Buffalo News

'Cozens decided to head to Mittelstadt’s hotel room, which was a beehive of activity as his friend quickly packed while his phone was crackling with calls and texts. “A lot of guys didn’t have a chance to say goodbye,” Cozens said. “They were sleeping. It’s crazy how quick change like that is.”' … [Read more...] about Mike Harrington: A big move on defense has big impact in Sabres’ dressing room

'This was one of the most boring chapters of the Sabres-Maple Leafs rivalry in recent years.' … [Read more...] about Observations: Unusual Sabres game day includes blockbuster deal, loss in OT

'Byram’s eventual price tag could impact the team’s negotiations with Henri Jokiharju, who is currently on the top pair next to Dahlin and reaches restricted free agency this summer. If the Sabres are able to retain Jokiharju – likely on a short-term, bridge contract – their blue line next season could include him, Byram, Dahlin, Power, Samuelsson, Connor Clifton and Ryan … [Read more...] about Sabres’ addition of Bowen Byram raises questions about future of defense

'Moving Mittelstadt is a tough thing both on the ice and in the dressing room. The Sabres’ No. 1 pick in 2017 had developed into a bull down low and along the wall, even if he should have been shooting to score more and not had such a preference for passing. It was going to cost at least $6 million to keep him on a long-term deal, maybe north of $7 million. You simply can’t pay … [Read more...] about Mike Harrington: The Casey Mittelstadt trade is Kevyn Adams’ first move for next season

'“It’s different. It’s a position that I’ve never been in my entire career basically,” Okposo said. “It’s part of the business and I’m going to go about my day and be professional and be who I am. I’m not going to change who I am just because of the situation that I’m in. I’m here today and just trying to do the best I can to lead the group.”' … [Read more...] about The schedule forges on as Sabres captain Kyle Okposo waits to find out if he’s staying or going

'Only a few players on the Sabres are performing better than last season, when the club won seven of its last nine games to finish with 91 points, Buffalo’s highest total since it had 96 in 2010-11. Tage Thompson, Alex Tuch and Jeff Skinner have a combined 55 goals after the trio produced 118 last season. Dylan Cozens dropped from 31 to 14, Victor Olofsson plummeted from 28 to … [Read more...] about Sabres GM Kevyn Adams plans to retool ‘.500 team’ with long-term plan in mind

'The Sabres had a 2-1 lead through two periods on goals by JJ Peterka and Eric Robinson but couldn't hold it and suffered their first regulation loss when leading after two periods this season. They had been 46-0-5 in those spots since a 5-3 loss at Carolina on April 7, 2022.' … [Read more...] about Observations: Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen goes back to back but Sabres can’t hold lead in loss to Jets

'“Even the last 48 hours, I’ve received more phone calls about Erik than I did leading up to this point,” Adams shared with The Buffalo News before the Sabres’ game Saturday night against the Vegas Golden Knights.' … [Read more...] about As defense market thins, Sabres receiving more trade calls on Erik Johnson

'This is a team that has swept the defending Stanley Cup champions in the same season it got swept by the woeful Anaheim Ducks and lost a 9-4 game to the even more pathetic Columbus Blue Jackets.' … [Read more...] about Mike Harrington: Give Sabres props for the way they’re rolling now, but what does it really mean?

'“We blew that lead quick and we knew that we wanted to get that back," said Cozens. "We had a few good shifts there of just pressure and keeping them hemmed in and the crowd got into it and gave us that boost, and we just kept it rolling from there.”' … [Read more...] about Zemgus Girgensons, Kyle Okposo help Sabres pull away for 7-2 win over Vegas

'“Difficult, but they were also a lot of fun, too,” Tuch said of the trips after Saturday’s morning skate. “Definitely, Western teams have a little bit different travel schedule than teams in the East. There wasn’t any hour and a half bus rides to Toronto, nothing that close. Longer trips, wear and tear on the body a little bit, but the camaraderie with the teammates was … [Read more...] about Alex Tuch recalls the fun of long road trips with Golden Knights

'Entering Saturday night, Luukkonen leads the NHL in goals-against average (1.84) and save percentage (.934) among goalies who have played at least seven games since Jan. 1. He’s played 18 games in that stretch and it’s downright criminal his record is only 11-7-0 in that time.' … [Read more...] about Inside the NHL: Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen’s second half answers all of Sabres’ questions in goal

'The Sabres, who were off Friday, have four sets of games on consecutive nights this month, and the first one is the toughest of all, even though it doesn’t include any travel.' … [Read more...] about Heat stays on Sabres’ schedule as defending Cup champion Vegas hits town with Jack Eichel still out

'“It wasn’t pretty, but we got some individual skill and talent in this group,” said Dahlin. “Really nice shot by Thommer. We knew coming into this game that this game was really, really important. I’m just happy we won.”' … [Read more...] about Observations: Sabres’ top players shine in come-from-behind win over Lightning

'When asked directly if he regretted the decision to call out the officials with the Sabres down a goal against one of the best teams in the NHL, Granato said: "You don’t feel good about anything when you don’t win a hockey game. Do I regret anything? What I watched transpire in that game, from one minute before the incident where they gave Greenway a double-minor, Cousins goes … [Read more...] about NHL fines Sabres coach Don Granato $25,000 for criticizing officials in Florida