Archives for December 8, 2001

This was to be the litmus test for the Buffalo Sabres. After coming home from a hugely successful 3-game road trip, the Sabres were now going up against the Stanley Cup champion Colorado Avalanche. The Sabres failed the test miserably as the Avalanche completely buried Buffalo 4-1.

'As of Friday morning, the Bruins led the NHL in overtime games (11) and overtime wins (5).'

'They may still be without LW Sergei Samsonov (knee), their scoring leader at 10-19-29, and D Hal Gill (shoulder).'

'"In the second period we had five or six real good opportunities to put them away, and we didn't," Sabres coach Lindy Ruff said.'

'Buffalo is 2-5-0-1 in the second of games on back-to-back nights.'

'Buffalo Sabres captain Stu Barnes has been named the new spokesman for Univera Healthcare's anti-smoking campaign for youths, 2 Smart 2 Start.'

'In the past nine games, the Avs have scored 32 goals. They recorded 41 in their first 21.'

'Colorado improved to 13-0 when leading after two periods.'

'What, aren't we good enough to warrant Patrick Roy's presence against us, Sabres fans grumbled? That kind of talk is a slam against Aebischer's abilities, and the Swiss goalie played Friday night as if he were out to prove himself to the sellout Sabres crowd.'

'"It was sitting there for us," Ruff said. "We didn't take advantage of it."'