Archives for January 2, 2002

'Noronen is 2-1-1 with a 2.63 goals-against average and has shared backup duties behind Martin Biron with 36-year-old Bob Essensa.'

'The Sabres made the move Tuesday, but didn't rule out promoting Noronen next week once the team returns from a two-game road trip, which opens in Calgary on Thursday.'

'"We're having a tough time to get back at .500," Sabres right wing Vaclav Varada said. "Every time we take one or two steps toward it, we drop a game we should have won. Right now, things aren't going well for us at all."'

'"All I know is he has swelling in his knee, and his hand is very sore to the point where I don't think he could use it if he had to."'

'"It's totally up to them but you have to feel like you belong somewhere," Noronen said.'