Buffalo News

'“I wanted to come back and get right back in, and not be a distraction,” Norris said. “The guys have done a good job. They’ve been battling and we’ve had some guys out, and I know it happens across the league, but it’s hard to do that when you have so many guys out. I just wanted to come in and contribute, and I’m really happy to be back.” … [Read more...] about ‘He was unbelievable’: Sabres relish Josh Norris’ return in 5-1 win against Winnipeg

'Norris worked on the Sabres’ top line with left wing Zach Benson and right wing Tage Thompson during the morning skate, a line the Sabres utilized during the preseason. Norris also worked on the Sabres’ top power-play unit.' … [Read more...] about Josh Norris to return to Sabres’ lineup after 24-game absence

'Winnipeg, which set franchise records with 56 wins and 116 points last season before being eliminated by Dallas in the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, is just 13-11-0 this year.' … [Read more...] about Sabres’ timing for pair of games vs. Winnipeg is good with Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck out

'"One road win at a time," Ruff said. "We know we've got to win on the road. The only way to get back in the race and right in the thick of it is win road games."' … [Read more...] about A well-orchestrated road show produces clutch finish in Sabres’ win over Wild

'Luukkonen is signed at $4.75 million through 2030, which is going to give any team serious pause about acquiring him. Meanwhile, Lyon is signed through next season and this is the last season Levi can stay in Rochester without going through waivers.' … [Read more...] about Inside the NHL: It’s past time for Sabres to get rid of this three-goalie rotation

'“There’s a lot of pucks just laying there,” he said. “We were around the crease all night. It was just kind of bad puck luck, a couple bad bounces off skates, and for whatever reason, didn’t connect. I thought we were doing the right things, and that’s what I talk about, is, when you’re doing the right things, you’re getting looks and it’s not going in, don’t change it.”' … [Read more...] about Sabres put season-high 42 shots on goal but get blanked by New Jersey

'Blocking shots isn’t just an art or a science. It’s an impulse, the immediate product of reading a play and reacting on defense. It is also strategic, particularly for Timmins and Samuelsson, who have combined to block 103 shots in the Sabres first 23 games, 52 for Timmins and 51 for Samuelsson.' … [Read more...] about Buffalo block party: Sabres defensemen Conor Timmins, Mattias Samuelsson ready to get in the way

'The Sabres lost despite putting 19 shots on goal in the third period, an eye-popping stat, especially considering they had four shots on goal in the first and eight in the second. But consider this: The Sabres put only two shots on goal in the first 14:22 of the second period, a combination of strategy by the Penguins and a lack of urgency from the Sabres at the top of the … [Read more...] about Sabres’ offense stalls, yet again, in loss at Pittsburgh

'“You’re never going to be in perfect shape until you start playing games,” Benson, a left wing with the Sabres, said. “That’s the biggest thing. Puck touches all over, getting back to speed. Sometimes that takes a couple games, but hopefully it’s a little quicker.”' … [Read more...] about Sabres notebook: Sabres left wing Zach Benson quickly finding stride upon return from injury

'He returned to the ice with the team on Nov. 17, for the morning skate ahead of a 5-1 win against Edmonton, but no initial timetable was given for his return. However, Norris skated Tuesday in practice on a line with Zach Benson and Noah Ostlund and worked with the Sabres’ top power-play unit in practice.' … [Read more...] about Sabres plan for but won’t rush Josh Norris’ return to lineup

'“It’s part of the job,” Luukkonen said. “When your name gets called, you have to be ready for it, and I think the team has been playing well in front of me. It feels good to help the team, too, and it’s not always optimal but sometimes you have to work through that. And being with two other good goalies (Alex Lyon and Colten Ellis), we’ve been playing well, too, so you just … [Read more...] about Patience, preparation pay for Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen in Sabres’ win against Carolina

'There was so much to like as they got back to .500 at 9-9-4. For one thing, they didn't mentally crumble when an abhorrent goalie interference decision out of the NHL's Situation Room in Toronto went against them for the second time in three games. Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen was a rock in goal (although reading his body language and interpreting his voice, it was clear he's less … [Read more...] about Mike Harrington: With lots of teams in range, Sabres building steam in the long climb in the East

'“Every year, you look and Alex seems to have a net someplace,” said Bliss Littler, Lyon’s coach with the Omaha Lancers of the United States Hockey League. “He’s a social climber. He continues to impress the people he’s playing for in each organization he plays in.”' … [Read more...] about ‘I never thought I would get this far, ever’: How Alex Lyon’s survival instincts brought him to Buffalo

'I'd really like to know what Pegula thinks about the rollercoaster ride both of his teams seem to be on. I bet a lot of you do, too. Alas, the billionaire owner has long ago chosen to go silent, and penny-for-his-thoughts wishes are going to go unheeded.' … [Read more...] about Mike Harrington: What would Terry Pegula say about the last three days in Pegulaville?

'We're not here to disparage Carolina Hurricanes center Sebastian Aho, who is a five-time 30-goal scorer and enters Sunday's game in KeyBank Center against the Sabres just nine away from 300 goals in his NHL career. But there's really no way he should be in the same sentence as Sidney Crosby and Nathan MacKinnon. Or in the same paragraph with Mario Lemieux, Pavel Bure and Wayne … [Read more...] about Inside the NHL: Carolina’s Sebastian Aho is in town and Sabres have to stop him