Buffalo News

'Do the Sabres stink or not? They had one 7-2 stretch this year that was part of an 11-6-1 run, and just entered the break off an 11-8-1 stretch that included their first four-game win streak in 25 months. Two season snippets that total 22-14-2 is good hockey − except when you throw the third-longest winless streak in franchise history smack-dab between them.' … [Read more...] about Mike Harrington: Some wild Sabres numbers, even as the standings tell sobering truths

'Jiri Kulich remains untouchable, though. The Sabres aren’t going to lose someone with his upside and production as a rookie. He may become a franchise pillar if someone else on the NHL roster is moved. Kulich was the top-ranked prospect on the preseason top 10, but others have moved up or down the list.' … [Read more...] about Sabres midseason top 10: Ranking the prospects in Buffalo, Rochester and elsewhere

'The Sabres are last in the Eastern Conference after 54 games, 13 points out of a playoff spot, but McLeod has been a bright spot during a disappointing season. His 12 goals are tied for the career high that he set with Edmonton during its 104-point finish in 2023-24, and he’s three points away from setting a new personal best in the NHL. His 15:56 of ice time per game is more … [Read more...] about Inside the Sabres: Ryan McLeod producing more in Buffalo than he did in Edmonton

'Perhaps. Since the NHL didn’t go to the Olympics in 2018 and 2022, it’s the first best-on-best tournament we’ve had since the 2016 World Cup (RIP Johnny Gaudreau, the leading scorer for the “Team North America” we’ll never forget). The NHL Players’ Association has made it very clear it wanted a return to the Olympics and some best-on-best tournaments. With revenues going up, … [Read more...] about Mike Harrington: Should we care about the 4 Nations Face-Off? We’ll find out fast

'Another bold move is needed, one that can bring toughness and leadership while addressing a current hole in the lineup. Teams are trying to pry Dylan Cozens out of Buffalo, but the Sabres aren’t taking draft picks or prospects for a 24-year-old center who scored 31 goals two seasons ago. The Vegas Golden Knights are among the teams interested in Tuch, who has one year left on … [Read more...] about Sabres GM Kevyn Adams will continue to pursue signings, trades during NHL’s break

‘ Dahlin and Bowen Byram scored 3:04 apart to erase a 2-0 deficit. JJ Peterka hit the post on a shot early in the second period that would have given Buffalo its first lead of the game. Byram nearly finished an exceptional passing play a few moments earlier. Tuch’s 19th goal of the season was a shot off the far post and in. Dylan Cozens snapped the Sabres’ 0-for-7 power-play … [Read more...] about Turnover-prone Sabres squander opportunity to enter break on 5-game win streak

'General manager Kevyn Adams expressed interest in re-signing Greenway before the deadline, but a source familiar with the situation told The Buffalo News that negotiations aren’t expected to begin until closer to that date. Greenway’s singular focus is on returning to the Sabres’ lineup, though his ideal scenario be an extended stay in Buffalo, which is only some 275 miles … [Read more...] about Jordan Greenway would ‘absolutely love’ to stay with Sabres, but contract talks will wait

'The Sabres fell completely out of the playoff race in January, despite finishing sixth in the league in scoring at 3.31 goals per game. They only went 6-6-1 because they were 30th in goals against at 3.54. The five teams above Buffalo in offense for the month were Nashville, Winnipeg, the New York Rangers, Detroit and Edmonton − and they combined to go 44-17-7.' … [Read more...] about Inside the NHL: In wake of Gaudreau tragedy, Blue Jackets have stuck together for playoff push

'Thompson skated on his own the last two days and during Friday’s practice in LECOM Harborcenter, he was a full participant. He took his regular shift on right wing with Jiri Kulich and JJ Peterka and was in his regular spot on the power play.' … [Read more...] about Tage Thompson ready to return for Sabres, satisfied with team meeting about response to hit

'“With all that’s going on, you hunker down and you handle things internally and you can’t listen to the outside noise,” Zucker, the Sabres’ oldest skater at 33, told The Buffalo News after practice on Wednesday. “It was a situation that we all took very seriously. It’s easy to look at it and say all the negative things, and rightfully so."' … [Read more...] about Sabres notebook: Jason Zucker says club has worked to block out criticism from Thompson affair

'Thompson skated on his own Wednesday, according to coach Lindy Ruff, and got through the workout without any issues. He still needs to pass the necessary tests and protocols to be cleared to play. His status won't be the only one to monitor ahead of the Sabres' final game before the NHL's 4 Nations Face-Off break.' … [Read more...] about Tage Thompson, UPL not ruled out for Sabres’ game Saturday in Nashville

'Ruff wouldn’t disclose whether general manager Kevyn Adams was in the room when team leaders discussed the lack of reaction when New Jersey Devils winger Stefan Noesen hit Thompson in the head during the third period of the Sabres’ 4-3 win Sunday.' … [Read more...] about Sabres’ team meeting needs to be first step toward ensuring inaction doesn’t happen again

'The whole thing seemed pointless. All it did was raise more questions. The biggest: If the Sabres were going to put Gilbert on the ice for some staged pugilism on Tuesday after getting shredded as a bunch of cowardly lions, why didn't Ruff do it over the last 15 minutes on Sunday -- against the team that actually took Thompson out?' … [Read more...] about Mike Harrington: Maybe it was bizarre, but at least Dennis Gilbert stuck up for the Sabres’ logo

'In fact, it’s likely the Sabres were downtown as scheduled for their morning meeting and film review. And that they probably spent a good deal of time talking about the lack of reaction to the Tage Thompson-Stefan Noesen situation.' … [Read more...] about Mike Harrington: A canceled practice later, Sabres’ lack of response remains hard to fathom

Rosen has 23 goals and 39 points in 40 games this season for Rochester, including nine goals in his last seven games. He is second in the AHL in goals and ninth in points but only six back of the leader − Williamsville native Andrew Poturalski of San Jose (18-27-45). … [Read more...] about Sabres call up Isak Rosen from All-Star season in Rochester