Buffalo News

'“It’s a coach’s decision now,” Tuch told reporters after he skated in a yellow, noncontact jersey. “I feel good and ready. It’s something that took a little bit longer than I originally anticipated, but it’s a long season. It was something that we didn’t want to flare up again. We just wanted to make sure to keep it under control. … Just wanted to be 100 percent. It was really … [Read more...] about Alex Tuch, Zach Benson likely to return to Sabres’ lineup at start of road trip

'It would be weak of me to waffle only 16 games into the season, so yes, I’ll stick to my prediction the Sabres will secure a wild-card spot. The odds are stacked against them, though. Missing Thompson for 15-20 games is a massive blow to their playoff chances. This team already was struggling to replicate the fast-paced, aggressive style of play that made it one of the NHL’s … [Read more...] about Sabres Mailbag: Is Tage Thompson’s injury a season killer? Would Patrick Kane help?

'Mittelstadt has been among the Sabres’ top players during their 7-8-1 start this season with three goals and 13 points. His 39 even-strength points in 49 games dating to Feb. 1 were tied for seventh in the NHL entering play Wednesday. He’s excellent at protecting the puck and creating space for his linemates to score, and he showed late last season that he can succeed while … [Read more...] about Sabres notebook: Dylan Cozens, Casey Mittelstadt must ‘step up’ at center

'The Sabres will be without Thompson for a “significant” amount of time because of the injury, coach Don Granato revealed to reporters. The puck hit Thompson on the left wrist as he tried to prevent Charlie McAvoy’s shot from reaching Buffalo’s net with the Sabres trailing by four goals and killing a penalty in the second period.' … [Read more...] about Observations: Tage Thompson’s long-term injury another problem for Sabres

'Okposo’s impact on hockey will be echoed throughout the careers of the players he’s helped along the way. His empathy, honesty, kindness and perspective have made him beloved by Sabres players and staff since he arrived in Buffalo in July 2016. He chaired the search committee that led the NHL Players’ Association to hire former U.S. Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh as its … [Read more...] about 1,000 games into an NHL career, Sabres captain Kyle Okposo continues to help others

'“We haven’t found our game yet,” Okposo shared with reporters ahead of his 1,000th NHL regular-season game Tuesday night. “We need to get back to doing what makes us successful. We’ve got to stop trying to be like everybody else. We’ve got to be like us. That’s when we’re powerful and that’s when we’re at our best. … Everybody in the room knows we can be better and we’re going … [Read more...] about Sabres’ inconsistent start reveals need for an impactful call-up or external upgrade

'“Thanks to the Buffalo Sabres, (former GM) Gerry Meehan and the Knox family for drafting me,” Turgeon said. “What an honor.”' … [Read more...] about Tom Barrasso, Pierre Turgeon give it up to Sabres in Hall induction speeches

'“I loved the Aud. It was so much fun. The vibe was incredible,” Turgeon said. “Those are such good memories. I’m a young kid paying against Ray Bourque. I was thinking this is crazy.”' … [Read more...] about Hall-bound Pierre Turgeon’s legacy with Sabres: Drafted No. 1 overall, traded for Pat LaFontaine

'Buffalo (7-7-1) has won consecutive games only once this season and entered Saturday with a 4-1-1 record over their last six. They won in ugly fashion Friday night at KeyBank Center by blocking shots, receiving key saves from Devon Levi and capitalizing on their scoring chances. Their depleted lineup had opportunities to score in Pittsburgh, but they made the job easier for … [Read more...] about Sabres shut out by Penguins as offense struggles without Alex Tuch

'“Physically, I felt like I was as close as I was ever going to be,” Barrasso told The Buffalo News on Friday as the latest class of inductees was unveiled under the dome of the Great Hall. “Goal is a simple position. You’re either stopping pucks or they’re going in the net. And I just had some success in the practices and in the scrimmages and felt like it was not something I … [Read more...] about Inside the NHL: Tom Barrasso’s rookie season with Sabres set the stage for Hall of Fame career

'It is the first time the Sabres have had a home helmet sponsor – a year after the team first began looking for its inaugural jersey patch partner.' … [Read more...] about Buffalo Next: Sabres snag helmet sponsor in health care staffing firm

'JJ Peterka, a second-year winger who turns 22 in January, scored the game-winning goal 3:33 into the third period by skating hard to the net and finishing a spectacular pass by Tage Thompson. Peterka also created the turnover that sprung Jeff Skinner for a breakaway that ended with Skinner giving Buffalo a 2-1 lead late in the second period.' … [Read more...] about Sabres showcase ‘maturity,’ find a way to overcome adversity in win over Wild

'In just his second full NHL season, Power has become an all-situations defender, ranking second among Buffalo blueliners to Rasmus Dahlin in total power-play time and third (behind Erik Johnson and Mattias Samuelsson) in total penalty kill time.' … [Read more...] about Owen Power’s first 100 games with Sabres: Production plus enormous potential

'“The power play is weird,” said center Casey Mittelstadt, who was on the first power-play unit with Dahlin and forwards Tage Thompson, Alex Tuch and Jeff Skinner against Carolina. “It can be horrible one game and unbelievable the next.”' … [Read more...] about Sabres seeking power surge with man advantage

'“The situation probably didn’t call for (engaging in a fight) there,” Cozens said. “I let my frustrations get the best of me. I went after him, and it escalated a lot quicker than I prepared myself for and I need to know who I’m going up against and be a little smarter next time for sure. It’s definitely unneeded at the end of the game like that. I learned my lesson, and (it) … [Read more...] about Five days after fight, Buffalo Sabres center Dylan Cozens returns to practice with full face-shield