Olean Times Herald

'“Here’s what you have to do well, here’s what I see and my decisions are going to be based on A, B, C here,” Granato said. “You’re going to get ice time or not based on this criteria. I think it’s really important for players and their confidence to know what’s expected by me as their head coach and what’s demanded. Then they can clear their mind and they have a sense of … [Read more...] about Don Granato’s accessibility to Sabres players ‘a huge asset’

'Entering Wednesday’s NHL games, the Sabres’ team save percentage of .911 ranked 13th in the league. That number includes the .808 save percentage Dell compiled while allowing five goals on 26 shots in his season debut Saturday.' … [Read more...] about Craig Anderson, Dustin Tokarski giving Sabres some of NHL’s best goaltending

'Few figured Tokarski, a decorated AHL netminder, would receive significant action with the Sabres, let alone become one of their most important players. But incredibly, Tokarski, 32, is starting to emerge as the rebuilding team’s backbone.' … [Read more...] about Sabres goalie Dustin Tokarski performs brilliantly in win: ‘It was Ticker’s show’

'This season, Rodrigues, 28, has become a valuable utility man for the Penguins, showcasing his versatility up and down the lineup. He recently subbed as their No. 1 center. In Tuesday’s game against the Sabres, he pivoted the third line.' … [Read more...] about Ex-Sabre Evan Rodrigues becomes big contributor to Penguins

'The Sabres clearly want Peterka and Quinn to be paying their dues and playing games in the minors. So Murray, who turned pro in 2019, has become their first option.' … [Read more...] about Prospect Brett Murray becomes Sabres’ top option for recall from Amerks

'Just 52 games into his NHL career, Bryson, 23, has quietly emerged as perhaps the Sabres’ best defenseman, earning ice time normally rewarded to established veterans.' … [Read more...] about Jacob Bryson displaying mature game, emerging as Sabres’ best defenseman

'“With Mittsy, it’s still progressing, which is good news,” Granato said following this morning’s practice inside KeyBank Center. “That might mean it’s less than a couple weeks or around there if he continues to progress. But with the type of injury he has, we still need to see that progression. That’s a very optimistic timeline.”' … [Read more...] about Sabres’ Casey Mittelstadt progressing from injury; Victor Olofsson still hurt

'Sabres center Dylan Cozens left this morning’s practice early, although coach Don Granato said he expects him play in Tuesday’s road game against the Pittsburgh Penguins.' … [Read more...] about Sabres add another forward, recall Brett Murray from Amerks

'Instead of taking his time to move from behind his net, Sabres defenseman Mark Pysyk quickly backhanded it up the right boards to winger Jeff Skinner. Alex Kerfoot intercepted the pass and fed Morgan Rielly, who beat Sabres goalie Aaron Dell from high in the slot.' … [Read more...] about Sabres roar back, fall to Maple Leafs; Jeff Skinner enjoys best game in years

'In the first 12 games this season, Cozens, 20, scored just once, his only goal in 32 outings dating back to last year. Then in a span of barely five minutes in the second period, the center scored twice, tying the game before putting the Sabres up for good.' … [Read more...] about Sabres’ Dylan Cozens scores twice in ‘amazing game,’ stops Connor McDavid

'“(We) said, ‘OK, this is you naturally now. We didn’t tell you you got to do this or that. You gave us the information, this is natural how you are. So let’s start targeting what you need specifically to you,’ and he’s been doing that the last few games and his energy’s come back,” said Granato, whose Sabres beat the Edmonton Oilers 3-2 on Friday at KeyBank Center.' … [Read more...] about Sabres notes: Gritty goal shows Anders Bjork starting to find game

'In addition to recording four goals and seven points, Thompson’s 59 shot attempts ranked ninth in the NHL and fourth among forwards entering Thursday’s games, according to NaturalStatTrick.com. His ice time has swelled to 17 minutes, 54 seconds an outing, more than four minutes higher than last season.' … [Read more...] about Sabres’ Tage Thompson starting to realize potential: ‘Grown tremendously’

'“But … the dynamic speed and the ability to change gear is what happened (on Saturday’s goal). You think you got it. His speed is one thing but when he can hit another gear, because you’re always trying to gauge speed and try to match it. The moment you match it, he hits another gear, and you see that in a lot of highlights of his.”' … [Read more...] about Sabres coach Don Granato wowed by Connor McDavid’s talents

'Coach Don Granato wanted Pysyk, a calm 10-year veteran he said possesses “a real stabilizing personality,” to play a more prominent role on the top pair after the Sabres endured some poor defensive stretches. Defenseman Will Butcher, Dahlin’s partner most of this season, was banged up and missed Monday’s game.' … [Read more...] about Veteran Mark Pysyk playing prominent role again for Sabres: ‘He wants more’

'“It’s not a three-week deal,” Granato said following Wednesday practice inside KeyBank Center. “It’s basically an area that’s inflamed and we’re waiting for that to resolve. And it impedes what he can do, what he can bring to the game. It’s … on the smaller side. It’s just it hasn’t resolved yet.”' … [Read more...] about Victor Olofsson to miss another game; Aaron Dell could face Maple Leafs