Archives for May 24, 2006

'Buffalo defenceman Henrik Tallinder left the game and did not return.' … [Read more...] about Briere scores twice as Sabres beat Hurricanes to take Game 3 in Eastern final

'Ales Kotalik also scored in the second stanza for the Sabres, who now hold a 2-1 advantage in the best-of-seven series. Chris Drury added a goal in the win while Ryan Miller made 24 saves as all three games in the series have been decided by just one goal.' … [Read more...] about Buffalo 4, Carolina 3

'Cory Stillman scored twice for Carolina, which appeared to grab the momentum in the series following a 4-3 win in North Carolina on Monday. The Hurricanes failed to follow through, and things became so bad that rookie Cam Ward was pulled in favor of backup Martin Gerber after giving up four goals on 26 shots.' … [Read more...] about Buffalo 4, Carolina 3

'Zip it, you legion of doubters. Too small? Not enough experience? Baloney. There is no problem the Sabres can't outskate. They proved it through the first two playoff rounds and again at the start of the Eastern Conference finals against the Hurricanes. Fold after key defenseman Teppo Numminen was sidelined by an injury in the first period? Not a chance.' … [Read more...] about There’s no buffaloing the Sabres

'When you look at this year's Buffalo club as compared to the one from 1999 that went to the Cup final, you can understand why Ruff is considered one of the best coaches in the business and why he may come away with the Jack Adams Award at the end of this season. This year's team plays a way different style than the Sabres' team that went to the Cup final … [Read more...] about Sabres have history of success under Ruff

'"Not only for how he played while he was in net (including a 13-game win streak), but the way he is dealing with the situation he's in . . . His attitude and personality and the way he's been throughout the season has kept this room really tight and together. "I think a good 75 per cent of guys in his shoes would have probably turned into a cancer on … [Read more...] about Biron plays a huge part in Sabres' success despite not starting

'Defenseman Teppo Numminen, who said he sustained a groin injury in Game 1, will not play in Game 3, while center Jiri Novotny will return to the lineup, replacing rookie Thomas Vanek. Defenseman Jeff Jillson will likely be inserted in favor of rookie Doug Janik, who took over for Numminen in Game 2.' … [Read more...] about Sabres to shake things up for Game 3

'The Sabres are planning some other lineup changes. With the line of centre Derek Roy and wingers Maxim Afinogenov and Thomas Vanek ineffective against the Hurricanes, Ruff plans to reunite a line that had success in the first two rounds against the Philadelphia Flyers and the Ottawa Senators. Roy will go back to the wing and back to centre Chris Drury and right winger … [Read more...] about Sabres to shake things up

'"If somebody said before we'd come back 1-1 I think everyone in this town would be happy," Ruff said after practice Tuesday. "But it's how we ended up at 1-1 after winning the first game and playing the way we did."' … [Read more...] about Sabres look to quell defenseless feeling

'...Teppo Numminen will not play tonight. It is expected that Jeff Jillson will play in his place tonight. The Sabres hope that Jillson brings a little more experience than Doug Janik.' … [Read more...] about Eastern Conference Finals: Game Three

'"I play in Colorado, they tell me they like me, and I get traded. I play in Calgary, and at the end of the season the GM tells me he likes me, and I get traded. I just hope my fiancee doesn't tell me she likes me."' … [Read more...] about Drury blocks shots and individual praise

Carolina at Buffalo (AP) Hurricanes look to regain home-ice advantage in Game Three (Sportsticker) (2) Carolina Hurricanes (1-1) at (4) Buffalo Sabres (1-1) (The Sports Network) Game notes (CarolinaHurricanes.com) … [Read more...] about Wednesday’s Game Previews

'Ruff was particularly displeased with some forwards, saying the Sabres' lines were outplayed by the Hurricanes' front. In addition to talking with the Briere line Tuesday, he switched two others. Derek Roy was back at left wing for center Chris Drury and right wing Mike Grier. They were successful against Philadelphia in the opening round, but Roy had to move to center against … [Read more...] about Ruff asks Briere’s line for more

'It's on Buffalo forwards to accept that this is shaping up as the most challenging series they have faced. Like Philadelphia, the 'Canes are circling the fort in the defensive zone, leaving the Sabres little room to operate. Like Philadelphia, the 'Canes are striving to clog the middle, heightening the difficulty of journeys through the neutral zone. Unlike Philly, Carolina … [Read more...] about Sabres need passion back in fashion

'"I don't look at it as pressure," Fitzpatrick said Tuesday. "I look at it as opportunity and that's how I have to take it. You want to play as much as you can, so the more the better. Teppo left big shoes to fill so someone has to step up and take a part of his role."' … [Read more...] about Fitzpatrick becomes a key Sabre