There are eight games on the docket in the NHL on Thursday night. I got shut out on my three picks last night, so let’s hope to bounce back tonight. I’m looking

1. After the Sabres’ morning skate on Thursday, players gathered at center ice for a stretch. Josh Doan was in the middle of that circle, and his teammates surrounded him with a chorus of stick taps. Doan is fresh off signing a seven-year contract worth $6.95 million per year, news that was clearly exciting to his teammates.

Josh Doan secured his long-term future with the Buffalo Sabres by signing a seven-year, $48.65 million contract. The 23-year-old forward recorded a career-best season, notching 15 goals and 20 assists in 49 games.

Buffalo Sabres forward Tage Thompson was named the NHL’s First Star of the Week, the league announced Monday. The alternate captain led the NHL with nine points (3+6) during the week, powering the Sabres to a 2-1-1 record in a crucial stretch of schedule.

The Buffalo Sabres set out to start a new hot streak as they hit the road Monday afternoon for a matchup with the Carolina Hurricanes. The game is scheduled to start at 1:30 p.m. ET with TV coverage on TNT and streaming on-demand.

The Buffalo Sabres' surprising nine-game win streak has been achieved by a revitalized defense, timely offense and veteran player performances.