Archives for January 1, 2002

'"It was quite an injury," said Ruff. "I just hope it doesn't hurt the rest of his career. This is a serious injury. It is one that takes quite some time to come back from. For now, the rest of the team is going to have to pick up the slack."'

The results were much better for Cole and his teammates after a 5-4 win. The Sabres edged Carolina in overtime, 3-2, Dec. 14.

The Buffalo Sabres rang out the year the same way as they rang it in last January 1st. The Sabres, who are in danger of falling completely out of the playoff race, lost their Tux & Pucks New Years Eve contest with the Carolina Hurricanes 5-4. Buffalo opened 2001 with a 4-3 loss to the Boston Bruins. Maybe the Sabres can turn the page on the past year and begin a new chapter that will be more successful.

'The time is drawing near where merely taking pride in their ability to bounce back won't be enough.'

'"He is incredibly focused about preparing himself, just like Ron Francis and really all the players I've coached that I think are going to be in the Hall of Fame," Maurice said.'

'The Canes had a ton of chances to extend that lead and put the game away early in the third period but ended up letting Buffalo back into it.'

'Ward, who suffered a charley horse when he was kneed by Peter Bondra in Sunday's 5-5 tie with the Washington Capitals, was able to play against Buffalo. O'Neill, whose back spasms forced him out of the game in the first period Sunday, was not.'

'Sabres coach Lindy Ruff wasn't pleased with either goalie's performance. "We're looking for one guy to take the bull by the horns," Ruff said. "It's a gut instinct right now. I'm trying to find a guy that will win us ahockey game."'

'"Obviously, we've got to be better defensively," Brown said. "We've got to make better decisions with the puck. Remember those turnovers, those things will come back and haunt you. Tonight we made too many mistakes in that area."'

'"It's a loss. You just hope this injury isn't something that hurts his career," Sabres coach Lindy Ruff told the Buffalo News.'