Buffalo News

'But one of the reasons Thompson’s turnaround is so encouraging is that he flat-out looks like a better player on the interior. Thompson seems much more comfortable using his big frame working the insides, and allowing playmaking wingers – the type of players he wasn’t accustomed to seeing on the fourth line – to work the boards and funnel pucks around the offensive zone.' … [Read more...] about Travis Yost’s Sabre Metrics: Effectiveness increases when Tage Thompson is at center

'There wasn't much else to like about the first two periods. The Sabres were beaten to loose pucks all over the ice and routinely failed to cover the front of the net.' … [Read more...] about Observations: Brett Murray’s first NHL goal a bright spot in dismal loss to Kraken

'"Just bring a little bit of positive energy in the room and today it was on the ice," Tuch said of his current goals. "Get to know guys and just try to find my way into the team. It's tough not being able to go into battle with them every night. Probably the hardest part, honestly. This team has been unbelievable bringing me in and making me one of the guys, that's for sure."' … [Read more...] about Sabres Notebook: Alex Tuch hits practice ice, relives suite night with The Dominator

'"I just wanted it to be competitive. We didn't really ask each other about it," Cammi Granato said by phone. "Of course, we want our teams to win, but it goes deeper than that, right? I root for Don and my family. That's just the way we are. It was competitive fun. I've never been in a position exactly like that."' … [Read more...] about As Seattle hits town, Hall of Famer and Kraken scout Cammi Granato reflects on brother Don

'"When you’re in front there at 6-on-5, I just try to stay loose really just in case there’s a rebound or deflection," said Skinner, who notched his sixth goal. "Fortunately, I was able to get my stick on it and it went in."' … [Read more...] about Observations: In finale of grueling week, Sabres are clipped by Red Wings in OT

'Sabres coach Don Granato, who has spoken with conviction about Thompson’s potential and “swagger,” smirked when asked about the confidence his 23-year-old center showed with the staredown: “You love it when you see it and when you back it up. He had both components there, so yes, I do love what I saw out of that.”' … [Read more...] about Observations: Tage Thompson scores twice to help Sabres snap 4-game skid

'Dustin Tokarski has had several good moments this year, and was up to the task in Friday night's 4-1 win over abysmal Montreal. Still, the Sabres' goaltending situation is tenuous much of the time, and downright dire at others.' … [Read more...] about Mike Harrington: Dustin Tokarski bounces back but Sabres still need more help in goal

'Tokarski played well when he was called on in relief, stopping 24 of 25 shots to improve his save percentage to .904. It was too late, though. The Sabres were trailing by three goals after 20 minutes, despite limiting Boston to only one high danger scoring chance in the first period, according to NaturalStatTrick.com.' … [Read more...] about Observations: Another bad showing by a goalie derails Sabres’ progress

'"I have a great relationship with Jack. He's been great to me," Mittelstadt said. "Especially ever since I got sent to 'Roch' (in 2019-20), he was always helping me so much with my game and certain situations, more than anything a lot of little plays that have made a big difference in my game. So, for me, it's hard to see Jack go."' … [Read more...] about Mike Harrington: As his return to Sabres nears, Casey Mittelstadt gives lots of thanks

'“I feel a lot more ready,” said Quinn. “I think learning how to play [in the AHL] allowed me to have the right mindset coming into the season and knowing what I have to do be successful. Getting to the inside, bearing down more in there. That’s how I’m going to score my goals. Last year, I didn’t know that coming in, so it was harder to react.”' … [Read more...] about On a mission in Rochester, Jack Quinn showing he could be close to helping Sabres

'“We need to play hard, we need to play an exciting game and it’s the only way we’re going to get better,” said Sabres coach Don Granato. “We need to get better. We need to progress, we need to push. Very happy that not only do they push, but they’re starting to feel the progress. They’re starting to feel themselves get better and better and playing with that type of confidence … [Read more...] about Observations: Sabres comeback falls short, but Tage Thompson, Dylan Cozens shine

'With the Sabres attempting to hold the puck along the wall to take the game into overtime, the Rangers’ Adam Fox pried it away to set up the winning goal by defenseman Ryan Lindgren with 0.4 seconds remaining, sending Buffalo to a crushing 5-4 loss.' … [Read more...] about Observations: Fatal mistake in final second spoils Sabres’ better road performance

'It’s been great. We’ve met so many people around the community. We went out to dinner the other night and saw eight people I know. It’s home now and has been for me and my family. It is a small town (laughs). I feel like you’re one degree of separation from everybody. It’s fun that way. … Everything has been just awesome for my family and I. I can’t say enough good things … [Read more...] about Sabres Q&A: Kyle Okposo on leadership, off-ice culture, making Buffalo home

'The big picture is more than you could have reasonably expected at this stage. At 7-7-2, the Sabres entered the weekend just two points out of a playoff spot. Yes, two. And an 82-point pace for the season far exceeds any prediction offered before the season.' … [Read more...] about Inside the NHL: Don Granato reaches season’s first crisis point. How will he react?

'We’re starting to see more consistent signs of what Dahlin can become. So many people want to label Dahlin a bust because of what we’re seeing from Cale Makar and Quinn Hughes. Far different players from totally different backgrounds. Victor Hedman struggled early in his career. We’re seeing growth from Dahlin in how quickly he responds to bad plays, and this is the first time … [Read more...] about Sabres mailbag: Jack Quinn’s NHL timeline, possible deadline trades, targets in UFA