Sabres Remain Focused Ahead of Stanley Cup Playoffs

Buffalo center Josh Norris emphasizes keeping a level head as team prepares for postseason run.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 12:19am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the chaotic action of a hockey game, with players' bodies and equipment fractured into overlapping planes of blue and gold, the official colors of the Buffalo Sabres.The Sabres' focused, business-like approach to the playoffs aims to channel their raw athletic energy into a deep postseason run.Buffalo Today

The Buffalo Sabres held their first practice ahead of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, with center Josh Norris emphasizing the importance of maintaining focus and treating the games like any other day at work, rather than putting undue pressure on the team.

Why it matters

The Sabres are making their first Stanley Cup Playoffs appearance in several years, and how the team handles the heightened expectations and intensity of the postseason could determine their success.

The details

Norris, a key player for the Sabres, stressed the need to approach the playoffs with the same mindset as the regular season, avoiding the temptation to make the games 'bigger than they are' and instead focusing on their normal routines and preparation.

  • The Sabres held their first Stanley Cup Playoffs practice on April 17, 2026.

The players

Josh Norris

A center for the Buffalo Sabres who emphasized the importance of maintaining focus and treating the playoffs like any other day at work.

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What they’re saying

“The second you make a game bigger than it is, you put more pressure on yourself. I don't think that's a good thing. You go about your business, like another day at work.”

— Josh Norris, Buffalo Sabres center

What’s next

The Sabres will continue their Stanley Cup Playoffs preparations with additional practices and media availability leading up to their first postseason game.

The takeaway

The Sabres' approach of keeping a level head and treating the playoffs like any other game day will be crucial as the team looks to make a deep run and capture their first Stanley Cup championship.