Archives for March 4, 2001

'Up against the No. 1 team in the NHL, Buffalo Sabres backup goalie Martin Biron made everyone in the Pepsi Center believe Saturday, as he made 33 saves en route to a 3-2 overtime win over the Colorado Avalanche. "It felt good," Biron said. "I was ready for that game."'

'It's looking more and more like Captain Crunch has two choices: play for the Sabres or sit out the season.'

'Doug Gilmour has seven points in the last five games (two goals, five assists).'

'The Sabres (35-24-5-1) continue to lurk in the middle of the Eastern Conference race and could be a problematic first-round opponent.'

'The Stars and Sabres tied, 2-2, in their first meeting this season, at Buffalo on Nov. 15.'

'When does a loss not really seem like a loss? Well, the Colorado Avalanche's 3-2 overtime defeat to the Buffalo Sabres on Saturday was a prime example.'

'"When you're playing an Eastern Conference team, you're just trying to get the win," said Sakic, who had his 37th goal of the season in the loss. "The loss isn't going to hurt you. The only thing out there is you're trying to add a point in the standings." But still …'

'The Avalanche had expected to see Dominik Hasek in the Buffalo net Saturday, but Martin Biron got his 14th start of the season in the Sabres' 3-2 overtime victory at the Pepsi Center. Biron responded with a solid, 33-save effort and even recovered from taking a Rob Blake shot to the mask in the third period.'

'Entering Saturday, five points separated New Jersey and Toronto for the 3-7 playoff spots in the East, with Buffalo residing in sixth. Stu Barnes gave Buffalo its 76th point when he beat Colorado goalie Patrick Roy on a breakaway 2:08 into overtime.'

'Despite getting outplayed virtually all afternoon, the Sabres were able to win for the third time in four games, thanks to Barnes' heroics.'