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Matthew Fairburn

@matthewfairburn.bsky.social

8.9K followers 320 following 1.1K posts

Writing about the Buffalo Sabres and NHL for The Athletic. Occasionally writing about the Buffalo Bills as well.

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Matthew Fairburn @matthewfairburn.bsky.social · Jun 2

How did Kevyn Adams earn Terry Pegula’s trust and how has he kept it?

After conversations with 10 people in and around the Sabres the last decade-plus and a lengthy sit down with Adams, a story on a record playoff drought.

“They’re on a hamster wheel.”

www.nytimes.com/athl...

Terry Pegula’s ownership, Kevyn Adams’ rise and the ‘hamster wheel’ of Sabres’ record playoff drought

Buffalo's 14-season playoff drought is tied with the New York Jets for the longest postseason famine in major North American sports.

www.nytimes.com

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Reposted by Matthew Fairburn

Matthew Fairburn @matthewfairburn.bsky.social · 6h

Josh Norris is going to miss significant time for the Sabres. What are their options to replace him?

Sabres’ Josh Norris is out long-term. What are Buffalo’s options to replace him?

Buffalo will be without Norris, the No. 1 center to open the season, for a "significant amount of time," according to Lindy Ruff.

www.nytimes.com

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Reposted by Matthew Fairburn

Matthew Fairburn @matthewfairburn.bsky.social · 6h

The Sabres are 0-2 for a third straight season. Why this start is as familiar as it is concerning. Plus some other thoughts from the 3-1 loss to the Bruins:

Why Sabres’ 0-2 start is familiar and concerning: 5 thoughts

How have things gone this badly this quickly for the Sabres? Things aren't about to get easier, and they've already dug themselves a hole.

www.nytimes.com

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Matthew Fairburn @matthewfairburn.bsky.social · 4h

I had that thought last night. They were so close to getting it right under Granato. Then they’ve gotten farther and farther away from what made that 22-23 team work. Not to mention changing play style ends up making personnel changes necessary.

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Matthew Fairburn @matthewfairburn.bsky.social · 6h

Josh Norris is going to miss significant time for the Sabres. What are their options to replace him?

Sabres’ Josh Norris is out long-term. What are Buffalo’s options to replace him?

Buffalo will be without Norris, the No. 1 center to open the season, for a "significant amount of time," according to Lindy Ruff.

www.nytimes.com

2 1 5

Matthew Fairburn @matthewfairburn.bsky.social · 6h

The Sabres are 0-2 for a third straight season. Why this start is as familiar as it is concerning. Plus some other thoughts from the 3-1 loss to the Bruins:

Why Sabres’ 0-2 start is familiar and concerning: 5 thoughts

How have things gone this badly this quickly for the Sabres? Things aren't about to get easier, and they've already dug themselves a hole.

www.nytimes.com

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Matthew Fairburn @matthewfairburn.bsky.social · 16h

The Bruins get an empty netter with two seconds left. The Sabres are going to lose 3-1 and fall to 0-2. They return home for an afternoon game against the Avalanche on Monday.

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Matthew Fairburn @matthewfairburn.bsky.social · 17h

With 10:14 to play in the third period, the Sabres have their first goal of the season. Jason Zucker's shot deflected off a Bruins defenseman and beats Swayman. Sabres down 2-1.

Matthew Fairburn @matthewfairburn.bsky.social · 17h

The Sabres are now down 2-0. A shot from the point deflected off Conor Timmins and got behind Alex Lyon.

Matthew Fairburn @matthewfairburn.bsky.social · 18h

The Sabres are down 1-0 to the Bruins at the first intermission. Considering the 16-1 advantage Boston had in shots, that could have been worse. The Bruins had a 35-10 advantage in shot attempts, too.

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Matthew Fairburn @matthewfairburn.bsky.social · 18h

And it's now 1-0 Bruins. Pavel Zacha on a one-timer. That felt inevitable the way this period was going for the Sabres.

