Archives for March 15, 2003

It was the dawning of a new era for the Buffalo Sabres Friday afternoon at HSBC Arena. With NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman opening up the press conference to announce that B. Thomas Golisano had signed a purchase agreement late Thursday night, the Sabres finally seem to be heading in the right direction after a season in turmoil. … [Read more...] about Golisano issues in new Sabres era

'The sale of the Buffalo Sabres yesterday should set a price floor for bids on the insolvent Ottawa Senators, analysts say.' … [Read more...] about Sabres sale sets price floor

'The Buffalo Sabres no longer have to worry about an empty owner's box. That three-game winless skid that's depriving Lindy Ruff from rewriting the team record book, well, that's a different story.' … [Read more...] about Revved Sabres still can't get Ruff record win

'Golisano said he has been "absolutely flabbergasted" by the calls, messages and expressions of support he has received, many of them from Buffalo-area business leaders. At Wednesday night's game, he said no fewer than 300 fans congratulated him, wished him well and thanked him.' … [Read more...] about Sabres saved

'"The biggest complaint from fans is the team is not very good," Davis said. "It needs to be an entertaining team. If the team is winning and the team is entertaining, it's amazing how quickly fans stop talking about prices."' … [Read more...] about Relieved Sabres fans look to the future

'With their moves at the trade deadline, the Sabres became the second-youngest team in the NHL at an average of 26 years, 61 days.' … [Read more...] about Sabres vs. Thrashers

'“I firmly believe the team should stay here in Buffalo and in western New York,” said Golisano, flanked by Sabres greats such as Gilbert Perreault and Rick Martin. “This franchise is vital to our part of the state because of the jobs it creates, because of the positive image it has for our region, and just for the pure quality of life and enjoyment for … [Read more...] about Sabres wield a new owner

'The wisdom of Golisano’s $70 million (to $92 million) investment is debatable.' … [Read more...] about Boss will apply common sense

'“Our fans,” Donner said, “have no faith in Buffalo.”' … [Read more...] about Amerks optimistic about a stable future

'The Buffalo Sabres no longer have to worry about their Paychex bouncing.' … [Read more...] about Golisano would benefit from cleaning house

'``There has been a lot of talk that we have not been able to beat Buffalo, but when we are in the hunt, these are the kinds of games that we need to try to find a way to win,'' Lightning coach John Tortorella said. ``It wasn't pretty, it was a grinding-type game and we found a way to get it done.''' … [Read more...] about The View From The Top

'``Without an ownership group, you don't know exactly where you are going,'' Ruff said. ``Without your core players all on the same page, with them worried about other things, the team doesn't have much direction on the ice. They need to know things are going to be staying here, and I think it will provide a boost and be welcomed by the … [Read more...] about Taylor Answers Durability Questions

'"Yea for the two points and whipping their butts. I can't stand playing those guys," said Sarich, whom the Lightning acquired from the Sabres in March 2000. "To play against your former team and have the same rotten luck, it's nice to finally end that unspoken stat of not being able to beat them."' … [Read more...] about Lightning finds way to the top

'Said Ramsay: "I'm thrilled for this area. Hockey here is deeply rooted, and the people want it to be successful. But they need to believe that ownership is solidified and they are going to try to compete."' … [Read more...] about Sale a relief to ex-Sabres

'"We have something here that's broken and needs to be fixed. The fixing is beginning."' … [Read more...] about Sabres fall from Cup finals to zilch in four years