Archives for January 29, 2002

'The Sabres earned playoff berths in five straight seasons and a trip to the Stanley Cup finals in 1999, with an average team that had exceptional goaltending. This season they're just plain average, beginning with their 15th-ranked offense (2.67 goals per game).'

'After playing with Dumont and Barnes for most of the season, Satan has a team-high 40 points and is tied with Dumont for the lead in goals (18). The three players have accounted for more than 30 percent of Buffalo's goals, and own 112 points among them.'

'The Buffalo Sabres' two-game winning streak likely will afford forward Erik Rasmussen's shoulder and defenseman Richard Smehlik's psyche more time to mend.'

'Hurricanes' last win against an Eastern Conference opponent came on New Year's Eve against Sabres, 5-4.'