Archives for January 2003

'FRONT OFFICE, Darcy Regier, F. Other than a trade of defenseman Jason Woolley earlier in the season, Regier seems to be satisfied at standing pat while his team falters. Even though he is working with a limited budget, a change of a face or two would have been helpful, even if for nothing more than to shake up the team.' … [Read more...] about Sabres' mid-season report card

'Ruff announced Warrener would return against the Bruins after missing nine straight games.' … [Read more...] about Scratches give Warrener an itch

'"Mainly what's wrong is our economy is in bad shape. People don't have a lot of disposable income, and since the arena opened, Air Canada Centre has opened in Toronto, Blue Cross Arena was renovated, and they took away a big part of the regional market. So there's a lot of competition," said Quinn.' … [Read more...] about Will updating arena draw more concerts?

'Sports teams, utility companies and other big businesses play one locality against another to extort givebacks, even as the county talks of raising taxes, the city closes fire companies and the schools have laid off teachers.' … [Read more...] about As an owner of the Sabres, I intend to . . .

'In the meantime, Hamister's group and that of billionaire Golisano should call off their verbal sniping. Golisano, the failed gubernatorial candidate, lost his bid to buy the Sabres. No one needs to hear any more from him.' … [Read more...] about Hockey haggling

'Macaluso said the interested party, who he declined to identify, wanted to know whether city officials would be interested in negotiating a possible deal that would see the Sabres move permanently to Copps. Macaluso said a possible deal would only come about if a proposal by Buffalo businessman Mark Hamister to obtain U.S. state assistance as part of his bid to buy the … [Read more...] about Sabres shift to Hamilton in 'exploratory' stage, HECFI says

'A two-time American Hockey League All-Star with the Rochester Americans and two-time Minor Pro Prospect of the Year by The Hockey News, he’s the young goalie with strong upside. Except Noronen is now back with the Amerks, trying to regain his stop-every-shot form he somehow lost with the Sabres.' … [Read more...] about Noronen caught in the Amerks' net

'The Sabres said they recalled right wing Jaroslav Kristek from Rochester of the American Hockey League to replace Varada. Kristek, who has yet to play in a National Hockey League game, has 12 goals and 13 assists in 34 games for Rochester this season.' … [Read more...] about Sabres Left Wing Varada Will Miss Four Weeks With Knee Injury

'To replace Varada, the Sabres called up right wing Jaroslav Kristek from Rochester of the AHL.' … [Read more...] about Sabres' Varada out with sprained knee

Some random thoughts while waiting for the Mark Hamister bid for the Sabres to be made public: In defending Tim Connolly's minus-19 rating, which places him near the bottom of the NHL, the Sabres recently told Paul Hamilton of WGR that Connolly had been on the ice for seven empty-net goals-against. The excuse is an interesting one that the Sabres have never used to defend … [Read more...] about Coddling Connolly, bickering bids and more

'"I know it wasn't pretty, but that is a sign of a good hockey club, when you can win though you are not at your best. You are down 2-0 and to come back and win 3-2, when you are not at your best, is a great win."' … [Read more...] about `Old-Man Sandwich' difference for Flyers

'The Fedoruk-Ray fight was a big factor, according to Roenick. "When you have a guy who's looked upon to do certain things '. . . Fridge' brought some good energy to us. He deserves a lot of credit for lifting us up emotionally," he said. "One of the hardest things is coming off a long road trip. Complacency sets in. It's easy to sit back … [Read more...] about No place like home for rally

'The Sabres could be excused if they played a little absentmindedly last night. The fate of their franchise could be decided on Friday.' … [Read more...] about Gagne returns with game-winning assist

'"I think this is about the sixth game that we led by two goals and ended up losing," Sabres winger Rob Ray said. "It's definitely a problem."' … [Read more...] about Sabres squander Kotalik's two goals

'Let's just hope it's a slump. If it isn't, what we've seen from Connolly is what we get. If that's the case, the Sabres traded away their captain, inspirational leader, top defensive forward and an offensive contributor for two prospects. So far, one hasn't worked out.' … [Read more...] about Connolly has outgrown the kid gloves