Olean Times Herald

'“It was weird in the sense that you just felt he was going to score,” Granato told reporters in Tampa Bay after Lyubushkin’s goal gave the Sabres a thrilling 6-5 victory. “This is too good to be true.”' … [Read more...] about Sabres notes: Don Granato sensed Ilya Lyubushkin would score OT goal

'Granato prefaced his postgame comments by saying, “This was not on UPL.” The Sabres clearly hung him out to dry. Still, it can be argued he looked wonky on the Leafs’ third and fourth goals, especially Michael Bunting’s tally from the left circle, the final shot he faced.' … [Read more...] about After pulling Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, Sabres could utilize other goalies

'“Horrendous start,” Sabres winger Alex Tuch said. “Back on our heels, just mistakes, and that’s … an offensive super team. They’ve got a lot of star power over there. You’re going to make defensive mistakes, you’re going to allow time and space, they’re going to capitalize on it.”' … [Read more...] about Maple Leafs throttle Sabres early in victory: ‘Horrendous start’

'“Tage has been, this year, unbelievable,” O’Reilly said. “I feel like every time you turn on the TV it’s another highlight reel, something he’s doing. Even today, watching video of how skilled he is and dynamic he is, it’s very tough to play against him. I think, yeah, the trade has definitely worked out for both sides.”' … [Read more...] about Ryan O’Reilly happy with Maple Leafs, impressed by Tage Thompson, Sabres

'“To really cement a rivalry you’ve got to play a playoff series against somebody,” Okposo said following Monday’s practice at KeyBank Center. “That’s what kind of really ratchets everything up. We have long memories. It’s our closest opponent, but, yeah, rivalry, you need a playoff series.”' … [Read more...] about Sabres, Maple Leafs renew rivalry with biggest meeting in years; Buffalo changes goalie plan

'“They came out and just punched us in the face,” captain Kyle Okposo said following the Sabres’ ugly 7-2 loss at KeyBank Center. “They just played better than us. I didn’t think we played great in the first, just a little bit rusty, but maybe a bit of a false sense of security being up two goals after the first period. … We just got pounded in the second period.”' … [Read more...] about Sabres start fast before Flames roar back: ‘Punched us in the face’

'“There’s been ups and downs to it,” Luukkonen said of his maturation following Friday’s practice at KeyBank Center. “… I feel like there’s been the expectation and all that, sometimes it feels like you didn’t meet that and all that. I think working through that whole thing you realize it doesn’t help you at all if you don’t worry about it.”' … [Read more...] about Special mentality helped Sabres goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen earn No. 1 job

'“We will not compromise short-term, today success for the vision in the longer-term, and the reason I believe in that so much is because we want to set this organization up for sustainable success year after year, giving yourself a chance to be there,” Adams said Thursday as the Sabres assembled for practice following their bye week. “You get in and anything can happen, but … [Read more...] about GM Kevyn Adams believes strongly in Sabres, won’t compromise future

'“The break came at a great time for him,” general manager Kevyn Adams said Thursday as the Sabres assembled for practice. “I was disappointed for him not to be able to play in the All-Star Game with the year he’s having but he needed it.”' … [Read more...] about Sabres injury update: Tage Thompson progressing, expected to practice

'The 6-foot-3, 195-pound Cozens has seized a leading role in the Sabres’ ascension into a playoff contender this season, setting career highs with 17 goals and 43 points in 49 games. Meanwhile, he has entrenched himself as the No. 2 center, often pivoting rookies JJ Peterka and Jack Quinn.' … [Read more...] about Sabres sign Dylan Cozens to long-term contract

'Of course, Dahlin, 22, is a worthy replacement for Thompson, a center whose 34 goals and 68 points lead the Sabres and rank third and fifth in the NHL, respectively. The Swede, the only defenseman on the Atlantic Division squad, was considered a major snub when he did not earn a spot on the original roster.' … [Read more...] about Sabres’ Rasmus Dahlin replaces injured Tage Thompson in NHL All-Star Game

'The TNT broadcast showed Thompson wincing in pain late in the period.' … [Read more...] about Sabres lose game to Hurricanes, Tage Thompson to injury

'“He’s giving up some size and strength, obviously, at his age,” he said. “So when he looks fresh, you see a lot more skill out of him. And in that goal there was a lot from just technical edge control, mechanics and skill, to confidence.”' … [Read more...] about Sabres notes: Jack Quinn’s goal shows growth; Jeff Skinner hits milestone

'Luukkonen has registered a 13-5-2 record with a 3.26 goals-against average and a .900 save percentage in 20 games this season.' … [Read more...] about Sabres goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen named top rookie for January

'“Like, ‘Imagine 28 in the playoffs and just how he would just run through a wall for anybody,’” Okposo said following Tuesday’s practice at KeyBank Center.' … [Read more...] about After lean years, Zemgus Girgensons enjoying Sabres’ playoff push