Buffalo News

'“There’s no question that is important to put the streak behind so everybody can move on, but we absolutely had to block it out,” said Granato. “I had to block it out. On the coaching side, of course I want to win, but again, we had to control what we could control and focus on making this group better and getting better as a team. I feel we are. We’re in a much better place … [Read more...] about Observations: Don Granato’s changes making big difference for Sabres

'The Sabres would have heard a lot of cheers if folks were there Wednesday night. They deserved some for once. When the fans finally come back, you have to hope they'll see more of the hockey that's been on display the last three games.' … [Read more...] about Mike Harrington: Sabres finally find their heart at home to end ugly streaks

'With several contributors injured, most notably center Jack Eichel, the Sabres received a balanced effort from their makeshift forward lines, including Sam Reinhart, who centered a 5-on-5 forward line for the first time since the 2017-18 season.' … [Read more...] about The Wraparound: Sabres finally win, snap 18-game skid with 6-goal effort

'“We know that we want to do that,” said Granato. “And that's part of the plan moving forward. The timeline has not been set. But the motor is moving for me, certainly. And I'm excited for that. I think it's a valuable time for players to gain some experience, internalize that experience. It's what we're about right now.”' … [Read more...] about Sabres plan to give prospects an NHL audition in season’s final weeks

'“Casey, it’s nice to see him get that opportunity,” said Granato. “He has a lot of potential to grow into that nicely. This is a great opportunity for experience and that’s what we’re seeing. He’s a fast learner. He’s a competitive guy. He’s put in a lot of work. I’m excited that he does have this opportunity. I’m excited to work with him in regard to that.”' … [Read more...] about Casey Mittelstadt thrust into prominent role with Sabres low on centers

'Rookie center Dylan Cozens suffered an upper-body injury on a hit delivered by Flyers defenseman Philippe Myers along the boards with 8:17 remaining in the first period. With Eric Staal traded to Montreal and Jack Eichel still out, the Sabres were already forced to move Casey Mittelstadt to center.' … [Read more...] about Observations: Dylan Cozens’ injury adds to litany of issues for Sabres

'"We made mistakes, simple mistakes," Granato said. "I wouldn't call it panic. If we hit the open net, would we be talking about panic? We made bad decisions and mistakes under pressure. I wouldn't say we panicked. That is going a little bit too far. We stayed active and aggressive. We just didn't make the right decisions."' … [Read more...] about Mike Harrington: Seriously now, that kind of Sabres loss just can’t happen

'Buffalo, now 6-23-5, remains last in the National Hockey League with 17 points and is well on its way to matching the league record with a 10th consecutive season outside the playoffs.' … [Read more...] about The Wraparound: Sabres spoil 3-goal lead, winless streak reaches 18 in OT

'"I packed first, showered, got in the car, started heading to Pittsburgh as safely as possible, but I was probably going a little too fast," Appert joked on a video call Monday from Blue Cross Arena. "I made it on time around 6:40 but had to get a rapid test and wait 30 minutes for that. I wasn't going to walk on the bench in a middle of a period so I watched the first period … [Read more...] about Sabres notebook: Seth Appert returns to coach Amerks after whirlwind trip to NHL

'"There were so many hurdles. There were so many things that just didn't line up the way we had in mind," said Staal, who was traded to the Canadiens on Friday for two draft picks. "The reality is we started OK. We had an up and down kind of first two weeks or so. We were kind of finding our game, filling our roles and then we got hit with Covid. It went through our room like … [Read more...] about Eric Staal eager to put time with Sabres behind him after trade

'The Sabres have simply gotten not nearly enough goaltending from anyone else, nor have they provided Carter Hutton any goal support during some of his better starts. Hutton, Dustin Tokarski and Jonas Johnasson have combined to go 1-18-2, 3.66/.886.' … [Read more...] about Sabres Notebook: Linus Ullmark almost snared a win in first game back

'But collectors are skeptical. And their concern seems well founded. Watson’s puck has birthed a mystery a half-century in the making, untangled by scattered artifacts, whispering ghosts and the fragmented memories of wrinkled men.' … [Read more...] about A hockey whodunit: Is this $10,000 puck the first goal in Sabres’ history?

'When the final buzzer ended, poor Rasmus Dahlin took his stick in one hand over his head and pounded it on the ice. He's "up" to minus-32 in 33 games. Taylor Hall was bent over at the waist and had to be thinking, "When do I get my exit ticket?" Sam Reinhart, who scored the team's first power-play goal all month – seriously – kicked at the ice.' … [Read more...] about Mike Harrington: Pegula’s 70th comes on his team’s 17th. There’s nothing happy about it

'The Sabres' leads after the first and second periods were just the seventh time in 33 games this season that they've led after each frame. Reinhart's goal marked only the 10th time they opened the scoring.' … [Read more...] about The Wraparound: Streak hits 17 as late goal sinks Sabres in Boston

'Granato ran his pregame meetings Thursday morning and then learned of the positive tests, so he and Ellis had to isolate in their hotel rooms, rather than coach the game. Granato and Ellis could not register the required number of negative tests in time for the team plane in the evening after the 4-0 loss to the Penguins, so they returned to Buffalo. They then took a car … [Read more...] about Sabres Notebook: Granato and Ellis behind bench after false positives, long rides