Archives for April 5, 2003

'“I don't think we've been outclassed in any game all year,'' goaltender Martin Biron said. “We were outclassed in the first period'' Saturday.'

'"You worry about these types of games as a coach," Buffalo's Lindy Ruff said. "I played in many of them to know that the lack of meaning really starts to sink in with the guys."'

While the war wages on in Iraq, the Buffalo Sabres have waged their own war this season. It has been a war of survival and dignity. Wednesday night, the Sabres battled back from a 3-0 deficit to beat the Atlanta Thrashers 4-3 in HSBC Arena. While the playoff hopes have long been gone, the team still fights and shows a spark which may be a good sign of things to come next season.

'Ruff still wants to have more dialogue with B. Thomas Golisano and the owner-in-waiting's top adviser, Larry Quinn, before making a final decision. Ruff needs to know in what direction the Sabres are moving because he most certainly wouldn't want to return under the same conditions he coached this season.'

'Buffalo's power play, a running joke for so many seasons, has been flourishing. The unit has converted 20 of 90 chances as the Sabres have gone 11-7-2-4 since Feb. 17. That 22.2 percent clip would be No. 2 in the league if done over the course of the season.'

'C Daniel Briere has four goals and four assists in his last six games.'

'For his part, Golisano said he never had any intention of paying off the loan, which he considers Rigas' responsibility.'

'Buffalo has won five of its last six games and has outscored its opponents, 20-10, in that stretch.'