Olean Times Herald

‘Of course, the Sabres’ chances of making the playoffs for the first time since 2011 are slim – just 3%, according to sportsclubstats.com. But the experience their youngsters can gain over the next several weeks – Botterill mentioned captain Jack Eichel, winger Sam Reinhart and defensemen Rasmus Dahlin and Rasmus Ristolainen – will be important for their development.’

‘“I’m extremely excited that Zach has a new opportunity in an excellent organization in Tampa Bay,” Botterill said. “From a timing standpoint, we tried to find a solution with him in private.”’

‘“We made Jason’s job a little more difficult, which that was our goal is,” Sabres winger Kyle Okposo said after scoring both goals in Sunday’s win. “We like the group that we have in here. We think that we’ve shown some resiliency that’s been missing in the past. It’s shows that we’re turning the page.”’

‘“Just sticking to the plan, you’ve got to try to stay relaxed and stay in the moment,” Johansson said of his play during the second period. “That’s just what you’ve got to do and sometimes you have a little luck, too.”’

‘Vesey, an unrestricted free agent following the season, could be in demand as a rental player as Monday’s trade deadline approaches.’

‘“After the (3-1) goal there was a short little moment of wavering but we quickly got back to our game, and that was probably the critical moment of the game, that we shut them down … and just got back to what we needed to do without the puck,” Sabres coach Ralph Krueger inside PPG Paints Arena.’

‘“You can use ‘relief,’ I guess, if that sort of fits the story line because of how long it’s been. I don’t know. I just feel happy to get another goal and add to the lead a little bit more.”’

‘The Massena native must sign with a new team before Monday’s trade deadline to be eligible for the NHL playoffs.’

‘“He has definitely stepped up within the game we want to see and the habits are becoming more natural to him,” Sabres coach Ralph Krueger said following Friday’s practice inside KeyBank Center.’

‘The contract termination will cost Bogosian the final portion of his $6 million salary.’