Buffalo News

'By New Year’s Day, the Sabres could be within two points or 10 points away. Rejuvenation takes place in one scenario, while ruination comes in the other.' … [Read more...] about Showdowns with Bruins could make or break Sabres’ season

'The Sabres went 8-8-4 at home during the second half of the 2015-16 season. They are 7-7-3 this season, which ranks 26th in the NHL.' … [Read more...] about Sabres Notebook: Even at home; Franson, Ennis skate

'"It's tough news to take," captain Brian Gionta acknowledged. "But at the end of the day it's a good thing he had it and found it early on and it was nothing too severe. He's a big piece of this team, there's no doubt about that. But we've said all along guys have to step up, take that opportunity and fill that void. It has been tough here but by no means are we going to sit … [Read more...] about O’Reilly’s sudden illness leaves hole in Sabres’ middle

'"I just heard it five minutes ago before I stepped here," Bylsma said when asked during his standard pregame media briefing. "It's disappointment really. There was anticipation of winning football games and being a good football team and this is just the culmination of the disappointment of that not being the case."' … [Read more...] about Bylsma says Rex’s firing is ‘just the culmination of the disappointment’

'"We had as solid a team as you could have," said Bowman, the 83-year-old Williamsville resident who works as a consultant for his son and Chicago Blackhawks GM Stan Bowman. "This is a team that's for the ages. It's a team that meshed together."'http://buffalonews.com/2016/12/27/sabres-notebook-red-wings-honor-97-cup-champs/ … [Read more...] about Sabres notebook: Red Wings honor ’97 Cup champs

'The Red Wings had an abysmal four-game stretch earlier this month where they went 0-3-1 and scored just three goals. But they hit Christmas winners of two of their last three games, with 11 goals in that stretch. While the Sabres' 1-5 shootout record has been a huge source of consternation, the Wings have stayed afloat in part because of their NHL-best 5-0 record in the skills … [Read more...] about As struggling Sabres hit town, Red Wings also need quick answers

'The Sabres are a complete disaster at this point and they can no longer use injuries as an excuse. They hit Christmas last in the Eastern Conference amid growing questions that surround their coach's game management and the moves made to build the team by their general manager.' … [Read more...] about Mike Harrington: In wake of break, Bylsma and Murray have to fix Sabres’ mess

'It seems too soon in the hockey calendar to use the term “must win.” It’s not even the halfway point. The games against the Bruins, however, qualify.' … [Read more...] about Sabres’ season is already teetering toward being over

'“It’s been an active time,” said Rich Jureller, president of the Sabres Foundation and the team’s director of community relations. “We try and do a lot. The holidays are a special time for everybody.”' … [Read more...] about Inside the Sabres: Foundation, players bring holiday smiles

'There’s a clear disconnect inside the Sabres. What’s said and what’s done are opposite. The organization needs to determine if it’s a coaching problem, the wrong players or – worst-case scenario – a combination of both.' … [Read more...] about Sabres fall back into last with another bad loss

'“The last few years that I was here, I started to be a lot more consistent and play well. They were really loud and supportive and stuck by us as a group and a team and me personally. I just want to say thanks to the fans for being there for me.”' … [Read more...] about Sabres Notebook: Okposo thanks Isles fans; Nilsson back

'The offense was inept and goaltender Anders Nilsson had an off night. Buffalo fell to 0-2-2 in its last four overall.' … [Read more...] about Quick hits: Islanders 5, Sabres 1

'The Sabres fell behind, 2-0, in the first period and never caught up in losing their third straight game. They were outshot, 34-23 -- giving up the first seven shots of the second period and the first eight in the third. The crowd of 18,863 booed en masse after each stanza and during several stages when Buffalo was bottled up in its own end.' … [Read more...] about Sabres hang a stinker in their stocking

'"There are people who get a couple chances and sort of wash out of the league where I feel like I’ve been able to contribute everywhere I’ve played," Stempniak said. "Last year I went on a tryout to New Jersey and I ended up having one of the best years of my career. That really forced me to take ownership of my confidence. That’s something that’s never come extremely easy for … [Read more...] about Sabres Notebook: Stempniak continues to contribute for Carolina

'The Sabres gave up the first eight shots on goal in the third period and were being outshot, 27-12, before they finally woke up. Johan Larsson broke the shutout of Carolina's Cam Ward with 14:28, banging home a shot from the edge of the crease after a neat pass from behind the goal from Sam Reinhart.' … [Read more...] about Quick Hits: Hurricanes 3, Sabres 1