Buffalo News

'Clifton, remember, played in the Stanley Cup Final as a rookie in Boston in 2019 and was with the 65-win, 135-point Bruins of 2023 who were upset in overtime of Game 7 in the first round against Florida. He then came to Buffalo looking for ice time on an up-and-coming team, and has simply been part of Years 13 and 14 of this franchise’s hideous playoff drought.' … [Read more...] about Mike Harrington: Sabres’ blueliner Connor Clifton has lived both ends of wacky Atlantic Division

'"It’s obviously good relationships, and I’d love to be back here and be here for a while and help us take that next step to make the playoffs and do something special here," said McLeod. "Yeah, I love it here."' … [Read more...] about Sabres notes: Ryan McLeod wants to stay in Buffalo to ‘do something special here’

'“That we didn’t get to where we wanted to go,” Ruff relayed to reporters. “That’s the statement. We’re not where we wanted to be. That stretch of games that we went through pretty well killed us for the year and, it’s like I said, I’ll take full responsibility for where we’re at and how long it took us to get out of there. I don’t offer up any excuses except it can’t happen … [Read more...] about Lindy Ruff earns 900th win in finale that showed Sabres’ strengths, weaknesses

'It should have worked. It hasn’t, of course. Even though the Sabres built a pretty elite 5-on-5 team and showed much better defensive structure and mental fortitude for the last five weeks, that wee little problem of a 13-game winless that started the last week of November and stretched until two days before Christmas conspired to ruin this team.' … [Read more...] about Mike Harrington: Ten years after McDavid lottery, it’s just another non-playoff season for Sabres

'The Buffalo-based hospitality and food service management company has reached a three-year deal with the Buffalo Sabres to provide food and beverage and retail services at the arena. It’s a deal that could become a long-term agreement in the coming years.' … [Read more...] about Delaware North reaches deal to remain Sabres concessions provider

'In the end, the Sabres were the team that cracked. It hasn’t happened a lot lately but it went down like that far too much in December and January for the Sabres to keep their season afloat.' … [Read more...] about Mike Harrington: Sabres running out of good feelings as the schedule hits its end

'“It was great,” Sabres winger Jason Zucker said of Luukkonen’s performance against Toronto. “He was obviously a big piece – I thought he played well for a lot of the year, to be honest. Tonight was a really good game by him. That was on us, not anywhere near him.”' … [Read more...] about UPL’s ‘great effort’ an encouraging sign for Sabres: Takeaways from 4-0 loss

'Sabres coach Lindy Ruff told reporters following their morning skate Tuesday in KeyBank Center that Power’s lower-body injury “looks to be” serious and it was too soon to know whether he will need surgery.' … [Read more...] about Sabres notes: Owen Power done for season with potentially serious injury

'“He’s not a micromanager, and he’s not looking to tell you what to do, but we make incredibly important and impact decisions every day that Terry needs to have line of sight into,” said Guelli, who talks with Pegula multiple times per week. “From that standpoint, it’s been the perfect balance. He is available literally anytime I need him. Once we talk and have a direction, … [Read more...] about Bills, Sabres executive Pete Guelli looks back on ‘incredibly rewarding’ first year with clubs

'There were fewer turnovers, less puck-watching and, for the most part, better defending, but their final road trip was a stark reminder that the Sabres still have some growing up to do if they’re going to be in the playoffs next spring. The worst of the three games was at Amalie Arena, where the Lightning scored four goals in the second period to beat Buffalo, 7-4.' … [Read more...] about Sabres’ road finale a reminder that they still need to ‘grow up and mature’: Takeaways

'“It was a real team effort out there,” said Dahlin. “Good special teams and guys were stepping up when we needed. On the road, one point, it’s always important, and I’m happy we got it today.”' … [Read more...] about Rasmus Dahlin shows he’s ‘one of the best’ in Sabres’ physical shootout loss

'Tuch ranks second on the Sabres in goals (34) and third in points (63) while his 19:19 average time on ice is the most among their forwards. He also has a plus-16 rating on a team that ranks 29th in goals allowed per game. His exceptional defense would merit Selke Trophy consideration if Buffalo were competing for a playoff spot.' … [Read more...] about Lance Lysowski: Alex Tuch’s exceptional season merits praise, long-term contract

'The Sabres are 27th in the NHL in paid attendance at 15,951 per game and that’s virtually identical to last year’s figure of 15,981. But what’s undoubtedly disconcerting to the team is the drop in the crowds over the last month.' … [Read more...] about Inside the NHL: Scouting the best bets for the major awards

‘ The mistakes made at the other end of the ice bothered coach Lindy Ruff more than the Sabres scoring only two goals on 41 shots.’ … [Read more...] about Sabres ‘unbelievably close’ to extending win streak, but mistakes costly in 3-2 loss

'The mistakes still occur. Peterka is still making too many errors while the other team’s top players on the ice. There are times when he forces a pass instead of making a simple, safer play. Ruff has seen enough improvement, though, to have Peterka on the ice in almost every situation. His 18:15 of average ice time entering a game Thursday in Columbus ranked third among Sabres … [Read more...] about JJ Peterka’s progress makes winger one of the Sabres’ ‘core, young guys’