Buffalo News

'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

'Coach Don Granato told reporters following practice that while Jokiharju looked strong on the ice, he will require more practice time and won’t be in the lineup Sunday in New York against the Rangers. Jokiharju is listed as day to day on the team's injury report and should be an option sometime next week.' … [Read more...] about Sabres notebook: Henri Jokiharju nearing return after missing 15 games with injury

'Tokarski couldn’t play the role of hero Thursday. His teammates were a disaster in front of him, committing uncharacteristic mistakes that led to three goals in a span of 1:37 during a second period that ended with fans booing the Sabres off the ice.' … [Read more...] about Observations: Sabres booed off home ice after ’embarrassing effort’ in 5-0 loss

'The 5-0 burn they took from the Flames was the first pure stinker this season under Don Granato, the first time they looked like the team-with-no-clue we saw so many nights under Ralph Krueger.' … [Read more...] about Mike Harrington: Sabres gave signs a total stinker was coming and they delivered

'But over the span of Games 3-15, the Sabres are 30th at just 11.8% (4 for 34). In the last eight games, they're 2 for 22. In the last four, it's 0 for 13.' … [Read more...] about Buffalo Sabres need to beef up punchless power play

'More than 12 minutes passed in the third period without a Sabre recording a shot on goal, while the Penguins peppered the Buffalo net with 29 shot attempts in the final frame. In the end, the Sabres skated over to the man who ensured another lead would not slip away.' … [Read more...] about Observations: Dustin Tokarski’s career-high 45 saves bail out Sabres in road win

'"When we’re not playing, we throw those games on," Granato said of the Amerks. "I get them on the computer, so I watch them after the fact as well. We’re obviously excited about the number of guys down there and we communicate. Just as Kevyn has communicated many times, we’re in this for the big picture of developing guys and we’re not in a rush. We’re going to do it the right … [Read more...] about Sabres notebook: GM Kevyn Adams showing patience with Jack Quinn, other Amerks

'Adjudicating Dahlin’s performance – in his fourth season and in the first-year of a three-year bridge deal – is critical for Buffalo. They need to know what they have. They also need to be able to account for some of the team effects that will sink this team through the transition, like the forward talent in front of Dahlin, the level of competition he’s facing, the additional … [Read more...] about Travis Yost’s Sabre Metrics: Rasmus Dahlin needs to establish himself as a higher-end first pairing player

'The Sabres want Luukkonen to keep developing in the AHL, where his confidence is growing each game, and aren't likely to pull an about-face and do a quick callup. It seems like the net is Tokarski's for the forseeable future. He's expected to start for the fifth time in six games Tuesday night in PPG Paints Arena as the Sabres meet the Pittsburgh Penguins.' … [Read more...] about With UPL on the rise in Rochester, Tokarski has the net for now with Sabres

'Good news has been hard to find of late among the Sabres' injured quartet. It's at least two weeks and counting for all four players and Granato said it's likely none of them are going to be back in the next couple of weeks.' … [Read more...] about Sabres injury update: Dylan Cozens OK after leaving practice, others still week to week

'The third-period comeback had all the elements that have become synonymous under coach Don Granato. The Sabres used their speed to overwhelm the star-studded, exhausted Maple Leafs, until a difficult moment occurred that will test the mettle of a young team.' … [Read more...] about Observations: Sabres erase 2-goal deficit but late mistake spoils comeback attempt

'If you're going to make fully vaccinated Canadians get a PCR test to go back home at a cost of $100-$200, they're not going to do it. We've read lots about state politicos understandably dismayed by the rule. They have to keep working on the issue and it's ruining commerce, severely damaging the Sabres and will crush the Bandits if it's still in place when their season … [Read more...] about Mike Harrington: Even with small crowd, it was good old-fashioned Sabres-Leafs chaos

'“The way he played tonight, he had an amazing game,” beamed coach Don Granato, referring to Cozens. “My trust in him has always been there, definitely long term. … His ceiling, I can't tell you where his ceiling is. It's high.”' … [Read more...] about Sabres Observations: Dylan Cozens, Dustin Tokarski out-duel McDavid, Draisaitl

'"I hope that the fans in Buffalo, they understand," Eichel said. "I was adamant about getting the surgery before anything else."' … [Read more...] about Inside the NHL: In trade aftermath, it’s been a good week for Jack Eichel