Archives for September 18, 2006

'Winning, of course, has always been Buffalo's best sales strategy. But this edition's fast-paced, team-oriented style has created a connection with fans that never quite clicked even with the best of the Hasek-and-the-rest squads of the late 1990s.'

'Forward Dan Paille could be pencilled in as a full-timer to start the season.'

'The team sold more than 22,000 tickets for future games during the Sabres' open practice, establishing a new mark for single, regular season sales.'

'From No. 1 though No. 6, the Sabres defensemen appear to be the most talented collection in team history.'

'Ruff said he intends to use goalies Ryan Miller and Martin Biron right away. Biron will start tonight, with Adam Berkhoel backing him up. Miller likely will start Tuesday night's game against the Blue Jackets in Columbus' Nationwide Arena.'

'And anywhere outside of New Jersey, GM Darcy Regier is the best in the league at playing the cards he's been dealt. They're different, more expensive cards this year, but everyone in the NHL still likes the hand. The Sabres were well ahead of the new-reality curve in 2005, and by absorbing a financial hit in Briere and rejecting one in Dumont, they're proving that they're still ahead.'

'Not much time to answer some important questions. Let’s try anyway…'

'Can the Sabres surprise again in 2006-07? No. Last season has wiped away any surprise element for this team. Now, the Sabres are in with the top teams of the Eastern Conference, but with other teams making concerted efforts to catch up in the talent hunt during the summer, the Sabres may well discover the path to the playoffs a much bumpier ride this season.'

'"I was watching Buffalo all year long," Spacek told The Buffalo News earlier this summer. "And I was a little mad with myself because I was in Chicago with one of the worst teams in the NHL last year, and Buffalo did very well."'