The Buffalo Sabres fourth goal on Thursday kept getting changed between Tage Thompson and Ryan McLeod. It was the next day when I could actually sit down and talk to McLeod about getting his first NHL hat trick.

They’ve done so in recent weeks, primarily to condition the five-man defensive unit to handle late-game pressure. But these recent third-period outcomes have emphasized the need for offensive work at 6-on-5, as well. After practice, Sabres coach Lindy Ruff identified the areas needing improvement.

Summoned from minors

The club is last in the Eastern Conference with an 18-26-5 record and, barring an unprecedented run, the playoff drought that’s chased off season-ticket holders will reach 14 years.

Tage Thompson and JJ Peterka had hat tricks, and Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen made 25 saves as Buffalo rolled to a 7-2 win over Boston.

Greenway (undisclosed) is slated to begin practicing with the Sabres soon, Lance Lysowski of The Buffalo News reports Monday. At this point, Greenway probably shouldn't be expected to play in ...

McLeod (upper body) will be in the lineup versus Edmonton on Saturday, Mike Harrington of The Buffalo News reports. McLeod will make his return to the ice following a three-game stint on the shelf ...

In 45 games this season, McLeod has 10 goals and 14 assists for 24 points. Now in his fifth NHL season, the Mississauga, Ont., native has 42 goals and 57 assists for 99 points in 264 career games ...

Rasmus Dahlin has recorded 15 assists in his last 15 games. Dahlin is two assists away from tying Mike Ramsey for the second-most assists (256) by a Sabres defenseman alltime. Dahlin is one goal away from tying Ramsey for the second-most goals by a defenseman in franchise history (73).

The Sabres have the assets to entice Vancouver into a trade. The bigger question is what, exactly, Buffalo might have to give up.

EDMONTON – Ryan McLeod was ushered by his teammates to center ice to lead the Buffalo Sabres’ post-practice stretch on Friday, surrounded by the familiar sights of a building where he competed ...

NHLFlames @NHLBlackhawks #Blackhawks @PrimeVideo #NHL #THN @TheHockeyNews @SportsOnPrimeCA #PrimeVideoCA The Sabres have earned two straight wins over the Flames. A win tonight would mark Buffalo’s first winning streak of three or more games against Calgary since the team won four in a row against the Flames from March 18,