Sharpen Up: December 1, 2021 | Sabres' 2-game trip starts tomorrow night

After a busy stretch of six games in nine days, the Buffalo Sabres have a small chance to catch their collective breath. The team practiced yesterday in Buffalo and is set to return to the ice today in Sunrise, Florida before tomorrow night's game against the Florida Panthers.
We'll have full coverage for you here on Sabres.com.
Florida beat Washington in dramatic fashion last night. Buffalo will take on the Panthers tomorrow night and then play Carolina on Saturday
Here's what you need to know.

Another look at a special night for the Murray family

Rookie Brett Murray scored his first NHL goal on Monday and he was lucky enough to have his family at the game.
Sabres.com's Jourdon LaBarber spoke with Murray's mom, who spoke about the emotions of the night, especially with it being Hockey Fights Cancer Night:
Melody Murray sat down Tuesday morning with a cup of tea and poured over the scrapbook she compiled over the years, a collection of images logging her son's journey from the backyard pond to NHL arenas.
She had just witnessed his latest milestone on Monday. Melody was in attendance along with Brett Murray's girlfriend, Katelyn Hochgeschurz; his sisters, Arika and Alicia; and his father, John, when the Sabres rookie scored his first NHL goal against Seattle inside KeyBank Center.
Melody's phone lit up with messages following the goal, many of which shared a prevailing theme.
"One of the things that was predominantly said was, 'This was meant to be,'" Melody said by phone Tuesday. "He was waiting for you, for his family to be there."

In a journey that has been defined by patience and self-assurance, the extra three-day wait may have been worth it. Monday marked the first time Murray's parents were able to see their son play an NHL game in person, having had to watch remotely last season due to COVID-19 travel restrictions.
It was also Hockey Fights Cancer Night at KeyBank Center. Murray's girlfriend since high school, Katelyn, is a survivor of childhood ovarian cancer. His grandfather, Bob Henry - who coined the nickname "Brettzky" upon seeing Murray receive his first hockey jersey one Christmas morning - passed away from cancer.
Melody had "Dad" written on her "I Fight For" placard during the game. When Brett scored, she and Katelyn cried and embraced one another.
"Here's his girlfriend sitting right next to me and she's a cancer survivor," Melody said. "The universe conspired to make it happen. It was wonderful to be there to witness it."
Read more here.

Yesterday's practice

Before the Sabres went to the airport, they had a practice session at KeyBank Center.
Casey Mittelstadt was a full participant and could make his return on the trip. He's been out since the season opener.
Defenseman Jacob Bryson, who missed Monday's game with a nagging injury, did not practice, but is also on track to play Thursday, according to head coach Don Granato.
After practice, defenseman Christian Wolanin was placed on waivers.

Click here for line combinations and more.

Rochester is back at it tonight

Jack Quinn, Buffalo's top pick in the 2020 NHL Draft, has been having a sensational rookie season with the Rochester Americans so far.
Through 17 games, the forward has 11 goals and 24 points, which are both tops in the AHL. His 13 assists are tied for fifth. He had six points in three games last week.
The reigning AHL Rookie of the Month for October put together another stellar month. He posted 14 points (6+8) in 11 games in November and failed to record a point only twice.
He has eight multi-point games this season.
Fellow rookie JJ Peterka, who is second in Amerks scoring, is tied for sixth in AHL scoring with 18 points (4+14). His 14 assists are tied for second-best in the league.
Rochester hosts the Syracuse Crunch at Blue Cross Arena at 7:05 p.m. tonight.
Read more in our Amerks Update.