Know Your Enemy: Sabres Should Be Sweeping Aging Islanders To Improve Their Playoff Position

TRENDINGTNF preview: Lions at BillsNFL Week 2 picks vs. spreadUNC DC Belichick resignsWild story of Ole Miss QBs returnMLB playoff pictureStory byStory byKnow Your Enemy: Sabres Should Be Sweeping Aging Islanders To Improve Their Playoff PositionTimothy T. Ludwig Imagn ImagesAdam ProteauThu, September 17, 2026 at 11:29 PM UTC·3 min readAbout Our AdsRecommended StoriesSabres GM says team needs to put breakout season behind themBUFFALO — In his remarks to the Sabres as training camp got underway Wednesday, general manager Jarmo Kekalainen stressed they must put last season’s breakout 50-win, 109-point season behind them. In winning the ultra-competitive Atlantic Division and ending their NHL-record 14-year playoff drought, the Sabres morphed into a legitimate Stanley Cup contender and became the league’s darling. ...Niagara Gazette, Niagara Falls, N.Y.Islanders News: Bo knows captainsThe Islanders prospect camp’s second scrimmage agains their Devils counterparts ended in a shootout loss. Cole Eiserman netted another off a feed from Victor Eklund again. Now the real (OK, still pretend, but a little more real) fun begins. Islanders News ElsewhereSB NationAdvertisementAdvertisementIslanders' Mathew Barzal won't skate for two weeks after aggravating an injuryNew York Islanders forward Mathew Barzal is not expected to skate for the next two weeks after aggravating a previous injury, the team said Wednesday on the eve of the start of training camp. With camps shortened around the NHL because of the new, 84-game schedule and the Islanders set to start the season in two weeks, Sept. 30 at Toronto, this puts Barzal's chances of being ready for the opener in jeopardy. "He is actively working to get back to full health," the Islanders said.Associated PressBREAKING: Islanders Forward Mathew Barzal To Be Shut Down For Two Weeks; Opening Night In JeapordyInflammation from a lingering injury forces the star playmaker to the sidelines, potentially sidelining him for the season opener and thrusting sophomore Calum Ritchie into a top-six role.The Hockey News - New York IslandersForward Versatility Will Be Critical For Sabres Success This SeasonYoungsters Kulich, Helenius, and Ostlund, along with veteran Thompson, can play both center and on the wingThe Hockey News - Buffalo SabresSabres forward Jason Zucker expected to miss start of season after having sports hernia surgeryVeteran Buffalo Sabres forward Jason Zucker is expected to miss the start of the season after having surgery to repair a sports hernia. General manager Jarmo Kekäläinen announced the injury on Wednesday as Sabres players reported for the start of training camp. Kekäläinen did not provide an exact timeline, but said Zucker could potentially miss the first two weeks.Associated PressKnow Your Enemy: Mediocre Devils Should Be Easy-Pickings For SabresAs part of an ongoing Sabres series, we're breaking down each of Buffalo's 15 Eastern Conference opponents. And in this file, we're spotlighting the New Jersey Devils. New Jersey has some great players, but they're a team the Sabres need to beat a weaker team in the Devils.The Hockey News - Buffalo SabresSabres Division And Conference Rivals Beat CBA Signing DeadlineHellebuyck not expected to report to Winnipeg camp on WednesdayThe Hockey News - Buffalo SabresIslanders holding out hope Mat Barzal can be ready for opening night despite injuryDarche confirmed the absence is related to a left kneecap injury Barzal suffered two seasons ago.NY Post SportsSabres Announce Training Camp RosterClub will bring 53 players to an abbreviated camp, with the regular season starting on October 1The Hockey News - Buffalo SabresNew Islanders Jersey NumbersFresh faces Matt Kessell, Matias Maccelli, and Vitek Vanecek have claimed their stalls as the Islanders gear up for camp with a rare number making its return.The Hockey News - New York IslandersIslanders General Manager Mathieu Darche Explains Mathew Barzal Injury SituationNew York’s star forward faces a race against time for opening night as management prioritizes long-term health over immediate return following a flare-up of chronic knee inflammation.The Hockey News - New York IslandersSabres Open Training Camp Without Veteran Jason ZuckerThe 34-year-old winger had 24 goals in 62 games last seasonThe Hockey News - Buffalo SabresIs Luca Romano The Islanders' Most Underrated Prospect?New York Islanders' rookie camp has come to close following a thrilling few days, showcasing just how improved the Islanders' farm system is today as compared to three years ago.The Hockey News - New York IslandersIslanders Training Camp News: Barzal health watchThe Islanders open training camp — which are now shorter than past camps per the new CBA — with news that Mathew Barzal will not skate for all of it “due to aggravation of a prior injury that has caused some inflammation.” So we are starting the season with Barzal out, and on Health Watch. […]SB NationThree John Gibson Trade Fits if Red Wings SellJohn Gibson is a pending free agent, and the Sharks, Sabres and Hurricanes all need goaltending help. #RedWingsDetroit Sports Nation4 most-improved NHL teams heading into 2026-27 seasonFour NHL teams made the biggest moves this offseason, addressing key weaknesses and strengthening their rosters for the 2026-27 seasonThe Big Lead