Archives for January 1, 2003

'Tim Connolly- volunteers to go play in Rochester for the rest of the season.

Taylor Pyatt, Curtis Brown, Vaclav Varada- ditto

Rochester Americans- Accept Pyatt, Brown, and Varada, but send Connolly to the South Carolina Stingrays of the ECHL.'

In our column of November 27, we examined the woeful performance of the Buffalo Sabres' management and scouts in attempting to acquire scoring help through the entry draft. Today, in Part 2 of our series on the draft, we turn to the most important position in team sports — the goaltender. While the recent struggles of former first-round picks Martin Biron and Mika Noronen make this look like yet another area of Sabre drafting disaster, the results are actually a little bit better than what one might expect. zero writes…

'It seems that no matter what moves the Sabres make, goaltending and goal scoring never quite click on the same day.'

'They need to make a commitment to a goaltender, and Miller is the best one in the organization. This kid is ready, and this kid is for real.'

'Several sources confirmed Tuesday that the Empire State Development Corp. has put together a financial assistance package that draws on "a half dozen" state programs. The plan, which is said to include benefits from the state's Empire Zone program, as well as low-cost electricity, comes very close to the state help Buffalo businessman Mark Hamister is seeking to ensure the long-term fiscal viability of the hockey franchise and HSBC Arena, sources said.'

'The Sabres' poor offense was best exemplified on their best scoring chance, a clean breakaway by Denis Hamel late in the third period. At first it appeared Hamel did not even register a shot on Osgood, but replays showed that Osgood just nicked it with a piece of his padding, forcing the shot high and wide.'

'The goal was vindication for Blake after he struggled to beat Miller, who made 25 saves in his third career start. "He stopped me once before on a breakaway," Blake said. "I'm not going to say I picked that spot, but I wanted to get it high."'

For Sabres fans, it appears the team needs a miracle instead of more borrowed time.

'“I'm sick and tired of losing,'' coach Lindy Ruff said. “It would have meant something to win that game. I think it's a baby step to get a point (with an overtime loss).'''

'The Sabres had won eight of the previous 10 meetings with the Islanders.'