Matthew Fairburn
@matthewfairburn.bsky.social
Writing about the Buffalo Sabres and NHL for The Athletic. Occasionally writing about the Buffalo Bills as well.
Pinned
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
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...
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...
The Sabres recalled Isak Rosen from Rochester and sent Zac Jones down to the AHL.
February 1, 2026 at 4:46 PM
The Sabres recalled Isak Rosen from Rochester and sent Zac Jones down to the AHL.
Reposted by Matthew Fairburn
On Canadiens-Sabres:
From me, the potential solutions to some nagging problems that led to a Canadiens comeback win: www.nytimes.com/athletic/701...
From @matthewfairburn.bsky.social, the Sabres were unhappy it was essentially a road game and other thoughts: www.nytimes.com/athletic/701...
From me, the potential solutions to some nagging problems that led to a Canadiens comeback win: www.nytimes.com/athletic/701...
From @matthewfairburn.bsky.social, the Sabres were unhappy it was essentially a road game and other thoughts: www.nytimes.com/athletic/701...
Canadiens' big win over Sabres provides solutions to some nagging problems
www.nytimes.com
February 1, 2026 at 2:39 PM
On Canadiens-Sabres:
From me, the potential solutions to some nagging problems that led to a Canadiens comeback win: www.nytimes.com/athletic/701...
From @matthewfairburn.bsky.social, the Sabres were unhappy it was essentially a road game and other thoughts: www.nytimes.com/athletic/701...
From me, the potential solutions to some nagging problems that led to a Canadiens comeback win: www.nytimes.com/athletic/701...
From @matthewfairburn.bsky.social, the Sabres were unhappy it was essentially a road game and other thoughts: www.nytimes.com/athletic/701...
Nick Suzuki said last night was a must win for the Canadiens. Their fans swarmed to Buffalo to match that statement. Thoughts on a frustrating loss for the Sabres, who have to move on quickly with a tough week ahead
Rasmus Dahlin frustrated as Montreal fans dominate Sabres’ home loss: 3 thoughts
A large chunk of the crowd, particularly in the lower bowl, was wearing the visiting team’s colors Saturday night.
www.nytimes.com
February 1, 2026 at 12:57 PM
Nick Suzuki said last night was a must win for the Canadiens. Their fans swarmed to Buffalo to match that statement. Thoughts on a frustrating loss for the Sabres, who have to move on quickly with a tough week ahead
Sabres captain Rasmus Dahlin on the atmosphere in Buffalo tonight, which featured a heavy dose of Canadiens fans: “I really, really appreciate the fans that came out, but I don’t want to see that many red in the future.”
February 1, 2026 at 3:06 AM
Sabres captain Rasmus Dahlin on the atmosphere in Buffalo tonight, which featured a heavy dose of Canadiens fans: “I really, really appreciate the fans that came out, but I don’t want to see that many red in the future.”
Canadiens get an empty netter and take a 4-2 lead with 47 seconds left.
February 1, 2026 at 2:43 AM
Canadiens get an empty netter and take a 4-2 lead with 47 seconds left.
Cole Caufield scores again, and the Canadiens are up 3-2 in the third period. Kirby Dach took the puck from Michael Kesselring in the corner and started a quick passing play to Caufield in front of the net.
February 1, 2026 at 2:25 AM
Cole Caufield scores again, and the Canadiens are up 3-2 in the third period. Kirby Dach took the puck from Michael Kesselring in the corner and started a quick passing play to Caufield in front of the net.
The Canadiens get the equalizer. Naturally, it's Cole Caufield, as it always seems to be when Montreal needs a goal. Perfect re-direct. Buffalo and Montreal tied at 2 in the third.
February 1, 2026 at 2:15 AM
The Canadiens get the equalizer. Naturally, it's Cole Caufield, as it always seems to be when Montreal needs a goal. Perfect re-direct. Buffalo and Montreal tied at 2 in the third.
Sabres are taking a 2-1 lead to the second intermission. Standing ovation from the home crowd.
February 1, 2026 at 1:48 AM
Sabres are taking a 2-1 lead to the second intermission. Standing ovation from the home crowd.
