WIVB

'The Sabres now have extra picks in the second and third rounds of the 2023 draft, along with each of their own selections. They could be used in a package for a lineup upgrade before the 3 p.m. Friday trade deadline. Or the Sabres could let this week’s acquisition of defenseman Riley Stillman stand as their only late-season addition, continuing their prudent approach to … [Read more...] about Sabres adding draft picks before trade deadline

'“You’re not going to win every game, you’re going to have ups and downs still, and you’ve got to win two out of three coming down the stretch,” Sabres captain Kyle Okposo said. “There were a few big wins, now we’ve got to put it behind us and go win some more games. That’s the only thing. You’re going to hit adversity and it’s how you deal with it.”' … [Read more...] about Sabres lose to lowly Blue Jackets

'The 24-year-old Stillman has recorded five assists averaged just over 16 minutes of ice time in 32 games for Vancouver. The left-shot defenseman was drafted in the fourth round by Florida in 2016 and has 23 points (three goals, 20 assists) in 140 NHL games. He’s under contract through the 2023-24 season at a cap hit of $1.35 million.' … [Read more...] about Sabres trade for D Riley Stillman

'With a number of potential trade targets already off the board in what has been a hectic few days, here are four players the Sabres could still look to add to strengthen their push for a playoff spot. Most would be seemingly affordable, but a big prize addition is not out of the realm of possibility — if the price is right.' … [Read more...] about 4 players the Sabres could target before the NHL trade deadline

'“At the beginning of the year we just wanted to focus on getting better each and every day. I think that’s still our main focus,” Thompson said after becoming the 14th player in franchise history to score 40 goals in a season during the Sabres’ 7-4 win against the Capitals on Sunday. “But now that we’ve got a taste for it, we are right there, I think it just makes that much … [Read more...] about Dylan Cozens has hat trick, Tage Thompson scores 40th, Sabres strengthen playoff push with 3rd win in a row

'This wasn’t O’Reilly’s first time playing in Buffalo since he was traded to St. Louis in 2018 offseason, but it was his first appearance here since joining Atlantic Division rival Toronto by traded last week.' … [Read more...] about Ryan O’Reilly leads Leafs with hat trick, Sabres continue to struggle at home

'Dan Bylsma coaxed a bit better point percentage (.485) out of his 164 games. But Granato (.476) is rising. Entering the final third of the season, the Sabres are on pace for more than 90 points, their best total since Ruff was coach. That would get Granato close to .500, and could potentially end the NHL’s longest postseason drought in history at 11 years.' … [Read more...] about Don Granato’s 69th win gives him most by any Sabres coach since Lindy Ruff

'The Sabres haven’t had this many players with this many goals in the same season since 2007-08 — Thomas Vanek (36), Derek Roy (32), Jason Pominville (27), Ales Kotalik (23), Jochen Hecht (22).' … [Read more...] about Sabres have NHL-best 5 players with 20 goals for 1st time in 15 years

'Striding into the Eastern Conference playoff race with 60 points in 54 games, Buffalo improved its wild-card position with Washington, Detroit, Florida, and the New York Islanders logging losses. On a 91-point pace, the Sabres’ percentage (.556) now rates eighth in the conference, and their goal differential (+12) ranks seventh.' … [Read more...] about Sabres skate away from Sharks, 6th Pacific road win most in franchise history

'“I had like 100 people here, so I obviously wanted to play well,” said Gilbert, who received a loud ovation from family and friends when he walked out into the stands after the game. “But the win was the most important thing. I will say it was nice hearing a couple boos at some points during the game because they were getting rattled at how we were playing.”' … [Read more...] about Buffalonian Dennis Gilbert scores back home, Flames singe Sabres in return from break

'Six remaining games against other teams in the playoff race will be crucial in the push to bring playoff hockey back to Buffalo: at Florida on Feb. 24, vs. Washington on Feb. 26, at New York Islanders on March 7, at Washington on March 15, at New York Islanders on March 25, and at Florida on April 4.' … [Read more...] about What are Sabres’ chances of ending longest playoff drought in NHL history?

'“Because of the break, the normal thing to do would put him through with the medical team and the skate, which he did today,” said Granato, adding that Thompson could’ve participated in Thursday’s practice but the team didn’t want to overload him. “And that skate was intense enough that we didn’t want him to do both.”' … [Read more...] about Tage Thompson ready to play with Sabres back from break

'The Sabres now have their top two centers locked up long term. Cozens’ extended contract’s $7.1 million annual value is worth slightly less than the 7-year deal, $50 million extension that top-line center Tage Thompson signed with the Sabres in August. The 25-year-old Thompson’s deal, which doesn’t kick in until next season, already looks like a bargain as leads the Sabres … [Read more...] about Sabres sign Dylan Cozens to 7-year extension worth $7.1M annually

'Dahlin, who was a late All-Star replacement for the Sabres’ most powerful shooter, Tage Thompson, clocked in at 102.3 mph on his second slap shot. Another Swedish player, Canucks forward Elias Pettersson won the competition with a 103.2 mph velocity.' … [Read more...] about Buffalo’s Rasmus Dahlin slaps 102 mph shot at NHL All-Star Weekend

'The 22-year-old Dahlin was an All-Star a year ago and has been even better this season. Dahlin’s 14 goals are a career-high and he leads the Sabres with 40 assists. He ranks second among NHL defenseman with 54 points, the second-most by a Buffalo blue-liner through the first 50 games in history. He is on pace to break Hall of Famer Phil Housley’s team record for points by a … [Read more...] about Sabres’ Rasmus Dahlin replacing injured Tage Thompson in NHL All-Star Game