Buffalo News

'"As a player, you just focus on things you can control and that's not something that has an effect on the game for me," Skinner said late Thursday night at Media Day in the City National Civic Auditorium. "For us right now, we're in the thick of a playoff race. You want to play hard, pick up as many points as you can and put yourself in a good situation. That right there is … [Read more...] about Mike Harrington: $$$$kinner has leverage, so he’s not fretting about pace of contract talks

'Skating seventh of eight competitors, Eichel completed his lap in 13.582 seconds to take over the lead. Flying around the SAP Center rink, Eichel reached a top speed of 24 mph as NBC showcased the NHL's new player tracking system unveiled earlier in the day by Commissioner Gary Bettman.' … [Read more...] about Connor McDavid nips Jack Eichel to win NHL’s Fastest Skater contest

'A growing possibility for an opponent for the Sabres could be the Vancouver Canucks, as the 1970 expansion cousins will be celebrating 50 years in the NHL and each has a huge young Swedish star on the roster: Buffalo defenseman Rasmus Dahlin and Vancouver center Elias Pettersson.' … [Read more...] about All-Star Notebook: Sabres still awaiting word on NHL’s 2019-20 international games

'"At the beginning of the year, we were on the positive side of things and now we're on the negative side, losing one-goal games we should be winning and getting points in. We knew the second half would be more competitive. We have to dig deeper, be crisper. we can't have these lapses. You see all our games. It's really a fine line between winning and losing and we're already … [Read more...] about Mike Harrington: Sabres, city need Captain Jack now more than ever

'Buffalo Sabres rookie defenseman Rasmus Dahlin and winger Jeff Skinner each placed second in a category as the Professional Hockey Writers Association announced its midseason awards Thursday in conjunction with the start of All-Star Weekend.' … [Read more...] about Sabres’ Rasmus Dahlin, Jeff Skinner earn nods in writers’ midseason awards

'"You're not going to have a good season unless your teammates are playing well. That's the cool part," Skinner said when the vote was announced Jan. 11 on the day he returned to Carolina. "My family was thinking about it more than me. It just shows the passion and how much the fans love the Sabres. It's a pretty cool feeling."' … [Read more...] about In Eichel and Skinner, Sabres adding double dose of talent to All-Star Game

'But that many minor-league games can be mentally trying for a player of Nylander's pedigree. While others his age or younger are thriving in the NHL, Nylander is still fine-tuning his game in the minors. That has created both internal and external angst at times.' … [Read more...] about Former Sabres top pick Nylander encouraged by progress with Amerks

'His transformation from raw prospect to hero did not happen overnight.' … [Read more...] about Sabres prospect Luukkonen eyeing pro career following gold medal win

'The larger takeaway is that Kim Pegula seems to be influencing the organization’s zero-tolerance policy for anything resembling sexual misconduct. Her leadership sends a strong message that the “boys-will-be-boys” culture that has pervaded many businesses, in and outside of sports, will not be tolerated.' … [Read more...] about Editorial: Kim Pegula sets zero tolerance tone after incident with Sabres execs

'Only one team in history – the 2016-17 Philadelphia Flyers – has had a 10-game winning streak during a season and failed to make the playoffs that spring. Are the Sabres going to become No. 2? An improvement from 62 points to, say, 88 points that would have been notable in October will now be bitterly disappointing in April.' … [Read more...] about Mike Harrington: With season sliding away, Sabres are facing tough choices

'"I think it’s going to be really important," coach Phil Housley said. "We talked about it – to really enjoy themselves, re-energize, reboot, get ready for the second-half push in the season. At the same time, when we get back we’re entering three games in four nights, and we’re starting on the road."' … [Read more...] about Sabres plan to ‘re-energize’ during long, challenging break

'If the Sabres do well over the next couple seasons and Housley manages to establish himself as a stellar head coach, that hall of fame status won’t be the driving reason behind it. Rather, there’s another piece of memorabilia in his basement that provides a clue into a little-known part of Housley’s career that much more neatly translates into what he’s doing today. It’s a … [Read more...] about Blessing or curse? How Hall of Famers like Phil Housley fail or succeed as coaches

'"Longevity is a huge accolade for an equipment manager," Williams, who joined the Sabres in 2005, told The Buffalo News. "That’s how you earn an All-Star invite at our level. It’s not based on performance. Our performance is driven by longevity. If you aren’t good you’re gone. That’s our measuring stick. It’s nice to be recognized for that."' … [Read more...] about Inside the Sabres: Equipment managers joining Eichel, Skinner at All-Star Game

'Both the NHL and the NHL Players Association issued statements that logistics just don't make it feasible to have a tournament 20 months from now, but that they're working toward a framework for future international play.' … [Read more...] about Inside the NHL: No 2020 World Cup a bummer, but labor outlook is upbeat

'Though the Sabres have the offensive firepower to keep up with the NHL's best, they make too many makes in their own zone. A remarkable effort to beat Calgary Wednesday was not a magical elixir, either.' … [Read more...] about Sabres’ mistakes add up in 4-3 loss to cap western Canada road trip