Buffalo News

'The schedule is favorable for Buffalo on this run. The home games are against Ottawa, Montreal, Columbus, Colorado, Detroit, Anaheim, Detroit again, Columbus again and Toronto. The lone road game is Feb. 7 against the New York Rangers. Among those teams, only Columbus and Colorado entered Monday in a playoff spot.' … [Read more...] about Visit by Senators opens long run at home that will determine Sabres’ fate

'"Jeff looks really good today. He felt good," coach Ralph Krueger said after the team practiced for nearly 90 minutes over two sessions. "Obviously it's his first time back in the bigger group after multiple weeks and we have to be patient with the process but the first reports are that he feels strong and ready to go. So let's hope it continues down this path for the game on … [Read more...] about Sabres lineup will get a boost as Jeff Skinner returns to practice

'Eichel had three assists in the Atlantic Division’s opening win over the Metropolitan, only to fall in the final to Connor McDavid and the Pacific Division, 5-4, in Enterprise Center. Though Eichel expressed disappointment following the loss, he called his third All-Star Game a "fun experience."' … [Read more...] about Jack Eichel, Atlantic Division lose in final of NHL All-Star Game

'"You look at the support system and the people who have been there for you, I’ve started to use more resources and things at my disposal," Eichel, now 23, told The Buffalo News ahead of the NHL All-Star Game in St. Louis. "There’s a lot that comes at you in this profession and my situation. At times, it can be a little overwhelming. Dealing with everything on a day-to-day … [Read more...] about With ‘city on his shoulders,’ Jack Eichel flourishing in pressure-packed role

'Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid was unable to win for a fourth consecutive season, falling only 0.03 seconds behind New York Islanders center Mathew Barzal. Barzal crossed the red line at 13.175 seconds.' … [Read more...] about Sabres’ Jack Eichel finishes fourth in NHL’s fastest skater competition

'The league's initiative also includes a diversity and inclusion council, which Bettman will co-chair with the Buffalo Sabres' Kim Pegula.' … [Read more...] about NHL’s hotline for whistleblowers coming soon

'“I get the opportunity and challenge to play against him four or five times a year, and you can see him developing every year,” Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Victor Hedman said on stage Thursday night. “The consistency he’s had this year, the point streak, is very impressive. You can see how much he means to that team. He’s one of those guys who’s a challenge to play against … [Read more...] about Fellow NHL all-stars explain why Sabres’ Jack Eichel is ‘one of the best’

'"He’s a great speaker," Josi said of Krueger Thursday night during all-star media availability at Stifel Theatre. "When he steps in the room and says something before the game, he’s one of those guys that everybody is listening. He has a very positive attitude. … He’s one of those guys you like as a player."' … [Read more...] about Ralph Krueger’s ‘very positive attitude’ resonates with Nashville’s Roman Josi

'A bigger issue is what's going on elsewhere. The Sabres are trying to chase down Florida and Columbus, both of which entered Wednesday with the longest winning streaks in the league.' … [Read more...] about Opponents’ hot stretches are pushing Sabres further out of playoff race

'Buffalo assigned Pilut, 24, to Rochester to continue playing over the break and the Amerks have three games, beginning with Wednesday night's win over Cleveland. He's then almost certain to return to his regular spot on the Buffalo blueline and the team wants him here for practice to prepare for the post-break portion of the season.' … [Read more...] about Sabres and AHL remove Lawrence Pilut from All-Star Game roster

'But it’s not just the lengthy homestand that gives Buffalo an opportunity, it’s also a softer part of the schedule. Other than a daunting Feb. 4 game against the Colorado Avalanche, the Sabres will play an extensive number of games against also-rans and teams similarly sitting in the muddied middle of the standings.' … [Read more...] about Season is pretty much over if Sabres don’t take advantage of next stretch

'The Sabres mapped out a plan months ago for Luukkonen to be in Rochester last week. The goal is for him to play about 40 games this season.' … [Read more...] about Sabres goalie prospect Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen returns to ECHL

'"I’m really happy with the commitment of the guys to play without the puck and to really work together as a group," Krueger said. "Of course, every team will create chances as we do, no matter how you play. For us, it’s not the habits now or the team concept that’s in doubt. It’s, once in a while, details. ... We’re going to get some good players back after the break, and if … [Read more...] about 20 thoughts on the state of the Sabres entering the All-Star break

'All three were assigned to the Rochester Americans on Sunday, giving them an opportunity to play American Hockey League games during the Sabres' bye week and All-Star break. The Amerks play three games this week, beginning Wednesday night in Cleveland.' … [Read more...] about Rasmus Asplund, Lawrence Pilut, Scott Wilson assigned to Rochester

'"Tough to swallow right now," Okposo acknowledged Saturday night in the visitors' dressing room at Bridgestone Arena. "That’s a really tough game. Obviously we wanted that one bad."' … [Read more...] about Predators’ third-period surge causes ‘pain’ for Sabres entering bye week