Archives for April 2001

'Jagr had a spirited conversation with Penguins coach Ivan Hlinka before the game, according to people who witnessed the exchange. The conversation was in Czech and a Czech photographer who overheard part of the gesture-laden discussion said the topic of the Penguins' defensive system came up at one point.' … [Read more...] about Jagr sits out Game 2

'Without Jaromir Jagr, the Pittsburgh Penguins needed someone to fill the void. Few expected that player to be Andrew Ference.' … [Read more...] about Pens beat Sabres without Jagr

'Who needs the NHL's leading scorer when you've got "The Moose?"' … [Read more...] about Pittsburgh 3, Buffalo 1

'Alexei Zhitnik, leading Sabres defensemen in playoff scoring, sustained what appeared to be a concussion in the first period Saturday against the Pittsburgh Penguins. … [Read more...] about Sabres' Zhitnik out with apparent concussion

'Jagr, who got a charley horse in the second period of Thursday's series opener, did not even feel healthy enough to take part in the pregame skate. The team said Saturday that his status is day-to-day.' … [Read more...] about Jagr misses Game 2

'"Mario's first guy back," shrugs Buffalo coach Lindy Ruff. "That's out of character -- that's the commitment they've got to winning now."' … [Read more...] about Jagr's status almost as puzzling as Penguins' play

Like a sharp slap in the face after a long peaceful nap, the Sabres have awoken to the harsh reality that nothing will come easy in this series, particularly if they don't pay attention to defensive responsibilities in their own end. … [Read more...] about Sabres-Penguins Game 2 "Scouting Report"

The Sabres need to take advantage of the Penguins' small defensive corps and put a body in front of Johan Hedberg. If he can't see the puck, he can't stop it. … [Read more...] about Sabres-Penguins Game 2 "Edge Matchups"

'Goalie Dominik Hasek thought the Sabres' problems were mental: "We didn't work hard enough, and we weren't focused enough for the game. If we want to win four of the next six, we have to change it."' … [Read more...] about Sabres need to right so many wrongs

'But what's this - Lemieux backchecking?' … [Read more...] about Penguins committed to defense

'Lindy Ruff was not a happy coach after the Sabres lost Game One on Thursday night. You could tell, because he criticized players by name. How in the world could the top two players on his checking line, Curtis Brown and Vaclav Varada, go an entire game without recording a hit?' … [Read more...] about Nothing pretty about opener for the Sabres

'Regier further defended the increases by saying that the hockey being played in the playoffs is of higher caliber and therefore worth the price. He expected all the games would sell out even at the higher prices. He thought wrong.' … [Read more...] about Kilgore out of touch

'If the Empire Sports Network had been able to televise more Buffalo Sabres games in the first two playoff rounds, maybe the team could have kept ticket prices at a more reasonable level. Empire has already lost $130,000 because ABC took two opening round games with Philadelphia and it is potentially losing three games and $195,000 in round two with Pittsburgh.' … [Read more...] about ABC keeps Empire from cashing in on big ratings

'"It was great to see Max be physical," Satan said, smiling. "Hopefully other players will follow his lead."' … [Read more...] about Satan looking for passion

'"All those guys understand the game so well, they're so smart," Barnes said. "So if you think about it, it makes pretty good sense. There are guys on that team who really want to win hockey games."' … [Read more...] about Sabres take note of new Pens' punch