Buffalo News

'It's unclear if Mittelstadt will be available to coach Ralph Krueger in Washington, but he is the ninth player to rejoin the team across the past week. A player can only be removed from the protocol list after serving a mandatory minimum quarantine and producing negative Covid-19 tests.' … [Read more...] about Sabres have zero players on Covid protocol list for first time since Feb. 1

'The initial announcement included only three games for each team, as Knicks tickets went on sale Tuesday and tickets to the Rangers, including a March 2 game against the Sabres, will be available Thursday. However, for now, only season ticket members and suite holders will be able to attend games at a minimum cost of $50. Both teams plan to host and recognize essential workers … [Read more...] about Rangers’ plan to allow fans provides clues for what to expect at KeyBank Center for Sabres

'The Sabres failed to score first for the ninth time in 12 games, as they allowed two goals in the first period and failed to mount a comeback in a 3-0 loss in KeyBank Center. The Sabres fell to 4-6-2 and have scored only one goal in their past two games. They also own a negative-8 goal differential in the first period this season and are 0-6-1 when trailing after two.' … [Read more...] about Sabres observations: Another slow start proves to be a ‘tough hill to climb’

'After a promising six-game start to the season, this team has suddenly become utterly unwatchable for large stretches of games.' … [Read more...] about Mike Harrington: With offense in crisis, Sabres have taken turn for the worse

'Most of the five Islanders on the ice clogged the middle of the ice, daring the Sabres to force a pass to the slot or settle for a shot from the perimeter. There was no need to focus on offense after seizing another early lead in KeyBank Center.' … [Read more...] about Wraparound: Sabres shut out by Islanders after third-period goal overturned

'They both had 47% Corsi ratings in the game, but the Sabres had 60% of the shots on goal when the pair was on the ice, with the Islanders managing just four in the game against them. Borgen played 14:43, had a key shot block on a penalty kill and was second on the team with three hits. Davidson played 11:36. Neither was on the ice for a goal against in the 3-1 loss.' … [Read more...] about Sabres notebook: Up from taxi squad, Will Borgen, Brandon Davidson give defense a lift

'"Obviously (McCabe and Ristolainen) eat a ton of minutes and (Brandon Montour) as well," Sabres winger Kyle Okposo said. "When three of your top D men are out, that's going to be tough for sure. But I thought our D played well. There’s guys that played bigger minutes. ..."' … [Read more...] about Sabres observations: Mistakes on defense magnified in 3-1 loss to Islanders

'They don't score at 5-on-5, they constantly play from behind (giving up the first goal for the eighth time in 11 games), they get confused on defensive coverages too much and they just don't get enough saves. It also sure seemed, after two weeks off, that they had nothing left in their tanks for the third period.' … [Read more...] about Mike Harrington: No fresh start and more of the same for Sabres

'Rieder, McCabe and Montour each told the media following the morning skate Monday that they battled symptoms after testing positive for Covid-19. The trio rejoined the Sabres in KeyBank Center after clearing the league’s protocols, including a mandatory minimum 10-day isolation and negative test results.' … [Read more...] about Sabres’ Jake McCabe, Brandon Montour, Tobias Rieder return after bout with Covid-19

'"First of all, I didn't want to fall down right after two weeks off," Krueger told reporters on a video call after practice. "So I checked that box. ... Getting out on the ice for a few minutes just gives you so much energy back. You know why you're here. You love the group you're working with and the potential of the group and the individuals. Outstanding to be back on the … [Read more...] about As energy returns after Covid-19 bout, Sabres coach Ralph Krueger thrilled by return

'The Sabres don't have two consecutive off days again until March 14-15, and practice time is going to be at a premium with nine games the rest of February and 16 in March.' … [Read more...] about Sabres Notebook: With packed schedule, practice time will be at a premium

'It’s been well-established that the risk of spreading Covid-19 is greater indoors. The Sabres and several other NHL teams have been coping this month with outbreaks of the virus, which caused the league to remove glass partitions from behind the players’ benches. That will dictate that fans not be seated on the bench side of the building in the 100 level.' … [Read more...] about The Editorial Board: Bringing fans back to KeyBank Center will be test of keeping indoor venues safe

'“I plan on playing,” said Hall. “I think at this point, whether you play a game or not, your first game back is always going to feel maybe a little bit rusty after time off, but there’s no better way to get back into it than to throw yourself in and just play. I think with doctors and the medical staff, we still need to chat a little bit and review some things and all that. … [Read more...] about Taylor Hall back with Sabres after quarantining as result of positive Covid-19 test

'“I look for the green button and when I’m green, I’m a happy guy,” said Smith, who is running Sabres practices while his friend and colleague, head coach Ralph Krueger, recovers from Covid-19. “But I’ve got to tell you, every morning I have a pit in my stomach wondering whether or not it’s going to be my day. There’s no doubt that there’s fear in everyone, that’s for … [Read more...] about Inside the Sabres: Mental health an area of focus during the pandemic

'The only way for the league to get through the pandemic season is to take the time and spend the money for rapid testing on game days. And the new Covid-19 protocols announced last week call for exactly that. Good move, albeit a long overdue one.' … [Read more...] about Inside the NHL: Rapid testing, family spread are the current points of emphasis