Buffalo News

'Gone is the chance to see more heroics from Devon Levi and to give names such as Jiri Kulich, Isak Rosen, Lukas Rousek, Anton Wahlberg and Nikita Novikov more of the feeling of what the playoff grind entails.' … [Read more...] about Mike Harrington: Game 5 loss a major missed opportunity for Amerks – and for Sabres prospects

'Older, experienced players willed the Amerks into another elimination game. Brandon Biro scored twice, including the tying goal with 5:12 left in regulation. Brett Murray won it in overtime after an injury forced him to miss the first three games of the series. Their leadership, along with other players such as Michael Mersch and Joe Cecconi, guided a team that’s dotted with … [Read more...] about Amerks’ latest high-stakes playoff game an opportunity for Sabres’ prospects to grow

'Adams, like his predecessors, will try to upgrade the NHL roster through trades. He can choose to do that by dealing from his prospect pipeline. Teams will be interested in forwards like Savoie, Rosen and Kulich if Adams is willing to move one to strengthen the margins of Buffalo’s roster. Why deal a player who may be close to helping the Sabres, though, when you have a high … [Read more...] about Sabres’ focus should shift to trading No. 11 pick in NHL draft now that lottery is over

'Luukkonen will receive a significant raise as a restricted free agent from the $867,500 that he counted against the Sabres’ salary cap the past two seasons. The 2017 second-round draft pick proved this season that he’s a reliable starting goalie in the NHL with career highs in games played (54), wins (27), save percentage (.910), goals-against average (2.57) and shutouts … [Read more...] about How much should the Sabres expect to pay Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen this summer?

'It began a troubling four-month stretch for Skinner, as the 31-year-old winger had only seven goals with 13 points in 36 games after he missed time with what the team called an upper-body injury. He skated fewer than 16 minutes in 21 of the final 23 games and averaged only 13:35 of ice time while scoring zero goals in 13 games to finish his 14th season in the NHL.' … [Read more...] about Can Jeff Skinner rebound, adapt to expectations of Sabres coach Lindy Ruff?

'The Sabres will be taking part because of their own interests but will be keeping a keen eye on the results as well. Here's a look at the pros and cons of the lottery from the Buffalo point of view...'. … [Read more...] about Inside the NHL: If not them, who do the Sabres want to see win the Macklin Celebrini lottery?

'Adding another center should help Cozens’ development. While it’s admirable that he wanted to become a shutdown center shouldering the most difficult matchups, the Sabres would be wise to put him in more positions to use his gifts with the puck. Cozens led all Buffalo centers in defensive-zone faceoffs at 5-on-5 this season, according to Natural Stat Trick. He’ll learn and … [Read more...] about 7 Sabres who can benefit from Lindy Ruff taking over as the Sabres’ head coach

'“He finds a way to connect with people,” Amerks assistant coach Vinny Prospal, a longtime NHL forward, told The Buffalo News following a recent practice in Rochester’s Blue Cross Arena. “There are times when I’m exhausted and don’t want to talk to anyone, and he finds a way to talk to everyone. He’s a great communicator. You have to have a gift to, at certain times, remain … [Read more...] about How Seth Appert’s days as a college goalie showed his ‘gift’ to coach Sabres prospects

'Ruff’s troops need to get into the postseason, take some five-game loss in Round 1 and then we can all get on to the process of aiming toward much longer hockey springs around here. And he’ll be a hero. You might argue that’s a pretty low standard to have and you’re right. But that’s simply the reality of where this organization is.' … [Read more...] about Mike Harrington: For now, Sabres need to forget about titles and get their Andy Dalton moment

'Take Monday’s off day for rest and recovery. Don’t get too high. Don’t get too low. Battle through adversity, like the blown 2-0 leads in both games. And Game 3 will be another good test after the Amerks got hosed in OT on Sunday with a phantom icing call. It produced a lost defensive zone faceoff that resulted in Syracuse’s winning goal.' … [Read more...] about Mike Harrington: Playoff runs by Amerks create a wild mix of experiences for Sabres’ prospects

'“Honestly not surprised at all, put it that way,” Vanek said on the After the Whistle podcast with ex-Sabres Andrew Peters and Craig Rivet. “I did see some of the comments that Kevyn (GM Kevyn Adams) made at the end of the year. And it sounded to me like he already knew who he was going to hire the way he was talking. It sounded a lot like Lindy. I think he’s going to get a … [Read more...] about Inside the NHL: Sabres alums ‘pumped’ for Lindy Ruff to get his second chance here

'Trading for a top-six winger is a more realistic option for the Sabres because the cost of signing one in free agency is likely untenable for their long-term salary cap, although Patrick Kane may be an outlier. The 35-year-old won’t command a lucrative long-term contract but would immediately upgrade the club’s forward group. The South Buffalo native had 20 goals and 47 points … [Read more...] about Sabres Mailbag: How can Kevyn Adams and Lindy Ruff improve the roster?

'“Realistically, it’s not something I’ve put any thought into,” Appert told The Buffalo News. “I love my job. I’m really proud to be part of the Buffalo Sabres organization. I’m proud of what we’ve built here and how we’ve done it. The culture we’ve created here I think is pretty unique and special, and I don’t think I’ve ever been in a hurry to leave a job. That’s not my track … [Read more...] about Amerks coach Seth Appert hasn’t ‘put any thought’ into possible spot on Sabres’ staff

'Ruff expressed confidence that he’s a “a lot better” coach than Feb. 20, 2013, when he was fired by Pegula only 17 games into the lockout-shortened season. Ruff’s replacement, Ron Rolston, was let go after 51 games, and the Sabres began to gradually dismantle their roster to try to finish higher in the NHL draft lottery.' … [Read more...] about Lindy Ruff motivated to take Sabres to ‘next step’ in second stint as head coach

'“It would mean a lot to have this group of players experience what I was able to experience as a player and as a coach,” Ruff said. “This building shook in several playoff series that I’m involved with. I can still remember the 8-0 Philadelphia win (the Game 6 clincher in the first round in 2001), when I was sitting in the office and thinking that the building was shaking. … [Read more...] about Mike Harrington: Sabres are going back in time, hoping Lindy Ruff can renew their better days