Archives for October 2, 2001

How could anyone in his right mind say that losing a two-time Hart- and six-time Vezina-winning goaltender is the best thing that could have happened to a hockey club? The doctors say I am of sound mind, and I'm saying it.

Borrowing from Wayne and Garth, I propose a rally cry for our boys and gals who will soon be kicking some major ass across the big pond in Sandland… “GAME ON!” And to all of my fellow countrymen and Sabres' fans, I wish you the joys of a winning season and the continued comfort of living in a free nation.

'Meanwhile, the defense is down to seven players (plus the injured Henrik Tallinder), leaving 22-year-old Campbell as the odd man out. Campbell played eight games with the parent club last season and 12 games the season before, and had generated plenty of enthusiasm in coach Lindy Ruff during training camp. But Campbell fizzled during the exhibition season and, with last season's NHL-best defensive corps still intact, Sabres management decided that Campbell needed ice time more than big-league seasoning.'

'With seven veterans returning on defense, the Sabres chose the status quo and sent Campbell to the Rochester Americans yesterday along with defenseman Rory Fitzpatrick of Irondequoit and center Chris Taylor. "I feel I'm ready for the opportunity but it's not coming right now," the third-year veteran said last night. "I can't sulk about it. I am disappointed but now I have to go and prove I'm ready for the opportunity."'

'Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed, but Rasmussen was expected to get a large raise from the $481,250 base salary he earned last season. The first two years of the contract are guaranteed, with the Sabres holding an option on the third year.'

'Three nights before their season opener, the Buffalo Sabres on Monday re-signed restricted free agent center Erik Rasmussen to a multi-year contract. Terms were not disclosed.'