Archives for March 21, 2001

'Right around this time last season, the teams played a pair of memorable games in the middle of a race for the final playoff position. Each team won once, but the Sabres' season ended in the playoffs and the Canes' did not. The Canes don't want a repeat ending for this season's playoff race. They want to make the most of this coincidental second chance.'

'Buffalo added right wings Donald Audette and Steve Heinze before the trading deadline. The two add more scoring to the lineup, but these remain the same old Sabres, relying on toughness, mistake-free hockey and their goalie.'

Carolina hasn't been making it easy on itself, going 5-4-1-0 in its past 10 games — so every game remaining will be crucial in determining whether they can return to postseason play or not.

'Quinn's team did not appear prepared, despite the fact Buffalo-Toronto games are among the season's most anticipated matchups. With the playoffs are just around the corner, it's difficult to understand Toronto's apparent lack of interest.'

'Even the most optimistic Leaf fan would have to agree that any doubts about whether this year's team belongs in the "contender" or "pretender" category were removed Tuesday night in a pathetic 3-0 drubbing at the hands of the Buffalo Sabres.'

'Everything one would expect to come from a battle between these two rivals was thrown out the window very early on as the Sabres completely rolled over the Leafs in a very impressive 3-0 rout, extending their winning streak to four games.'

Here's some advice. Do what Steve Heinze does every time he scores five goals in his first four games with a new team — don't think too much.

For the second consecutive game as a defense pairing — necessitated by Jay McKee's injury — the veteran Rhett Warrener and the rookie Dmitri Kalinin sparkled on the blue line.

'The Buffalo Sabres dominated the Toronto Maple Leafs with a fusillade of shots and stellar defensive play in a 3-0 victory.'

'Lindy Ruff would need to search the archives for nearly two years before finding the last time the Buffalo Sabres left the ice with such overwhelming satisfaction.'