Archives for November 28, 2002

"In Buffalo, he thought he was bigger than anyone in the organization," a current NHL GM says. "Bigger than the GM, bigger than his star player, Dominik Hasek. "That's what he's done everywhere he's been. He ruined his reputation. Nobody trusts him because of his track record. At least 20 GMs, including myself, would never consider hiring him, because they don't trust him."' (Submitted by: obz)

'"I feel that Marty is at a higher level right now at his age than the norm. And he's maintaining that higher level."'

Off the bench and down the hallway to the lockerroom, here come the Buffalo Sabres, a 1-0 lead on the board and the fans for once actually cheering after 40 minutes. Over the railing above the walkway spill four arms covered to practically their fingertips in the bright red sleeves of their oversized third jerseys. Arms swing, hands wave, fingers wiggle, anything to get the attention of the players below. The Sabres' helmets are only three feet away, but it might as well be three miles.

'The Tampa Bay Lightning spent three days in Atlantic City, N.J., before it arrived in Buffalo. Then the Lightning sat its All-World goalie to start a backup who hadn't won a game in three years and had been activated off injured reserve Saturday. But the Buffalo Sabres still couldn't win.'

'Tampa Bay continues to find ways to earn points on the road.'

'“Confidence is always a big thing and in my case it has certainly helped this year,'' Gratton said. “Last year I was kind of caught up in a numbers game with all the centers we had, so I was placed into a different role. This year I feel like I have got off to a good start, and hopefully it will continue.'''

'The Lightning snapped a six-game losing streak at Buffalo dating to 1999 and, by earning one point for the tie, held onto first place in the Southeast. Tampa Bay tied it on a goal by Fredrik Modin, marking the eighth point it has earned when trailing after two periods and the 10th time it has rallied to earn points this season.'

'"It's exciting to play," said Holzinger, a 5-foot-11, 185-pound native of Parma, Ohio. "When you're hurt, you're excluded from the team a little bit, and it was tough to be on the outside looking in. I wanted to try to get back as soon as possible and be a part of the success."'

'In only his second start of the season, Hodson stopped 22 shots to record his first standings point in more than three years, allowing the Lightning to rally for a 1-1 tie against the Buffalo Sabres on Wednesday.'

'"We would have loved to have two points," Ruff added. "It's baby steps for us. … In our situation now, we're only happy if we win."'