Sabres players react to fans as hot streak draws attention

Buffalo has won 13 of its last 15 games and is drawing larger home crowds, with players and visiting coaches noting a more complete team and stronger home-ice energy.

Buffalo has won 13 of its last 15 games, and that run has brought noticeably larger crowds back to KeyBank Center. The team has six sellouts so far this season, up from four last year, and is averaging about 1,000 more fans per game while still reporting an 88.8 percent average capacity. Players say the louder, more informed home crowd is celebrating small defensive plays and creating energy that lifts the bench. Visiting coaches and Sabres staff have pointed to the team playing a steadier, more complete game. Key developments: - Buffalo has won 13 of 15 games and carries a strong home record (14-6-2); the Panthers handed the Sabres their first home loss since Nov. 28. - Attendance has risen: six sellouts this season versus four last season, about 1,000 more fans per game on average, though the team still records an 88.8 percent capacity figure league-wide. - Players including Zach Benson, Beck Malenstyn and Josh Norris said fans are reacting to small plays like blocked shots and stick lifts, which they feel energizes the team. - Opponents' perspectives: Mike Sullivan and Paul Maurice noted Buffalo is harder to play against; Maurice described the Sabres as "a legit team" in the Eastern Conference picture. - NHL note: Commissioner Gary Bettman said the league wants to hold an outdoor game at the Buffalo Bills' new stadium once it is completed, but no date has been finalized. - Injury updates: Michael Kesselring is unlikely for the Flyers game but could be available against the Canadiens; Mattias Samuelsson returned to practice after leaving a game; Alex Lyon has not resumed practice yet; Josh Dunne was being evaluated for a mid-body injury. Summary: The Sabres' recent surge has strengthened the home-ice atmosphere and drawn public notice from opponents and league officials. Buffalo has six more home games before the Olympic break, including matchups with the Canadiens, Flyers and Penguins. How the team manages injuries and maintains its consistency will shape the next stretch of the season.