Buffalo News

'The ratings for the Sabres picked up for the season’s final eight games as the play of Rasmus Dahlin, Tage Thompson, Jeff Skinner, Alex Tuch and other young players gave fans renewed hope that next year’s team will break the 11-year playoff drought. Six of the team’s last seven games averaged a 4.5 rating or higher.' … [Read more...] about Alan Pergament: Despite Jeanneret’s late-season assist, Sabres’ ratings down 10% from year ago

'"I was getting lots of chances the second half, they just weren't quite finding the back of the net for me," Cozens said Sunday in KeyBank Center. "As frustrating as it was, I tried to focus on the positive things. I think the second half I really kind of stepped up my defensive game and reliability. That's something as a young guy, I want to be reliable and trusted in the … [Read more...] about Mike Harrington: The goals stopped coming but Dylan Cozens kept pushing and can be a breakout player

'Everyone on both benches – Subban was a member of the Blackhawks before the trade – smiled and laughed when they realized this wasn't a video recording. Subban belted out every note, including those he didn't think his voice could ever reach again. The crowd roared in approval and people across the NHL lauded the remarkable performance.' … [Read more...] about Malcolm Subban surprises the Sabres and himself by singing national anthem

'Olofsson is arbitration-eligible and acknowledged that a resolution won’t come anytime soon. He waited almost eight months for a contract following the 2019-20 season because of the Covid-19 pandemic’s impact on the NHL offseason.' … [Read more...] about Sabres notebook: Victor Olofsson prepared to wait awhile for contract

'“Obviously there were going to be mixed opinions from the fan base and from the city, and I just saw nothing but overwhelming support,” Tuch, 25, told the media during his end-of-season press conference Saturday. “I have to say thank you for that. It made my job a lot easier and my family’s life a lot more enjoyable in that regard."' … [Read more...] about Alex Tuch’s ‘dream come true’ brightened Sabres’ outlook, sparked change

'This is the first season through this entire playoff drought that players, coaches, fans and even media are bummed we've hit a finish line and aren't saying good riddance to it all.' … [Read more...] about Mike Harrington: Sabres carry a good vibe into the offseason but have to keep pushing forward

'On the ice, he delivered 17 wins – including victories over Toronto, Vegas, Minnesota, Nashville and Carolina – across 31 games in Buffalo’s net. In the dressing room, and between stoppages in play, he provided words of wisdom. He exemplified the professionalism, dedication and perseverance that coaches and management want in the organization.' … [Read more...] about Craig Anderson views Sabres as ‘ideal situation’ if he decides to continue playing

'On the ice, there were highlight-reel, tension-inducing plays by the foundational players who are the new faces of the franchise. Tage Thompson, a 24-year-old who switched to center in camp, scored his team-leading 38th goal of the season to tie the score 1-1 in the third period on a cross-ice pass from a rejuvenated Jeff Skinner.' … [Read more...] about Sabres show potential in memorable season finale, send RJ off with OT win

'No, it wasn't Brad May or Jason Pominville or Maxim Afinogenov, Danny Briere, Rene Robert or the countless other memorable goal scorers Jeanneret has called over the years in overtime. But it was a wholly appropriate way to finish.' … [Read more...] about Mike Harrington: Last Call goes to ohhhhhhhhhh-vertime for Rick Jeanneret

'"We had our opportunities," said Sabres center Dylan Cozens. "We had lots of shots. They just found a way to put it in the back of the net and we didn’t. They scored on their power play, and we didn’t. ... It's a frustrating one to lose."' … [Read more...] about Observations: Sabres cap road schedule with streak-snapping 5-0 loss in Boston

'Here, at the home of the Bruins, Fitzgerald won two state championships with Malden Catholic High School and competed in big games as a defenseman for Boston College, including the annual Beanpot and Hockey East tournaments.' … [Read more...] about Sabres notebook: Casey Fitzgerald learning through ‘ups and downs’ on defense

'"He's really the last of the shut-up-and-let-me-talk guys while the play is going on. His thinking is that's the play-by-play guy's job and when the whistle goes, then it's your time – and then shut up again when the puck is ready to be dropped again."' … [Read more...] about Mike Harrington: For broadcast sidekick Rob Ray, Rick Jeanneret’s last call caps wild ride in second career

'"We still have guys going out there 25 minutes early today, last practice of the year," Okposo said. "That's not normal for this time of year. But it's the norm around here. And that's all that matters: What we do as a group, and how we act."' … [Read more...] about Sabres Notebook: Uncertain for final two games, Kyle Okposo honored by Masterton nomination

'Over the past month, we’ve seen the subtleties in Mittelstadt’s game that were apparent when he was unquestionably the Sabres’ top player during training camp in the fall. He’s holding onto the puck longer to allow plays to develop, breaking pressure on the power play with a well-placed pass, extending possessions by winning battles on the forecheck and aggressively attacking … [Read more...] about Sabres notebook: Casey Mittelstadt having success at tail end of ‘long year’

'Jeanneret has been with us since the Sabres’ second season. He has seen them all, from Perreault to Power.' … [Read more...] about Erik Brady: Rick Jeanneret has been with us for decades, and yet still will be gone too soon