Archives for January 25, 2007

'Much of the problem can be attributed to the Sabres power-play unit, which has been as productive as a pop gun of late. The Sabres have converted a mere 15.8 percent of their 266 power-play opportunities to rank in a tie for 23rd in the NHL. They've been particularly inefficient of late, having gone 3-of-38 in their past eight games.' … [Read more...] about Sabres refreshed for second half

'Tallinder practiced but isn't sure he's ready to return during Buffalo's two-game road trip, which concludes at the New York Islanders on Saturday. "It doesn't feel great but it doesn't feel bad," Tallinder said. "We'll see how it feels tomorrow, but it was a step forward today."' … [Read more...] about Sabres’ Hecht ready to return; Tallinder questionable

'"That line of Heatley, Hossa and Briere was a very good line and made some great plays," said Sabres and the Eastern Conference's head coach Lindy Ruff. "Danny made several really good passes and they just seemed to click."' … [Read more...] about Briere Makes Big Waves

'Briere deflected Heatley's through-the-crease pass 3:38 into the game and had the primary assist on three other goals. He was on the ice for six of the East's nine goals and was a plus-5.' … [Read more...] about Briere shows he belongs

'The Sabres are still hoping Connolly will recover from his concussion in time for a playoff push. If Connolly doesn't return, his salary average of $2.9 million won't count against the cap. So until Regier knows exactly how much wiggle room he has under the cap, his ability to negotiate will be compromised.' … [Read more...] about Connolly will impact trade talks

'If they had an MVP vote, the fans might have selected the Western Conference's Rick Nash (two goals, two assists) or Joe Sakic (four assists).' … [Read more...] about A not-so-big-name wins the MVP

'Buffalo Sabres GM Darcy Regier rejected the notion that the NHL is out of touch with what the fan base wants. “In fact I would argue that the league is very much in touch,’’ he told Canadian Press. “I come at it from a Buffalo perspective, and for Western New Yorkers and the Buffalo Sabres it works well.’’' … [Read more...] about Sabres vote against schedule change

'"I was coming here to basically enjoy my week and never thought I'd leave with the car," said Briere, who was awarded a 2007 Dodge Nitro. "It's a fun feeling."' … [Read more...] about Briere gets spotlight from stars

'Then when he arrived at American Airlines Center, Briere didn't have the right credentials, prompting security to keep him from entering the rink.' … [Read more...] about Briere has credentials to ride off with MVP

'"With Sidney and Alex being the future faces of the NHL, I was kind of the other guy," said Briere, who played most of the game with Ottawa's Dany Heatley and Atlanta's Marian Hossa. "But I didn't care. I was just excited to come to the All-Star Game, and to be named as a starter was something special."' … [Read more...] about Sabres’ Briere is anonymous no more

'Briere fell one point short of matching Mario Lemieux's record for points in a game set in 1988. Briere and seven others have finished with five points in an All-Star game. "I had no clue that six points was the record," Briere said. "You know when you're playing the game, you're getting assists when guys are finishing. I knew I was up to the five. But it wasn't something I … [Read more...] about Briere wins All-Star MVP in losing effort

'"Every single team passed me by," Briere said, clenching his fist a little. "That was probably the lowest point of my career. That was a big blow to my ego because you realize that nobody wants you. At the same time, it was a wakeup call that I needed to change some things. My goal after that was to prove everyone made a mistake, so that's been my attitude since then."' … [Read more...] about Briere used doubts to forge an All-Star career

'Would you keep Briere or Drury and why? Brad R: Assuming it comes down to one or the other, the answer is Drury.' … [Read more...] about Interview with Brad Riter of WGR-550

'What are your thoughts of the 2006-07 Buffalo Sabres? Craig R: The new Sabre team is a great club. I think that everyone involved in acquiring those players should be congratulated. It is extremely hard work in scouting amateur and pro players and making the correct selection. The depth of the team seems tremendous to a person from the outside. The coaching has been superb and … [Read more...] about Interview with Sabre Great, Craig Ramsay

'"It was one of those games you're just trying to enjoy and trying to have fun," Briere said in an interview after accepting the MVP Award. "The puck was rolling for me I guess."' … [Read more...] about Top of the class