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Sabres buying into Jarmo Kekalainen’s message; Buffalo changes lineup for regular-season finale

BUFFALO – In his introductory remarks as Sabres general manager in mid-December, Jarmo Kekalainen stressed how much he values character.

Before he fielded a question, he said he wanted a talented team to develop a competitive and relentless identity.

Today, the Sabres rank among the NHL’s elite, having enjoyed a torrid four-month run and clinched the Atlantic Division. They’ve showcased remarkable consistency, adding tenacity to complement their skill.... Read the full article

While clinching the Atlantic Division is nice, the Sabres have a much bigger goal in mind

BUFFALO – No one saw this coming. Sure, securing that elusive spot in the Stanley Cup Playoffs and ending their NHL-record 14-year drought certainly felt like a possibility for the Sabres this season, at least before they fell into last place.

But a division championship?

Heck, after Monday’s 5-1 road win over the Chicago Blackhawks clinched the Atlantic, even coach Lindy Ruff acknowledged he’s surprised how far the Sabres, who ranked last in the Eastern ... Read the full article

Rochester Amerks loan Sabres prospect Nikita Novikov to Kings’ AHL affiliate

The Rochester Americans today loaned Buffalo Sabres defense prospect Nikita Novikov to the Ontario Reign and received forward Kaleb Lawrence back from the Los Angeles’ Kings AHL affiliate back in a corresponding move.

Novikov, 22, spent the last three seasons with the Amerks, compiling 15 goals, 62 points, 138 points and a plus-54 rating in 183 games.

The 6-foot-3, 196-pound Russian has registered six goals, 18 points, 44 penalty minutes and a plus-6 rating in ... Read the full article

As trade deadline nears, Colton Parayko rumors show Sabres could load up

PITTSBURGH – Having ascended to the the ranks of the NHL’s elite, the Buffalo Sabres find themselves in the rare position of buying as Friday’s 3 p.m. trade deadline approaches.

Since Dec. 9, they’ve won 25 of their 32 games, earning an NHL-high 52 points and establishing themselves as a legitimate contender in the crowded and ultra-competitive Eastern Conference.

If they beat the Penguins tonight at PPG Paints Arena and the Tampa Bay Lightning lose ... Read the full article

Sabres prospect Devon Levi happy with Rochester, no longer feels ‘rushed’

BRIGHTON – These days, Devon Levi possesses a narrow focus. Naturally, the Buffalo Sabres prospect thinks about his future. But by embracing what the present offers him, he believes he can achieve his ultimate goal of becoming an elite NHL goalie.

Almost three years after nearly backstopping the Sabres to an unlikely playoff berth just weeks out of college, Levi, 24, has spent all season with the Rochester Americans.

“I know that over time I’ll ... Read the full article

After trade, hot start, Sabres give Josh Doan huge contract extension

MONTREAL – When the Buffalo Sabres traded for Josh Doan almost seven months ago, they acquired an intriguing but unproven young winger who had never played a full NHL season.

Defenseman Michael Kesselring, not Doan, who on Wednesday signed a seven-year, $48.75 million contract extension, was viewed as the centerpiece of the blockbuster deal that sent winger JJ Peterka to the Utah Mammoth.

But to complete the trade, former Sabres general manager Kevyn Adams insisted ... Read the full article

Marc Bergevin staying ‘levelheaded’ in first days as Sabres’ associate GM

BUFFALO – Marc Bergevin has spent his first days as the Sabres’ associate general manager getting up to speed on an organization he only knew from afar.

As he worked as a senior advisor for the Los Angeles Kings, Bergevin, 60, said he knew the Sabres possessed a talent-laden roster.

“But why they haven’t made the playoffs?” he asked. “… They have good players. There’s a reason why, and … it’s impossible to tell unless ... Read the full article

Confident Peyton Krebs thriving on top line, feels Sabres ‘can win every night’

BUFFALO – In his five seasons here, Sabres winger Peyton Krebs said he has never experienced anything like the past 20 games.

For six weeks, Krebs has felt like the Sabres can win on any night and any scoring chance they generate can become a goal.

Winning, of course, infuses confidence, and right now, Krebs and many of his teammates have likely never possessed more belief.

The Sabres, who play a road game tonight against ... Read the full article

Sabres rookie Noah Ostlund scoring big goals, earning keep after latest recall

BUFFALO – Sabres rookie Noah Ostlund was within earshot across the visiting dressing room in the Canadian Tire Centre, waiting to be interviewed after scoring again in Tuesday’s 3-2 overtime win, so winger Alex Tuch joked he shouldn’t heap too much praise on his linemate.

“I don’t want to give him too many props,” Tuch said in Ottawa after assisting on Ostlund’s third goal in five games since the Sabres recalled him for the third ... Read the full article

Sabres GM Jarmo Kekalainen says new adds necessary, willing to make more

OTTAWA – For now, the roster will stay intact. Why would new general manager Jarmo Kekalainen mess with it? The Buffalo Sabres carried a six-game win streak into Tuesday’s contest against the Senators.

“There’s no need to disrupt anything right now with the good flow going,” Kekalainen said prior to Tuesday’s game in the Canadian Tire Centre.

Over the final two periods of Sunday’s 3-1 win in New Jersey, the Sabres’ third straight win under ... Read the full article