Victor Olofsson scored the Sabres’ only goal Monday. ©2021, Micheline Veluvolu

Sabres register zero shots in third period, fall to Islanders in return

BUFFALO – Monday’s loss to the New York Islanders could’ve been penciled in days ago.

Teams coming off a break usually fare poorly against competition that has been playing uninterrupted. The short-handed Sabres were playing their first game in 15 days without six players who are still in the NHL’s COVID-19 protocol.

Adjusting to the NHL’s pace and grind after sitting idle can be difficult. The Sabres had to do it without three of their ... Read the full article

Ralph Krueger feels well enough to coach the Sabres from behind the bench tonight. ©2021, Micheline Veluvolu

Ralph Krueger plans to coach behind bench; Sabres move Don Granato

BUFFALO – Coach Ralph Krueger, who recently recovered from COVID-19 and returned to the Sabres on Sunday, plans to be behind the bench tonight against the New York Islanders at KeyBank Center.

“I feel good to go,” Krueger said on a Zoom call this morning. “Obviously, with the strong support around me it makes it easier where they’ve done an excellent job. But I felt really good in the skate today and meetings this ... Read the full article

Ralph Krueger, shown here during training camp, returned to the Sabres on Sunday. ©2021, Micheline Veluvolu

Ralph Krueger returns to Sabres: ‘Time to realize how lethal this COVID is’

BUFFALO – Ralph Krueger only stayed on the ice about 15 minutes. After the Sabres coach chatted with several players and exchanged some fist-bumps, he left and watched Sunday’s practice from the KeyBank Center stands.

But just having an opportunity to touch the ice for a spell and enjoy some brief interactions helped recharge Krueger, who tested positive for COVID-19 on Feb. 4.

“Just this morning, when the players arrived and we passed each other, ... Read the full article

C.J. Smith could be utilized against the New York Islanders. ©2021, Micheline Veluvolu

Sabres will likely field lineup with C.J. Smith, other taxi-squad players

BUFFALO – Having seven players on the NHL’s COVID-19 protocol-related absences list means the Sabres must utilize their taxi squad to dress a full lineup tonight.

So defensemen Will Borgen and Brandon Davidson and wingers Steven Fogarty and C.J. Smith could all be thrust into action against the New York Islanders at KeyBank Center.

Borgen and Davidson have spent the entire season on the taxi squad. They haven’t played a game at any level since ... Read the full article

Rasmus Dahlin nearly gets tangled with New Jersey goalie Eric Comrie on Sunday. ©2021, Micheline Veluvolu

Sabres coach Ralph Krueger, Rasmus Dahlin return to practice

BUFFALO – Sabres coach Ralph Krueger and defenseman Rasmus Dahlin returned to practice this morning following COVID-19-related absences.

Krueger, who tested positive for COVID-19 on Feb. 4, is wearing an N95 mask and has been skating around the KeyBank Center ice talking to some players. Assistant coach Steve Smith is still leading the session.

Update: Krueger left the ice after about 15 minutes.

Post-practice update: Krueger said he will see how he feels Monday morning ... Read the full article

Steve Smith (pictured) has been running practices for Ralph Krueger. ©2021, Micheline Veluvolu

Sabres battling COVID-19 fears before feeling safe at rink

BUFFALO – When Steve Smith wakes up every morning, the Sabres’ top assistant coach immediately grabs his phone to check the results of the COVID-19 test he took the previous day.

The few seconds it takes Smith, 57, to spot the green button that signifies a negative test are agonizing.

“When I’m green, I’m a happy guy,” Smith said on a Zoom call following Thursday’s practice. “But I’ve got to tell you, every morning I ... Read the full article

Kyle Okposo believes the Sabres must “grow organically.” ©2021, Micheline Veluvolu

Sabres thrilled to be back, believe they can grow from COVID adversity

BUFFALO – The COVID-19 protocols the NHL implemented this season have stymied off-ice activities.

Wanna grab a bite to eat or check out a museum on the road? Wanna stop over after practice and play Xbox? Forget about it. Socializing is kept to the bare minimum.

The Sabres added eight new faces this season, so enjoying a team dinner or group outing would’ve helped the players become familiar with each other.

“You can’t go get ... Read the full article

Ralph Krueger wasn’t on the ice Tuesday. ©2021, Micheline Veluvolu

Sabres felt comfortable playing Devils before COVID-19 problems began

BUFFALO – Before the Sabres played the New Jersey Devils on Jan. 30, general manager Kevyn Adams said he asked Bill Daly about their opponent’s situation with COVID-19.

At that point, the NHL had placed five Devils on the protocol-related absences list. Based on the information the deputy commissioner had been given, the game at KeyBank Center was green-lighted, and the Sabres won a 4-3 shootout.

“The comfort was that we should move forward and ... Read the full article

Ralph Krueger tested positive for COVID-19 last week. ©2021, Micheline Veluvolu

Sabres return to practice without coach Ralph Krueger, nine players

BUFFALO – Following an eight-day break, the Sabres practiced this afternoon without coach Ralph Krueger, who tested positive for COVID-19 last week, and the nine players who are on the NHL’s protocol-related absences list.

Some quick updates from Sabres general manager Kevyn Adams, who spoke on Zoom before the session inside KeyBank Center:

– Adams said Krueger, 61, is symptomatic.

“I feel very comfortable that he’s being looked at from our doctors and trainers,” Adams ... Read the full article

Rasmus Ristolainen (55) is one of nine Sabres on the NHL’s COVID-19 list. ©2021, Micheline Veluvolu

Sabres set to practice this afternoon

The Buffalo Sabres, who have nine players on the NHL’s COVID-19 protocol-related absences list, will practice this afternoon for the first time in eight days.

The Sabres’ facilities have been closed since Tuesday, when the NHL postponed four games. The league postponed two more contests Monday.

Stay tuned for more details. General manager Kevyn Adams will speak to the media at 1 p.m. The Sabres are scheduled to practice at 1:15 p.m.... Read the full article