Archives for January 2003

'Commissioner Gary Bettman said the Chapter 11 filing in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Buffalo is a step toward resolving the financial problems that put the Sabres under the league's control in June. The team is for sale. ``It will enable the Sabres to secure financing that will allow them to continue to operate in the ordinary course, subject to league supervision, while … [Read more...] about Sabres file for bankruptcy protection

The Sabres have been financially troubled for the past few seasons and became the second NHL team in five days to file for bankruptcy. Last Thursday, the Ottawa Senators filed for bankruptcy protection in the United States and Canada. … [Read more...] about Sabres file for bankruptcy, secure financing

'There has been no doubt that Biron has struggle at times for the Sabres this season. Unfortunately, Noronen couldn't do the job in filling in for Biron. Miller has.' … [Read more...] about Sabres have goalie situation

'Bankruptcy would cleanse the Sabres of their debt and allow a new owner to renegotiate any existing concession and arena labor agreements, but it also opens the possibility of the team being sold to an outside bidder who could move it elsewhere, authorities have said.' … [Read more...] about Sabres expected to file for bankruptcy protection

Jason Woolley was a celebrity in newspaper columns throughout NHL cities this week. Many not so cleverly pointed out that Woolley couldn't crack the last place Sabres' lineup but was plenty good enough for the defending Stanley Cup champion Red Wings. That makes for good copy, but it's also a glittering generalization. … [Read more...] about Woolley's resurgence noticed throughout league

'The Sabres have gone 4-1 in 2003. And while much of the credit should be given to the scorching line of captain Stu Barnes between wingers Ales Kotalik and J.P. Dumont, there's no disputing the fact their previously frigid goaltending has become a cozy security blanket.' … [Read more...] about Ruff is warming to idea of alternating goalies

'A bankruptcy filing from the Buffalo Sabres is "imminent" and expected as early as this morning, according to sources close to the team.' … [Read more...] about Sabres expected to file as bankrupt

'Two, filing for bankruptcy will help clear the way for prospective owner Mark Hamister to purchase the club. The bankruptcy process effectively flushes out all creditors and this "cleansing" process allows Hamister and his group to fully evaluate exactly what they're getting into.' … [Read more...] about Sabres to file for bankruptcy protection

'Seventeen of the NHL's other 29 franchises have had difficulties at the box office or on the bottom line since 1998, based on a Business First analysis of five years of attendance and financial data.' … [Read more...] about NHL woes not exclusive to Sabres

'Happy New Year, indeed.' … [Read more...] about Good times continue as Sabres edge Habs

'There's plenty of wriggle room to get this deal done, to reconstruct the math, satisfy everyone's agenda. And, for myriad reasons, the deal must get done.' … [Read more...] about State aid to Sabres a small price to pay

'The fact is the Canadiens - aside from José Theodore (29 stops) - had a bad game, the kind of a game that prompts general managers to deliver sermons to their teams before the next one.' … [Read more...] about Habs bobble it against lowly Sabres

'"If José didn't make the big saves he did, we would have lost 8-1," said Quintal. "We gave them far too many 2-on-1 chances and that was the difference. We had (defencemen) pitching in at the wrong times. There are times when you have to pitch in, but tonight wasn't a question of being down 4-1 and needing a goal. We have to play … [Read more...] about Habs come up short again

'The good news is that nine players who skated against Dallas in those 1999 Finals still are Sabres -- Barnes, Curtis Brown, Jay McKee, James Patrick, Rob Ray, Miroslav Satan, Vaclav Varada, Warrener and Alexei Zhitnik. The bad news is that several of the holdovers probably should be retired or playing somewhere else and two of the departed players were the heart and soul … [Read more...] about Sabres are on thin ice, but Ruff shouldn't be

'Despite erroneous widespread reports, the NHL's other 29 teams are not now supporting the Sabres. Nor does the league have any intention of soliciting funds from its clubs to meet the Buffalo payroll and operating obligations. Indeed, a bankruptcy filing would protect the NHL from assuming a further (or at least, immediate) burden in Western New York as George Pataki … [Read more...] about Sabres' story may add a sad chapter