Granato - Buffalo Hockey Beat

Sabres showcase emphatic response, annihilate Maple Leafs: ‘We took last game really personally’

BUFFALO – In the aftermath of the ugliest defeat of Don Granato’s tenure as Sabres coach, his players defended him more vigorously than they had their opponent that night.

But until they displayed more passion on the ice, showcased the pace and tenacity Granato demands, their words would carry some hollowness.

“We wanted to do more than just say we have his back, we wanted to go out there and prove it, and I think ... Read the full article

Sabres rookie Ryan Johnson exceeding expectations, sticking in Buffalo

BUFFALO – Ryan Johnson figured his first trip to the NHL would be brief. Having lost defenseman Mattias Samuelsson to injury, the Sabres summoned the rookie on Nov. 4 for some insurance.

“I didn’t expect to be here longer than that game,” Johnson said prior to returning to the lineup for Thursday’s 9-3 win over the Toronto Maple Leafs in KeyBank Center. “I didn’t expect to be here at all.”

Johnson, 22, played that night ... Read the full article

Sabres want to add pace, reunite Dylan Cozens line as forwards get healthy

BUFFALO – Pace. Coach Don Granato mentioned it over and over – 16 times, to be exact – after the Sabres prepared for tonight’s home game against the Toronto Maple Leafs. His reeling team doesn’t showcase enough of it.

“If I compare … seeing a game from last season and a game from this season, it’s the pace,” Granato said following Wednesday’s practice in KeyBank Center. “The pace is the difference. … We compete better ... Read the full article

Reeling Sabres implode in ugly loss to Blue Jackets: ‘We got to find it’

BUFFALO – Sabres captain Kyle Okposo spoke firmly following Tuesday’s embarrassing 9-4 loss, the low point of the Kevyn Adams-Don Granato era.

The Sabres, the veteran said, did not quit during an ugly second period in which the lowly Columbus Blue Jackets scored four times and opened up a stunning 7-1 lead.

Moments later, when a question was asked about the Sabres listening to their coaches, an angry Okposo immediately shot it down.

“Listen, I’m ... Read the full article

Sabres notes: Eric Robinson’s brother, Buddy, set strong example; Jeff Skinner recovering from injury

BUFFALO – Sabres newcomer Eric Robinson acknowledged that, yes, Tuesday’s game against the Columbus Jackets, his former team, possessed “a little extra meaning.”

The Blue Jackets, after all, gave Robinson his big chance, signing him as a free agent out of Princeton in 2018. The New Jersey native grew up in their organization, playing 266 NHL games before the Sabres traded a conditional seventh-round pick in 2025 on Dec. 6 in exchange for the winger.... Read the full article

Jacob Bryson clears waivers, assigned to Amerks by Sabres

BUFFALO – Now that defenseman Jacob Bryson has cleared waivers and been assigned to the Rochester Americans, the Sabres hope he can start playing games again.

Bryson, 26, had spent all season as the Sabres’ seventh or eighth defenseman, playing just three times before they placed him on waivers Monday.

Tuesday’s assignment to the Amerks, his first stint in the AHL since 2020-21, offers him an opportunity to find a groove again. He hasn’t played ... Read the full article

Jeff Skinner, other injured Sabres could play soon

BUFFALO – By the end of the week, the Sabres could have a healthy forward corps for the first time this season.

Winger Jack Quinn, out since tearing his Achilles tendon in late June, will make his season debut tonight against the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Quinn, 22, skated this morning at left wing alongside center Tyson Jost and Victor Olofsson. Coach Don Granato also said Quinn will also kill penalties.... Read the full article

Sabres’ Jack Quinn could return from injury against Blue Jackets

BUFFALO – When Jack Quinn took Alex Tuch’s spot at right wing alongside center Tage Thompson and Zach Benson during Monday’s practice, it appeared he was simply filling in on the Sabres’ top line.

Since Quinn, who tore his Achilles tendon training in late June and underwent surgery, returned to practice earlier this month, he has been sharing reps or subbing for someone.

But it turns out he was ready to graduate to a larger ... Read the full article

After post-suspension slump, Sabres’ Connor Clifton playing aggressively, producing offense

BUFFALO – For weeks, the hit kept playing in the back of Connor Clifton’s head. The Sabres defensemen couldn’t let go of it.

“You’re going to make a hit, and then you’re like, ‘Oh, wait, I just got suspended for two games, right?’” Clifton said following Tuesday’s practice in KeyBank Center.

The affable Clifton, one of the NHL’s most aggressive hitters, had never been suspended before he thumped Devils captain Nico Hischier in the head ... Read the full article

Sabres coach Don Granato grateful for support as brother, Tony, battles cancer

BUFFALO – Having battled cancer in 2005, Sabres coach Don Granato understands what his older brother, Tony, is experiencing right now.

On Sunday, Tony, 59, announced in a post on X, formerly Twitter, that he has been diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and would be taking a temporary leave of absence from his job as an analyst with NBC Sports Chicago.

The last three or four weeks, Don Granato said, have been challenging.... Read the full article