Archives for February 28, 2004

'The Senators are 14-0-3-2 in the Corel Centre since Dec. 13.' … [Read more...] about Sabres vs. Senators

'"There's no question that Buffalo is a big thorn in our side because they play such a patient game. For us to win, we can't afford to give an 80-85% effort. We have to make sure that we're all giving 100%."' … [Read more...] about Sens aim to dull Sabres

'The Senators will be starting G Patrick Lalime tonight, but who will be in net for the Sabres is anyone's guess. Buffalo coach Lindy Ruff pulled both G Martin Biron and G Mika Noronen in the club's two games before last night's tilt with the New York Islanders. In fact, the Sabres' starter has been replaced in three of the last six games.' … [Read more...] about Game Day

'"We didn't give up very much," said Sabres coach Lindy Ruff. "We created three times more chances than we gave up. I thought we did everything but score. What's demoralizing is that a couple of their goals were tough goals. We need a little better goaltending performance. We needed a couple more saves. We can't give up four goals a … [Read more...] about Sabres flunk four-point test

'Yeah, I know. The Sabres still have 18 games remaining and can rescue their season if they get on another tear. The truth is the first hot streak was nothing short of miraculous. Everything, and I mean everything, fell into place when the Sabres took off with a 9-1-1 record. Yes, it could happen again. Mika Noronen might score again, too.' … [Read more...] about Time's up for Sabres, party's over

'"We're both known for our antics of getting under people's skin," Sabres enforcer Eric Boulton said. "I'll have some remarks for him, and he'll be all over my case, too."' … [Read more...] about Scoring binge has Ray ready for old friends

'“We can’t give up four goals in a game.”' … [Read more...] about Sabres' loss dims playoff dreams

The players appear oblivious to the declining attendance and microscopic TV ratings. If they are so blind to the problems and so thick-headed that the NHL will be forced to shut down next season, it probably would be a blessing for hockey fans in Buffalo and many other league cities. An NFL-style salary cap, more parity on the ice and a more fan-pleasing style of play with an … [Read more...] about Best hope for the Sabres: Ax NHL for a year

'Most importantly, goalie Rick DiPietro made 42 saves and withstood an early barrage from the desperate Sabres. He was the backbone of the critical road victory.' … [Read more...] about Giving themselves space

'"The whole team knew this was a must-win for them and for us," said DiPietro, who claimed to be "fine" despite going down briefly after taking one late shot off the knee. "This was as big as it gets."' … [Read more...] about Islanders rebound to foil Sabres

'Despite the euphoria of a road win against a team fighting to overtake them in the playoff race, the Isles by no means think they've got anything sewed up. "As soon as we start thinking it's over," Adrian Aucoin said, "we're not going to be playing our game. I know from experience, this is a team that needs a reason to start playing … [Read more...] about Isles redeem themselves

'``It's not out of reach,'' coach Lindy Ruff said of the Sabres playoff status. ``But it's going to be tough. We need to fire on all cylinders.''' … [Read more...] about NY Islanders 4, Buffalo 2

'"Losing two in a week and four on the season to the team we're chasing is obviously not very good," Drury said. "But there's still a chance and we're gonna keep chasing as hard as we can."' … [Read more...] about NY Islanders 4, Buffalo 2