Buffalo News

'"It does enter to the back of your mind that you just don't have any control over the situation," Okposo said after the Sabres returned to practice Monday in KeyBank Center. "You've got to be good at crisis. And that's what we've been in the last 20-whatever months it's been. I think as far as a league as a whole and leadership within our organization, we're doing a good job, … [Read more...] about Mike Harrington: Sabres working hard to stay upbeat during NHL’s latest Covid crisis

'The road to recovery hasn’t been easy for Tokarski, who told reporters Monday at KeyBank Center that he experienced “mild to moderate” symptoms for a period of a “few days” after his positive test. It took him longer to rejoin the Sabres because of bothersome, lingering effects from his bout with the virus.' … [Read more...] about Sabres goalie Dustin Tokarski rejoins team for first time since bout with Covid-19

'Monday's 14-game slate was postponed so the league could get teams back on a testing schedule Sunday and find out their status. Several reports in the Canadian media in recent days said the league may postpone all games this week and try to resume the schedule on Jan. 1 to protect the Winter Classic in Minneapolis between the Minnesota Wild and St. Louis Blues. But as of … [Read more...] about As Sabres add Don Granato, two players to Covid protocols, NHL forges on

'“I think it’s been pretty good for the most part,” he said. “I’ve definitely had my ups and downs in terms of consistency. I’m trying to really hone in on that. I have definitely been putting pressure on myself. I want to be up in the NHL really bad, and I want to do really well. The biggest thing for me is relax, play hockey and have fun out there.”' … [Read more...] about A ‘big part’ of Sabres’ future, Peyton Krebs determined to work his way to Buffalo

'"I wasn't really shocked, but it was more just stunned," Tom Fitzgerald told The Buffalo News by phone this week while driving home to Boston for the holiday. "You're thinking, 'This is the day. Oh my God. That day, here it is.' It's what every player waits for. He was all excited because they had just played a game in Rochester and then the next day he told us they said he … [Read more...] about Inside the NHL: Wild night for Devils GM Tom Fitzgerald watching son make Sabres debut

'The other side of this is Luukkonen's status as waivers-exempt. The Sabres want to get a longer look at Subban, and Dustin Tokarski could get claimed by another club. Goaltending depth is critical because of injuries and Covid-19. But Craig Anderson is making signs of progress, and I'd rather risk losing Tokarski on waivers than send Luukkonen to Rochester if he's shown he's … [Read more...] about Sabres Mailbag: Is UPL here to stay? What should fans expect from Alex Tuch?

'The Populous study contains separate lists of "aspirational" and "functional" ideas for improvements at the arena. Leading the list of aspirational ideas was improving amenities at every level of the arena, followed by "differentiated seating" – meaning different options to appeal to different segments of the population.' … [Read more...] about Stadium study also outlines ideas for KeyBank Center upgrades

'As of now, the Sabres had two home game postponed – a Dec. 20 meeting against the Columbus Blue Jackets and Dec. 22 against the Colorado Avalance – and there's plenty of available February dates in KeyBank Center.' … [Read more...] about How are the Sabres impacted by the NHL withdrawing from the Olympics?

'Asplund, 24, who saw stretches of games with the Sabres over the last two seasons, has entrenched himself as a full-time starter. Asplund’s managed 15 points (five goals and 10 assists) over the first 30 games, five points away from the team lead. What separates Asplund from his peers, though, isn’t the individual box score; it’s his two-way play and ability to pressure the … [Read more...] about Travis Yost’s Sabre Metrics: Why Rasmus Asplund’s play should encourage Sabres fans

'As part of the NHL's revised holiday schedule that allows teams to return a day earlier than originally planned, the Sabres are slated to return to practice Sunday. They're supposed to host the New York Islanders on Monday in KeyBank Center. The virus may have other ideas.' … [Read more...] about Sabres wary of Covid outbreak heading into uncertain holiday break

'So when it comes to the game schedule, the Sabres will resume with home games on Dec. 27 against the New York Islanders and Dec. 29 against New Jersey. Of course, there's no telling where the pandemic will be in another week and what the impacts will continue to be on the league.' … [Read more...] about Covid-19 cases among opponents wipe out Sabres’ schedule until after Christmas

'“Yeah, playing for your country, playing in the Olympics, it’s a great thing,” Dahlin told The News. “Last time I went there, it didn’t go very well, so I would love to go back and do it again, for sure.' … [Read more...] about Sabres’ Rasmus Dahlin still holding out hope NHLers will go to Olympics

'Finally recovered and cleared to skate in the Sabres’ top six in front of family and friends, Tuch still can’t be sure when his debut will occur. The Blue Jackets canceled practice Sunday in response to three players entering Covid-19 protocol. They still plan to hold a morning skate Monday in Columbus. They’ll fly to Buffalo for the game if cleared to do so, but their arrival … [Read more...] about Sabres dealing with more uncertainty as Alex Tuch set for debut

'The 5-foot-11 Fitzgerald played 16 minutes, 42 seconds in the game while paired with Jacob Bryson, collecting an assist on a Zemgus Girgensons goal for his first NHL point. He had five hits, the most among Buffalo defensemen, two shots on goal and two blocked shots. He even threw down for his first NHL fight, battling Sam Lafferty in a spirited affair after the Pens' forward … [Read more...] about Casey Fitzgerald has memorable and eventful debut on Sabres’ defense

'A pause can help the league work with Canadian officials to get a better handle on testing results, which are lagging severely when teams cross the border. And the holiday break ahead gives the league some leeway as well.' … [Read more...] about Inside the NHL: The league needs a pause, but things just aren’t that simple