Buffalo News

'On the ice, Devon Levi listened to instructions from his longtime goalie coach, Marco Raimondo, then skated toward his crease to prepare to stop a barrage from three shooters. One by one, Levi stymied their attempts to score with ease, each movement as perfectly executed as the last with a singular objective on his mind: stay square to the puck.' … [Read more...] about How Devon Levi spent the summer ‘leveling up’ in pursuit of Sabres’ crease

'Pegula has plenty of experience in sports – he purchased the Sabres in 2011 and the Bills in 2014 – but he is unlikely to be running either team on a day-to-day basis. That will be the job of Roth, a former investment-fund manager whom Pegula appointed to be chief operating officer of the Sabres in January. In July, when Pegula fired Ron Raccuia as the Bills’ COO, Roth added … [Read more...] about Analysis: What we know about the changes to the Bills, Sabres organizations

'Each of the NHL’s 32 teams were instructed by commissioner Gary Bettman to not have their players wear specialty-themed jerseys during warmups ahead of any theme night, including Pride, which the Sabres will hold March 14 when they celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community ahead of a game against the New York Islanders.' … [Read more...] about Sabres’ theme nights for 2023-24 include Pride; Goatheads to be worn 15 times

'My gnawing concern is this: What happens if cost overruns continue to mount for the new Highmark Stadium? Might Pegula have no choice but to part with a piece of his hockey team – or perhaps unload it entirely – to collect the bulk of the money needed to complete his football team’s new playpen in Orchard Park?' … [Read more...] about Inside the NHL: Temptations are great but it doesn’t feel like the right time for Terry Pegula to get out of hockey

'Now, Thompson’s contract might be among the best bargains in the NHL. According to CapFriendly.com, Thompson’s $7.142 million annual cap hit is lower than 89 players. His teammate, Dylan Cozens, is right behind Thompson at $7.1 million.' … [Read more...] about One year later, Tage Thompson’s $50 million contract looks like a bargain for Sabres

'However, the Sabres’ matchup against the Toronto Maple Leafs on March 30 is one of six games that will require a subscription to ESPN+ or Hulu. The others that will be streamed exclusively on the platforms are a Dec. 5 game against Detroit in Buffalo, an Atlantic Division matchup on the road with the Florida Panthers on Feb. 27, Jack Eichel’s return to KeyBank Center with the … [Read more...] about 15 Buffalo Sabres games this season will be national broadcasts

'Official plans have yet to be released, but it’s clear where this is targeted: It’s about reducing the number of Canadian fans in the building for visits by Toronto and Montreal, the number of Pennsylvania fans in the house when Pittsburgh is here. Same for the number of downstate fans coming to see the New York Rangers, or Michigan fans following the Detroit Red Wings.' … [Read more...] about Sabres planning experiment to make sure their fans gets first chance at tickets

'The announcement also raises questions about the future of the hockey team the Pegulas have owned since 2011. And it comes at a pivotal time for the Sabres, playing in an aging arena that is in need of upgrades at a time when the team is coming off a season when it barely missed the playoffs and expectations are high for further improvement in the upcoming season.' … [Read more...] about Pegula Sports and Entertainment dissolved at key time for Buffalo Sabres

'“I lost my brother earlier this summer and the one thing going through that experience is the last thing he wants is to look down and see his family upset, sad, muddling, whatever it is,” Brad May, architect of the overtime goal that stands as Jeanneret’s greatest call, said after the 90-minute event. “He wants you to go live and enjoy and win, conquer things, have a great … [Read more...] about Mike Harrington: Memories of Rick Jeanneret spark smiles and laughter in arena ceremony

'“He came up with words and I never heard some of them. I’m serious,” Gare said. “I’d go look them up. Like ‘rankled.’ He’d be like, ‘These teams are rankled tonight.’ It was incredible.”' … [Read more...] about Inside the NHL: Memories of Rick Jeanneret from some broadcast partners

'Replacing the arena’s main center-hung scoreboard for the ‘24-’25 season, upgrading a board that dates to 2007 and has fallen far behind its counterparts across the NHL. At 22 feet by 12.6 feet, its video display is one of the five smallest in the league.' … [Read more...] about New scoreboard among projects Buffalo Sabres are planning for 2024-25 season in KeyBank Center

'Many Sabres alumni were scheduled to be in town for Monday’s annual alumni golf tournament at Niagara Falls Country Club, so they will be available for the ceremony the day before.' … [Read more...] about Sabres invite public to roundtable to honor Rick Jeanneret Sunday in KeyBank Center

'A source close to the situation told The Buffalo News following Quinn’s surgery in late June that his timeline to return is “closer to six months,” which would keep the winger out until approximately late December. Though the procedure isn’t problematic to an athlete’s career, it’s fair to wonder how much time Quinn will need to make an impact.' … [Read more...] about Which Sabres prospect will earn the roster spot created by Jack Quinn’s injury?

'“He was special and unique because he was a wonderful human being,” Hasek said. “People who were struggling with us, he made feel good because he was always so nice to everyone. I don’t remember anybody ever complained about RJ. Ever. We knew that he loved his job. The way he behaved on the plane or the hotel or after the game, he respected the players so much and we just … [Read more...] about Mike Harrington: The Dominator will keep Rick Jeanneret close to his heart – and next to him in the rafters

'“I think Jim Schoenfeld gave that name to him,” Joel Darling said, referring to the longtime redheaded Sabres defenseman. “And Rick was always clear to say that. And I’m so thrilled with the career Rick had, and there’s no question that the popularity of Rick took that to another level.”' … [Read more...] about How Rick Jeanneret paid homage to Ted Darling, the original voice of the Sabres