Buffalo News

'Samuelsson, a shutdown defenseman for the Buffalo Sabres, told reporters following his exit meeting Sunday in KeyBank Center that he played with multiple broken bones in his left hand over the past few weeks.' … [Read more...] about Mattias Samuelsson played through injuries in his quest to push Sabres into playoffs

'"It's been awesome. Looking back, it's probably one of the best times of my life," Levi said. "It's a dream come true to actually be here. It's pretty surreal that this happened so fast, and they just gave me the opportunity to play. I'm just so grateful to have been given that opportunity."' … [Read more...] about Mike Harrington: Devon Levi’s NHL career got a huge kickstart after college disappointment

'“We talked a little bit with the coaches right now, and I felt probably get maybe my compete level up a little bit through every game," Olofsson told reporters Sunday in KeyBank Center. “I feel like sometimes it's really good and sometimes I have a small dip. Just to be more consistent, but I felt like I still did a lot of good things this year. It's easy to obviously focus … [Read more...] about Sabres notebook: Victor Olofsson frustrated by finish but proud of his season

'“It’s just these young guys,” Okposo said during the Sabres’ locker cleanout. “They want to learn. In the NHL, we have a lot of different egos with a lot of guys that want things for themselves. We’re very fortunate on this team where if you were to pan to the bench when there’s a goal scored, everybody is genuinely happy for that person. And that’s not always the case. It’s … [Read more...] about Undecided about future, Sabres captain Kyle Okposo ‘proud’ of his role in turnaround

'"You can't go back into individual games and nitpick everything because it's 82 games," Okposo said. "It's a marathon and there's gonna be ups and downs and you just try to not ride the roller coaster. Now we know how hard it is. We came up just shy, we know how hard it was to get to the point that we're at. And so now we're going to be better prepared to take the next step."' … [Read more...] about Mike Harrington: Two points shy of playoffs, Sabres want to capitalize on lessons of frantic finish

'Tuch's offseason won't begin for another several weeks, though. Tuch, 26, revealed that he and his younger brother, Luke, 21, will play for Team USA at the IIHF World Championship in Latvia next month. As a junior at Boston University, Luke led the Terriers to the Frozen Four this month. He was a second-round draft pick of the Montreal Canadiens in 2020.' … [Read more...] about Sabres notebook: Alex Tuch and brother, Luke, to play together at world championships

'“Obviously, we’re not in our prime yet,” said Dylan Cozens, whose breakout season included 31 goals and a seven-year contract extension. “Our prime years are still ahead, and to be as close as we were this year, I think we made a big step. Next year, playoffs is the expectation. We all believe that we will be there, and we know what it takes now.”' … [Read more...] about A promising season over, Sabres shift focus to next step: ‘Playoffs is the expectation’

'The crowd roared. The Sabres formed a group hug around Anderson, who earned his 319th career victory by making 30 saves against his former team. They took turns congratulating the 41-year-old, who brought levity in difficult times with his wry sense of humor and helped each of his teammates with wisdom gained through his 20 seasons in the NHL.' … [Read more...] about ‘This is it’: Craig Anderson caps remarkable NHL career with 30 saves in Sabres OT win

'"It's a great group. We're still young, we're still learning, we're still trying to figure out who we are as individuals, as well as players," Anderson said before the game. "What I saw this year was exponential growth. At the end of the day, it's about being around the guys. Everyone here is a close-knit group. That's something special to be a part of, and that's something … [Read more...] about Mike Harrington: There’s appreciation all over in Sabres’ memorable home finale

'But because of a slow start at the box office, the 2022-23 season still will go down as the second-worst in two decades.' … [Read more...] about Sabres finish strong in attendance but still rank near bottom of NHL

'“I haven't officially made any decisions,” Anderson told The Buffalo News, flashing a grin after the morning skate. “I'm at a different stage now than where I was. I mean, last year I battled injury, was able to get to some personal goals, 300 wins. Felt like I played a bunch last year where I was feeling good and competing at a high level. I felt like I still had some in the … [Read more...] about Sabres’ Craig Anderson undecided about future but at peace in final days of 20th season

'There's no hopelessness, as we saw too often coming out of the GM's office when Tim Murray and Jason Botterill were in charge. No feeling the coach is being outwitted, far too prevalent when Dan Bylsma, Phil Housley and Ralph Krueger futilely tried to run the bench.' … [Read more...] about Mike Harrington: Last call for this season’s Sabres, the group that finally set the stage for franchise’s future

'“We got through so many ups and downs, but we stuck together,” Dahlin added. “We always come back stronger. We have taken the next step, for sure. A huge step and we are going to be a winning organization. ... We know we can beat any team in this league. Everyone gets older and we’re gonna have a bright future.”' … [Read more...] about Observations: Sabres officially eliminated from playoff contention with 6-2 loss

'“It means a lot, honestly,” said Tuch. “Keep battling, each and every day. The whole season obviously hasn’t gone our way. We’re on the outside looking in, but we’re still working. We’re still pushing. Until we’re out, we’re not gonna stop. … We’re just focused on tomorrow night. It was a good start to four games in five days, but it’s a start. We’ve got to get ready for … [Read more...] about Observations: Sabres stay alive in playoff chase with shootout win over Rangers

'The Amerks officially qualified for the American Hockey League’s Calder Cup Playoffs and sit second in the North Division after winning both of their games over the weekend. They’re 7-0-3 in their last 10 and hold a one-point lead over third-place Syracuse with three games to go, beginning Friday night in Rochester against Belleville.' … [Read more...] about Sabres notebook: Prospects in Rochester preparing for playoff hockey with Amerks