Archives for March 18, 2001

Curtis Brown became Matt Barnaby, skating to the glass near center ice after his second-period goal and smiling obnoxiously into the front row.

If the Gods of Hockey had any flair for the dramatic, Donald Audette would have scored on his first shot on goal in his second tour of duty as a Buffalo Sabre.

‘When Martin Biron gets some work, Martin Biron really gets some work. Buffalo’s backup goalie made 42 saves Saturday night as the Sabres beat the Southeast Division-leading Washington Capitals, 3-2.’

'How tough can it be, slogging through life for just under $3 million a season?'

'The theory around the league is that the Sabres made a killing when they acquired La Machine and Steve Heinze in deals last week. Waddell and Sabres GM Darcy Regier had spoken a few hours earlier, but the deal for Audette wasn't completed until literally the last minute when Regier sweetened the pot with prospect Kamil Piros.'

'The backup to Dominik Hasek, Biron has won seven games this season — including two at the MCI Center.'

'The Buffalo Sabres will win at least one round and should be considered a good bet to advance to the conference final. Great news, eh.'

How do you follow up a 33-save win against the best team in the NHL in your last outing? Simple — stop 42 shots against one of the hottest teams in your conference.

'The Sabres were being vastly outplayed but remained opportunistic. Chris Gratton came away with the puck in a scramble in the crease and flicked the shot into the net on the power play with about 10 minutes left in regulation, the game-winning goal.'

'With two of his team's top defensemen injured, goaltender Martin Biron more than picked up the slack for the Buffalo Sabres.'