Archives for December 12, 2003

Mika Noronen is expected to start in goal tonight for the Buffalo Sabres when the New York Rangers come to the HSBC Arena at 8:00 PM. So far this season, Noronen has been the most consistent Sabres goaltender posting a record of 6-5-0 with two shutouts and a 2.08 goals against average in 14 games.

'"He's not alone in this," said Sabres center Daniel Briere, one of a scant few Sabres who have been producing. "Yes, everybody's expecting Miro to put up the points, but he needs some help. We have to find the answer as a team. Even the last couple of games, if Miro scores a goal we're still not winning. It doesn't matter."'

'"I don't think I can tell you what's going to happen from here because I'd have a job somewhere else and probably be on Miss Cleo's 800 line," Miller said after Thursday's practice in HSBC Arena. "So many things look like they're going to go one way, but they go another."'

'The Sabres have converted 1 of 24 power plays over their past five games.'

'Granted, it's hardly just Satan. The Sabres have serious problems, and every one was exposed against the Red Wings. Buffalo has lost three straight at home and four of the last five overall. The Sabres can kid themselves into thinking they'll simply turn things around, but we learned from past follies that it's not so easy.'

'What is going on here? Why should there be such a dramatic difference in play between the Buffalo, a 27-point team, and the Wings, who came into the game with just eight more? The Sabres are in a full-fledged slump, especially in the offensive zone. The power play has fallen to 25th in the league, and against Detroit – a team ranked 14th in penalty killing, which is good but not fantastic – Buffalo could barely get set up, much less manage quality scoring chances.'