National Post

'“We got the pieces, for sure. The pieces have been here for a little while though,” said veteran forward Jason Pominville, who signed with the Sabres last summer and played in Buffalo from 2003-13. “That’s the tough part about it. We have to start making steps. Sometimes when you’re used to not winning, you get accustomed to it and you kind of accept it. That can’t be the way … [Read more...] about Buffalo Sabres’ rebuild stuck in neutral while Maple Leafs zoom past

'The expectations were somewhat lower in Buffalo. After missing the playoffs the last six years and finishing with the second-worst record in the Eastern Conference last season, no one was really counting on the Sabres to challenge for a playoff spot. But fans still expected to see a step in the right direction, especially after watching Toronto’s young guns seemingly go from … [Read more...] about Buffalo Sabres searching for elusive improvement in their rebuilding process

'“It’s obviously not the results we wanted the last couple of years,” said Jack Eichel, the Sabres’ top scorer last year and the No. 2 overall pick in the 2015 NHL draft.' … [Read more...] about Buffalo Sabres believe time is now to follow Toronto Maple Leafs in making playoff return

'“For the most part, I’ve never really been received well in Canada,” said Eichel. “It’s the same (for Canadians) in America. You know they’re rooting for their home country. To join nations here and play as one, I imagine the crowd will receive us pretty well."' … [Read more...] about Jack Eichel, normally booed lustily in Canada, now ‘united as one’ with longtime foes at World Cup