Archives for April 7, 2007

‘“His conditioning isn’t there, and I know that bothers him a little bit,” Sabres defenseman Brian Campbell said. “But skill doesn’t go away. It comes back pretty quick. What he does is pretty special. It’s nice to see him back.”’

‘Since the Islanders need to beat the Flyers today and the New Jersey Devils on Sunday afternoon and receive a little help from the Leafs tonight, if they fail to record two points this afternoon they are done and the Canadiens can clinch with any victory. the Leafs, meanwhile, must win in regulation — if the Canadiens lose in overtime or in a shootout, they both will finish with 91 points and the Canadiens own the first tiebreaker with more wins — and hope the Islanders don’t collect all four points.’

‘Quinn is optimistic that things could change next season under the terms of a new deal between the NHL and NBC. NBC will have a “flexible schedule” for hockey that NBC Sports Chairman Dick Ebersol said in a release “will always allow us to have the best possible games. Nothing could be better for hockey fans, who now will be able to see the best teams and marquee players on national broadcast television each week.”’

‘Resilience, chemistry, veteran leadership, firepower on offense, a capable defense, depth and great goaltending are the necessary components for playoff success. Buffalo has them all. And that will turn Miller and his Sabres into Stanley Cup champions.’

‘It’s not often you can debate whether a 40-plus goal scorer in the National Hockey League is too unselfish, but Vanek’s tendency to pass while deep in the zone has sparked that discussion.’

'"This community has stepped up big for us," said Sabres goalie Ryan Miller. "It means a lot to come the rink every night and be greeted by loyal fans."'

Buffalo (52-21-7) at Washington (28-39-14) (AP)

Vanek, Sabres continue march towards Presidents’ Trophy (Sportsticker)

Buffalo Sabres (52-21-7) at Washington Capitals (28-39-14) (The Sports Network)

Caps Close Out Campaign Against Sabres (WashingtonCaps.com)

Game notes (WashingtonCaps.com)

Game # 81: Buffalo @ Washington (SabresFans.com)

Sabres optimistic for Connolly, Presidents’ Trophy (LetsGoSabres.com)

Amerks clinch playoff berth (Rochester D&C)

Kaleta’s check angers Bulldogs coach Lever (Rochester D&C)

Amerks extend Bulldogs’ skid (Hamilton Spectator)

Rochester 2, Hamilton 1 (AP)

Playoff Bound (RNews.com)

Amerks earn playoff bid with 2-1 win over ‘Dogs (Amerks.com)

‘Dogs fall to Amerks (HamiltonBulldogs.com)