Buffalo News

'"We have to continue to mold our identity," right winger Kyle Okposo said. "We have to continue to mold the framework of our game so we can try and play that way all the time. That's just the NHL. ... You have to find your strengths and you have to play them because if you try to play somebody else's game, more often than not, you're going to lose unless you're one of the two … [Read more...] about Mike Harrington: A loss to learn from on and off the ice at the start of Sabres’ big week

'Anderson’s historic production is remarkable, considering how it all began. He was winless in 15 straight games for the rebuilding Blackhawks, found himself claimed on waivers three times during the 2005-06 season and didn’t receive a starting opportunity until the age of 28, when he appeared in 71 of 82 games for the Colorado Avalanche.' … [Read more...] about Craig Anderson closing in on 300th win after ‘tough start’ to ‘remarkable’ career

'Iafallo had dozens of family and friends at KeyBank Center when he played his first game against the Sabres in Buffalo in February 2017. He isn’t sure how big the postgame greeting party will be Sunday, but estimated there will be “quite a few” on hand.' … [Read more...] about Eden’s Alex Iafallo a key player in Kings’ push for a playoff spot

'Skinner was howling in celebration after his tying goal and Dylan Cozens was waving good-bye to players on the Minnesota bench after a large scrum following the final horn. A feisty game included Casey Fitzgerald's third-period fight with Mason Shaw that energized the Sabres and ended in near chaos after Minnesota defenseman Jared Spurgeon slashed Rasmus Dahlin. Cozens and … [Read more...] about Observations: Late heroics by Jeff Skinner send Sabres past Wild

'The Sabres’ medical staff will evaluate Girgensons following practice in the coming days to assess his recovery. He has yet to be cleared for contact, and a timeline for his return isn’t known.' … [Read more...] about Sabres Notebook: Zemgus Girgensons nearing return after extended absence

'"We wanted to be aggressive, as aggressive as we could be," Skinner said after practice Thursday afternoon downtown. "I think when you’re playing a team with that much skill, you want to try and take away their time and space as much as you can. So in order to do that, you have to be aggressive and sort of have to hound the puck. I thought we did a good job of that.”' … [Read more...] about By hounding the puck and using speed, Sabres’ Jeff Skinner looks for more rewards

'There was no slow start for the Sabres. Playing for the first time since a difficult February that featured only two wins in 11 games, Buffalo issued another reminder that it can execute its up-tempo, stretch-the-ice style of play well enough to threaten the NHL’s elite teams that win with speed and skin, rather than strength and grit.' … [Read more...] about Observations: Sabres silence Toronto fans by outworking Leafs in 5-1 win

'With their first full house since Dec. 11 and a chance to take over first place in the Atlantic Division theirs for the taking, the Leafs laid an egg. But for the Sabres, the 5-1 victory in their first trip to Toronto since Dec. 17, 2019, rates as a signature road win on their season.' … [Read more...] about Mike Harrington: Good to finally get across the border – and see Sabres’ strong effort

'"It's a rivalry that's gone back a ways now," Tuch said. "It's right over the border, and they have a really good team over there, so we're going to have to give our best and come out and have a really good start to the game. Try to make them play in the defensive zone as much as possible because they've got a lot of offensive weapons over there. I'm really excited for the … [Read more...] about Key question for Sabres vs. Leafs: Will their top line produce at both ends of the ice?

'"That would be my goal in my head I think, to play this weekend," Quinn said. "It's up to the doctors and staff to see if they're on the same page as me."' … [Read more...] about Sabres Notebook: Jack Quinn back at practice, will return to Rochester

'“Obviously, the results aren't what we want, but I feel like we're piecing things together right now and we’ve just got to find a way to have consistency,” Thompson said after the 4-2 loss in Dallas on Sunday. “It's gotta be that next step for us.”' … [Read more...] about Sabres gearing up for busy March that includes Heritage Classic, trade deadline

'It became clear last summer when General Manager Kevyn Adams traded Rasmus Ristolainen and Sam Reinhart that this season would be measured by progress of the young players, not wins. In a business where everyone is measured by results, a swath of the fan base isn’t willing to settle for silver linings, although the last two stops on this three-game road trip included a few of … [Read more...] about Observations: Fending off frustration part of Sabres’ challenge after another loss

'Prices in KeyBank Center will go up an average of only 1% for next season in notices being sent to customers on Monday. But prices of many seats are going down or staying flat, and even customers whose seats are scheduled to see an increase can retain their current price for next season if they renew their seats by March 18 as part of a promotion the team is dubbing "Ice Your … [Read more...] about As Sabres unveil new initiatives for season tickets, they’re mostly holding line on prices

'“Obviously, I’m at my best when I’m aggressive and physically engaged,” Samuelsson told The Buffalo News. “I think it’s been a learning curve on when you can and can’t in the NHL because obviously you don’t want to get caught running around and stuff like that. The good players in this league will take advantage of that. I’m really starting to figure out how aggressive I can … [Read more...] about Mattias Samuelsson learning how to be a consistent physical presence for Sabres

'• The Sabres are averaging just 8,657 tickets sold per game in the 19,070-seat arena for their 26 home games thus far, and in-house crowds have been far fewer than that some games. That's last in the NHL by nearly 3,000 tickets a game among U.S. teams, who have not had Covid-19-related attendance restrictions placed on them, as their Canadian counterparts have.' … [Read more...] about In midst of woeful season at the gate, Sabres have no choice but to look ahead