Archives for April 12, 2007

'At age 14, Austrian youngster Thomas Vanek visited Edmonton from his new home in Lacombe and rushed over to have his picture taken at the Wayne Gretzky statue, hoping, like most starry-eyed kids, that some of No. 99's magic would rub off. Some of it did.' … [Read more...] about From Austria to NHL via Lacombe

'“I don’t think any one person has to feel like they have to carry the team,” Miller said. “I think it’s spread out in such a way that night-to-night it’s people stepping up, or the entire team working together. Only that could be the biggest reason we’re able to do that this year. “And moving forward, it’s going to have to … [Read more...] about Expectations high for Sabres

'All of the storylines this matchup creates have been picked with a fine-toothed comb. But when the Buffalo Sabres step foot onto HSBC Arena ice Thursday (8 p.m. MSG-TV/WGR-AM) to face the New York Islanders in the first of seven possible meetings, all that matters is the win.' … [Read more...] about The quest begins

'"On the flip side, the Islanders have some good veteran players who have been tested in these situations. I don't think that's an issue with them."' … [Read more...] about Are the Sabres ready to be favourites?

'"Last year it was a little more noticeable," Satan said of the booing. "It's a little quieter this year but at least they remember me."' … [Read more...] about Satan says return to Buffalo isn't special

'“There’s no science to it,” coach Lindy Ruff said. “Most goals -- over 70 percent of the goals on power plays -- are led from somebody shooting from the point, or one of those guys in a high umbrella [standing on the edge of the faceoff circles] getting a shot through and the goaltender’s scrambling on a rebound. Not often do you score a goal … [Read more...] about Long shots are a best bet for making power play work

'“It’s always the team I want to win, always,” said Tuzzolino, who’s in the Islanders system but will become an unrestricted free agent if they don’t sign him by June 1. “If I’m ever there [with the Islanders], I’m sure my emotions would change, but from a fan standpoint, I was born and raised here. I’ve got to go for … [Read more...] about Isles&#8217 draftee has soft spot for Sabres

'But Briere claimed there was little chance the mighty Sabres would get too full of themselves anymore. While maintaining an intense focus is difficult for an 82-game schedule, he suggested the postseason commands total awareness. “With the way everybody’s driven to win and reach our goal, we’re in the playoffs now,” Briere said. “I … [Read more...] about Sabres aim to muffle the brash section

'Yes, this is definitely the year.' … [Read more...] about Buffalo enters the postseason the way it entered the regular season, as the team to beat

'“Probably a nightmare,” is how left winger Thomas Vanek imagined defenders view Afinogenov. “It’s definitely a different game with him. He takes it, skates all over and creates a lot more chances for us.”' … [Read more...] about Afinogenov leaves foes blurry-eyed

'But the Isles’ best all-around player? Jason Blake.' … [Read more...] about With Blake on the loose, NewYork is dangerous

'Sabres will advance if ... They don’t get too full of themselves and don’t give the Islanders an opportunity to build confidence. The Sabres should be able to dominate the Islanders by rolling four potent lines against a questionable defense.' … [Read more...] about Blue line jells on schedule for postseason push

'The Islanders will win if ... Their goalie steals the series. DiPietro’s status is uncertain, and Dubielewicz remains unproven. That may be way too much to ask against a team like Buffalo in the playoffs.' … [Read more...] about Isles may be long on grit but short in goal

'“We showed it at the team dinner, and the guys loved it,” Quinn said. “It tugs at your heart and gives you goose bumps.”' … [Read more...] about Video to kick off Sabres&#8217 quest for the Cup

'The Sabres' outlook has changed dramatically since last season. So has their road to the championship. But, Ruff said, "The approach won't be any different." They won't take any team for granted. They won't take any game lightly. "We've been preparing for this the whole year," Briere said. "I can't wait for it to … [Read more...] about Sabres can't sneak up on NHL teams this year