Noah Ostlund scores just as the Sabres power play is expiring. Alex Tuch found him with a pass in the slot. Buffalo has a 2-1 lead on Montreal.
February 1, 2026 at 1:47 AM
Noah Ostlund scores just as the Sabres power play is expiring. Alex Tuch found him with a pass in the slot. Buffalo has a 2-1 lead on Montreal.
Owen Power scores to tie the game at 1. Huge goal from Power, his fourth of the year.
February 1, 2026 at 1:27 AM
Owen Power scores to tie the game at 1. Huge goal from Power, his fourth of the year.
Juraj Slafkovsky scores on the power play. Picked a corner. Canadiens have a 1-0 lead on the Sabres with 8:40 left in the first period.
February 1, 2026 at 12:34 AM
Juraj Slafkovsky scores on the power play. Picked a corner. Canadiens have a 1-0 lead on the Sabres with 8:40 left in the first period.
Big one in Buffalo tonight. Sabres and Habs getting ready to drop the puck.
February 1, 2026 at 12:15 AM
Big one in Buffalo tonight. Sabres and Habs getting ready to drop the puck.
Jordan Greenway is on the ice for warmups, but he's not taking line rushes. Looks like Tyson Kozak will again take his place in the Sabres' lineup against the Canadiens tonight.
January 31, 2026 at 11:43 PM
Jordan Greenway is on the ice for warmups, but he's not taking line rushes. Looks like Tyson Kozak will again take his place in the Sabres' lineup against the Canadiens tonight.
Reposted by Matthew Fairburn
What’s behind the Sabres’ sudden surge? 6 key reasons for how Buffalo went from down and out to the hottest team in the NHL starting with a crazy game in Edmonton
What’s behind Buffalo Sabres’ sudden surge? 6 key reasons for their turnaround
The Sabres are on a 20-3-1 stretch and have climbed from last place in the Eastern Conference to a playoff spot.
www.nytimes.com
January 31, 2026 at 11:47 AM
What’s behind the Sabres’ sudden surge? 6 key reasons for how Buffalo went from down and out to the hottest team in the NHL starting with a crazy game in Edmonton
Lindy Ruff said Jacob Bryson is day to day for the Sabres and could be available at the beginning of next week. Josh Norris will practice tomorrow and they’ll evaluate him from there. Jordan Greenway is a possibility for tonight. Game time decision.
January 31, 2026 at 4:41 PM
Lindy Ruff said Jacob Bryson is day to day for the Sabres and could be available at the beginning of next week. Josh Norris will practice tomorrow and they’ll evaluate him from there. Jordan Greenway is a possibility for tonight. Game time decision.
Josh Norris and Jacob Bryson on the ice for Sabres morning skate. Alex Lyon in the starter’s next.
January 31, 2026 at 3:33 PM
Josh Norris and Jacob Bryson on the ice for Sabres morning skate. Alex Lyon in the starter’s next.
What’s behind the Sabres’ sudden surge? 6 key reasons for how Buffalo went from down and out to the hottest team in the NHL starting with a crazy game in Edmonton
What’s behind Buffalo Sabres’ sudden surge? 6 key reasons for their turnaround
The Sabres are on a 20-3-1 stretch and have climbed from last place in the Eastern Conference to a playoff spot.
www.nytimes.com
January 31, 2026 at 11:47 AM
What’s behind the Sabres’ sudden surge? 6 key reasons for how Buffalo went from down and out to the hottest team in the NHL starting with a crazy game in Edmonton
According to The Athletic's NHL playoff predictor, the Sabres have an 82-percent chance to make the playoffs. And they now have a non-zero chance of winning the Stanley Cup.
"We’re not just gonna go for the playoffs, we’re gonna go for the Cup."
"We’re not just gonna go for the playoffs, we’re gonna go for the Cup."
