Archives for December 26, 2002

Despite having no power plays to Buffalos four in the first period, the Senators still outshot the Sabres 9-8.

'Buffalo has dropped four straight and is 1-6-1 in its last eight games following a season-high three-game winning streak.'

'"I'm not asking for one penny of government assistance with regard to purchase of the team, but there are things that need to be addressed. There needs to be an improved sound system and ways to make such a large venue adaptable for smaller shows. There's a need for more parking near the arena and we would like to see some effort to create relief on the debt. It's a community-owned facility, but it is not state-of-the-art and it loses money and those issues have to be addressed."'

'If the Sabres maintain their current level of consistency, they will go 20-47-12-3 for 55 points. That would mark the second-worst record in their 33-year existence…'.

'Among all the imponderables about the Sabres situation is what would happen if the governments couldn't provide any aid and Hamister then withdrew his bid. That could leave the team open for purchase from an outsider, who then could move the team. That would be even more likely if the team has to go through bankruptcy, threatening the nonrelocation clause in the Sabres lease. It's doubtful the arena could survive without the Sabres.'

'The Sens have won their last four road games.'

It has been a bad taste in the mouth for a long time, coach Lindy Ruff told media members following the collapse in Pittsburgh. I do not know if it can get any worse.