Buffalo News

'“It’s awesome to see (Payne’s) rise and how he’s helped young players,” said Christie, who played against Payne in the ECHL and coached in the league for 18 years. “He puts in the work and he’s such a good person. The sky’s the limit for him, no question.”' … [Read more...] about Jason Payne, one of only two Black head coaches in pro hockey, has Sabres’ ECHL affiliate thriving

'“It meant a lot,” Ullmark told a group of reporters when asked about his time with the Sabres prior to the skills competition Friday. “I grew up basically over here in Rochester and then Buffalo, so I have a lot of gratitude toward the organization and all the teammates I had over the years there, all the coaches, as well. If it wasn’t for them, I wouldn’t be where I am … [Read more...] about Linus Ullmark, fellow All-Star goalies show Sabres need to be patient with UPL

'“It’s so great to experience this,” the defenseman told The Buffalo News. “To hang out with all the best in the league, it’s gaining confidence, for sure. I love getting to chat with all the best and see all the Swedes. When I'm here, and I see the sun and the beach and all that, I can't complain."' … [Read more...] about ‘Special player’: Rasmus Dahlin steps into spotlight for Sabres at NHL All-Star Weekend

'The County Legislature on Thursday approved a draft agreement for the team to pay an escalating sum, equivalent to $1.38 million over the next four years, for arena security. However, despite some initial concerns raised by Comptroller Kevin Hardwick, the Legislature received a draft copy of the contract that excluded an attachment outlining minimum staffing levels, scheduling … [Read more...] about Legislature approves $1.3M arena security agreement between Sabres ownership, Sheriff’s Office

'Fans filed into KeyBank Center and watched from afar on national television as the Sabres tried to ascend to a playoff spot at the All-Star break for the first time since 2010. They witnessed another harsh lesson for the youngest team in the NHL.' … [Read more...] about Observations: Slow start spoils Sabres’ opportunity to jump into playoff spot

'So then you looked around for real. After being filled for the last two home games, the downtown barn wasn't close to capacity Wednesday night. The announced crowd was 14,166, which is just over 4,900 shy of capacity. You'd like it to be better for a team coming off a 3-0-1 road trip but, in the end, it was far from an October terrible turnout either like I was fearing it … [Read more...] about Mike Harrington: Both on the ice and in the stands, the Sabres’ situation at home is complicated

'At only 20 years old, Power, a rookie defenseman, earned the respect and admiration of his teammates upon joining them in April. Drafted first overall in 2021, he’s shown them through his actions each day that he’ll work tirelessly to improve at his craft with a goal to help the Sabres reach the Stanley Cup Playoffs. And finally, 42 games into an exceptional season, he was … [Read more...] about Sabres’ Owen Power entering rookie of the year discussion with impactful season

'"This year, you have this feeling that you can beat every single team. That's what we have right now. And we're starting to learn how to win even when we're not feeling it, too. So that's just keeps us even more confident. It's a completely different feeling from whatever I've experienced here before."' … [Read more...] about Mike Harrington: Rasmus Dahlin feels difference with this Sabres team from fraud winning streak of 2018

'Attendance is up by about 46% this season, with the team averaging 14,633 fans in announced attendance – a testament to the team’s improved record and its position as the highest scoring team in the National Hockey League.' … [Read more...] about Fans return to Sabres games as team improves, but there still are plenty of empty seats

'Between travel and the schedule, there was just no time to toss in a practice and risk increasing the fatigue level of his team. Granato used the eye test, listened to sport science advice from his training staff and simply went with game day morning skates for the entirety of a stretch that got his club into the thick of the playoff race.' … [Read more...] about They’re talking about practice: The Sabres finally had one after more than two weeks

'“I thought we played a pretty good game,” said Thompson, who scored Buffalo’s lone shootout goal. “A little slow at first, but I thought overall we played a pretty solid game. Kept things simple for the most part. I think when we didn’t that’s when they got their chances and their offense. … It’s important to look at the positives, too."' … [Read more...] about Observations: Sabres earn another point, end ‘big road trip’ with shootout loss

'“It’s great to see him have a great season so far, and they're knocking on the playoffs, which is great,” Housley said when reached by phone this week. “These are really meaningful games and he's going to learn this year going through that.”' … [Read more...] about Phil Housley marveling from afar as Rasmus Dahlin ascends for Sabres

'Buffalo was infinitely more talented than both of those teams but never found its 'A' game. Same with the Bills against Miami. Then came a real challenge. The Bills got clubbed at home by Cincinnati. The Sabres lost the East final to Ottawa in five games, going 0-3 at home in the series and dropping the finale on Daniel Alfredsson's overtime goal.' … [Read more...] about Inside the NHL: Unsatisfying end to Bills’ season oddly reminiscent to demise of 2006-07 Stanley Cup-favorite Sabres

'Not including the brief morning skates on gamedays, the Sabres have practiced only twice since Jan. 9. Granato's decision to prioritize rest has his team playing its best hockey at a time when many around the league are physically and mentally exhausted.' … [Read more...] about Don Granato’s decision to cut back on practicing is paying off for Sabres

'Power’s third goal in as many games sparked a dominant period by the Sabres. They outshot the Jets 15-5 and earned 16 more shot attempts during the 20 minutes to enact revenge on Winnipeg (31-18-1), which needed a win to achieve its best start through 50 games in franchise history.' … [Read more...] about Observations: Sabres’ top line puts on a ‘show,’ Eric Comrie stands tall in Winnipeg