Buffalo News

'We’ve seen how injuries on defense affected this team during the first half. Everyone is healthy now, but the Sabres need more consistent play from their third pairing. Ilya Lyubushkin has played much better since recovering from a bothersome lower-body injury. The team could use some insurance on the back end.' … [Read more...] about Impact of Tage Thompson, top line among Sabres storylines to watch in second half

'The literacy hub at Stanley Makowski was funded by a $35,000 donation by the Sabres Foundation, Jureller said, and similar hubs will be implemented in two more yet-to-be-determined schools in the Buffalo area by the end of the 2023. If these hubs prove successful, it's possible more schools could receive these resources, Jureller said.' … [Read more...] about With an assist from the Sabres, Buffalo literacy hub closes in on goal of reading mastery for students

'They weren’t alone, either. Rasmus Dahlin, Jacob Bryson, Peyton Krebs and Alex Tuch were on the island with their significant others. The group threw a football around on the beach. They dined together. There was a pre-planned, 2-on-2 golf match – featuring matching outfits for the two teams – that had to be canceled because Dahlin replaced Thompson at All-Star Weekend in the … [Read more...] about Sabres’ bye-week fun another sign of ‘close’ team, from contract news to beach football

'Adams could not have reasonably expected this in September. The Sabres are clearly a year ahead of schedule. And while it's paramount this franchise get in the playoffs sooner rather than later given all that's gone on here the last 12 years, the GM laid out Thursday what you can expect.' … [Read more...] about Mike Harrington: Sabres are in playoff race ahead of schedule, and Kevyn Adams is walking interesting line

'Signing Cozens five months before restricted free agency gives Adams a clearer picture of his salary cap for future seasons. Now, he can move toward signing other young players, most notably defenseman Rasmus Dahlin. And this latest contract negotiation shows that the Sabres’ young players are eager to remain in Buffalo long term, an important development nearly two years … [Read more...] about Inside the Sabres: Rasmus Dahlin’s next contract with Sabres comes into focus with Dylan Cozens signed

'Cozens, taken seventh overall in the 2019 draft, has had a breakout offensive campaign this season by becoming nearly a point-a-game player and already setting career highs in goals, assists and points. He has established himself as the club's No. 2 center behind Thompson and has been between rookie wingers Jack Quinn and JJ Peterka much of the season.' … [Read more...] about Sabres sign Dylan Cozens to seven-year extension at $7.1 million per season

'But even the impressive 27% increase doesn’t tell the full story about how encouraging this season’s ratings are.' … [Read more...] about Alan Pergament: Sabres TV ratings up 27 percent and rising as team battles to end playoff drought

'“You’re going to ask me what those unsavory things are. That’s managing pucks. Making wise plays. Battling harder in front of their own net. Not forcing plays that aren’t there. Doing all of the little things that you saw when Colorado won the (Stanley) Cup last year and Tampa (Bay) made three straight appearances (in the Final) and won two Cups.”' … [Read more...] about Sabres’ commitment to doing ‘unsavory things’ to win stands out to analyst Kevin Weekes

'“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