Good Parts of the Sabres' Disappointing Season
Plus, some prospects who deserve some playing time in the big-leagues down the stretch, why Mogilny should be in the Hall of Fame, and more.
Welcome to The Hockey Writers Buffalo Sabres newsletter, with all the latest from our team of Sabres writers.
In today’s edition, we feature some news and rumors articles, a piece on why Alexander Mogilny should be in the Hall of Fame, an article on the good things that have happened in this disappointing season, and a piece on some prospects who deserve a look to play this year.
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Sabres News & Rumors: Cozens, Jokiharju, Luukkonen & Clague
February 18, 2024 by The Old Prof
The Buffalo Sabres staged an impressive comeback to defeat the Minnesota Wild in a thrilling 3-2 victory on Saturday (Feb. 17). With just 37 seconds left in regulation and goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen pulled for an extra attacker, Dylan Cozens managed to tie the game, sending it to overtime. Henri Jokiharju then sealed the win for the Sabres with his goal just 1:29 into overtime.
Luukkonen played a crucial role in the victory, making 31 saves to help bring home the win for Buffalo, only their second victory in five games since the All-Star Break. Casey Mittelstadt also scored for the Sabres.
Alexander Mogilny Is Hockey Hall Of Fame Worthy
February 18, 2024 by Nathaniel Oliver
The fact that Alexander Mogilny has not received enshrinement in the Hockey Hall of Fame is more than a bit perplexing. The man who was nicknamed “Magic” during his early years in Buffalo assembled perhaps the least considered storied career in the NHL. Fans and hockey historians are beginning to forget how talented he truly was.
What makes the notion of him not being inducted even more perplexing is that Mogilny’s fellow linemates in the Soviet Union – Sergei Fedorov and Pavel Bure – have both been added to hockey’s hallowed ground, while number-89 remains on the outside. Fedorov and Bure are two of the greatest hockey players of their generation, and are more than deserving of their inductions. That being said, some of Mogilny’s achievements surpass those of either counterpart – a concept that is often overlooked.
5 Things That Have Gone Right for the Sabres in 2023-24
February 17, 2024 by Matthew Morris
It’s been a very frustrating season for the Buffalo Sabres, to say the least.
Coming off their best season in a decade and being expected to make the playoffs for the first time since 2011, the team hasn’t lived up to the hype in the slightest. The red-hot offense of last year has vanished, the defense continues to be suspect and the gambles made in the goaltending department did not pay off. This summer will bring numerous questions, and it’s possible that an array of changes could be coming.
In short, there hasn’t been a whole lot to celebrate to this point. But that doesn’t mean the season has been a complete failure. Though the aforementioned low-lights have largely overshadowed them, the Sabres have had a few very big positives this season, and they shouldn’t be overlooked. Instead of tearing our hair out as we have been since October, let’s be positive and examine the things that have served as a ray of hope in an otherwise lackluster campaign.
Sabres News & Rumors: Luukkonen & Wild Game Preview
February 17, 2024 by The Old Prof
This afternoon, the 23-26-4 Buffalo Sabres take on the 25-23-5 Minnesota Wild. On paper, they are fairly evenly matched. However, the Sabres, over their past 10 games, are even at 5-5-0, while the Wild are plus four at 7-3-0. In addition, Minnesota has won four straight games.
3 Sabres Prospects Who Deserve an Extended Look In 2023-24
February 14, 2024 by Jacob D. Strozyk
The Buffalo Sabres have struggled to produce much this season in the win column, and as the season dwindles away, it is time to start looking to 2024-25. With that in mind, the Sabres need to start looking at their young players on the Rochester Americans to give them the proper auditions for next season. They have plenty of options to choose from, but there are three in particular who deserve a real NHL opportunity. These player’s success or failure will not only determine if they are NHL-ready but also if the Sabres should move on from them and build up other top prospects in their system.
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