Archives for April 2006

'Flyers in 7.' … [Read more...] about Stanley Cup Playoff Preview – Buffalo vs. Philadelphia

'The Sabres' 52 victories tied for third in the NHL, and their 110 points were fifth. They are already saying an early playoff exit would be a disappointing end and a sign that they did take things for granted. "Some guys have been around a long time and haven't had as good a team as we've had this year," Pominville said. "We broke the win record. Expectations are going to be … [Read more...] about Sabres’ rookies told to seize the moment

'"I sense it everywhere," Ruff said. "I sense it driving down the odd street. A guy will look over and give it the thumbs up and good luck in the playoffs. There really is that magical feeling again."' … [Read more...] about Like the fans, Ruff keyed up for playoffs

'"We have two really good goaltenders," Hitchcock said. "Our feeling was we wanted to start with the experienced player and go from there."' … [Read more...] about Flyers pick Esche as starting goalie

'And the Sabres’ biggest question mark is in goal: The plan has been to ride Ryan Miller toward the playoffs, but his shoddy play during most of March has been downright alarming. The good news is that, other than New Jersey’s Martin Brodeur, no playoff team in the East can boast of a battle hardened veteran between the pipes.' … [Read more...] about Thou Shalt Not Jinx

'The referees will have a big say in this one. Buffalo in seven.' … [Read more...] about Old style vs. new style on display, but defense will be key

'The Sabres, who were locked into fourth place in the East, also waited around after their 4-0 win in Carolina to see who they would play next. "It was kind of a strange 10 or 15 minutes," Sabres forward Chris Drury said. "Whoever we got, we got. Either way, we'll be ready."' … [Read more...] about Sabres say they’re ready to face Flyers in first round

'“Having them on OLN for the playoffs, that’s not right,” said fan Wayne Schmidt of Niagara Falls. “You shouldn’t have to pay to see the playoffs for the NHL,” he said, adding that playoffs for other professional sports are aired on basic cable. To get OLN, Adelphia customers that pay about $55 for basic cable can expect to pay up to $40 more … [Read more...] about OLN to carry some NHL playoff games

Experienced Esche to start in playoffs (Philadelphia Inquirer) Most Flyers games to be on Comcast (Philadelphia Inquirer) Hitch: Chalk it up to Escheperience (Philadelphia Daily News) Written in stone (Bucks County Courier Times) No surprise, Esche will start in playoffs (Delaware County Times) Flyers a danger-Esche team (Allentown Morning Call) Rookies will play key role … [Read more...] about Thursday’s Philadelphia Coverage (Updated 9:00 a.m.)

'The Devils are the best team in the NHL right now, and the Flyers now get to avoid that team, at least for one round. Then again, the Sabres pose another set of problems.' … [Read more...] about Flyers Get a Break

'"I've found different ways of surviving here," Ruff said on Wednesday. "Somehow, I made it."' … [Read more...] about Ruff delivers on vow of coaching Sabres back into playoffs

'Buffalo (52-24-6), which finished fourth in the Eastern Conference, has struggled going 8-8-2 in games Hecht has not played.' … [Read more...] about Sabres LW Hecht expected back for playoff-opener

'Buffalo has won just 2 of 7 playoff series against the Flyers all time.' … [Read more...] about Sabres vs. Flyers – Game 1 – Some History

'In the first round of the playoffs, MSG has the rights to pre-empt any cable network coverage of the Sabres' games with its broadcast. It has exercised that right. Even though the Outdoor Life Network will be carrying two Sabres-Flyers games, on Saturday and April 28 respectively, in upstate New York the games will be seen on MSG. The only first round game that might … [Read more...] about Sabres post-season picture comes into focus

'This will be the sixth time in the Sabres' past seven playoff appearances that they'll visit the City of Brotherly Love.' … [Read more...] about That settles it: Flyers are next