Buffalo News

'After practice Friday at LECOM Harborcenter, coach Lindy Ruff ruled Norris out for Saturday's game in Boston and the team seemed like it was preparing to hear bad news on the player who was probably its best forward in the preseason.' … [Read more...] about Sabres move forward waiting for word on Josh Norris’ latest injury

'The problem was, Shesterkin was unbeatable, particularly on those close-range, high-percentage scoring shots, and stonewalled the Sabres in a 4-0 loss to the New York Rangers in the season opener Thursday at KeyBank Center.' … [Read more...] about Sabres can’t punch in close chances in 4-0 loss to New York Rangers

'“Even from the outside, when I was looking at this group a year ago, I saw a lot of individual talent,” Kekalainen said of the Sabres this week in a one-on-one interview with The Buffalo News. “But hockey is the ultimate team game and it doesn’t really matter what the individual talents are unless you put it together and play as a team. This league’s too competitive to win in … [Read more...] about Mike Harrington: Jarmo Kekalainen sees the Sabres’ talent, hopes he sees their breakthrough

'Alex Lyon will be the Buffalo Sabres' opening-night starter in goal when they face the New York Rangers. He was signed as a free agent with the intention of backing up Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, who starts the season on injured reserve.' … [Read more...] about ‘You never think you’re going to make it this far’: How Sabres goalie Alex Lyon shows worth of proven understudy

'"I think we're all excited," Ruff said. "We're all tired of looking at preseason video and practice video and now let's put it to the test against the other team's real lineup. ... Let's go to work and prove what we've been working on will make us a winning hockey club."' … [Read more...] about Mike Harrington: Lindy Ruff feels the responsibility to get Sabres moving

'Ellis is expected to pair with Alex Lyon in the Buffalo net for the foreseeable future, with starter Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen on injured reserve. The Sabres opted to waive ineffective veteran Alexandar Georgiev on Tuesday after dipping into a pool of available young goalies on waivers to take Ellis.' … [Read more...] about Colten Ellis ‘super excited for the opportunity’ in Sabres net

'“It’s not a neglected child, but it’s just kind of … there,” said John Buccigross, a studio analyst and commentator for ESPN’s NHL broadcasts. “Until something happens – luck, or organically – whether you get the right 10-13 guys and things click, or make the right hire, who wills the Sabres to the next level?”' … [Read more...] about The Sabres see what they could be. The NHL sees the them differently. How does this team break the spell?

'As the Sabres go, so will Dahlin’s chances at being a Norris finalist. He finished sixth in voting last season for the award, given annually to the top defenseman in the NHL (won by Colorado’s Cale Makar), and Dahlin alone is a force on the blue line. He’s 25 years old and enters his eighth season, which, in NHL years, means he’s in his prime. But Dahlin can’t play 60 minutes … [Read more...] about Rasmus Dahlin, goaltending, the drought: 5 questions that face the Buffalo Sabres in 2025-26

'“You can’t always earn respect,” Powers recalled of Doan’s speech. “You certainly can never demand respect. But you can always give respect. That’s the one thing you can do, as it relates to respect. If you give people respect and treat people the right way, it comes back to you, in spades.”' … [Read more...] about Meet new Sabres left wing Josh Doan, who’s more than just Shane Doan’s son. Here’s his own story

'Ruff has set several goals for the defense, including a big one: Cut down goals against. The Sabres tied with Pittsburgh for 29th in the NHL, each with 287 goals against last season. Keeping the puck out of the net falls on the entire team, but it starts with the defense, which needs to set the stage by playing a physical brand of hockey. The magic number for a drop in goals … [Read more...] about A position-by-position breakdown of the Sabres opening-night roster, from forwards to defensemen to goalies

'There hasn’t been a Stanley Cup Playoff game in KeyBank Center since the afternoon of April 24, 2011. Think about that. It’s preposterous.' … [Read more...] about Mike Harrington: Here’s what we miss about the Sabres being in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. It’s been so long

'Kane, in his third season with the Detroit Red Wings, opens the 2025-26 campaign needing 32 points to pass former Minnesota/Dallas star Mike Modano to became the all-time scoring leader among American-born players. He also needs 44 assists to surpass former Sabres player and coach Phil Housley for that record among Americans.' … [Read more...] about Inside the NHL: Patrick Kane looking to make U.S. hockey history in 19th season

'Here’s a look at five new names in the Atlantic Division this season.' … [Read more...] about NHL preview: Meet some of the Sabres’ new rivals in the Atlantic Division

'Future Hall of Famer and three-time Cup champion on the precipice of becoming NHL's all-time scoring leader among American-born players, but looking to get back to the playoffs for just the second time in last six seasons.' … [Read more...] about WNY connections in the NHL and AHL for the 2025-26 season

'But you just can't put the Panthers there. Losing Matthew Tkachuk until Christmas and maybe beyond gave you pause. But the September practice injury suffered by captain Aleksander Barkov is a potential season-killer for the Cats. It is the wounded knee felt around the Atlantic Division, which is suddenly wide open, and the NHL.' … [Read more...] about NHL Power Rankings: As injuries cut into Panthers’ bite, can Vegas regain hold of Stanley Cup?