Buffalo News

'Mittelstadt's shift also was a prominent talking point during the Sabres' team film session prior to practice Wednesday. The sequence illustrated the defensive work coach Ralph Krueger wants to see from his players every game and continued an upward trend in Mittelstadt's play. However, he downplayed his part in the victory.' … [Read more...] about Casey Mittelstadt’s drive to net shows Sabres’ commitment to defense

'Does that mean it’s time to start planning the championship parades? No, but neither should the September and October victories be discounted. Championships are nice, but they are hard to come by, in case you haven’t noticed. Why bother hosting 41 NHL games or eight NFL home contests, in seasons that unfold over several months, if all that matters is becoming the last team … [Read more...] about Editorial: Joy in Pegulaville

'But here’s the most positive sign for interest in the team and evidence of fans losing sleep: The Sabres’ loss to Anaheim in the first game of the three-game California road trip had a 5.9 rating even though it started at 10 p.m. and ended around 1 a.m.' … [Read more...] about TV ratings show Sabres fans are losing sleep over the team’s early success

'"I really feel everyone doesn't to do anything wrong out there," Rasmus Dahlin, who has 10 points in 10 games this season, said of the Sabres' defensemen. "Everyone wants to do the right things for each other. We’re working really hard with video and stuff after games because last year wasn’t our best in the D-zone. All the guys who were here last year, we want to be solid in … [Read more...] about Sabres defensemen ‘stepping up’ to prevent goals in new system

'The Sabres are 8-1-1 overall for just the third time in their history. They're 5-0 at home also for the third time -- and the first since 1984.' … [Read more...] about With Jack Eichel leading the way, Sabres are using home ice to their advantage

'The Sabres have a plus-11 goal differential in the second period of games this season, and Reinhart is one of five players on the team with at least four goals.' … [Read more...] about The Wraparound: Buffalo Sabres 4, San Jose Sharks 3 (OT)

'"It’s been a positive start so far," Botterill said. "Ralph has come with a clear message for what he’s looking for from our players. I think our players have been very open to receiving that message. They’ve certainly put the time in during the summer. I think the things that we challenged them on last spring, they’ve taken to heart."' … [Read more...] about Jason Botterill: Ralph Krueger’s ‘clear message’ buoying Sabres

'So what’s the cause of the change in performance? What is driving Buffalo into the offensive zone, both for longer shifts at a time and more frequently in nature? I shared my thoughts last week, but the overhaul on the blue line – the obvious weak link in recent Sabres seasons – has been tremendously obvious. (We shouldn’t discount the impact Ralph Krueger might be having on … [Read more...] about Shot advantage could be harbinger of Sabres’ long-term success

'"I think that's a real important thing but I don't think it's something that's new to me at all," Olofsson said after practice Monday in KeyBank Center. "I've been off to a hot start every season my last 3-4 years no matter where I've been playing. It's been kind of the same here and now I need to find different ways to get to the net to score."' … [Read more...] about As Sabres improve 5-on-5 scoring, Victor Olofsson hopes to add his contribution

'For the season, Hutton is 5-0 with a 1.39 goals-against average and .953 save percentage. He entered Monday's play leading the NHL in shutouts, GAA and save percentage, and was tied for second in wins. Ullmark is 2-1-1, 3.18/.913 and has posted a pair of 40-save games.' … [Read more...] about Carter Hutton likely to reclaim the crease vs. Sharks after earning NHL’s Third Star of the Week

'"You’ve got to hit adversity," forward Marcus Johansson, who scored his fourth goal of the season, said. "It’s good for you. You kind of learn about each other. You kind of learn about the group. You realize what happens when things don’t go right. … We’ve stuck with it, and we’ve played some good teams here. This trip, it’s never an easy trip. This is a big one."' … [Read more...] about Sabres show ‘character and resiliency’ to cap West Coast road trip

'"You’ve got to hit adversity," forward Marcus Johansson, who scored his fourth goal of the season, said. "It’s good for you. You kind of learn about each other. You kind of learn about the group. You realize what happens when things don’t go right. … We’ve stuck with it, and we’ve played some good teams here. This trip, it’s never an easy trip. This is a big one."' … [Read more...] about Sabres show ‘character and resiliency’ to cap West Coast road trip

'"I just think it’s all about energy and understanding the different ways that we can gather energy and/or making sure that the quality of our execution stays high," Krueger said following the morning skate Saturday in San Jose. "What I find tends to happen is if you’re practicing with a team that’s tired mentally or physically your execution principles fall away and it’s … [Read more...] about Observations from English soccer convinced Ralph Krueger to cut down morning skates

'San Jose (3-5) tied the score twice in a span of 2:06 in the third period, only to watch Girgensons retrieve a loose puck and shoot into the corner of the net. Girgenson's line -- which also includes Johan Larsson and Kyle Okposo -- has combined for three goals among 10 points in nine games.' … [Read more...] about The Wraparound: Sabres 4, Sharks 3

'"The last few games, we had quite a few chances, especially the last couple," Mittelstadt, who has two goals among five points, said. "Shears was out, but I’ve played with him enough that it’s pretty easy to pick up where we left off. It felt good. We’ve done a lot of good things and it was good to see a few go in."' … [Read more...] about Casey Mittelstadt centering line that could be ‘x-factor’ for Sabres