Archives for March 17, 2007

'Coaches might not do that, but hockey analysts do, and Melrose said anybody in the East can emerge as the favorites to play in the conference finals. Pittsburgh and Atlanta are playing as well as anyone, and he's hesitant to label Buffalo the favorite anymore. "It's not where you finish, it's how you're playing going into the playoffs," he … [Read more...] about A big matchup today gets bigger in playoffs

'A playoff spot is clinched when no more than 7 teams can pass the Sabres. Right now, 8 teams fit that description. (Carolina can catch up in points but loses on the first tiebreaker, which is "wins.")' … [Read more...] about Sabres Clinch Playoff Berth

'Pominville has 31 goals this season, joining Chris Drury (35) and Thomas Vanek (34) in the 30-goal club. It’s only a matter of time before Briere (29) gains membership.' … [Read more...] about Sabres give Lightning a jolt of own medicine

'Although plus-minus stats for individual players can be a bit misleading, Sabres coach Lindy Ruff says it's a fair representation of the strides Vanek has made since last season, when he was a minus-11. "I think it's a stat that you can use," Ruff said. "His play away from the puck has been a lot better. It's part of his progression."' … [Read more...] about Incremental moves take Sabres’ Vanek to new level

Lightning Get A Cool Reception (Tampa Tribune) Smaby Called Up; Lecavalier Sets Record (Tampa Tribune) Lightning returns home to disappointment (St. Petersburg Times) Lecavalier sets points record for franchise (St. Petersburg Times) Lightning return home but get stopped by Sabres, 3-2 (TampaBayLightning.com) … [Read more...] about Saturday’s Tampa Bay Coverage

'"Today certainly felt like a playoff game with the atmosphere and intensity," Sabres center Chris Drury said. "We're also fighting for position so it's not like we're just coasting in here. Every point is huge for us and we want to finish absolutely as high as we can."' … [Read more...] about Buffalo 3, Tampa Bay 2

'The Lightning made it a one-goal game 4:38 into the final stanza when Lecavalier threw a backhand pass from the right side that went off the stick of a Buffalo defender and into the net for his league-leading 48th goal of the season. However, Tampa Bay, despite having a pair of power plays in the third, was unable to net the equalizer and Buffalo held on for the win.' … [Read more...] about Buffalo 3, Tampa Bay 2

'With the win, the Sabres clinch a spot in the playoffs.' … [Read more...] about Sabres Top Tampa 3-2; Clinch Playoff Spot

'"When you have a two goal lead, you kind of turn it down a notch," said head coach Lindy Ruff. "You don't want your d joining and creating opportunities where if you miss you're going to give up an opportunity and let them back in the game. So we did slow it down, but when it got 3-2, we went after it again."' … [Read more...] about Gutting it out in Tampa Bay

'With their goaltending shining for the second consecutive contest, Buffalo's offense hit the high-speed lane in a game that resembled a track meet between two counterattacking rosters, ready to pounce on every turnover.' … [Read more...] about Game # 71: Sabres 3, Lightning 2

'Tonight's two points moved the Sabres four ahead of the New Jersey Devils for the lead in the Eastern Conference while extending their lead in the Northeast Division by nine points over the Ottawa Senators. With 98 points, the Sabres are just one point behind the Detroit Red Wings in the race for the NHL Presidents' Trophy. All four teams in question have played 71 games … [Read more...] about Sabres clinch post-season berth, technically

Slumpng Amerks lose to Philadelphia (Rochester D&C) Phantoms' Munroe earns his first shoutout (Philadelphia Inquirer) Phantoms shut out Americans (Philadelphia Daily News) Philadelphia Phantoms 3, Rochester Americans 0 (AP) Phantoms Blank Amerks (RNews.com) Phantoms blank Amerks, 3-0 (Amerks.com) Phantoms plow past Amerks (PhantomsHockey.com) … [Read more...] about Saturday’s Rochester Coverage