Mittelstadt - Buffalo Hockey Beat

Sabres to change lines against Flyers; Mattias Samuelsson questionable

BUFFALO – In Friday’s practice, Sabres coach Don Granato changed every forward line, tinkering with trios that have recently developed chemistry and enjoyed success.

Granato often explains how he wants his lineup to become interchangeable. While he showcases more patience than most coaches – lines and defense pairs sometimes stay intact for weeks – he’s not afraid to experiment within games or try new things.

So for tonight’s game against the Philadelphia Flyers at KeyBank ... Read the full article

Sabres’ Victor Olofsson scoring again, evolving into all-around presence

BUFFALO – Since he arrived in the NHL three years ago, the knock on Sabres winger Victor Olofsson has been he’s too one-dimensional, just a shooter who mostly scores power-play goals.

Olofsson, 26, possesses a lethal shot, and he has often utilized his ultra-quick release to pile up power-play goals from the circle.

Over his first 106 NHL games entering this season, Olofsson scored 20 of his 35 goals (57 percent) on the man advantage. ... Read the full article

Sabres’ Don Granato named assistant for Team USA at World Championship

BUFFALO – Sabres coach Don Granato, a veteran of international tournaments, has been named an assistant coach for Team USA’s entry at the upcoming World Championship in Finland, the team announced this afternoon.

Granato, 54, will be on a staff that includes head coach David Quinn and assistants Jeff Blashill, Mike Hastings and Mike King.

The tournament begins May 13.

... Read the full article

Victor Olofsson, Sabres continue hot streaks in win over Hurricanes

BUFFALO – In his three-year NHL career, Sabres winger Victor Olofsson has probably never been so wide open.

As the puck rimmed around the left boards with Tuesday’s game tied late, it appeared to be leaving the Carolina Hurricanes zone. But Sabres defenseman Rasmus Dahlin said he “fake pressured” one of the Hurricanes, forcing him to move the puck. Dahlin then batted it down inside the blue line before quickly spotting Olofsson in the right ... Read the full article

Sabres’ Rasmus Asplund learning rigors of NHL, grateful for Don Granato’s belief

BUFFALO – The grind of an unforgiving seventh-month, 82-game NHL season has at times been difficult for Sabres winger Rasmus Asplund to handle.

Asplund, 24, said he felt tired, mentally and physically, when he hit the 30-game mark. He has also had trouble adjusting to time changes during road trips and playing back-to-back contests.

So the Swede said his first full NHL season – he played 28 games last year and 29 times in 2019-20... Read the full article

Sabres showcase more growth in loss to Capitals: ‘Taken a lot of steps’

BUFFALO – In having their three-game winning streak snapped Friday, the Sabres showcased how much they’ve evolved and grown this month.

On a night they clearly weren’t at their best, the Sabres scratched and plowed forward, taking the Washington Capitals down to the wire before losing a 4-3 shootout.

In compiling a 7-3-1 record in March, the Sabres have proven they can thrive in tight games and rise to the level of their competition.... Read the full article

One year after hiring, Don Granato has dramatically changed the Sabres

BUFFALO – Sabres coach Don Granato kept rattling off names. There was Taylor Hall, Brandon Montour, Sam Reinhart, Rasmus Ristolainen and Eric Staal.

“I’m probably missing a couple more,” Granato said following Wednesday’s practice at LECOM Harborcenter.

Then two more names, Jack Eichel and Jake McCabe, popped into his head.

One year ago today, Granato inherited a veteran-laden team at its nadir. The Sabres were 12 losses into what would become a stunning 18-game winless ... Read the full article

Heritage Classic helps refresh Sabres, ‘brighten things up’

HAMILTON, Ont. – In the midst of another grueling season, the Heritage Classic offers the Buffalo Sabres a refreshing change.

The day-to-day NHL grind has suddenly been interrupted by a once-in-a-lifetime experience for some players. When you play outdoors like the Sabres will this afternoon, you never forget it.

For a weekend, the Sabres can enjoy time in the spotlight and make memories they’ll cherish forever. Their families have joined them, and after Saturday’s chilly ... Read the full article

Sabres notes: Henri Jokiharju, other injured players close to returning

BUFFALO – Defenseman Henri Jokiharju and some other injured Sabres could return for tonight’s home game against Jack Eichel and the Vegas Golden Knights, coach Don Granato said.

Jokiharju, out the last six games with a lower-body injury, practiced Wednesday in his regular spot beside defenseman Rasmus Dahlin. Meanwhile, winger Zemgus Girgensons, out the last 16 games with a lower-body injury, skated on a line of extras with center Mark Jankowski and Anders Bjork inside ... Read the full article

Wild finish: Jeff Skinner’s heroics help Sabres rally for thrilling win

BUFFALO – When the Sabres signed winger Jeff Skinner to an eight-year, $72 million contract, they envisioned dynamic efforts like Friday’s late two-goal outburst in a thrilling 5-4 won over the Minnesota Wild.

After the Sabres blew a third-period lead, Skinner scored twice in a span of 4:40, capitalizing on an odd bounce off the half wall at 12:20 before following his own rebound to the net at 16:40.

“Skinner, obviously, rose to the occasion ... Read the full article