Buffalo News

'Hockey games in downtown Buffalo used to provide hope to the region when the Bills’ season ended, a second chance to possibly win a championship after their beloved football team fell short of the penultimate goal.' … [Read more...] about A football fan’s midseason guide to the Sabres: Welcome to a chaotic hockey season

'The Sabres had just five shots on goal in the first period but finished the game with a 41-34 advantage as they poured 17 shots at the Edmonton net in the second period and 19 more in the third -- when they outshot the Oilers, 19-7 but couldn't dent the net.' … [Read more...] about Sabres wrap: Offense frustrated as loss in Edmonton wraps up road trip

'The Sabres bought out Skinner during draft weekend in June in Las Vegas and it’s going to be painful for a while. He’s only costing them a shade over $1.4 million this year but the figure jumps to $4.4 million next season and $6.4 million in 2026-27 before dropping to $2.4 million for the final three seasons. He’s not off their cap until the 2030-31 season. It’s Cody Hodgson … [Read more...] about Inside the NHL: It’s been a bumpy ride in Edmonton for Jeff Skinner in wake of Sabres’ buyout

'McLeod has 10 goals and 14 assists for the Sabres and is on pace to shatter the career highs of 12 goals and 30 points he set last year for the Oilers, whom he played 105 games for between the regular season and playoffs as Edmonton advanced all the way to Game 7 of the Stanley Cup final.' … [Read more...] about Sabres Notebook: Ryan McLeod back in lineup against old team; Jason Zucker, Rasmus Dahlin uncertain

'For 30 minutes, the Sabres were having their way. They had a 2-1 lead and were outshooting the Flames, 25-10. They were skating hard, were the more physical outfit and were dominating puck control in the offensive zone.' … [Read more...] about Sabres takeaways: Power play, goaltending go cold during loss to Flames

'In Monday’s 6-4 loss to the Kraken, he played 16:26, with a career-high six shots on goal and eight attempts, three hits and an even rating. In Tuesday’s 3-2 win over Vancouver, he had the first three-point game of his NHL career while scoring the tying goal in the third period and then setting up Peterka’s winning goal.' … [Read more...] about Jiri Kulich’s first two games at center after injury have been eye-opening for Sabres

'“That was a really cool experience for all of us,” Jobst told The Buffalo News of the Amerks’ three preseason games while the Sabres were in Europe. “I think that was the first time like, ‘Holy cow, we’re pretty good.’ Obviously, there was turnover and it’s always a young team here, but I think when you go into Ottawa and we just basically steamrolled. … Winning is a muscle. … [Read more...] about How the Amerks are still winning and developing Sabres prospects under a new coach

'But there are so many things wrong here, from the ownership level to the overmatched hockey department and through the roster, that it’s not really fair for Ruff or any other coach to take that responsibility on his own.' … [Read more...] about Mike Harrington: Lindy Ruff created some morning mayhem and Sabres took their cue from it

'The Sabres took the practice message to heart with a strong first period that saw them win numerous puck battles at open ice and along the walls. They took a 1-0 lead on Tage Thompson's snapshot at 17:34, scoring first for an NHL-high 30th time in 47 games.' … [Read more...] about Sabres wrap: JJ Peterka sets up tying goal, gets game-winner in rally past Canucks

'Puck battles, board battles, positional battles. You name them and the Sabres lost them.' … [Read more...] about Sabres takeaways: No battle scars earned in another loss to the Kraken

'“It seems so long ago. Eight years ago, wow. I talked to my dad a little bit today because it’s a special moment to be halfway to 1,000. You’re proud of it,” Tuch said. “I worked my entire life to be able to play in the NHL and to be able to play that many games is something I definitely don’t take for granted. I’m very lucky and blessed to have the opportunity to play that … [Read more...] about As he hits 500 NHL career games, Alex Tuch reflects on Game 1 and Sabres’ current plight

'The Sabres aren’t officially tipping their hands on goaltending choices but their actions here Sunday said plenty. Coach Lindy Ruff said Luukkonen is not playing in Monday’s matinee against the Seattle Kraken, but the team clearly wouldn’t bring Levi this distance to have him serve as James Reimer’s backup. So the expectation is that Levi will get the call against the Kraken, … [Read more...] about Sabres notebook: Devon Levi likely to start in Seattle, but Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen is doing well

'McLeod is believed to have suffered a non-contact lower-body injury in practice Thursday and pushed through Friday's game. He played only 16:56 and had one shot on goal in Buffalo's 5-2 defeat.' … [Read more...] about Sabres call up Devon Levi to replace injured Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, put Ryan McLeod on IR

'“They took advantage of our big mistakes on the PK,” lamented Lindy Ruff. “They made the same mistakes, and we didn’t take advantage. You either get a big save, or you don’t get a save. We needed a save. We probably needed a save at the start of the third period.”' … [Read more...] about Alex Nedeljkovic lifts Penguins with historic game while UPL struggles for Sabres in loss

'These Sabres aren't pulling a St. Louis. That team was badly underachieving and figured it out. This one is badly underachieving and doesn't have a clue. Merely finishing in eighth place in the East to get the last playoff spot is too much to ask for.' … [Read more...] about Mike Harrington: How is it possible Sabres have done nothing to try to fix season?