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.’

‘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.”‘

'"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."'

'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.'

'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.'

'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).'

‘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.’’’

‘”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.”‘

‘Then when he arrived at American Airlines Center, Briere didn’t have the right credentials, prompting security to keep him from entering the rink.’

‘”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.”‘