Practice Takeaways | Anderson's outlook, Hinostroza's energy and more

Craig Anderson took a maintenance day while the rest of the Sabres practiced on Wednesday, part of what will be a regular routine for the 41-year-old goaltender in his 20th NHL season.
Anderson - who was back on the ice for practice on Thursday - explained that his balance between rest and recovery has its roots in the end of last season.
"I think last year at the end of the year we found a pretty good routine that works," he said. "We're going to continue to build on that and just take it day by day."

Anderson was on the fence about continuing his playing career when the call came from the Sabres on the opening day of free agency in 2020. He had spent the prior season as the third goaltender for the Capitals, a role that saw him play just six games between the regular season and playoffs.
Eager to serve in a mentorship role but also determined to prove he could still contribute in goal, Anderson decided to join the Sabres on a one-year deal. He won four of six starts to open the season, then an injury sidelined him through January.
He struck a balance between practice and rest after his return, posting an 11-5-2 record in 18 starts in March and April. That run coincided with the Sabres' best stretch as a team.
"I think it's just based on how I feel that day and obviously with the history that I had last year, we've got a routine that seems to be working," he said.
"It's going to be a day-to-day thing where some days you're going to feel great when you get out of bed, other days you're going to get out of bed and everything's going to hurt. And then it's just a matter of figuring out what's the best way to navigate that."
Here are more notes from Thursday's practice at KeyBank Center.
1. Anderson echoed a sentiment he expressed at the end of last season regarding his belief in the Sabres' direction.
"It seems like I keep looking at myself and saying I wish I was 10 years younger, because it is such a great fit and a great spot to be in," he said. "For me to be a part of this growth and to be a part of the solution that they're looking for, I'm honored and I'm humbled by it."
2. We wrote after the win over Carolina on Tuesday about Vinnie Hinostroza's energy, which coaches and players describe as infectious.
Sabres coach Don Granato expanded on that point on Thursday, explaining how Hinostroza's effort in practice creates a ripple effect that spills into games.

"He drives it," Granato said. "Everything matters to Vinnie. So, when you run practices … you don't want guys to go through the motions. You want guys to pay attention to details. And he has done that his entire career and that helps.
"He's a real positive influence for other guys that makes our guys compete harder in practice, which helps them compete better in a game. And he pays attention to detail. So, beyond just the obvious we would see in an NHL game, there's much more depth to why he's a valuable player for us."
3.The Sabres open the season against the Senators one week from today.

We hope to see you at KeyBank Center.