Archives for April 10, 2001

'Confidence is critical, and Philadelphia has it right now against Buffalo. Flyers in six.'

'"It's disappointing," he said. "It goes along with the rest of the year."'

'Denied home-ice advantage in the first round of the playoffs, the Sabres will fly back to Buffalo after Wednesday night's game in Philadelphia only to return to Philly Friday afternoon. The extra pair of one-hour flights, Ruff said, is preferable to sticking around a city renowned for its out-of-control fans.'

‘Once again, Doug Gilmour will commute from the planet he has inhabited when the games are played for real. His three-year, $18-million US contract is up this summer and he speaks of retirement in hopeful terms. Gilmour’s Buffalo Sabres have all the elements to boost his Stanley Cup total to two. This is the Killer’s last stand.’

'"It's one of those things that after a while, you don't score for so long, in the back of your mind, you begin to think you can't score on this guy," LeClair said. "Roman has had that effect on a lot of teams this year."'

'A jaded media and fan base, impatient for the Stanley Cup that seemed so close but never quite arrived in the Eric Lindros Era, perhaps has not given full credit to this group. Inside the locker room, there is a quiet feeling that whatever challenge is presented can be met.'

'He's been bothered by a back injury and a sore knee. But the time off has given him sufficient time to heal. With Keith Primeau sidelined by a sprained knee, the Flyers will need all the additional firepower they can muster. Tocchet had a goal and three assists in the Flyers' five-game elimination of the Sabres last year.'

'Under Barber, the Flyers have become a tougher team. He makes no secret of the fact that he's tried to restore some of the pride and tradition from his playing days, when the "Broad Street Bullies'' and their swashbuckling style won a pair of Stanley Cups.'

'Whatever he is now, this is not the Roman Cechmanek who came to training camp as a wide-eyed, closed-mouth first-year goaltender. He has turned 30 years old and seemingly gained several seasons of experience in the seven months he’s been working with the Flyers.'

'"I feel a lot more comfortable now than I did two weeks ago," LeClair said Monday at the Flyers' Voorhees, N.J., practice facility. "Everything is getting better, and that's good news. I'm ready for the playoffs now."'