Archives for December 30, 2001

This was a week where the Sabres proclaimed that they were going to turn it around. After losing to the Toronto Maple Leafs last Saturday, the Sabres took their Christmas break and came back determined to turn their season around.

'"There was a trail of blood coming off the ice," Sabres coach Lindy Ruff said. "We knew it was serious."'

'"He's played a good, sound game for us, and he's used his size down low to control play a lot of times. He's still trying to get comfortable with the guys he skates with, but he's played well."'

'Chris Gratton hasn't spoken with Sabres coach Lindy Ruff in weeks. In fact, the center couldn't remember the last time they had a conversation.'

'The problem was the Blue Jackets couldn't hold either lead for more than 86 seconds and they needed a third power- play goal they didn't get. The curse of losing four in a row and 10 of 12 barely abated.'

The Blue Jackets lone December power-play goal before last night came Dec. 1.

Kozlovs right Achilles tendon was almost completely cut when he collided with Blue Jackets center Tyler Wright at 8:06 of the second period. Teammates helped Kozlov to the bench…The cut required 60 stitches.

[Stu Barnes] was a presence all night. Tied the score at 2 with a gritty goal late in the third period.