Buffalo News

'Miller's infamous "he's a piece of bleep" press conference after getting plowed by Milan Lucic was a time-tested classic, but the incident put a label on the organization as a soft group it's still trying to get over.' … [Read more...] about Inside the NHL: Ryan Miller memories abound after retirement announcement

'“For me, my wife and his siblings, it’s a proud family moment,” Kjell said during a phone interview with The Buffalo News. “It’s more a satisfying feeling because of all the work he has put in and this has been his goal since he went to Northwood probably. … It’s a good feeling, for sure.”' … [Read more...] about Sabres’ Mattias Samuelsson using lessons from his father to continue NHL dream

'The final score does not tell the story. The Sabres limited dangerous scoring opportunities at 5-on-5, matched the Bruins’ physicality and controlled play at times, including a first-period stretch in which they had nine consecutive shots on goal.' … [Read more...] about Observations: Sabres slowly learning how to fight back from early deficits

'Former Sabres winger Taylor Hall helped the Bruins pull away with a goal in the third period. Hall has five goals and three assists for eight points in 10 games since the trade to Boston. Brad Marchand added an empty-netter.' … [Read more...] about The Wraparound: Sabres tie the score twice before losing to Bruins 5-2

'Miller, still beloved in Western New York for his heroics with the Buffalo Sabres from 2002-14, needed a few moments to collect his thoughts after watching a tribute video that included well wishes from family, former teammates and coaches and play-by-play announcer Rick Jeanneret.' … [Read more...] about Retiring Ryan Miller: ‘Buffalo is always going to have a big part of my heart’

'The Sabres suddenly have four dynamic center options for 2021-22: Eichel, Reinhart, Mittelstadt and Dylan Cozens, all of whom were selected in the top 10 in their respective draft. Cody Eakin is under contract through next season, although he has only two goals in 44 games this season. Arttu Ruotsalainen and Rasmus Asplund are possible options at center.' … [Read more...] about Sam Reinhart’s successful transition to center strengthens Sabres’ depth

'Now opponents may think twice about trying to push around the rookie. Despite handling himself well in two fights this season, Cozens has little experience dropping the gloves. His only scrap in junior hockey occurred in a Western Hockey League preseason game on Sept. 14, 2018, when he fought Sam Pouliot of the Swift Current Broncos.' … [Read more...] about Sabres rookie Dylan Cozens turns to fighting to try to ignite his own game

'"I have to learn from that. The plays happen so quickly here," Luukkonen said. "You have to be ready. Even though your team might have the puck, the pressure comes hard in this league and the turnover is happening. You can't do anything about it always. You just have to be more ready on those plays."' … [Read more...] about Observations: Even in defeat, Sabres pleased with UPL’s progress in Game 2

'Luukkonen finished the game with 38 saves on 41 shots as the Rangers outshot Buffalo, 41-37, in a wide-open affair. Luukkonen made 19 saves on 20 shots in the second period. New York goalie Igor Shesterkin had an outstanding night with 36 saves, including 16 in a scoreless first period.' … [Read more...] about The Wraparound: Lafreniere goal hands Luukkonen first loss as Sabres fall to Rangers

'Miller was utterly hit or miss as he posted a 2.93/.917 in the seven games. He earned 1-0 shutouts in Game 1 and Game 4 (goals by Patrick Kaleta and Jason Pominville, respectively, won the games). But he also gave up five goals in losses in Games 2 and 6, and four before getting yanked in favor of Jhonas Enroth in Game 7.' … [Read more...] about The curse of Ville Leino? Ten years ago today was Sabres’ last playoff game

'When Victor Olofsson scored in Sunday's 6-3 loss to the New York Rangers, it gave Buffalo a power-play goal for the fourth time in six games. The Sabres are 5 for 23 in that stretch, a far cry from the 3-for-52 disaster of the previous 26 games. They scored on the power play in only three of those contests and won only five.' … [Read more...] about It’s a work in progress, but Sabres finally seeing results on power play

'Considering the circumstances, it’s hard to imagine any player would look good in the Sabres lineup right now. But concerns remain over offensive consistency and the ease in which these defenses can push Mittelstadt out toward the perimeter and away from the dangerous areas of the attacking zone. Add that Mittelstadt’s never been a great individual shooter or a strong … [Read more...] about Travis Yost’s Sabre Metrics: What the numbers show about Casey Mittelstadt’s recent surge

'Defense remains a priority for Granato, though. Pressuring opponents is an effective way to regain possession. And while the Sabres rank last in the NHL in shots allowed per game since March 31, Granato’s preferred method of defensive-zone coverage has limited the sort of high-danger scoring chances that were common in Ralph Krueger’s final days as coach.' … [Read more...] about Observations: Mistakes on defense cost Sabres in loss to open road trip

'The Sabres (13-29-7) could have moved out of last place in the National Hockey League with a win and New Jersey Devils regulation loss. Instead, Buffalo dropped to 7-6-2 since snapping a franchise-record 18-game winless streak March 31.' … [Read more...] about The Wraparound: Sabres’ comeback falls short after ugly first period at MSG

'But the final weeks of the season have been about looking at prospects, and the Sabres have gone with a kiddie corps on defense – with an average age of 22.7 years...'. … [Read more...] about Don Granato opting to go young with Sabres’ defense corps