Granato - Buffalo Hockey Beat

Sabres notes: Zach Benson scores 10th goal at end of surprising rookie season

BUFFALO – Seven months ago, rookie Zach Benson arrived here having just scored a hat trick for the Wenatchee Wild, the junior team seemingly everyone, including the Sabres, expected he would be returned to following training camp.

Benson’s preseason exploits in Washington illustrated that at just 18, he had possibly outgrown the Western Hockey League. But the diminutive winger’s limited options – as a teenager, he can only play in junior or the NHL – ... Read the full article

Sabres beat Capitals, finish strong at home: ‘Need to do that next season’

BUFFALO – In a season filled with disappointment, the Sabres improved in at least one critical area down the stretch, becoming a tough team to beat at home.

To wit: Thursday’s 4-2 win over the Washington Capitals in the home finale was their third straight victory at KeyBank Center and boosted their record to 9-3-0 in their last 12 outings.

Overall, the Sabres finished 21-19-1 in their building this season, the first time they finished ... Read the full article

Missing playoffs hasn’t shaken Rasmus Dahlin’s belief in Sabres: ‘We’re close’

BUFFALO – While the cold reality of missing the playoffs again has smacked the Sabres – “It sucks, honestly,” defenseman Rasmus Dahlin said – they haven’t lost belief they can end an NHL-record 13-year drought.

“I want the Buffalo Sabres in the playoffs, and I’m never going to give up, and I think we’re close,” Dahlin said prior to Thursday’s 4-2 win over the Washington Capitals in the home finale at KeyBank Center. “I think ... Read the full article

Expect trades, significant changes after Sabres’ playoff drought hits 13 years

BUFFALO – That’s it. Having been eliminated from playoff contention for the 13th consecutive year, the Sabres are playing out the string of a bitterly disappointing season. Three games are left, starting with tonight’s home finale against the Washington Capitals.

How might the Sabres be received? Well, based on recent contests at KeyBank Center, those who bother showing up to “Fan Appreciation Night” might be in a surly mood.

You can bet a crowd beaten ... Read the full article

Sabres’ Rasmus Dahlin scores critical goal, joins elite company

BUFFALO – Following a night in which he logged more than 23 minutes of ice time and scored the go-ahead goal after briefly leaving the game, Sabres defenseman Rasmus Dahlin earned a well-deserved breather.

Coach Don Granato said Dahlin, 23, sat out Saturday’s practice in LECOM Harborcenter to rest and recharge. He expects the Swede will play in this afternoon’s critical road game against the Detroit Red Wings.

As Dahlin illustrated in Friday’s 4-2 win ... Read the full article

UPL, Jack Quinn and rare timeout help Sabres beat Flyers, stay in playoff chase

BUFFALO – Three goals on the first 10 shots, a robust shooting percentage of 30, will cover up some problems. So will terrific goaltending.

The Sabres illustrated that Friday in defeating the Philadelphia Flyers 4-2, a critical win that moved them to within four points of the second wild card spot.

While the Flyers opened up a huge shot advantage early, the Sabres made their limited chances count on goalie Ivan Fedotov, who made his ... Read the full article

Steady Alex Tuch giving Sabres offense, veteran leadership

BUFFALO – In experiencing the highs and lows of a disappointing season in which he and the Sabres have sometimes struggled, winger Alex Tuch has found what he called a “baseline” and learned to keep his emotions steady.

“Not letting (yourself) get too emotional here or shut down emotionally there during certain situations, because personally and with the team, there’s been a lot of ups and downs,” Tuch explained following Thursday’s practice in KeyBank Center. ... Read the full article

Sabres’ Jack Quinn finding ‘mojo’ after return from injury

BUFFALO – When Sabres winger Jack Quinn made a fast impact upon his return from a torn Achilles in mid-December, he had been skating for two months.

Despite a six-month recovery, Quinn, 22, looked fresh and in mid-season form, scoring two goals in his first three games.

But when Quinn returned last week from a lower-body injury he suffered Jan. 27, he had been skating just a week and a half and practiced once.... Read the full article

JJ Peterka, linemates help Sabres beat Capitals on Jeff Skinner’s night

BUFFALO – Coming off a 12-goal rookie season, winger JJ Peterka was expected to showcase notable offensive growth this year. But who could’ve predicted the German would morph into the Sabres’ leading goal scorer?

Right now, having scored seven times in the last six games, including twice in Tuesday’s 6-2 thrashing of the Washington Capitals in KeyBank Center, he’s scorching.

Peterka, 22, has scored more goals than any NHL player since March 21.... Read the full article

Sabres notes: Bowen Byram adjusting to Buffalo following trade

BUFFALO – Following a torrid start – three goals and four points in his first three games – Sabres newcomer Bowen Byram has understandably cooled off.

Byram, 22, joined the Sabres in a significant trade March 6 that sent center Casey Mittelstadt to the Colorado Avalanche. While he has certainly showcased some of his talent here, the defenseman must acclimate to a new organization, teammates, expectations, surroundings and more.

“Lots of challenges, lots of getting ... Read the full article