Archives for April 27, 2007

'But it was Miller, who raised his playoff record this season to 6-1, who starred, stopping 31 of 33 Rangers shots, including two in the waning minutes with New York on the power play.'

'Chris Drury and Brian Campbell also scored for the Sabres, who were outshot and outchanced through two periods, but found another gear when it mattered most, tying the game on Drury's goal early in the third before Vanek won it.'

'The Sabres would score twice in the third to complete the 3-2 come back win over the Rangers. Thomas Vanek would net the game winner halfway through the third period. Brian Campbell notched a goal and an assist while Ryan Miller stopped 31 shots in the win.'

'Paul Mara and Martin Straka scored for the Rangers, who played much better following a 5-2 loss on Wednesday, but still couldn't contain the Sabres' depth and offense when it counted.'

'The Sabres were trailing, 2-1, to start the third period, but quickly tied the game thanks to a defensive miscue from New York. Marek Malik grabbed the puck off of a Buffalo defender deep along the left boards, but inexplicably threw the puck out front. It went all the way to the high slot where Toni Lydman uncorked a blast that Drury redirected into the net just 24 seconds in.'

'"The type of player he is and the way the game changed after the lockout, our pro scouts thought that he would be a very good fit for us," said Regier. "We were looking for a veteran presence, to stabilize and teach young players and lead by example. He has the game down to a science. He's so effective and efficient."'

'A quick Google search found Zakowicz' unofficial site among more than 600 Sabres-related sites and blogs. Those include the team site, Sabres.com, and unofficial ones such as Sabresreport.com, Sabreslegends.com and NewBlueandGold.com.'

‘What’s with the opening minute of Sabres’ series the last year? What’s with all the ref love? What’s with those ties? And why wear beer googles? No answers, just more questions.’

'“But you know what? You’ve got to grow up in a hurry in these short series, and you’ve got to understand it is the first team to four, and we’ve only played one. It’s far from over. I think the guys got their heads around that as we progressed through the day.”'

'“I don’t know how to explain it,” said Daniel Briere. “It’s one of those mysteries. But yeah, a lot of times those hardnosed players, guys that have a role during the season that is not on the front line or not on the spotlight as much, have that knack to just step up and make big plays in the playoffs.”'