'Over the past month, Okposo has watched Benson, 18, keep generating confidence and perform so well he earned an NHL roster spot just months after the Sabres drafted him 13th overall. In his first days here, the rookie winger has consistently showcased a tenacious style that complements his skill.' … [Read more...] about ‘Mature game’ helping Sabres rookie Zach Benson make fast impact
The Sabres Report - Oct 17, 2023
Tuesday's Tampa Bay Coverage
Sabres take on the Lightning in Atlantic Division matchup (AP) Nuts & Bolts: Road trip wraps up in Buffalo (TampaBayLightning.com) … [Read more...] about Tuesday’s Tampa Bay Coverage
How the Sabres changed their culture to change their results
'"Our veterans have gotten that room to the point where today, right now, the players know they should go out each night and know they're capable of winning. It's much different than before," head coach Don Granato told ESPN in September. "We've grown from where, two years ago, we drafted Owen Power [No. 1 overall], which means we were not in a good position in the standings. … [Read more...] about How the Sabres changed their culture to change their results
Sabres need to get top-two lines going
'The Sabres opened against two very defensive teams that like to clog up the neutral zone. The veteran winger says there’s still a lot of hockey to be played.' … [Read more...] about Sabres need to get top-two lines going
Peterka set to break out, help Sabres end Stanley Cup Playoff drought
'"He's going to break out at some point, there's no question," Buffalo coach Don Granato said. "There's too much talent there and he continues to absorb, grow and mature. Guys his age, you just see the growth day by day, week by week."' … [Read more...] about Peterka set to break out, help Sabres end Stanley Cup Playoff drought
Practice Report | Sabres finding their rhythm ahead of homestand
'“But, yes, it was Game 2. There’s a foundation of some things when you have that many returning players there that you can really start building on more. I thought once our guys start feeling like themselves, it’s exciting as a coach. It’s a sign that we’re moving in the right direction. Based on that, the direction can accelerate at a better pace than it did maybe a year … [Read more...] about Practice Report | Sabres finding their rhythm ahead of homestand
Tuesday's Rochester Coverage
Resilient Amerks show up on opening weekend (Amerks.com) … [Read more...] about Tuesday’s Rochester Coverage
The Sabres Report - Oct 15, 2023
Observations: Sabres 'sped it up' but comeback fell short on controversial goal
'Granato used a coach’s challenge when Cizikas scored the go-ahead goal with 6:20 left in regulation because the Sabres’ staff determined through video review that the Islanders were offside before defneseman Adam Pelech took the shot from the point. The officials disagreed, and while Buffalo made a final push to try to tie it again, another rally fell short because of … [Read more...] about Observations: Sabres ‘sped it up’ but comeback fell short on controversial goal
Inside the NHL: A higher standard, some different methods as Don Granato ups the ante on Sabres
'Granato has said multiple times prior to the season that the Sabres have turned to a much greater emphasis on winning than they have in the past, when development and experimentation were at the forefront as they built the new corps of their team. That’s not the case now, with expectations high to break their ugly playoff drought both inside and outside the locker room.' … [Read more...] about Inside the NHL: A higher standard, some different methods as Don Granato ups the ante on Sabres
Sunday's New York Coverage
Islanders fend off Sabres for stirring opening-night victory (New York Post) Why Sabres challenged Islanders’ game-winning goal (New York Post) Bo Horvat remains happy with ‘tight-knit’ Islanders after Canucks exit (New York Post) Casey Cizikas' late goal holds up to reviews as Islanders beat Sabres to open campaign (Newsday) Islanders stay cautious with Oliver Wahlstrom, … [Read more...] about Sunday’s New York Coverage
Cizikas scores in third period as Islanders beat Sabres 3-2 to win opener
'“We looked a lot more like ourselves, more instances of speed and attack,” Sabres coach Don Granato said. “Just before they scored that winning goal we hit two goal posts so the game could have gone the other way. We all have our own opinions on the final goal.”' … [Read more...] about Cizikas scores in third period as Islanders beat Sabres 3-2 to win opener
Sabres comeback falls short against Islanders
'With 6:20 to go in regulation, the Islanders found the scoresheet again. A controversial play saw forward Casey Cizikas re-direct a point shot with what was a deflection dangerously close to being a high-stick. The Sabres challenged the play, but instead for offside. The call on the ice stood upon further review.' … [Read more...] about Sabres comeback falls short against Islanders
A bad start and some missed calls led to another Sabres loss
'I’m not for one second saying the referees lost this game for the Sabres, but some bad mistakes by the refs could’ve changed the score.' … [Read more...] about A bad start and some missed calls led to another Sabres loss
Sabres comeback bid falls short as Islanders hand Buffalo a 3-2 loss
'Trying to not fall too far behind like they did Thursday night, the Sabres were able to get on the scoreboard courtesy a Jordan Greenway goal. Assisted by Zach Benson. Marking the first career NHL points for the young 18-year old. Benson would later tally his second assist with Rasmus Dahlin on Casey Mittelstadt's equalizer early in the third period.' … [Read more...] about Sabres comeback bid falls short as Islanders hand Buffalo a 3-2 loss
Sabres stumble to 0-2 start, losing against Islanders in road opener
'Casey Mittelstadt had a goal and an assist, and rookie Zach Benson tallied two assists to become the youngest Sabre on the scoresheet in 35 years. Devon Levi started in goal again for the Buffalo, making 26 saves in the loss.' … [Read more...] about Sabres stumble to 0-2 start, losing against Islanders in road opener