Archives for January 17, 2001

Inside — really inside — the numbers of the Sabres’ 3-1 win over the Bolts.

Just what the doctor ordered to cure the winter blues: a hot goalie. Buffalo fans have been waiting for the kettle to start boiling, and The Dominator stole a game with 40 saves like he used to routinely so often before, throwing his body all over the crease

As a Sabre, the friendly, almost effeminate Zinger routinely had to ask teammates to shoo scary little gnats and daddy long legs and lady bugs away from his locker. Now he’s the second coming of Dale Hunter? What’s up with that?

‘The "Dominator" proved his worth versus the Tampa Bay Lightning on Tuesday night. The Bolts had an offensive charge, but ran into the brick wall known as Dominik Hasek.’

‘"Dom was Dom tonight," Lightning coach and former Sabres assistant John Tortorella said. "The people have been waiting for him to play like that, and you guys have seen it plenty. I thought he was the big difference this evening."’

‘The Sabres were the ones who blinked first, though. Their latest offer is a significant move forward, a sign that the organization is fearful of losing one of its most popular players and willing to find a reasonable middle ground.’

‘"I’m surprised you’re telling me they sent me something because Michael made his position clear," Meehan said. "So I have no idea why he’s sending me anything."’

‘More than any single person — with the exception of goaltender Dominik Hasek — Mike Peca is responsible for the work ethic that has made the Sabres a substantial force in the NHL’s Eastern Conference.’

‘Buffalo coach Lindy Ruff had been waiting for his MVP goaltender to again be dominating. Unfortunately for the Lightning, Dominik Hasek chose Tuesday night to regain his status as "The Dominator."’

‘"And for us, Chris has really fit into a nice role. He’s scoring some goals, he’s good on faceoffs and he is starting to use that big body of his in front of the net. I think both parties are happy."’