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Don Granato

All articles tagged with #don granato

sports1 year ago

"Buffalo Sabres Fire Don Granato Amid 13-Season Playoff Drought"

The Buffalo Sabres have fired coach Don Granato after wrapping up a league-record 13th straight season without the playoffs. Despite showing early improvement under Granato, the team regressed this season, leading to his dismissal. Along with Granato, the Sabres also fired assistant coach Jason Christie and video coordinator Matt Smith, leaving the team in search of its eighth coach in 13 seasons. Granato's contract extension, set to kick in next season, means Sabres owner Terry Pegula will be paying him just under $4 million to not coach the team.

sports1 year ago

"Buffalo Sabres Make Coaching Change After 13-Year Playoff Drought"

The Buffalo Sabres fired head coach Don Granato after failing to make the playoffs despite a strong finish to the season. Granato's coaching saw the team shift from perpetual rebuild to playoff contender in two years, but the team's inconsistency and failure to meet expectations led to his dismissal. General Manager Kevyn Adams and owner Terry Pegula also relieved assistant coach Jason Christie and video coach Matt Smith of their duties.

sports1 year ago

"Buffalo Sabres Fire Don Granato Amid Record Playoff Drought"

Sports columnist Mike Harrington reacts to the firing of Buffalo Sabres coach Don Granato, noting the organization's desperation to end a 13-year playoff drought. Speculation arises about potential replacements, including a possible reunion with former coach Lindy Ruff or a promotion for AHL coach Seth Appert. Granato's firing is attributed to poor performance, lack of urgency, and a disappointing power play. Despite some improvement in the team's performance, the decision reflects the ongoing struggle for the Sabres to find success under the ownership of Terry Pegula.

sports1 year ago

"Buffalo Sabres Fire Don Granato Amid 13-Season Playoff Drought"

The Buffalo Sabres fired head coach Don Granato after finishing their season with a 39-37-6 record and extending their NHL-record playoff drought to 13 seasons. General manager Kevyn Adams cited the need to move in a different direction, despite Granato having two seasons left on his contract. The team also dismissed assistant coach Jason Christie and video coordinator Matt Smith. The Sabres struggled with injuries, goaltending inconsistencies, and a shift to a more defensive style under Granato. The search for a new coach is underway, with potential candidates including Craig Berube, Seth Appert, and Michael Peca.

sports1 year ago

"Sabres Suffer Second-Period Collapse, Fall to Ducks in 4-3 Loss"

The Buffalo Sabres suffered a 4-3 loss to the Anaheim Ducks after a second-period collapse, with Tage Thompson's performance reflecting the team's struggles. Despite dominating in shots and scoring chances, the Sabres failed to capitalize, and self-inflicted mistakes proved costly. While there are signs of improvement, including strong defensive play and individual efforts, the team's inability to convert opportunities and inconsistent performances from key players continue to hinder their progress.

sports2 years ago

"Kraken's Dominance Leaves Sabres Scrambling in NHL Showdown"

The Buffalo Sabres reach the halfway mark of the NHL season with a 17-20-4 record, facing a challenging road to the playoffs. Despite injuries impacting the team's performance, players like Casey Mittelstadt and Jack Quinn have shown promise. Coach Don Granato emphasizes the need for improved performance from every player as the Sabres struggle to stay in the playoff race amidst a turbulent first half of the season.

sports2 years ago

Sabres Rally Behind Granato, Crush Leafs with 9-Goal Statement Win

The Buffalo Sabres, coming off a humiliating 9-4 loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets, turned things around with a 9-3 victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs, becoming the first NHL team in 40 years to follow a game where they gave up nine goals by scoring nine of their own. The Sabres used the fuel of playing the Leafs to show their support for coach Don Granato, who faced chants for his firing from fans. The players took the anti-Granato noise as an indictment of their performance rather than the coach's, and they wanted to prove their loyalty by delivering a strong performance on the ice. Granato expressed his gratitude for the players' belief in him, emphasizing the need to push them. The Sabres' season has been full of ups and downs, with impressive wins against top teams but inconsistency in following up victories.

sports2 years ago

Blue Jackets Dominate Sabres with 9-4 Victory

The Buffalo Sabres suffered a humiliating 9-4 loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets, prompting boos from the crowd and calls for coach Don Granato to be fired. The Sabres have struggled to maintain their scoring touch while attempting to improve defensively, resulting in a negative-20 goal differential. The team's lack of urgency and management's unwillingness to make bold roster moves have contributed to their poor performance. Despite this, coach Granato has made positive contributions, helping players like Tage Thompson, Rasmus Dahlin, and Jeff Skinner achieve career-highs. The Sabres have a tough road ahead as they try to turn their season around.

sports2 years ago

"Buffalo Sabres Secure First Victory in Overtime Against Lightning"

Forward Tyson Jost will make his regular-season debut for the Buffalo Sabres, replacing Victor Olofsson in a game against the Tampa Bay Lightning. Jost will center the fourth line, while Peyton Krebs moves to the wing on a line with JJ Peterka and Dylan Cozens. Coach Don Granato is excited to see Jost in the lineup and believes he will be a positive influence on the team. The Sabres are looking to rebound from their slow start and find their groove. The line of Zach Benson, Jordan Greenway, and Casey Mittelstadt has been impressive so far. The Lightning, led by Victor Hedman, Steven Stamkos, and Nikita Kucherov, present a talented challenge for the Sabres.

sports2 years ago

"Buffalo Sabres: Rising Playoff Contenders with New Additions and Honoring Legends"

Buffalo Sabres' general manager Kevyn Adams reflects on the challenging seasons that led to the team's transformation into a contender. Key moments include the hiring of associate general manager Jason Karmanos, the appointment of Don Granato as head coach, the selection of Owen Power as the first overall pick in the NHL draft, and the emergence of Tage Thompson as a top center. The Sabres are now seen as a legitimate playoff contender after coming close to ending their playoff drought last season.

sports2 years ago

Sabres Secure Clifton, Johnson, Richards, and Cooley in Impressive Offseason Moves

Connor Clifton has joined the Buffalo Sabres on a three-year contract after being pursued by several teams in free agency. The Sabres view Clifton as the solution to their defensive needs, as his style of play complements their offensive-minded approach. Clifton brings physicality, playoff experience, and a two-way game to the Sabres' blue line. He is familiar with coach Don Granato's system, having played under him at the USA Hockey National Team Development Program. Clifton is eager to earn a spot on the Sabres' top defense pairs and help the team end their playoff drought.

sports2 years ago

Sabres struggle at home, suffer ugly loss to Predators.

The Buffalo Sabres suffered another embarrassing defeat, losing 7-3 to the Nashville Predators at home. The Sabres have now given up 26 goals in their last four home games, breaking a franchise record. The team has been outscored 19-5 in their last three games and is 0-3-1 in their last four games. Despite the poor performance, coach Don Granato remains defiant and believes the team will get through this rough patch. Veteran goalie Craig Anderson had a terrible night, giving up six goals on 20 shots before being pulled in favor of Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen.