Archives for April 2007

'A schedule for the series is yet to be released.' … [Read more...] about Rangers will face Buffalo in Conference Semis

'“It’s a lot of fun just to be back out there and playing and be right into the playoffs, which is the most exciting time of the year,” Connolly said. “To move on to the next round, it’s just a great feeling to be back.”' … [Read more...] about Connolly is back to his old self

'“It’s a learning process and I think he learned from that last year,” Daniel Briere said after Game Five. “I was very impressed with his last game in New York, the effort he put in. It was just an all-around great game on his part. And tonight he made another great play on Max’s goal. Everybody was expecting him to just drop it right when he … [Read more...] about Lessons of &#821706 benching serving Vanek well

Is the finger of blame unfairly pointed at one group? (New York Times) Islanders aren't the victims here (New York Post) Deserted Isles (New York Post) Will they stay or go? (New York Newsday) Smyth a most uncommon player, and Isles must find way to keep him (New York Newsday) Islanders head into another uncertain offseason (AP) … [Read more...] about Sunday’s New York Coverage

Amerks win, so it's back to square one (Rochester D&C) Rochester 3, Hamilton 1 (AP) Amerks Square Series (RNews.com) Amerks even Series at one (Amerks.com) 'Dogs drop Game 2; Series tied 1-1 (HamiltonBulldogs.com) … [Read more...] about Sunday’s Rochester Coverage

'Sabres forward Jason Pominville added, “We expected a battle. We had to battle for every game.”' … [Read more...] about Islanders make it interesting, but top-seeded Buffalo advances with 4-3 win

'“We tightened up and didn’t want to make a mistake and that sort of hurt our play,” Ruff admitted of the tense final period. “It’s tough, you get that lead and you’re preaching let’s not make the big mistake (but) we took our foot off the accelerator and, give them credit, they saw a dog that was back on its heels and they came … [Read more...] about Islanders gave Sabres a tough test

'"I definitely don't think we're playing our best hockey. I think everybody will agree on that," Briere said. "But at the same time, what we've done is found ways to win." Sometimes barely.' … [Read more...] about Lapses leave Sabres with room for improvement

'In that sense, perhaps the relative ease with which they won the series might lead them into a false sense of security. Even though the Sabres had some good moments, it could not be said that they really dominated the series. But at the same time, many a Stanley Cup winner has looked shaky in the opening round -- a lot shakier than the Sabres looked in this one.' … [Read more...] about Late Islander goals put scare into Sabres

'A franchise that once went 13 years without a seven-game playoff series victory dispatched the Islanders in five games, yet neither its head coach nor its players were altogether pleased. Sabre players raised their sticks to salute the crowd after the handshakes were done, but there's a feeling if Buffalo doesn't play much better in the second round, it will … [Read more...] about Fish kill

'During the Sabres’ four games to one playoff victory over the New York Islanders, Lorentz was network quality. He was on top of all the strategic moves being made by coaches Lindy Ruff and Ted Nolan.' … [Read more...] about Lorentz steps up in postseason

'“I grew up as a Buffalo fan. Buffalo’s a way better town than Toronto. I love it here. Look at the fans here. You don’t see this in Toronto before a playoff game. No, this is a party. Toronto is so business people, and no fun, like this,” Luey said.' … [Read more...] about Sabres fans party with gusto

'"Talk about a bizarre series," said Sabres center Jim Lorentz, who is remembered more for one incident that night than any other in his entire 10-year career. "Not only were we besieged with fog throughout the series, but in the one game in Buffalo, a bat started flying around the Aud. Now I don't know how the bat got into the building or whether … [Read more...] about Holy Cow! It's Batman!

'“I’ve never brought my husband to a game,” said Gillian Wellman, 27, of Barker, who this season attended seven games. “Last year, we didn’t have tickets and we went out to watch the games every single night. Nothing will come between me and hockey. I’m here for the Cup.”' … [Read more...] about In the game

'“Bottom line is, we’re moving on,” Sabres defenseman Teppo Numminen said. “Five games, that’s always nice. But it was a good reminder for everybody and for our team how tough we have to play and how hard we have to work to get a win in the playoffs.”' … [Read more...] about Frantic finish