Archives for April 5, 2007

‘Which leads to Kmiec, who was recently presented his own jersey after the team learned he was wearing one of the Sabres’ older-style red-and-black tops. “I do have an inside track,” Sabres owner Tom Golisano said with a wink, when asked where he managed to find a jersey. “I wear it at our confirmations,” Kmiec said. “I say the word, ‘Sabres,’ and I have everybody’s attention completely.” “Divine intervention?” Golisano said. “Not quite, but it’s close.”‘

‘With two games left in their regular season, the Sabres are now minus only two regulars: center Tim Connolly, who has resumed practicing after missing the entire season with a concussion and knee injury; and forward Paul Gaustad, who isn’t expected back this season after having surgery to repair a sliced tendon in his left leg.’

'“They are all little things in the big picture,” Ruff said. “We know how difficult the postseason is going to be. We want to use these last four games – counting (Tuesday) – as really our mini-playoff series leading into the playoffs.”'

'They also have two key intangibles – focus and perspective.'

'“We definitely want to keep our foot on the gas pedal,” Sabres winger Jason Pominville said. “We want to get ourselves ready for the playoffs. We’re playing teams that aren’t really battling for the playoffs, but they’re playing for pride right now. For the most part, we have to worry about what we’re doing and get ourselves ready for a week from now.”'

'“Max is a possibility for all three,” Ruff said.'

Sabres thumbnails (Boston Globe)

Bruins at Buffalo Sabres (Quincy Patriot Ledger)

Boston (35-39-6) at Buffalo (51-21-7) (AP)

Sabres still in running for Presidents’ Trophy (Sportsticker)

Boston Bruins (35-39-6) at Buffalo Sabres (51-21-7) (The Sports Network)

Game notes (BostonBruins.com)

Game # 80: Boston @ Buffalo (SabresFans.com)

Afinogenov could return tonight as Sabres host Bruins (LetsGoSabres.com)

‘”He’s made his decision,” said head coach Lindy Ruff about Connolly. “He thinks that he can play. I think the decision now is, do we have him at a good enough level?”‘

‘Numminen has undergone multiple surgeries to correct heart abnormalities and this season broke the NHL record for most games played by European-trained player.’

‘The four squads feature 37 NHL prospects, including three future Sabres. In addition, Drew Stafford and Ryan Miller have a vested interest in the outcome as their alma maters — North Dakota and Michigan State — fight for the coveted NCAA title.’