Buffalo News

'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

'Sunday in United Center – when too many of their forwards were oddly scuffling against a lousy team that won’t be that way too much longer – Dahlin was the best player in the building for 60 minutes.' … [Read more...] about Mike Harrington: At Sabres’ early crisis point, Rasmus Dahlin is making point of carrying team

'"I saw some ice, took it and just tried to drive wide and elevate the puck and get it to the net as quick as I could," Johnson said. "Thankfully it was able to go in. We weren't at our best tonight and you know you're not always going to be at your best and you've still got to find a way to win the game."' … [Read more...] about Observations: Erik Johnson makes the play Sabres need to secure win over Blackhawks

'Peterka entered Sunday tied with Jeff Skinner for the team lead in goals (7) and one behind Skinner and Casey Mittelstadt for the team lead in points with 12. He’s also carrying the best rating on a club at plus-4.' … [Read more...] about Sabres Notebook: JJ Peterka can take a huge jump on offense in Tage Thompson’s absence

'The Sabres are one of several teams that have been in regular contact with Kane. The real question is how interested he is in them at this point of his career, when chasing another Stanley Cup could have far more significance to him than money.' … [Read more...] about Roundtable: Debating the pursuit of Patrick Kane and the Sabres’ role in it

'"Our guys finally decided to wake up and compete harder instead of waiting," Granato said after the Sabres dominated the third period but couldn't pull even in a 3-2 loss to the Winnipeg Jets. "I had a message for them that was unlike their normal message you'd get after a period. I liked the way they responded, but it's not what I say."' … [Read more...] about Observations: Granato has his say and Sabres rally, but fall short in Winnipeg

'“It’s definitely nice,” captain Kyle Okposo said Friday before the Sabres’ game against the Winnipeg Jets in Canada Life Centre. “Nice to get on the road, get some camaraderie and do some things you wouldn’t normally do, things you wouldn’t do at home.”' … [Read more...] about Sabres go West as three-game set marks first team bonding trip of the season