'Rasmus Dahlin and Connor Clifton were on the ice for four goals-against, and Dahlin spent quite a bit of the night turning the puck over. Buffalo’s penalty killing was horrendous on Friday, as the Penguins went 2-for-3 with the extra man. If the penalty killing doesn’t improve from 28th in the league like it was last year, making the playoffs will be extremely difficult.' … [Read more...] about Opinion: Sabres have a lot to work on as they ready for season opener Thursday
The Sabres Report - Oct 7, 2023
4 check: Projecting Sabres lineup after preseason finale
'In many ways, Benson seized the opportunity from his junior hockey linemate Matt Savoie, the Sabres’ first-round pick the summer before. Savoie skated with the Sabres on Friday morning for the first time since injuring his shoulder in the final game of the prospects challenge.' … [Read more...] about 4 check: Projecting Sabres lineup after preseason finale
Sabres fall to Pittsburgh in their final preseason game
'Defenseman Erik Johnson played his first game in Sabres blue and gold while the rookie Zach Benson appeared in his sixth preseason game.' … [Read more...] about Sabres fall to Pittsburgh in their final preseason game
Sabres prospect Matthew Savoie returns to practice after suffering shoulder injury
'"It was definitely pretty devastating to not even get a chance to play in any preseason games or get to show myself in the games before the season," Savoie said. "I thought I came into camp in really good shape. I thought I had a big summer and got really strong and a lot faster, so yeah, it was definitely tough to not be able to showcase that."' … [Read more...] about Sabres prospect Matthew Savoie returns to practice after suffering shoulder injury
Mittelstadt tallies 3 points in preseason loss to Penguins
'Benson, JJ Peterka, and Victor Olofsson each had a goal and an assist for Buffalo while Devon Levi made 30 saves.' … [Read more...] about Mittelstadt tallies 3 points in preseason loss to Penguins
Savoie returns to practice with Sabres
'Savoie joined teammates on the ice for a heavily attended optional skate ahead of their preseason finale against the Pittsburgh Penguins. He had previously been skating four to five times a week on his own, which helped him avoid any significant drop-off from a conditioning standpoint.' … [Read more...] about Savoie returns to practice with Sabres
Saturday's Rochester Coverage
Amerks top Comets in overtime in preseason finale (Amerks.com) Comets drop exhibition game to Americans, 4-3 (UticaComets.com) … [Read more...] about Saturday’s Rochester Coverage
The Sabres Report - Oct 6, 2023
Sabres Notebook: Erik Johnson to make preseason debut in finale vs. Pens
'“Just had a nagging thing kind of pop up that I’ve dealt with before,” Johnson said after practice Thursday. “(If it was) regular season, I’m playing, but we just wanted to be smart about it and not have it linger into the season. And honestly, I really think you get a lot out of practice here the way we practice, so I’m not concerned at all. I’m ready to get to the real … [Read more...] about Sabres Notebook: Erik Johnson to make preseason debut in finale vs. Pens
Prospect Zach Benson’s performance gives Sabres intriguing roster option
'“He doesn’t back down to a fight, and … a lot of guys nowadays are waiting,” Krebs said. “But he doesn’t wait and you can see that in his game. He’s not going to wait for someone else to do it; he’ll go get the puck and make the play. I think, obviously, he has the skill to make those plays, but I think from the start of it it’s that ability to hunt the puck.”' … [Read more...] about Prospect Zach Benson’s performance gives Sabres intriguing roster option
Erik Johnson feels one preseason game played will be enough
'"It’s very important," said Granato following Thursday's practice. "If you watched him practice today, he’s easy to pick out in practice because of his size and how hard he works. So to get into a game and to get around our players and our system is something we’re looking forward to."' … [Read more...] about Erik Johnson feels one preseason game played will be enough
Camp Notebook | Sabres prepare for preseason finale Friday vs. Pittsburgh
'Following practice, Granato shared that Savoie is making progress in his recovery and is expected to join the Sabres on the ice for their morning skate Friday. “[He’s] still recovering though from the injury, but he’ll be able to practice with us to better gauge where he’s at,” Granato said. “And obviously, he’s got to get back to pace and conditioning cause he’s been out as … [Read more...] about Camp Notebook | Sabres prepare for preseason finale Friday vs. Pittsburgh
Friday's Rochester Coverage
Amerks double up Crunch in preseason opener (Amerks.com) Crunch fall to Amerks, 4-2, in preseason contest (SyracuseCrunch.com) … [Read more...] about Friday’s Rochester Coverage
The Sabres Report - Oct 5, 2023
Observations: Sabres' struggles in front of UPL adds intrigue to goalie dilemma
'The Sabres didn’t cover the front of their net. Inaccurate passes led to turnovers and odd-man rushes. They were trying to out-skill the Blue Jackets, rather than earning scoring chances through hard work. Five of their top six defensemen were in the lineup, as well as Alex Tuch, Casey Mittelstadt, JJ Peterka and Victor Olofsson, among others, yet their performance showed how … [Read more...] about Observations: Sabres’ struggles in front of UPL adds intrigue to goalie dilemma
Sabres might lose burly winger Brett Murray on waivers, which could be his quickest path to NHL
'The 6-foot-5, 230-pound Murray has been trying to stick with the Sabres since first turning pro in 2019. At this point, he has been playing for the other 31 NHL teams as much as he is for Buffalo. Clearing waivers to get back to Rochester – where he collected a career-high 23 goals and 49 points last season – is far from a sure bet.' … [Read more...] about Sabres might lose burly winger Brett Murray on waivers, which could be his quickest path to NHL
After starring role as top center, Sabres’ Casey Mittelstadt back in middle
'Mittelstadt, 24, had found a groove before top center Tage Thompson suffered a hip injury in March. But when he moved over from left wing to replace Thompson between Jeff Skinner and Alex Tuch, he took off.' … [Read more...] about After starring role as top center, Sabres’ Casey Mittelstadt back in middle