Archives for April 2, 2007

'"It feels a little better, and hopefully, it's going to improve every day," said Afinogenov, who missed the last 19 games after suffering a broken wrist against Edmonton on Feb. 17. "I need to just work on my wrist skills. I need to get exercise for my wrist with some dumbbells or something."'

' "It's an honor to be recognized for that," said Stafford about the award. "It's a pretty big deal, but I'm just glad I've been given an opportunity to be a part of the guys here."'

'Briere earned $5 million for 2006-07 and given his 90-plus points this year could easily command over $7 million per season on the open market. Drury earned $3 million and could possibly double his money as a free agent. Even if the two agreed to "hometown discounts" to remain in Buffalo their combined salaries could potentially cost Regier almost $11 million per season, pushing the payroll up to almost $40 million. That would leave little room to forward Tomas Vanek, defensemen Teppo Numminen and Nathan Paetsch, and a backup goalie.'

'With 9 goals and 4 assists in March, Drew Stafford was named the NHL Rookie of the Month.'

'The two players practiced Monday, and Coach Lindy Ruff said both could be cleared for contact by Wednesday. Ruff said it's possible one or both could play before the Sabres close their regular season Sunday at Philadelphia.'

'The postseason is another level,'u Ruff said after Vanek scored his team-high 39th goal in Saturday night's 4-3 loss to the Montreal Canadiens in the Bell Centre. 'The regular season is one, the postseason is another one. The last postseason was disappointing, but Thomas has had a great year. He should be excited to get into the postseason, but it's still going to be a big venture for him.'

'The NHL Sabres finished No. 1 in "Fan Satisfaction" among the 122 teams in North America's four major team sports. But the NFL Bills were No. 1 in the "Official Team of Pain and Suffering" ratings.'