Buffalo News

'The bottom line to coach Don Granato was that he didn’t want either player in a fourth-line role when there were still first-line minutes to be had in Rochester. Rosen was slotted in on the Sabres’ third line for Thursday’s game against the St. Louis Blues with Tyson Jost and red-hot Victor Olofsson, who has six assists in his previous four games.' … [Read more...] about Why did Sabres send Jiri Kulich back to Rochester and keep Isak Rosen?

'“This is all part of the process,” Adams told reporters Wednesday in KeyBank Center. “We’re super excited about Devon and believe in him and just feel like this is an opportunity for him to get in a rhythm, get sharpened up, even through some more structured practice reps. And that’s something that we have the luxury and the ability to do right now, and I think it’s the right … [Read more...] about Devon Levi embracing Sabres’ plan for rookie goalie to grow, develop in Rochester

'“I’m always a little hesitant to get too much into the details of other teams’ players or free agents in negotiations or anything,” Adams told reporters Wednesday in KeyBank Center. “What I think I would probably be comfortable saying is that he knew we were interested dating back to July 1. And the conversations I’ve had with Pat Brisson dating back to summer were that we’re … [Read more...] about Sabres notebook: Kevyn Adams ready to ‘turn the page’ after pursuit of Patrick Kane

'In the wake of his starring role Monday on Broadway, it seemed as though it was time for the big Finn to get a run of games here, starting Thursday in St. Louis. Maybe you play Eric Comrie on Saturday in Carolina, and then put Luukkonen in the net for the upcoming home games Sunday against Nashville and Tuesday against Detroit. It is time to ride him.' … [Read more...] about Mike Harrington: It’s clear Sabres’ net belongs to Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen; Devon Levi’s demotion confirms it

'"We’re gonna keep crawling back, we’re gonna keep trying to get points and wins, and it’s gonna take full 60-minute efforts because no team’s gonna take us lightly. Everyone knows we’re a good team. We’re down a few players, but we have some guys really step up and show up, and it was good to see.”' … [Read more...] about Observations: Sabres determined to repeat winning formula that beat red-hot Rangers

'The Sabres aren’t keeping the rookie because he’s piling up points or big hits. He has one assist with a plus-3 rating while averaging 15:01 of ice time through 10 games. But his ability to break the puck out of the defensive zone is invaluable to a team that is stuck in its own zone too often.' … [Read more...] about Ryan Johnson’s best attribute as a defenseman has helped the rookie stick with Sabres

'It was a dud of a performance less than 24 hours after the Sabres scored three goals in the third period to complete a come-from-behind win over the Pittsburgh Penguins in front of a sellout crowd in KeyBank Center. Bad starts have become an alarming trend for Buffalo. Falling behind in games is one reason why a team with playoff expectations is failing to replicate and exceed … [Read more...] about Sabres’ brutal start spoils NHL debuts of Jiri Kulich, Isak Rosen in 7-2 loss

'Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen is your No. 1 goalie at 2.71/.914 and Comrie is No. 2 and was at 2.62/.898 entering Saturday. Levi was at 3.66/.879 and the numbers aren’t lying.' … [Read more...] about Inside the NHL: The simple moves the Sabres need to make should be obvious

'“He’s the type of guy, it doesn’t matter what he says, everyone in here is gonna listen,” said Tuch. “Leads by example. Has a big goal for us. It doesn’t matter whether he scored that goal or not. He was doing all the little things, and he worked his ass off out there and that’s what he’s been doing. … He’s the ultimate leader, ultimate teammate and it was really good to see … [Read more...] about Observations: Kyle Okposo leads Sabres to memorable come-from-behind win

'The decision doesn’t guarantee Benson a spot in Buffalo for the rest of the season, though. They can assign him to Hockey Canada for the IIHF World Junior Championship, which will be held in Sweden next month, and he can eventually go to Wenatchee if the Sabres decide at some point this season that he needs more time competing against his peers. The NHL’s development agreement … [Read more...] about Why keeping Zach Benson for a 10th game wasn’t an ‘easy decision’ for Sabres

'Despite being a better team than in previous years, they still seem light years behind teams like the Boston Bruins, who easily spanked them recently. Talking to an usher at a game, we both agreed to win a Stanley Cup, a team needs speed, skill, good-enough size and importantly, strength. The Sabres have good skill and speed, but Adams needs to add the strength dimension. To … [Read more...] about My View: Still waiting and hoping for Sabres success, but time is growing short

'“Honestly, I’m just trying to do the move I think is going to work and kind of let my instincts take over,” Benson added.' … [Read more...] about Observations: Zach Benson strengthens case to stick with Sabres during OT loss

'Asked after practice Tuesday in Chicago if he’s close to being able to play without the shield, Cozens started out by saying, “Yeah, I’m hoping to get rid of it,” but you knew he had more to say when he didn’t completely stop talking and added an “umm, now” to the answer. “We’ll see what happens,” Cozens said with a laugh, knowing he had let a cat out of its bag with his … [Read more...] about Facing the issue: Sabres center Dylan Cozens battling through trouble caused by wearing full face shield

'“Pacioretty obviously went through it last year, and he’s been great to me,” said Quinn. “He’s reached out a bunch and helped me out with the process. Just told me what he’s gone through and gave me a lot of advice, so that’s one guy. With something like this, when I did it, I didn’t really know it was a possibility. It was all new and just gathering all of the information … [Read more...] about Jack Quinn skates with the Sabres for the first time since frustrating Achilles injury

'Wednesday night’s matchup against the streaking Washington Capitals in Capital One Arena will mark Benson’s ninth game of his rookie season. After that, the Sabres have a decision to make: They will either keep Benson – who has played very well in a top-6 forward role the last two games – and burn the first year of his entry-level contract, or send him back to junior hockey … [Read more...] about As Sabres’ decision looms, Zach Benson sticks with his next-game mentality