'Wanting to lose as badly as the Sabres did in 2014 probably hasn't been seen since the Pittsburgh Penguins targeted Mario Lemieux in 1984. And it begs the question of what such a drastic sabotage did to the team's culture, which has seemed tainted ever since.' … [Read more...] about Analysis | Lessons from the Sabres in the Canadiens’ reconstruction
The Sabres Report - Dec 18, 2024
Wednesday's Montreal Coverage
Hidden Game: Laine’s hat trick propels Canadiens past Sabres (Montreal Gazette) Laine and the Canadian atomize the Sabres (Journal de Montreal) Patrik Laine's hat trick: Boos have given way to caps (Journal de Montreal) "I had an average game" - Laine (Journal de Montreal) There are worse things than the Canadian (Journal de Montreal) Sabres: a locker room with the look of … [Read more...] about Wednesday’s Montreal Coverage
Laine scores hat trick, Canadiens hand struggling Sabres 11th straight loss
'Dylan Cozens replied with the lone goal for struggling Buffalo (11-17-4). Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen made 15 saves on 21 shots, while backup James Reimer stopped all six that he faced after entering to start the third.' … [Read more...] about Laine scores hat trick, Canadiens hand struggling Sabres 11th straight loss
'It's horrible': Sabres reeling after Laine, Canadiens deliver 11th straight loss
'“Out-competed, lost battles, got away from us,” defenceman Connor Clifton said. “Just no legs, no jump, no energy. You think with the meeting yesterday, being on a 10-game losing streak, at least we’d have legs and energy.”' … [Read more...] about ‘It’s horrible’: Sabres reeling after Laine, Canadiens deliver 11th straight loss
Why free-falling Sabres continue to lose games
'The issue, however, is that the Sabres have been woefully inaccurate from the slot, regardless of how they attempt to generate offence. Only 54.5 per cent of their overall chances at 5-on-5 have hit the net — 30th in the league.' … [Read more...] about Why free-falling Sabres continue to lose games
Eleventh-straight loss for Sabres comes in Montreal
'It was another wildly miserable night at the rink for the Buffalo Sabres.' … [Read more...] about Eleventh-straight loss for Sabres comes in Montreal
Opinion: Sabres are a no-show just one day after positive feedback from their owner
'That is a plain and simple hard truth, you could say the Sabres are a better team than this team or another team, but just like this organization, you’d be kidding yourself. They are in last place in the East, they aren’t there by accident, they’ve earned their way there.' … [Read more...] about Opinion: Sabres are a no-show just one day after positive feedback from their owner
Ruff: 'I'm the coach. I am the one that has to solve this'
'"I'm the coach. I am the one that has to solve this," said Ruff with Jeremy White and Joe DiBiase. "It has been a lot of different things inside of those games. Our puck management against Toronto put us in a bad place in some situations in the game. I really felt early in the year, our managing the puck was better. You look at that game, we mismanaged it. It ended up giving … [Read more...] about Ruff: ‘I’m the coach. I am the one that has to solve this’
Sabres plunge to bottom of East after Terry Pegula’s visit in Montreal
'Winless in 11 games since hovering around playoff position, the Sabres have plummeted to an 11-17-4 record, with nearly twice as many losses as victories, and better odds now of winning the draft lottery than ending the longest postseason absence in NHL history.' … [Read more...] about Sabres plunge to bottom of East after Terry Pegula’s visit in Montreal
Laine has hat trick, Canadiens cruise past Sabres
'Dylan Cozens scored for the Sabres (11-17-4), who are 0-8-3 during the skid and have not won since Nov. 23.' … [Read more...] about Laine has hat trick, Canadiens cruise past Sabres
Pegula visit to Sabres ‘important’ during 10-game skid, Ruff, players say
'“That was incredible what he did -- showed up,” coach Lindy Ruff said Tuesday. “Terry cares. He’s passionate about what’s happening here, and for him to take the time to come here, it meant a lot to everybody. I thought it was great. I think any time the owner cares that much to come in, it sends a message that resonates throughout the locker room.”' … [Read more...] about Pegula visit to Sabres ‘important’ during 10-game skid, Ruff, players say
Slow start sinks Sabres in loss to Montreal
'“Sure does suck, doesn't it?,” said Sabres alternate captain Alex Tuch. “It's horrible. But, like I said, the season's not over. We're gonna come back and be better tomorrow.' … [Read more...] about Slow start sinks Sabres in loss to Montreal
Dahlin joins morning skate in Montreal, expresses confidence in Sabres
'Dahlin said he plans to have his first full practice with the team on Thursday and hopes to play against Toronto the following night.' … [Read more...] about Dahlin joins morning skate in Montreal, expresses confidence in Sabres
The Sabres Report - Dec 17, 2024
Mike Harrington: Lindy Ruff takes the heat for Sabres' skid when blame has to be passed around
'This team is ready to play every night. The Sabres (11-16-4) have scored first in 18 of their 31 games but are just 7-7-4 in those contests, tied with Chicago for the most losses in the NHL when taking the 1-0 lead. They have moments in a game where they simply go haywire and can’t get their momentum back.' … [Read more...] about Mike Harrington: Lindy Ruff takes the heat for Sabres’ skid when blame has to be passed around
Sabres notebook: Owner Terry Pegula speaks to struggling team in Montreal
'Frank Seravalli of Daily Faceoff backed up that point when he reported later Monday that the summary of Pegula’s message was, “We believe in you. The solution is within this room.” Seravalli said the owner professed faith in the embattled Adams while telling players not to expect a big trade for now.' … [Read more...] about Sabres notebook: Owner Terry Pegula speaks to struggling team in Montreal