Archives for May 2006

'As well as Ryan Miller has played in keeping the offensive stars of Philly and Ottawa at bay, rookie Cam Ward and his conference-best 1.77 GAA can't be ignored. Miller has had the bigger challenge this playoffs.' … [Read more...] about #2 Carolina vs. #4 Buffalo

'They have been entrusted with the toughest chore on the team. And they love it. "It's the best," said Tallinder, who is in his third NHL season after a one-year apprenticeship with the Rochester Americans in 2001-02. "I like the challenge. I've always liked to challenge the best guys in the world."' … [Read more...] about Lydman, Tallinder a solid duo on defense

'Drury shrugs off his ability to deliver in the clutch by saying, "I'm just glad to be in the right place at the right time. I look to make something happen."' … [Read more...] about Drury skates in a winning wonderland

'The problem is the league consistently markets itself to a crowd that’s politely said no thank you. And to keep forcing it down its collective throat is sure to get an uglier reaction. If hockey really wants to get serious about raising the fort walls, it should start by shoring up some internal business -- moving the poorly-supported Florida Panthers to Winnipeg or … [Read more...] about NHL needs to stop tweaking, look in mirror

'OLN is carried on Adelphia’s highest digital tier, which costs subscribers more per month than basic or expanded basic cable service and is not nearly as popular. Digital subscribers in Dunkirk, Silver Creek, Westfield and other communities served by Adelphia would have to upgrade their package from Bronze to Gold to receive OLN.' … [Read more...] about TV picture keeps changing for Sabres

'"He's a situation player," said veteran defenceman Teppo Numminen, whose locker is just to the right of Drury's stall. "Whatever job he's given or special assignment, you know he's going to do the job. If it's shutting somebody down, playing strong defensively or getting some offence. That's why he's a great two-way player."' … [Read more...] about Sabres picturing Stanley Cup victory, thanks to Drury

'"It's a team that fills from within, they don't go sign high-priced big-name free agents," Fitzpatrick says. "They sign middle-range players and hope they become better. I kind of lucked out with the timing of everything, they were short men and I got a chance to play and fortunately played well. "Hopefully, the team doesn't skip a beat when you're in there. That's the job, … [Read more...] about The puck drops here

'"They've got lines that can score from all over," Laviolette said. "Pominville is their so-called fourth-line right wing, [and] he plays point on the power play."' … [Read more...] about Grinders gear up for Buffalo

'Just wondering, but could this series be better than the finals?' … [Read more...] about Canes and Sabres match up for a wild series

'I remember where I sat to watch the potential first Cup ever get swiped from the grips of Western New York, as one of the worst calls ever in pro sports (Brett Hull's triple-overtime goal from the crease to win Game 6) gave the Stars the win. Here's a chance at redemption, and the Sabres ride into the conference finals as hot as anyone. ESPN will be replaced by OLN for the … [Read more...] about Bandwagon plays Sabre-rattling tune

'Many pundits predicted both teams would finish out of the playoffs, and each team ended up winning 52 games. Both teams are 4-1 on the road in the postseason.' … [Read more...] about Hurricanes, Sabres almost mirror images

Grinders gear up for Buffalo (Raleigh News and Observer) Cole returns to ice (Raleigh News and Observer) Toronto's Maurice believes Canes will claim Cup (Raleigh News and Observer) Cherry to don Commodore garb (Raleigh News and Observer) Wesley still searching for a Stanley Cup (Durham Herald Sun) Canes and Sabres match up for a wild series (Durham Herald Sun) Milton's … [Read more...] about Friday’s Carolina Coverage

'The Hurricanes went into the playoffs with Martin Gerber as their No. 1 goalie, but Ward took over when the Swiss 'keeper was bombed in two straight losses to Montreal. Ward hasn't looked back. Now he faces a new challenge in the Sabres, a team some say is a mirror image of the Hurricanes with their fast puck movement and strong special teams.' … [Read more...] about Sabres will get first look at Carolina rookie goalie Cam Ward in the playoffs

'We close our eyes and say: Buffalo in seven with Game 7 going to triple overtime.' … [Read more...] about CP likes a Buffalo-Edmonton Stanley Cup final

'"I don't think it's anything more than just relaxing a little bit," Ruff said after practice Thursday. "I think sometimes he gets wound up a little too tight and tries to do a little too much."' … [Read more...] about Sabres Afinogenov lacks finish so far this postseason