Alex Tuch says Sabres aren’t just headed for playoffs — they want the Stanley Cup
"We're not in here just to squeak in," said Tuch, who scored a hat trick against the Kings.
www.nytimes.com
January 30, 2026 at 5:41 PM
According to The Athletic's NHL playoff predictor, the Sabres have an 82-percent chance to make the playoffs. And they now have a non-zero chance of winning the Stanley Cup.
"We’re not just gonna go for the playoffs, we’re gonna go for the Cup."
"We’re not just gonna go for the playoffs, we’re gonna go for the Cup."
Digging through some stats this morning: During the Sabres' 20-3-1 stretch, Mattias Samuelsson has 20 points. He also leads all Sabres defenseman with 45 hits during that stretch and leads the whole team with 48 blocked shots. What a season he's having.
January 30, 2026 at 3:31 PM
Digging through some stats this morning: During the Sabres' 20-3-1 stretch, Mattias Samuelsson has 20 points. He also leads all Sabres defenseman with 45 hits during that stretch and leads the whole team with 48 blocked shots. What a season he's having.
The Cup?!
@sabresprospects.bsky.social and I discuss the surging Sabres and their soaring confidence on the latest episode of BFHS. Find us on YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts.
YT: www.youtube.com/watch?v=iYSn...
Apple: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/b...
@sabresprospects.bsky.social and I discuss the surging Sabres and their soaring confidence on the latest episode of BFHS. Find us on YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts.
YT: www.youtube.com/watch?v=iYSn...
Apple: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/b...
January 30, 2026 at 3:10 PM
The Cup?!
@sabresprospects.bsky.social and I discuss the surging Sabres and their soaring confidence on the latest episode of BFHS. Find us on YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts.
YT: www.youtube.com/watch?v=iYSn...
Apple: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/b...
@sabresprospects.bsky.social and I discuss the surging Sabres and their soaring confidence on the latest episode of BFHS. Find us on YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts.
YT: www.youtube.com/watch?v=iYSn...
Apple: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/b...
After beating the Kings, Alex Tuch said the Sabres aren’t just aiming for the playoffs. They want to win the Stanley Cup.
More on another impressive win and the growing confidence in Buffalo.
“We’re not in here just to squeak in.”
More on another impressive win and the growing confidence in Buffalo.
“We’re not in here just to squeak in.”
Alex Tuch says Sabres aren’t just headed for playoffs — they want the Stanley Cup
"We're not in here just to squeak in," said Tuch, who scored a hat trick against the Kings.
www.nytimes.com
January 30, 2026 at 11:10 AM
After beating the Kings, Alex Tuch said the Sabres aren’t just aiming for the playoffs. They want to win the Stanley Cup.
More on another impressive win and the growing confidence in Buffalo.
“We’re not in here just to squeak in.”
More on another impressive win and the growing confidence in Buffalo.
“We’re not in here just to squeak in.”
Alex Tuch after Sabres win: "We’re trying to prove as a team that we’re legit. We’re not just gonna go for the playoffs, we’re gonna go for the Cup, and that’s our goal: get better each and every day. That's it. That's the end goal. We're not in here just to squeak in."
January 30, 2026 at 3:38 AM
Alex Tuch after Sabres win: "We’re trying to prove as a team that we’re legit. We’re not just gonna go for the playoffs, we’re gonna go for the Cup, and that’s our goal: get better each and every day. That's it. That's the end goal. We're not in here just to squeak in."
The Sabres beat the Kings 4-1, and that’s Alex Lyon’s 10th straight win in net. That’s a franchise record.
January 30, 2026 at 2:45 AM
The Sabres beat the Kings 4-1, and that’s Alex Lyon’s 10th straight win in net. That’s a franchise record.
Alex Tuch gets the hat trick with an empty netter, and the Sabres take a 4-1 lead on the Kings with a minute to play.
January 30, 2026 at 2:40 AM
Alex Tuch gets the hat trick with an empty netter, and the Sabres take a 4-1 lead on the Kings with a minute to play.
Kings get one back on the power play. Adrian Kempe on a re-direct. Sabres up 3-1.
January 30, 2026 at 1:27 AM
Kings get one back on the power play. Adrian Kempe on a re-direct. Sabres up 3-1.