Buffalo Sabres News and Discussion

‘“I think we’ve made progress,” Rolston said. “I’m not happy that we’re not in the playoffs. We needed to do a better job there, but we made some progress I think as a team. We played better down the stretch in terms of the success that we’ve had… I think a longer season gives you the opportunity for more development and more of the hands-on stuff that we need to be doing in the future.”’

Hackett, Larsson fitting in for Amerks (Buffalo News)
Rochester Amerks look to fight off Toronto sweep (Rochester Democrat and Chronicle)
Several future Buffalo Sabres make mark with Rochester Amerks (Rochester Democrat and Chronicle)

‘There are also questions surrounding the status of Ryan Miller and Thomas Vanek, arguably the team’s top two players. Both are set to become unrestricted free agents in the summer of 2014, and both have made comments that suggest they may not be keen on sticking around through a rebuild. Regier said no decisions have been made on the pair’s futures.’

‘“We have tried some things,” Regier said Monday. “Some things have worked better than others. Some things have not worked very well.”’

‘“The fact of the matter is as soon as we made the decision we sent it out. It could have arrived on somebody’s birthday and they could have said how callous it was. It would be disingenuous to wait to Memorial Day weekend to send it or any time else. As soon as we made the decision, we sent it out.”’

‘How reassuring it must be for fans to know that Regier is ready to suffer for the cause. Come on, people. Do your part. You can start by reviewing game films of the home losses to the Canadiens and Rangers earlier this month.’

‘“I’m willing to do it. I believe our fan base is willing to do it. We certainly don’t want to extend it for a long period of time. We want to make it as short as possible, and that’s the goal.”’

‘An agitated Black sparred with the reporters, at one point telling one to “behave yourself professionally” and that he was showing his bias. Black later apologized and sought two of them out to shake their hands.’

”’It may require some suffering,” Regier said, a phrase he repeated several times during a 45-minute session. ”I understand what we’re talking about here. I understand our fan base. And I would like to think that people will give up some suffering in order to win the Stanley Cup.”’

‘It seemed like the Sabres just changed their opinions on how to proceed, but Regier disagrees, “The vision probably started last season at the trade deadline where we began to move in the direction of that were are going have to acquire more top players. I think it began to come clear and Terry’s been very consistent about this, it’s about building for a Stanley Cup, not a playoff run or not two playoff runs.” Regier added, “There are a number of ways you can do it. You can go to the bottom of the league for five years and hope you come across a Crosby and a Malkin and miss on a couple of guys. Toews, Kane or you can try to see if there’s room in between so as not to create that length of time.”’

‘The team with the top pick after the Draft Lottery is Colorado which jumped up from the number two slot.’

Rochester Amerks face daunting task down 2-0 to Toronto (Rochester Democrat and Chronicle)

‘During the past six seasons, only seven teams have made fewer postseason appearances than Buffalo – Edmonton (zero) and Carolina, Columbus, Florida, the New York Islanders, Toronto and Winnipeg/Atlanta (one each).’

‘“I think I’m ready,” Enroth said about being a No. 1 goalie. “I’m pretty comfortable when I have back-to-back starts and stuff like that. I think I’m ready. We’ll see what happens here.”’

Rochester Amerks’ futility vs. Toronto continues (Rochester Democrat and Chronicle)
Toronto Marlies shut out Rochester Americans (Toronto Star)
D’Amigo helps Marlies to playoff win over Americans (CP)
Amerks fall to Marlies, in Game 2 (Amerks.com)
Marlies Ahead by Two Games Over Rochester in Round One (Marlies.ca)