Archives for April 14, 2001

Buffalo’s young forward Erik Rasmussen has opened some eyes around the league with his extra efforts when it goes to overtime. Who can forget his two key plays to win back-to-back overtimes in mid-February?

With the security blanket of a guaranteed split on the road, Buffalo has grabbed the early edge in momentum — not so much because they have regained whatever perceived home-ice advantage there is but because they have the Flyers in a catch-up mentality now.

With their backs against the wall, the Flyers are going to come out hitting in an attempt to lure a Sabre into taking a penalty.

'The Sabres were one of the NHL's most deadly teams this season when they scored the first goal. They were downright murderous when they led at the first intermission. This afternoon they will discover how well they can bury an opponent after drawing first blood in the Stanley Cup playoffs.'

'"The game could have gone either way," winger John LeClair said after practice Friday in the Flyers' practice facility in Voorhees, N.J. "We could be sitting here up, 1-0. There's nothing to get too frustrated about."'

'Winger Rob Ray skated just one shift, for a total of 64 seconds, Wednesday night. He recorded no penalties, no shots on goal, no hits. His plus/minus was, predictably, even. His line on the stat sheet consists of a series of empty boxes. But Ray had a job to do Wednesday, and he appears to have performed that job to perfection.'

'Barber was just what this team needed: An honest and fiercely competitive coach who demanded that they practice hard, communicate and be accountable. A team that reflected its new coach.'

'"That game sums up what the playoffs are about," Ruff said of the Washington Capitals' eye-opening 1-0 victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins. "Guys that normally don't check, check. I thought the intensity level in that game was as high as it can come for a Game One."'

'"It's important for us to establish a good forecheck," left winger John LeClair said. "It's important for us to get pucks in deep when nothing is going. Get a hit and get it back and start putting the puck in the net."'

'He is skating. He is feeling better. And he is going to Buffalo after today's game against the Sabres.'