Buffalo News

'It seems that the Sabres have lost touch with their identity as a team. The Sabres have sputtered while trying to evolve from a stubborn, inexperienced group into a disciplined, playoff-ready contender. Their 22-25-4 record is among the worst in the Eastern Conference and seemingly any improvement in one area is met by regression or struggles in another.' … [Read more...] about Observations: Another low-scoring loss magnifies Sabres need for a top-six forward

'“I look at them and I’m thinking, ‘Wow, there’s some great talent. I’m just not sure they’re as good as they think they are but there’s some good talent there,’” MacLean said. “I think Donnie (Granato) is a pretty good coach ... He’s a superb guy. I just think Buffalo is a team that is in a world of hurt. This will be 13 years in a row without making the playoffs.”' … [Read more...] about Inside the NHL: Doug MacLean reveals 2020 interview with Sabres on Toronto radio show

'“I don’t pay attention to rumors or social media during the season. I just tune it all out and focus on playing,” Johnson told The Buffalo News this week. “I assumed where we’re at (in the standings) my name would be out there, just with my experience. But really, my focus is here, and I don’t want to leave. I don’t really want to abandon the guys midseason. I care about these … [Read more...] about With trade deadline looming, ace penalty killer Erik Johnson not looking to move on from Sabres

'“He’s not looked like himself; he’s looked like a better version of himself at any point in his career, really, just in the last month,” Sabres coach Don Granato said after Cozens totaled eight shots and 13 shot attempts against Dallas. “All the different things in life that were presented to him at the start of the year, he’s a different, more mature hockey player right now. … [Read more...] about Sabres’ Dylan Cozens goes back on the attack to try to reach another level

'Failing to convert cost the Sabres their first three-game winning streak since April and spoiled one of their better performances of the season. They outshot the Stars 16-8 in the first period, 16-4 in the second and totaled 83 shot attempts for the game.' … [Read more...] about Observations: Sabres produce 48 shots, only 1 goal in ‘frustrating’ loss to Stars

'It has been problematic all season they haven't shown up for work on time more often, and falling behind in games remains a problem. They gave up the first goal for the fifth straight time in this one, but at least they continue to battle.' … [Read more...] about Mike Harrington: In a better attack posture, Sabres still have to escape chase mode in first periods

'“If there is pressure, it’s good pressure to have,” Benson said following practice Monday. “Quinner’s obviously a hard guy to fill in for. It can’t just be one guy. It has to be multiple guys in our group.”' … [Read more...] about Zach Benson ready to use rookie lessons to help Sabres replace Jack Quinn

'“As our world continues to evolve and innovate, we are thrilled that partnership opportunities have followed suit,” said Joe Foy, vice president of Business Development for the Sabres. “Our space continues to grow beyond traditional assets, and the ability to bring something new to our current and prospective partners has been exciting and welcomed from all parties.”' … [Read more...] about NHL, Sabres see major boost from digitizing boards, helmet and jersey sponsorships

'The severity of Samuelsson’s injury was less obvious. He skated 19:26 in a game at Anaheim on Jan. 23, then missed two games before team doctors determined that he could not play through the injury. Both are significant losses that will cause young players, specifically winger Zach Benson and defenseman Owen Power, to take on more responsibility for the Sabres, who, at … [Read more...] about Mattias Samuelsson’s season-ending injury will force other Sabres to ‘step up’

'It’s added up to a 9-6-1 mark the last 16 games, which would be a 97-point pace over a full season that’s probably playoff-worthy. Of course, there’s that tiny issue of the 72-point pace Buffalo played at through mid-December.' … [Read more...] about Mike Harrington: Don Granato is looking forward and not back on this season. His future depends on it

'"The second game was a little difficult. We sat around for an hour just waiting but yeah, no excuses," Dahlin said. "It was a good game. Thank God we had (Connor) McDavid on the team the first game and he clutched it for us."' … [Read more...] about Dahlin’s big weekend: Berth in All-Star final, chance to play for Sweden in the Olympics

'Dahlin has 13 goals, tops among NHL defensemen, and 38 points this season. That puts him on pace for a career-high 22 goals and 64 points, which would be a drop of nine points from last season. He is also sporting a minus-12 rating, a huge drop from last year’s plus-12.' … [Read more...] about Mike Harrington: Rasmus Dahlin has more to give, and that’s good because his new price tag requires it

'“He’s got so much skill and he’s so skilled around the net,” said Sabres defenseman and former teammate Rasmus Dahlin. “I remember his last year with us, he was our best guy (scoring a team-high 25 goals in 54 games in the 2021 Covid season). I kind of knew he could do things like this and it’s really cool to see him do it now and become one of the best in the league.”' … [Read more...] about Mike Harrington: Sam Reinhart keeps filling the net with his big payday looming

'The power play is holding Buffalo back. It’s the one area of the Sabres’ game that’s had marginal improvement since the New Year. Their 18.2% conversion rate since Jan. 1 is 21st in the NHL, while their 14.4% mark for the season is 28th. It’s a startling regression from the first half of last season, when the Sabres were third. Not only are they not scoring, but they’re often … [Read more...] about UPL’s ascent, power-play struggles among Sabres trends to watch after the break

'And while this Buffalo Sabres season hasn’t quite been the one we were all hoping for as the team once again hovers near the bottom of the Atlantic Division, a number of local breweries are rallying behind the team and showing their support the best way they know how – by brewing up some tasty suds for the next time the boys in Blue and Gold take the ice.' … [Read more...] about 6 Buffalo Sabres-themed beers ready for the next game