wednesday’s Rochester Coverage
The Sabres Report - Apr 30, 2024
Mike Harrington: Playoff runs by Amerks create a wild mix of experiences for Sabres' prospects
'Take Monday’s off day for rest and recovery. Don’t get too high. Don’t get too low. Battle through adversity, like the blown 2-0 leads in both games. And Game 3 will be another good test after the Amerks got hosed in OT on Sunday with a phantom icing call. It produced a lost defensive zone faceoff that resulted in Syracuse’s winning goal.' … [Read more...] about Mike Harrington: Playoff runs by Amerks create a wild mix of experiences for Sabres’ prospects
The Sabres Report - Apr 29, 2024
Monday's Rochester Coverage
Amerks observations: Devon Levi stellar again, but Syracuse evens series with OT win (Buffalo News) Amerks fall to Crunch in OT to even series. Did 'terrible call' cost them the game? (Rochester Democrat and Chronicle) Faceoffs, tips doom Rochester in loss; Devon Levi shines for Amerks (Olean Times Herald) The Amerks blow another two-goal lead, but this time it led to a loss … [Read more...] about Monday’s Rochester Coverage
The Sabres Report - Apr 28, 2024
Inside the NHL: Sabres alums 'pumped' for Lindy Ruff to get his second chance here
'“Honestly not surprised at all, put it that way,” Vanek said on the After the Whistle podcast with ex-Sabres Andrew Peters and Craig Rivet. “I did see some of the comments that Kevyn (GM Kevyn Adams) made at the end of the year. And it sounded to me like he already knew who he was going to hire the way he was talking. It sounded a lot like Lindy. I think he’s going to get a … [Read more...] about Inside the NHL: Sabres alums ‘pumped’ for Lindy Ruff to get his second chance here
The Sabres Report - Apr 27, 2024
Sabres notes: Will Lindy Ruff have input in trades, other roster decisions?
'“No decisions are made in a vacuum,” Adams said Tuesday during Ruff’s re-introduction as coach in the KeyBank Center pavilion. “I’ve said that multiple times. It’s my style, first of all, to surround myself with people that are really challenging me. I always talk to our staff, it’s not about being right, it’s about getting it right. So we need to get it right."' … [Read more...] about Sabres notes: Will Lindy Ruff have input in trades, other roster decisions?
‘He’s fearless’ | Benson and teammates reflect on his rookie season
'“I mean, it was a crazy year for me. You know, coming to camp, not too sure what’s gonna go on,” he said. “It was definitely a hectic year and one I'll never forget. It was pretty awesome to play with this group of guys. It was a dream come true to play my first year in the NHL."' … [Read more...] about ‘He’s fearless’ | Benson and teammates reflect on his rookie season