Buffalo News

'“He makes hard plays look really simple,” Leaman told The Buffalo News during a recent phone interview. “That’s the biggest thing for him. Plays other defensemen would struggle with, whether it’s a quick breakout read or a tight-area play, he made them look really easy. Almost so much that you would overlook a little bit how well he plays because he generally plays a really … [Read more...] about ‘Swagger,’ reliability help Jacob Bryson carve out role on Sabres’ blue line

'The Sabres hosted 700 frontline workers for their game March 18 against the Boston Bruins. The two teams’ game March 20 was supposed to be the first featuring a paid crowd, but that contest was postponed when five Bruins were on the NHL’s Covid-19 protocol list.' … [Read more...] about Sabres Notebook: Paid crowd returns to KeyBank Center on Saturday night

'"It would have felt a lot better if he had gotten the win. He deserved that one big time," Thompson said of Tokarski, whose last win in the NHL dates back to Dec. 12, 2015 with Montreal. "He played a great game, made some huge saves for us."' … [Read more...] about Observations: Dustin Tokarski is spectacular in stealing a point for Sabres

'Coming off Wednesday's 6-1 win over Philadelphia that snapped their 18-game winless streak, the Sabres played a strong first period in which they outshot the Rangers, 12-10. But they had no legs the rest of the night. New York outshot them, 15-2, in the middle frame and 21-7 in the third period to improve to 4-1 against Buffalo this season. The winning goal was their only shot … [Read more...] about The Wraparound: Rangers pile up the shots, finally beat Sabres in OT

'"It's great. The support I've had with friends and family through my whole life, I'm pretty lucky in that regard," Granato said prior to Thursday's game against the New York Rangers. "I feel very fortunate. So it was nice."' … [Read more...] about Sabres notebook: It’s a family affair as Don Granato gets salutes for his first win

'Just don’t think that Wieland takes the Sabres’ 18-game losing streak that ended Wednesday night as a laughing matter. He very much does not. It’s just that a joke is the best way for him to express his anger these days.' … [Read more...] about Erik Brady: Remembering when Sabres were an April Fools’ joke for the gags, not their play

'“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