'Skinner, 30, has evolved under Granato, developing into a more trusted on-ice presence while growing into a leadership role. Meanwhile, his goal-scoring ability, which often disappeared during Krueger’s tenure, has returned with a vengeance.' … [Read more...] about Under coach Don Granato, Sabres’ Jeff Skinner has matured, added offense
The Sabres Report - Apr 26, 2023
Wednesday's Rochester Coverage
Sabres prospect Brandon Biro out for season; Jiri Kulich probable for Amerks (Olean Times Herald) Appert provides update ahead of Game 3 (Amerks.com) … [Read more...] about Wednesday’s Rochester Coverage
The Sabres Report - Apr 25, 2023
Emergence of young Sabres could make Victor Olofsson a trade candidate
'Despite Olofsson's numbers this season, Fairburn noted that his game was too streaky, and he wasn't reliable enough to garner a full-time role during the final month of the season. CapFriendly indicates that his annual salary is $4.75 million, and he's eligible next summer to become a UFA.' … [Read more...] about Emergence of young Sabres could make Victor Olofsson a trade candidate
'He's never satisfied' | Dahlin excelled as leader on and off the ice
'Such was Dahlin's attitude in the days following the Sabres' season. He tied for fifth among NHL defensemen with 73 points, the third-highest mark by a blueliner in Sabres history. He ranked fourth in the league in ice time despite missing four games. He was the Sabres' leader in blocked shots and finished second on the team in hits. He played through multiple injuries down … [Read more...] about ‘He’s never satisfied’ | Dahlin excelled as leader on and off the ice
The Sabres Report - Apr 24, 2023
Inside the NHL: There's plenty of ex-Sabres to follow in the Stanley Cup Playoffs
'Brandon Montour nearly doubled his career high with a 73-point season in Florida that left him tied for fifth in scoring by defensemen with Dahlin. Ryan O'Reilly might be rekindling the magic of 2019 in St. Louis with the Leafs, and Toronto added Jake McCabe at the trade deadline and has put him on its top defense pair with T.J. Brodie. Sam Reinhart had his second straight … [Read more...] about Inside the NHL: There’s plenty of ex-Sabres to follow in the Stanley Cup Playoffs
The Sabres Report - Apr 23, 2023
Inside the Sabres: Analyzing the depth chart and where GM Kevyn Adams will add this summer
'We’ve likely seen the last of Olofsson in a Sabres uniform. He’s entering the final year of his contract and struggled at 5-on-5 to the point that he was a healthy scratch in five straight must-win games. There will be plenty of interest in Olofsson, especially if Buffalo retains salary. Pro sports are all about roles and there are teams that need someone such as Olofsson to … [Read more...] about Inside the Sabres: Analyzing the depth chart and where GM Kevyn Adams will add this summer
Sunday's Rochester Coverage
Amerks power play lifeless in 3-0 loss to Crunch; Now face must win in Game 3 Friday (Rochester Democrat and Chronicle) The Amerks will face elimination on Friday after losing Game 2 in Syracuse (WGR-AM) Syracuse Crunch shuts out Rochester in Game Two (WSYR-TV) Amerks blanked by Crunch in Game 2 (Amerks.com) Crunch blank Amerks, 3-0, in Game 2 (SyracuseCrunch.com) … [Read more...] about Sunday’s Rochester Coverage
The Sabres Report - Apr 22, 2023
Sabres wanted Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen to develop in Buffalo instead of going to Rochester for playoffs
'“You’re going to shift the mind, right?” he said during Wednesday’s end-of-season news conference in KeyBank Center. “If you send them down or paper transaction him on that day, his mind is in two places and that’s not conducive to development. There was there was so much development for him (in Buffalo).”' … [Read more...] about Sabres wanted Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen to develop in Buffalo instead of going to Rochester for playoffs
Saturday's Rochester Coverage
Amerks drop Calder Cup opener 3-2 in overtime to Crunch (Rochester Democrat and Chronicle) Amerks drop Game 1 of their playoff series in Syracuse (WGR-AM) Myers overtime winner lifts Crunch to Game 1 win over Rochester (WSYR-TV) Amerks fall in overtime to Crunch in playoff opener (Amerks.com) Amerks find success with collectiveness and commitment (Amerks.com) Crunch defeat … [Read more...] about Saturday’s Rochester Coverage
The Sabres Report - Apr 21, 2023
How will Buffalo Sabres handle their goalies after Devon Levi 'earned' the net?
'"That net is nobody's right now when we talk about the future," said Granato. "It's got to be earned and then re-earned and re-earned again. And that has to become that habit, that competitive mindset and good franchises become great when you have internal competition."' … [Read more...] about How will Buffalo Sabres handle their goalies after Devon Levi ‘earned’ the net?
Why did the Sabres have such a poor home record in Buffalo?
]“It’s a little bit of a head-scratcher, I’m not going to lie to you,” Adams said of the Sabres’ home struggles. “I think our play on the road was fantastic overall and we really won some tough games in tough buildings, and just the way we played."' … [Read more...] about Why did the Sabres have such a poor home record in Buffalo?
Hamilton Take 2: The Sabres' season in review
'We really didn’t hear too much new from these two men because their message has been pretty consistent since they arrived. They’re trying to build a team to sustain long-term success. The objective isn’t to mortgage the future just so they can break a 12-year playoff drought, which they have very little to do with. Adams’ plan is to build something so this will never happen … [Read more...] about Hamilton Take 2: The Sabres’ season in review
Friday's Rochester Coverage
Sabres prospect Isak Rosen looking to carry strong finish into AHL playoffs with Amerks (Buffalo News) Amerks head to the playoffs: Here's what to know (Rochester Democrat and Chronicle) Amerks open playoff push with best-of-5 series against Crunch (Sabres.com) Rochester ready for round two (Amerks.com) … [Read more...] about Friday’s Rochester Coverage
The Sabres Report - Apr 20, 2023
Sabres trying to sign Rasmus Dahlin, Owen Power to long-term contracts
'“You guys know my style,” said Adams. “I believe in when you have core pieces that you feel are going to be a very important part of your franchise, I like to be proactive. Both him and Owen are critical pieces of this franchise moving forward and I certainly have let their agents know how we feel about them, and we’ll work at it."' … [Read more...] about Sabres trying to sign Rasmus Dahlin, Owen Power to long-term contracts
Mike Harrington: Watching playoffs this year finally takes on added meaning for Sabres' brass
'"This year, you watch it with the intent that you're there. That you'll be there 12 months from now," Granato said. "And I think we're in a position where it's appropriate to do that. And so you're visualizing your team. The 82 games next year, if it's an entry into the playoffs, what can you be working on situationally that's going to help you?"' … [Read more...] about Mike Harrington: Watching playoffs this year finally takes on added meaning for Sabres’ brass