‘“I know Ryan Miller is one of the best goaltenders in the game but there seems to be something missing chemistry wise in the locker room” Roenick said. They’re just not playing together, playing hard for each other when they get onto the ice.”’
Pominville Ready For Another Late Playoff Push ★
‘Despite the grim outlook after such a promising start, the captain does have hope that Buffalo can make a run at a playoff spot, adding, “there’s a lot of games to be played yet and we gotta make a push and we gotta make it soon but at the same time…it is tough to keep it off your mind, you’re constantly thinking about it.” Winning in New Jersey to start the All-Star break was a step in the right direction for Buffalo. The victory snapped a 5-game losing skid and gave the team only their third win in January (3-7-1).’
No car, no problem for Pominville ★
‘Pominville, the Sabres’ leading scorer with 47 points in 49 games, was selected 36th overall (third-to-last player taken) during the draft by Team Alfredsson. The final four picks, all forwards, included Pominville, Couture, Boston’s Tyler Seguin and Dallas’ Jamie Benn.’
Friday's Rochester Coverage ★
For Rochester Amerks, victories becoming more crucial (Rochester D&C)
Amerks collide with Crunch Friday night in downtown Syracuse (Amerks.com)
The Sabres Report - January 26, 2012
Hecht's injury worries Sabres ★
‘“He’s not good,” Sabres coach Lindy Ruff told reporters in New Jersey. “He’s got concussion symptoms. (He) wasn’t feeling bad (Monday). He took a hit from (T.J.) Oshie in St. Louis, kind of an elbow Ö and came off (Tuesday morning) and he was a mess. He couldn’t focus. Emotionally, he was really unstable. He’s in a tough place right now.”’
Buffalo Sabres, suds on tap for Rochester-area hockey fans ★
‘”Our customers come here knowing they can watch hockey,” Hickey said. “I think we’re lucky we already had satellite so we didn’t have to make the switch or leave other customers wondering if they could come to our place and catch the game … and because a lot of people still have Time Warner, they’re coming to us to catch the games, because they don’t get them. It’s definitely a perk for us.”‘
Thursday's Rochester Coverage ★
Grand Rapids Griffins score early in win over Rochester Americans (Rochester D&C)
Grand Rapids Griffins beat Rochester Americans, climb out of last place (Grand Rapids Press)
Strong first period sends Griffins past Amerks, 4-1 (Amerks.com)
Strong first period sparks Griffins’ 4-1 win (GriffinsHockey.com)
Photo gallery (GriffinsHockey.com)
The Sabres Report - January 25, 2012
Sabres go break dancing ★
‘”To finally win one, at least you can feel good going into the break. This would be a really tough break if you walk into the break with even a shootout loss, but this picks your spirits up. It creates hope. You heard it. It’s the first time in a while the guys have really felt good.”‘
Fans' fury deserves an answer ★
‘Reaction to the column was interesting if not entertaining, and it sparked arguments among several readers.’
Another concussion sidelines Hecht ★
‘”He’s not good,” Sabres coach Lindy Ruff said after the game. “He’s got concussion symptoms. Wasn’t feeling bad [Monday]. He took a hit from [T.J.] Oshie in St. Louis, kind of an elbow — and came off [Tuesday] and he was a mess. He couldn’t focus. Emotionally, he was really unstable. He’s in a tough place right now. We’re worried. … To come off and be the way he was tells you that there’s something wrong.”‘
No way top-paid Sabres finish worst in NHL ★
‘”As poorly as the Sabres have been playing, they’ll surely finish ahead of at least Columbus and Edmonton.”‘
Wednesday's New Jersey Coverage ★
Devils fall in shootout, lose 2-1 to Sabres (New York Post)
Devils stumble into All-Star break with loss to Buffalo Sabres (Newark Star Ledger)
Devils’ Martin Brodeur after loss to Sabres: ‘We’re not an elite team’ (Newark Star Ledger)
Devils’ Adam Henrique won’t blame mini-slump on sore groin (Newark Star Ledger)
Devils head to break with a shootout heartbreak (Bergen Record)
Photo gallery (NewJerseyDevils.com)
Photo gallery (Sabres.com)
Photo gallery (AP)
Photo gallery (WIVB-TV)
Sabres snap 12-game road skid ★
‘Jason Pominvile and Nathan Gerbe scored in a shootout and Ryan Miller made 27 saves as the Buffalo Sabres snapped a 12-game losing streak on the road with a 2-1 victory over the New Jersey Devils on Tuesday night.’
Buffalo 2, New Jersey 1 (SO) ★
‘Nathan Gerbe’s goal in the fourth round of the shootout gave the Buffalo Sabres a rare road win in a 2-1 decision over the New Jersey Devils.’
Sabres beat Devils 2-1 in shootout ★
‘Outside of the early chances, neither team had many opportunities to score and the Sabres and Devils went to a shootout.’