Buffalo News

'“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

'Unofficially, the Sabres averaged a 4.6 rating in the 2023-24 season, down about 15% from a 5.4 average in the 2022-23 season.' … [Read more...] about Buffalo Sabres TV ratings drop about 15% as Lindy Ruff tries to reestablish fan belief

'Ruff will be introduced as the Sabres' next coach during a news conference Tuesday at 1 p.m.' … [Read more...] about Lindy Ruff hired as the next coach of Buffalo Sabres

'There wasn't much of a search here. If you wanted Craig Berube or Gerard Gallant or Bruce Boudreau or Seth Appert, you probably weren't getting him. The grapevine says Adams and Gallant talked but this has always been about Ruff.' … [Read more...] about Mike Harrington: Kevyn Adams made it clear a Lindy Ruff reunion was in Sabres’ future

'The Stanley Cup Playoffs started Saturday. Do we even remember what those are? The Sabres are once again on the sidelines at the best time of the hockey season and once again searching for a new head coach. Not much has changed around here the last 13 years.' … [Read more...] about Inside the NHL: A look around the playoff rinks that the Sabres never seem to join

'“I think in our room, we have a really tight locker room,” Thompson, now 26 years old and 372 games into his NHL career, explained. “Guys that are very close with each other. Bonds that are very, very tight. And I think that’s pretty special. That’s not something that a lot of teams can say. But at the same time, when you have those bonds, you don’t want to upset or ruffle any … [Read more...] about Tage Thompson’s leadership on display as Sabres process fallout of season

'While teammates are driven to finally reach the postseason, Byram doesn’t know what life as an NHLer is like without a grueling series against a top team in the NHL. He was in Colorado’s lineup for 27 playoff games over the past two years, including the 20-game marathon that ended with him winning the sport’s ultimate prize.' … [Read more...] about After ‘tough’ transition, Bowen Byram aiming to return to Sabres a better defenseman

'Come next season, Rasmus Dahlin will be playing for his fourth NHL head coach (Phil Housley, Ralph Krueger, Granato and the new hire). Dylan Cozens also dates to the Krueger days and both Dahlin and Cozens were first-round picks of former GM Jason Botterill.' … [Read more...] about Mike Harrington: The NHL’s harsh reality hits hard for Sabres’ young players