Archives for May 2006

'What a shame it would be if this terrific moment in time came to a thundering halt because the team's depth was stretched far beyond reason. Because the button-pushers didn't plan well enough for the rainy days that always come during a two-month playoff push.' … [Read more...] about Sabres’ failure to trade could backfire

'"He made the big hit," center Daniel Briere said, "but the rest of the game you barely saw him, which is good, it means he didn't make any mistakes."' … [Read more...] about Jillson delivered when Sabres needed him

'"When you do lose a guy, you feel for him, but we also do the team a disservice by (moping about it)," goaltender Ryan Miller said yesterday as the team readied for Game 4 at HSBC Arena. "You have to step up for the guy. You tell yourself 'he went out and gave it his all, so he would expect the same from us.' We don't get down when we lose a guy. We don't look at our team as … [Read more...] about Sabres seeing 3-D

'The swift Buffalo Sabres right winger was told yesterday he might be an emergency recruit on defence tonight after Henrik Tallinder broke his arm in Game 3 against the Carolina Hurricanes. It was fourth-liner Pominville whose thrilling short-handed goal eliminated the Ottawa Senators in the previous round by zipping around Alfredsson, who was caught in an unfamiliar one-on-one … [Read more...] about Sabre alert on defence

'Two games. Five power-play goals allowed. That's the line on the Carolina Hurricanes. It's a staggering number. No matter how good your offence might be, if you're allowing 2.5 power-play goals per game in the playoffs, you're going to be in trouble.' … [Read more...] about Buffalo shows power

'If Numminen can't go, Ruff is pondering moving fleet-footed rookie centre Jason Pominville to defence. It's similar to the way the Philadelphia Flyers employed speedy winger Sami Kapanen on the blueline when they ran into injury problems. "It's something we've thought about. He plays the point on the power play," said Ruff.' … [Read more...] about Sabres’ Tallinder done for season

'Numminen hopes to play tonight but will be a game-time decision.' … [Read more...] about Blueline takes another hit

'There is speculation in the NHL community that some of the league's veteran referees are still reluctant to call penalties the way their bosses demand.' … [Read more...] about Veteran officials sidelined in semi-finals

'Strength down the middle comes in a variety of forms. In this eastern final alone, you have the twin dynamos of ultra-motivation, Daniel Briere and Chris Drury for the Buffalo Sabres and the intriguing May-December duo of Eric Staal and Rod Brind'Amour for the Carolina Hurricanes.' … [Read more...] about Centres of attention

'All this suggests that the Sabres should bring an oxygen machine to the bench tonight for Jay McKee and Toni Lydman, who are going to be rather busy and rather tired.' … [Read more...] about ‘Capable’ Sabres slough off playoff injury jinx

'"We want to keep playing physical, it's the way to dominate games," said Sabre centre Jochen Hecht. "We want to play aggressive and play in their zone. As long as this series goes we want to set the tone in that department. When we take the body they turn the puck over."' … [Read more...] about Speedy Sabres can ‘Ruff’ it too

'"When you go to war, you're going to lose some guys through battles and we need some other guys to come and step up," forward J.P. Dumont said.' … [Read more...] about Sabres dropping like flies on blue-line

'There are three periods played in every hockey game, but to be victorious in the Eastern Conference final, you only have to be good in one. More specifically, the second.' … [Read more...] about Sabres, Hurricanes series appears to be all about winning the middle frame

'On Wednesday, moments after Roy's gloved fist cracked him flush on the nose, Staal grabbed his opponent and slammed him to the ice. It was an uncharacteristic play coming from a skilled player who scored 100 points during the regular season and racked up just 81 penalty minutes. But according to Stillman, it may be necessary in the 21-year-old Staal's development.' … [Read more...] about Stillman helps Staal’s game grow

'Professional sports in Buffalo teach people about heartbreak long before they start dating. When you root for the Sabres, or the Bills, you learn early the dull ache that fills your stomach after a big loss. But as a Sabres fan you also learn about passion, loyalty and devotion.' … [Read more...] about Buffalo’s passion runs deep