Matthew Fairburn @matthewfairburn.bsky.social · 18h

The Bruins are outshooting the Sabres 14-1 in the first period, but the game is still scoreless thanks to Alex Lyon. He's keeping Buffalo in the game early just like he did on opening night.

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Matthew Fairburn @matthewfairburn.bsky.social · 1d

The latest on Josh Norris, Zach Benson and the Sabres' growing injury list.

"Maybe this is just a test for us right off the bat."

Josh Norris, Zach Benson injuries add to Buffalo Sabres’ early-season adversity

It's only the start of the regular season but the shorthanded Sabres will have their work cut out for them.

www.nytimes.com

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Matthew Fairburn @matthewfairburn.bsky.social · 2d

Lindy Ruff said Josh Norris is dealing with a similar injury to last year but it’s a brand new injury. He’s being evaluated and they’ll know more this afternoon. Benson won’t travel to Boston. Sounds like Wednesday is the target for him. Owen Power should be back against Boston.

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Matthew Fairburn @matthewfairburn.bsky.social · 2d

Sabres forward lines look like this at practice

Zucker - Kulich - Thompson
Quinn - McLeod - Tuch
Doan - Krebs - Danforth
Geertsen - Kozak - Malenstyn

D pairs look the same as last night

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Matthew Fairburn @matthewfairburn.bsky.social · 2d

No sign of Josh Norris, Zach Benson or Owen Power on the ice as Sabres start practice. The team travels to Boston this afternoon to play the Bruins tomorrow night.

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Matthew Fairburn @matthewfairburn.bsky.social · 2d

The Sabres have recalled Josh Dunne from Rochester.

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Matthew Fairburn @matthewfairburn.bsky.social · 2d

What we saw from the Sabres' 4-0 loss in the home opener

- Josh Norris injury is the latest concern
- Depth on defense was tested and didn't hold up
- Some goalie thoughts

And more:

Sabres’ thoughts from opening loss: Josh Norris injury the latest concern

Norris was limited by injury to three games after the Sabres traded for him last season. This season didn't start any better.

www.nytimes.com

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Matthew Fairburn @matthewfairburn.bsky.social · 2d

Gary Bettman was in town for the Sabres' home opener and expressed confidence in owner Terry Pegula despite the team's record playoff drought.

"This is taking a little bit longer, but the commitment should never be doubted. He’s a terrific owner.”

Gary Bettman backs ‘terrific’ Sabres owner Terry Pegula amid ongoing playoff drought

“This is a great hockey market and it’s just a question of performance,” Bettman said in response to a question about the Sabres’ struggles.

www.nytimes.com

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Matthew Fairburn @matthewfairburn.bsky.social · 2d

Lindy Ruff said Josh Norris didn’t finish the game for the Sabres. No further update. Zach Benson ended up on the hospital after the cut on his face turned into something unexpected. Expecting Benson to be discharged soon.

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Matthew Fairburn @matthewfairburn.bsky.social · 2d

And it's now 3-0 Rangers. JT Miller deflected a shot from the point. Fans filing for the exits with 2:49 left.

Matthew Fairburn @matthewfairburn.bsky.social · 2d

The Rangers go up 2-0 with 5:14 to play. Carson Soucy with the goal.

Matthew Fairburn @matthewfairburn.bsky.social · 2d

We're about to get our first look at the Sabres' power play this season after a Will Cuylle tripping penalty.

Matthew Fairburn @matthewfairburn.bsky.social · 2d

Sabres down 1-0 to the Rangers after one. Rangers outshooting the Sabres 16-11 and also have a 13-5 advantage in scoring chances and 4-0 advantage in high-danger chances.

Matthew Fairburn @matthewfairburn.bsky.social · 2d

The Rangers get on the board first. Alexis Lafreniere snagged a loose puck in front with Jacob Bryson in coverage. Sabres down 1-0 early.

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Matthew Fairburn @matthewfairburn.bsky.social · 2d

After Sabres GM Kevyn Adams got booed during introductions at last year's home opener, the Sabres elected not to include Adams or any of the front office in this year's introductions. Coaching staff and players only. Kept the energy positive with the sold out crowd in Buffalo.

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