Archives for 2003

'The Sabres could very well be among many teams contending quickly if NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman earns a decisive victory in the fight over a new Collective Bargaining Agreement. It will depend on whether Buffalo's core of prospects matures into good NHL players and whether they develop top-notch goaltending. Owner Tom Golisano appears willing to make the necessary … [Read more...] about Sabres make themselves a perfect fit under a salary cap

'The Sabres have been taking a hard look at hiring a full-time goaltending coach. Jim Corsi has been the team's part-time coach for five seasons. "I like Jim. I like the job he does and how he teaches," Sabres coach Lindy Ruff said. "You sometimes wonder if there's somebody better out there."' … [Read more...] about Sabres ponder hiring goalie coach

'Said Roy: "That's my game. If it's hitting the goalie to get them off their game, I'll do that. I'm competitive. They don't like the way I play, some guys. I try to play hard every night."' … [Read more...] about Sabres' juniors on board

'''I'm sure I'm not just speaking for myself, but for Derek, too. We're very grateful for the opportunity,'' Thorburn said. ''I just hope we give it back by being successful.''' … [Read more...] about Sabres' Thorburn happy to have Roy on his side

'''I want to make this team. I just don't want to get sent down to Rochester,'' he said, referring to the Sabres' AHL affiliate. ''They believe in me and, hopefully, I can come into training camp in good shape and be ready to go.''' … [Read more...] about Wait was worth it for Sabres' Roy

'The Sabres desperately need goal scorers and some locker room leadership. They're still a long way from making the playoffs ... much less contending for the Cup. But by the same token ... it was only four years ago that they were in the Cup finals.' … [Read more...] about Sabres selling hopes, but is anyone buying?

'"It's a good organization, I know them and I've been through two training camps with them,'' Roy said. "That was really important for me. It's always important when you know the people you work with and I didn't want to chance being drafted by a team I didn't know.''' … [Read more...] about Rangers captain Derek Roy scores deal with Sabres

'“I didn’t want to go back in the draft so this is a big day. I figured if I went back in, who knows, maybe I’d get lost in the shuffle because there are many good young players out there.”' … [Read more...] about Thorburn has early birthday gift, an offer from Sabres

'One of the most intriguing would be a trade for Biron. Mired in their own post-great-goalie-era after the retirement of Dominik Hasek last summer, the Sabres are loaded with highly regarded young prospects, namely Mikka Norenen and Ryan Miller. This would be the time to go with the kids.' … [Read more...] about Biron, Chechmanek among Avs’ Possible Options

'"Everyone here recognized this is a challenge," Regier said. "Lindy does as well. No one's backing away from it. No one's running. Everybody knows the criticism. Everybody knows about status quo. We're not going to run away, and we're not walking away. We're going to find a way to get it done. In seven months, come back and … [Read more...] about Sabres raise their sights

'"I thought I was done here," Ruff admitted. "I thought it would be time to go elsewhere."' … [Read more...] about Ruff exudes a new sense of purpose

'Making the playoffs isn't a very ambitious goal, but at least he's giving us something to hold them to. If they miss the playoffs for a third straight year, there'll be hell to pay. The first one held to account will be the coach.' … [Read more...] about Accountability needs to reach the GM's office

'The Sabres will make qualifying offers before June 30 to their other 12 restricted free agents: forwards Eric Boulton, Curtis Brown, Tim Connolly, Ales Kotalik, Adam Mair, Taylor Pyatt and Miroslav Satan and defensemen Rory Fitzpatrick, Dmitri Kalinin, Jay McKee, Henrik Tallinder and Rhett Warrener. Boulton, Brown, Satan, Fitzpatrick, McKee and Warrener have arbitration … [Read more...] about Sabres sign 2 draftees, won't keep Hamel

'Regier acknowledged that this team got too young too fast and is looking for veteran leadership to come on board. Quinn and Ruff both described last year's performance as an "embarrassment."' … [Read more...] about Regier And Ruff Told Win, Or Else

'“I’m convinced we can make this a winner. I see what Tom has done in the business world (as the founder and CEO of Paychex Inc.). I’m also convinced this team lacked direction and Tom brings that.”' … [Read more...] about Ruff takes pay cut, stays with Sabres