AP

‘The 72-year-old Robert has a home in Florida but maintains numerous ties to Buffalo, where he remains active in charitable endeavors.’

‘Buffalo won the NHL draft lottery on Wednesday in what became a showdown between a Sabres team in need of a fresh start, and a Seattle expansion franchise preparing to embark on its first season. Adams was aware of who he was up against upon seeing Francis pictured next to him on a split-screen as the lottery winner was announced.’

‘To emphasize his point Wednesday, Adams borrowed the same word — disconnect — Eichel used two days earlier when the star player questioned his future in Buffalo by citing differences with the team over how to treat his herniated disk.’

‘“For now, obviously, I’m here, I’m the captain of this hockey team,” he added. “My goal is to be available and to try to help the guys in the room and help this organization win hockey games. And I’ll continue to do that as long as I’m here.”’

‘Management again over-estimated how close the franchise was to becoming a contender, attempting quick fixes with headline-grabbing signings.’

‘“I think our guys advanced,” Sabres interim coach Don Granato said. “They have a taste of confidence. They should have had no confidence after giving up eight goals the other day. They came in from the drop of the puck and had confidence, and that’s progress.”’

‘The 28-year-old spent nearly a decade before bouncing around the minors before finally reaching the NHL earlier this week. He dazzled in a pair of wins over the New York Islanders to earn a third consecutive start. Playing in front of more than 20 friends and family, Houser stopped 26 shots but couldn’t keep the NHL’s highest-scoring team under wraps.’

‘“It’s incredible,” Bjork said. “He’s done just an amazing job. You’ve got to really tip your hat to that guy. He came in here and did his job so well, and we’re all so proud of him and excited for him.”’

‘“A very special night, special person,” Sabres coach Don Granato said. “So, great to be a part of it. And the locker room was even better. The rallying in the locker room was very, very enjoyable for all. What a moment.”’

‘The Bruins went 7-1 against the Sabres this season and improved to 21-4-1 in the teams’ last 26 meetings.’