Sabres coach Lindy Ruff might have been better off declining penalties Thursday night. Scoreless on a season-high six power-play chances, the Sabres gave up a pair of shorthanded goals in a 5-2 loss in Calgary against a Flames team that came in ranked 30th in the NHL on the penalty kill.

Buffalo Sabres goalie prospect Devon Levi is putting together a terrific season in the AHL. He’s 12-3-2 with a .913 save percentage, 2.33 goals-against average and two shutouts. He was named to the AHL All-Star Game. At that level, the 23-year-old has looked the part as one of hockey’s most promising goalie prospects.

Connor Bedard looked downtrodden after the Chicago Blackhawks’ 5-2 loss to the Calgary Flames. If anyone should feel down in the dumps, it’s Seth Jones.

Jonathan Huberdeau and the Flames get a favorable home matchup with the Sabres tonight. Look for Huberdeau to lead on the way on offense in this one.

Between the Blackhawks (one) and the four teams that have drafted eight times in the first round over the last five drafts, there have only been two first overall picks. The Blackhawks got Connor Bedard in 2023 and the Sabres selected Owen Power in 2021.

NHL trade deadline approaches, rumors are swirling around potential moves, with one of the biggest names in the mix being Colorado Avalanche star Mikko Rantanen.

It was a career night for team captain Patrick Thomas took part in every goal scored by his team finishing the night with one goal and five assists. Bagging six points in a single game is a career high for Thomas who has 67 points so far this season. That eclipses his former high of 66 points in a single season.

Rob Couch searches the fantasy hockey waiver wire for the top defensemen streamers to add in Week 16 of the NHL season.

On Thursday, the Calgary Flames will host the Buffalo Sabres, the last time the two teams will play this season. In the past, there have been a handful of sizable trades between the two teams.

The Montreal Canadiens suddenly are in a playoff race following a strong 16-game run. The Canadiens will try to boost their chances Tuesday night when they host the Tampa Bay Lightning in the second of three matchups between the Atlantic Division rivals this season.

Breaking down what is another crucial game for the New York Rangers, plus NHL news and notes, including the passing of former New Jersey Devils coach Tom McVie.