Archives for October 18, 2003

'"Rhett's been a good friend and a guy we miss in Buffalo," McKee said. "But I'm looking forward to playing him. If I get a chance to hit him, I'll be going out of my way to do it. I'm sure he will, too. It'll be a two-way street on that one."'

'The Sabres, meanwhile, ranked dead last with a team goals-against average of 3.75. That's a substantial reason why Mika Noronen is a safe bet to make his season debut at 9 tonight, when the Sabres play the Calgary Flames in the Pengrowth Saddledome.'

'The Sabres are averaging 22 penalty minuntes a game, fifth worst in the NHL.'

'Too rich for the Flames, Drury and his agent started bartering with Buffalo and in August signed a four-year pact that will pay $3.45 million US this season. It's welcome security for a player with his third team in as many years.'

'C Daniel Briere (one goal, two assists) has been involved in three of Buffalo's five goals.'

That is a false accusation of Chris Drury and a false mindset. Being a small-market team, you cannot go out and trade for guys who are going to get million-dollar raises.

Calgary has won the last two meetings, both at home. Last year, they met early — Oct. 31 — and Calgary claimed a 3-0 victory. In the middle of the previous season, the Flames won 3-1. Over the past 10 meetings, the Flames have a 2-5-2-1 mark.