Buffalo News

'"Each game takes a life of its own on," Sabres coach Don Granato said after the wackiness ended in Little Caesars Arena. "That was a monstrous life of its own tonight."' … [Read more...] about Observations: Devon Levi goes back to back and Sabres’ offense supports him in wild shootout win

'His presence will be needed if Buffalo is to defy the odds and qualify for the postseason, a challenging quest that will require help from other teams and continues at 7 p.m. Thursday in Detroit against the Red Wings. The Sabres are 30-17-4 with Samuelsson in the lineup, compared to 7-15-3 without him. He can shut down the opponents’ top players, and Rasmus Dahlin is able to … [Read more...] about An ‘antidote’ against top players, Mattias Samuelsson showing his worth for Sabres

'Tkachuk’s game-winner spoiled a stellar outing by rookie goalie Devon Levi, who delivered 34 saves for the Sabres in his second NHL start. Dylan Cozens’ power-play goal in the first period was the only time Buffalo could beat Lyon, and Tage Thompson had an assist in his return from an upper-body injury that forced him to miss the previous three games.' … [Read more...] about Observations: Sabres unable to mount comeback in their biggest game in a decade

'With Rasmus Dahlin, Alex Tuch, Jeff Skinner, Tage Thompson and company battling for a playoff berth, the Sabres have averaged a 6.4 rating in their last 13 games. The highest-rated game in that span was an 8.1 rating for a 7-4 win over Washington on Feb. 26.' … [Read more...] about Alan Pergament: Sabres TV ratings, Buffalo’s ‘American Idol’ singer are soaring

'The Sabres don't name their starting goaltenders in advance, but it's clear Levi is starting against the Panthers. He got his own net in practice Monday, while Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen and Eric Comrie shared the other and Craig Anderson remained off the ice due to injury.' … [Read more...] about It’s full speed ahead with a stacked lineup as Sabres go on the prowl against Panthers

'During a second-period television timeout, the Flyers aired a Christmastime interview with Coates dressed as Santa Claus interviewing some children – and one of them was a very young Samuelsson who calmly said "defense" when prompted by Coates what position he played in hockey and what he would want to play in the NHL.' … [Read more...] about Sabres Notebook: Mattias Samuelsson has big laugh at childhood interview on Flyers’ jumbotron

'"He gives up size and strength, gives up the weight. So he has to battle harder than he's going to have to battle when he gains weight and strength," Granato said. "But as far as playing with maturity, it's incredible how he reads. He's been a key, key guy to have on our penalty kill ... doesn't feel pressure or anxiety in that situation like others do."' … [Read more...] about Even when it doesn’t land on the scoresheet, Jack Quinn making his mark on Sabres’ attack

'The top two teams make the playoffs. The Sabres are five points behind Pittsburgh for the second wild-card spot.' … [Read more...] about Where Sabres stand in wild-card race and remaining schedules for contenders

'Luukkonen (17-11-4) had not played since Buffalo's 5-4 win over New Jersey on March 24 and was severely tested Saturday, stopping 29 of 31 shots he faced over the first two periods as the offense eventually took over.' … [Read more...] about Observations: As Devon Levi looks on, Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen stands tall for Sabres in win over Flyers

'The crowd roared. Levi's family and friends celebrated. This was the type of moment he visualized long before his trade to the Sabres in July 2021 or his record-setting performance at the IIHF World Junior Championship.' … [Read more...] about Observations: Devon Levi wins stellar NHL debut behind Jeff Skinner’s OT goal

'Showcasing the precise technique that earned him the crease only a few weeks after leaving Northeastern University to turn pro, Devon Levi delivered a stellar debut and Jeff Skinner scored the winner in overtime to give the Sabres a 3-2 win.' … [Read more...] about Mike Harrington: You can add Devon Levi to a special list of debuts for Sabres goalies

'“At the end, he’s going to say that it’s just another step in the right direction and, ultimately, another game,” Laurent Levi, Devon’s father, said as he and his wife, Eta, awaited their flight to Buffalo. “A big game, but he’s going to enjoy it. That’s what we’re going to do. It’s just a great moment for us to soak it up and enjoy it. Then, we’ll look forward to the next … [Read more...] about How Devon Levi will use ‘surreal’ Sabres debut to prepare for next opportunity

'Samuelsson, a shutdown defenseman, skated with the team Thursday for the first time since he last appeared in a game March 11 against the Rangers in KeyBank Center. The Sabres are 28-16-4 when Samuelsson is in the lineup this season, compared to 7-15-3 without him.' … [Read more...] about Sabres’ Tage Thompson, Mattias Samuelsson, Jordan Greenway game-time decisions vs. Rangers

'“There's still a lot I can improve, and that's not something that just happens during the offseason,” Luukkonen said. “Every day coming to the rink and being willing to learn and be willing to get better. Even though you don't want to dwell on bad games or your mistakes, you have to learn from them and being critical towards yourself in a good way, too. That's been really big … [Read more...] about Sabres’ Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen learning to manage ‘ups and downs’ as a rookie goalie

'Dahlin’s 86 penalty minutes entering Tuesday ranked third among all NHL defensemen. His natural response to difficult situations, or pressure, is to work harder, which can also lead to Dahlin trying to do too much when the simple play is the better approach. Overextending shifts can result in turnovers or defensive miscues. It’s one of many lessons Dahlin has absorbed as the … [Read more...] about Rasmus Dahlin embracing and learning from pressure of Sabres’ playoff push