Archives for March 2003

If you look at the first two periods, we traded chances with them, Ruff said. In the third period, we played a solid period. … [Read more...] about Hurricanes 3, Sabres 2

We had three real good chances on our power play and just could not put it away, Ruff said. A couple of goalposts and Miroslav Satan missed a couple of good opportunities. … [Read more...] about Carolina 3, Buffalo 2

Regier is really under the gun these days, taking shots from all sides as the NHL trade deadline zipped by with only four Sabres traded, with Vaclav Varada going to Ottawa several days ago. … [Read more...] about Setting the Stage

'"We didn't get offers that we felt would address our needs or make our hockey club better," Sabres General Manager Darcy Regier said.' … [Read more...] about Stay-at-home defenseman

'The Sabres were willing to trade the 6-foot-4, 220-pound Gratton, wonderfully skilled and dominant when willing, for a 5-10, 178-pound Daniel Briere in a swap of centers and draft picks. Briere plays bigger than Gratton around the net. He's stronger mentally. He's also more consistent and cheaper and, at 25, two years younger.' … [Read more...] about Regier's moves a sign of the times

'"I'm not looking at is as a bad thing or a downgrade by leaving Phoenix and going to Buffalo," Briere said Tuesday afternoon before leaving Arizona. "I look at it as something fun."' … [Read more...] about Briere sees the sunny side of moving up north

Carolina has won three straight. … [Read more...] about Sabres vs. Hurricanes

'"I've been through a lot of things, but I've never been this nervous," Ray said. "I really am, just getting here and not knowing how I'm going to be accepted. So let's just get the first one out of the way and keep going."' … [Read more...] about Ray nervous in his new environment

'Botterill rejoined the Sabres late Tuesday afternoon and will give them the NHL standard 18 skaters for tonight’s home game with the Carolina Hurricanes.' … [Read more...] about Sabres call Botterill back from Amerks

'"I think they're dumbfounded," Ray said of his former Sabres teammates. "They couldn't believe it when I told them I had been traded. But Stu? That's nuts, and then (Sabres General Manager Darcy Regier) said he wasn't done."' … [Read more...] about The hammer falls

'Earlier this season he was approached by Sabres General Manager Darcy Regier about playing elsewhere.' … [Read more...] about Deal leaves Ray feeling snowed under

'Allowing Regier to oversee the self-necessitated restructuring of the Sabres is like letting John Rigas do the patchwork at Adelphia. Or Robert Wickenheiser steer the course at St. Bonaventure. It's Regier's mess. He created it. And only his departure will wash away the stigma.' … [Read more...] about Regier's deals come too late for Sabres

'"(The Sabres) said it's there, but you don't have to take it if you don't want to," he said. "But it didn't take me very long to decide. I said, 'Yes, I'm going.' The reason you play is to win."' … [Read more...] about Arms buildup continues

Briere, Phoenix's leading goal scorer last year with 32, was fourth on the team in scoring with 17 goals and 46 points in 68 games. Ironically, Gratton is the big center the team was seeking to feed Amonte. He has scored 15 goals and has 44 points in 66 games this year. … [Read more...] about Coyotes deal Amonte, Briere

Having the chance to compete for a Stanley Cup in 1999 and (now) going to a contender, I do not think that is an opportunity that you can refuse. Every player wants to have that chance in his career, said Ray in a conference call. … [Read more...] about Its Ray Day in Ottawa