Buffalo News

'The Sabres are hosting their first annual skills challenge at 12:30 p.m., when the players will be split into two teams to compete in five events: the shootout, hardest shot, shooting accuracy, 3-on-1 power play and a puck control relay.' … [Read more...] about Sabres to take a break from schedule to showcase skills for charity

'Larsson, typically the Sabres' fourth-line center, climbed over the boards and helped them escape with a 4-3 win over the Florida Panthers in KeyBank Center. A night that began with so much promise -- including two first-period goals -- ended with another near-comeback by an inferior opponent.' … [Read more...] about Jeff Skinner scores twice, Eichel-less Sabres outlast Panthers to snap skid

'The Sabres hit the halfway mark of the season with Thursday's 4-3 win over the Florida Panthers. They have 50 points, right on pace for 100. Sure, their pace was 119 points a little over a month ago but did anyone expect that? Realistically, who predicted 100 three months ago?' … [Read more...] about Mike Harrington: After a wacky first half, Sabres have a good pace going

'"There's a lot of great players in the league and you've got to fit a lot of great players in not a lot of spots," he said Thursday morning in KeyBank Center. "That's the way it goes. It is what it is but it's not my focus. It's news for yesterday. Today is a new day with a challenge ahead of us."' … [Read more...] about Sabres Notebook: Jeff Skinner ready to move on after All-Star snub

'The victory snapped a three game winless streak. Buffalo had only four regulation wins in its previous 15 games. Linus Ullmark made 35 saves to improve to 9-1-3 this season, and the Sabres finally bested Florida goalie Roberto Luongo despite being outshot by the Panthers, 38-33.' … [Read more...] about The Wraparound: Sabres 4, Panthers 3

'"You want the points to come and to be contributing offensively. It’s when the chances don’t come that you start to worry," said Rodrigues, a college linemate of Eichel's at Boston University. "I’m getting my chances, I’m getting a lot of shots. The opportunities are there. It’s just a matter of bearing down now and finishing those opportunities.' … [Read more...] about With Eichel’s status in doubt, Rodrigues gets first chance to fill his slot

'Skinner, who is tied for second in the NHL with 26 goals while spending most of his time in the first half of the season on Eichel's left wing, was one of the game's biggest snubs when the rosters were initially announced Wednesday evening. The league later announced it was starting an online vote for the 11th spot in each division, much like Major League Baseball has used for … [Read more...] about Eichel picked for All-Star Game, Skinner part of new ‘Last Men In’ vote

'The problem is Wilson has not played this season because he broke his ankle during a practice in late September. He has been skating with Dennis Miller, the Sabres' director of rehab and development, for roughly the past month.' … [Read more...] about Scott Wilson nearing return, could bolster Sabres’ depth at center

'"It’s an upper-body injury, but I don’t think it’s going to keep him out too long," Housley told reporters. "It’s just one of those things he sort of aggravated something in his upper body, so he came off the ice."' … [Read more...] about Sabres lose Jack Eichel to injury, fail to rally in 3-1 loss to Islanders

'"I know how difficult it can be for players who have to make life changes. If they don't, they die. It ruins their life. That's what it is. So I'm really proud. ... When you get the player in a good place, the player can have success but more important he can have a real productive life and that's why I'm real proud of Robin. From the situation he was in to where he is now, … [Read more...] about Mike Harrington: Lehner takes another big step in his personal battle with win over Sabres

'It was an unfortunate ending to another remarkable performance by Carter Hutton.' … [Read more...] about The Wraparound: Islanders 3, Sabres 1

'Okposo, who had three 20-goal seasons in New York, has five goals among 15 points in 39 games this season, including only one assist in his last 17 games and a minus-7 over his past 11 games. He has provided leadership in the locker room and has served as a mentor to young players, particularly Casey Mittelstadt. But former Sabres General Manager Tim Murray was expecting more … [Read more...] about Sabres’ Kyle Okposo demoted after not scoring for 21st straight game

'"Completely different game," defenseman Marco Scandella said. "That St. Louis game was not our game, was not our identity. Tonight we responded well. ... Still, it’s not good enough, and we have to get the win at home."' … [Read more...] about Late penalty, missed opportunities cost Sabres in overtime loss to Boston

'Ultimately, the Sabres need a second-line center because Casey Mittelstadt is overmatched in that spot most nights. Patrik Berglund failed there to start the year before flat-out quitting on this club because Housley, who only happens to be in the Hall of Fame, saw very little on the effort scale from the veteran and dared to scratch him.' … [Read more...] about Mike Harrington: It’s hard to believe Sabres haven’t made a move for offense

'The defeat resulted in a three-point swing in the standings. Rather than having a five-point lead over the Bruins, the Sabres are now only two points ahead for third place. Johan Larsson scored a shorthanded goal in the second period and Carter Hutton made 39 saves.' … [Read more...] about The Wraparound: Bruins 3, Sabres 2, OT