Buffalo News

'Want a gruesome comparison? There are nine teams in the league with 20+ wins so far and three others are at 19.' … [Read more...] about Sabres through 30 games: As you would figure, this season is one of the worst

'Interim coach Don Granato had no update on Hutton's status after the game in Madison Square Garden, and said none would come until Tuesday at the earliest. But there was an unmistakably grim manner in Granato's lack of information. Hutton was escorted from the ice, not putting any weight on the leg.' … [Read more...] about Observations: Hutton injury exacerbates goaltending crisis as Sabres’ streak hits 14

'Buffalo gave up three second-period goals and fell behind 3-1 through 40 minutes. Entering the game with an 0-17-1 record when trailing through two periods, a comeback didn't seem in the offing, but the Sabres battled back to tie on goals by Dylan Cozens at 1:09 of the third and Jeff Skinner at 4:22.' … [Read more...] about The Wraparound: Sabres winless streak hits 14 after 5-3 loss to Rangers

'“Going back to MSG, never would have guessed in a million years that the first time I go back there is coaching another team and the first game I’m coaching as well,” said Girardi, 36. “It’s definitely something I didn’t see coming and didn’t really realize it until the game (against Boston) got canceled the other day. It’s definitely going to be a pretty surreal atmosphere … [Read more...] about Dan Girardi’s coaching a ‘fresh perspective’ for Sabres’ struggling defensemen

'"At this point, we’re planning on him joining us on the road trip, which is great news," said interim coach Don Granato. "We need to integrate him into practice at some point. That’s the next step here. At that point, we can evaluate a potential return, so that’s all good news with Linus."' … [Read more...] about Goalie Linus Ullmark to join Sabres on three-city, four-game road trip

'Any hire likely won’t be around to help Adams navigate the April 12 trade deadline. Sources say Adams’ focus is on unloading expiring contracts, not “hockey trades” that will include the swap of significant NHL players. He will be able to add prospects and/or draft picks from playoff contenders in exchange for Taylor Hall, Eric Staal and Brandon Montour. Tobias Rieder and … [Read more...] about Trade deadline the first step in Sabres GM Kevyn Adams’ plan to evaluate roster

'Leaman seems to be the top college name on the minds of most NHL observers, particularly since he directed Team USA to the gold medal at the World Junior Championships in January with a shutout of Dylan Cozens-led Canada in the gold medal game in Edmonton. He coached Providence to a national championship in 2015, beating Jack Eichel-led Boston University in the championship … [Read more...] about Inside the NHL: NCAA bracket announcement could mark start of Sabres coach search

'The news of the latest postponement was alarming to Granato and his players, as this is the Sabres’ second encounter with the virus this season. Nine players entered the protocols following a two-game series against the New Jersey Devils on Jan. 30-31. Former coach Ralph Krueger tested positive for Covid-19 and most Sabres on the list also tested positive. This led to the … [Read more...] about Sabres’ game Saturday postponed as 4 more Bruins enter Covid-19 protocols

'Sources say the completion of a trade was delayed because the Sabres were waiting to hear how they will be impacted by the news that their opponent Thursday, the Boston Bruins, had four players added to the NHL's Covid protocol list Friday.' … [Read more...] about Sources: Sabres on the verge of trading goalie Jonas Johansson

'This creates another vacancy in the Sabres’ hockey operations department, which was gutted by 22 firings in June, including General Manager Jason Botterill.' … [Read more...] about Charlie Mendola is latest departure from Sabres’ hockey operations department

'“Donnie did the best he could with the time he had, as far as trying some different things and implementing some different things that he wanted to see,” center Eric Staal said. “Clearly, we can get better in some of the areas he’s talking about. It wasn’t good enough today.”' … [Read more...] about Observations: Sabres’ next step is to implement Don Granato’s vision as coach

'That's a 13-game winless streak, one shy of the franchise record set by the 2015 tankers. But hey, at least this baker's dozen wasn't another doughnut. The Sabres got a fluke goal from Kyle Okposo – his first in over a year – to score on home ice for the first time in more than eight periods.' … [Read more...] about Mike Harrington: You can’t always control results, but you can control how hard you play

'The game was a microcosm of all interim coach Don Granato will have to fix over the Sabres’ final 27 games. Their winless streak reached 13 games – Buffalo’s longest skid since it lost 14 in a row in 2014-15 – and they have scored two or fewer goals in 11 of their past 12 games.' … [Read more...] about The Wraparound: Don Granato’s Sabres coaching debut ends with 4-1 loss to Bruins

'"Just obviously a feeling of sadness," Hall said a couple hours before the Sabres faced off Thursday against the Boston Bruins. "I guess a little bit of guilt on the fact that we weren't able to get a job done for Ralph. Me coming here this summer, he was one of the big reasons. He was the first person to call and reach out during free agency. We still have a great … [Read more...] about Sadness, guilt among Taylor Hall’s emotions after firing of Ralph Krueger

'Adams would not outline specific characteristics he’s seeking in his first permanent head coaching hire, though he mentioned the importance of building relationships and holding players accountable. Bruce Boudreau, Gerard Gallant and Claude Julien are among the experienced coaches currently out of work that will be sought after by teams this summer, including the expansion … [Read more...] about What’s next for Sabres GM Kevyn Adams? Hire a coach, forge a team identity.