Olean Times Herald

'“The more time a prospect can get around (the NHL), the easier it becomes for them to associate, ‘Yes, I belong here,’” interim Sabres coach Don Granato said on a Zoom call prior to Wednesday’ 5-2 road loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins. “It moves from a dream to a reality for every player in that regard. So it’s a big moment.”' … [Read more...] about Sabres goalie prospect Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen excited for first taste of NHL

'Olofsson, 25, has endured a rough sophomore season, compiling eight goals, 20 points and a wretched minus-17 rating in 30 games entering Wednesday’s contest against the Pittsburgh Penguins at PPG Paints Arena.' … [Read more...] about Sabres confident Victor Olofsson will overcome struggles: ‘He’ll get there’

'Granato wouldn’t rule out Ullmark playing later in the road trip. The Swede went through drills for 20 minutes Tuesday inside PPG Paints Arena.' … [Read more...] about Linus Ullmark returns to practice; Sabres have more injuries

'“I got to say it was a lot of fun,” Tokarski said following the Sabres’ 14th consecutive loss, which ties a franchise record. “It’s been a little while, I’ve had some ups and downs the in the last four, five years. But it’s a been a good few years. I’m excited to be a part of Buffalo and get the opportunity to play in a game.”' … [Read more...] about Goalie Dustin Tokarski shines in relief of injured Carter Hutton, Sabres still lose

'“I’m talking to guys like I’m just out there with them in practice (as a player), just talking about random things, chirp here and there, just get a good feeling between all of us and get a better feeling back in the building,” Girardi said on Zoom call following Sunday’s practice inside KeyBank Center.' … [Read more...] about Sabres believe Dan Girardi’s playing experience will help defense corps

'“We need to integrate him into practice,” interim Sabres coach Don Granato said on a Zoom call this afternoon. “At some point, that’s the next step here. And at that point, we can evaluate when a potential return is.”' … [Read more...] about Goalie Linus Ullmark to join Sabres on road trip, start practicing

'The Sabres gave Johansson a brief look last week, awarding him three consecutive starts so he could experience a heavy workload. He posted a 3.93 goals-against average and an .864 save percentage in three losses. Those outings apparently convinced the Sabres he was expendable.' … [Read more...] about Sabres trade goalie Jonas Johansson to Avalanche

'“I don’t see how it’s really much of a different situation that what happened with New Jersey,” said Sabres rookie Dylan Cozens, who tested positive for COVID-19 last month. “So there is definitely some nerves in the room. Like, we don’t want to get shut down again. That was not fun to have to quarantine and go through. I mean, we’re just hoping that it didn’t transmit to any … [Read more...] about Sabres worried about latest COVID-19 problems: ‘Definitely some nerves’

'“I mean, the way I went into the board from that distance, it’s a dangerous hit. I mean, it’s unnecessary and it’s dangerous, but at the same time, he’s just finishing his check.”' … [Read more...] about Sabres rookie Dylan Cozens practices, nearing return to lineup

'But the Sabres’ uncertain status has held up the deal, according to The News. The NHL postponed this afternoon’s game against Boston because four Bruins players who played in Thursday’s 4-1 win here were added to the COVID-19 protocol-related absences list. They have five total players on the list.' … [Read more...] about Sabres reportedly close to trading goalie Jonas Johansson

'“I mean, we didn’t get a job done,” Hall said on a Zoom call prior to Thursday’s 4-1 loss to the Boston Bruins, Don Granato’s first game as interim coach. “I didn’t get a job done for him. Unfortunately, he’s out of the building now through no fault of his own. We weren’t able to win games for him and now we’re here. It was a tough day, for sure."' … [Read more...] about Taylor Hall feels guilty over Ralph Krueger’s firing; Sabres lose to Bruins

'“It was challenging in the sense that there’s stuff you would have liked to have said, topics you would have liked to have discussed and there was just no time,” Granato said on a Zoom call prior to Thursday’s 4-1 loss at KeyBank Center. “It was just not appropriate as we head to a game.”' … [Read more...] about Don Granato faces challenges before first game as interim Sabres coach

'The Sabres own an awful 6-18-4 record and rank dead last in the NHL. They will almost certainly tie a league record by missing playoffs for the 10th straight season.' … [Read more...] about Sabres fire coach Ralph Krueger, tab Don Granato as interim leader

'“Don Granato’s been a head coach for many years at different levels – professional hockey, he’s been in the college game, he’s been in the national program, has a development background, has a teacher kind of mentality, so he’s commanded a room as a head coach before,” Sabres general manager Kevyn Adams said on a Zoom call.' … [Read more...] about Don Granato takes over Sabres with coaching search underway

'If they loved playing for Krueger so much, why did they abandon the on-ice principles he often spoke about and give so many soft, embarrassing efforts over the last month? Why weren’t they more accountable?' … [Read more...] about After firing Ralph Krueger, Sabres GM Kevyn Adams wants more passion