Archives for April 2007

'“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.”' … [Read more...] about Mair makes the most of minutes

'“Maybe we didn’t play our best, but maybe they didn’t play their best,” Jagr said. “The bottom line is we lost the game. They found a way to win the hockey game. We make some mistakes; maybe they forced us to make the mistakes. Maybe they’re good enough to force us to make our mistakes. I don’t know. We’re going to find out … [Read more...] about Jagr walks tightrope in his off-day remarks

'“When a team is winning, it’s OUR team,” noted Pines, chuckling. “When it’s losing, it’s, ‘THEY lost.’ ”' … [Read more...] about Sabres&#8217 wins boost fans&#8217 self-esteem

'“The party got bigger than we thought it would, and we probably overreacted a little bit,” said Sabres managing partner Larry Quinn. “I’d hope we’d always err on the side of protecting the public, but we went a little far this time.”' … [Read more...] about Sabres relent, put beer back in plaza party game plan

'He has also gathered quite a fan base singing “God Bless America” during the seventh-inning stretch at many New York Yankees games. But his hockey home remains Buffalo. The Sabres are his team. “They’re going to bring Stanley to Buffalo,” Tynan said Thursday.' … [Read more...] about Inspirational Irish tenor sings the praises of Sabres

'"Confidence is a major thing," co-captain Daniel Briere said of Vanek. "When you're confident, you feel like you can make it happen. It seems like the puck is following you. It's the case with Thomas right now."' … [Read more...] about Ice time right time for Sabres’ Vanek

'I'm not a big fan of "bulletin board material" and I didn't think it had a big effect on professional athletes, but after watching the Sabres 5-2 victory Wednesday, my views on the subject have changed slightly.' … [Read more...] about Comments from Avery, Renney backfire as Buffalo adds fuel to its fire

'While the Yankees could use him, figure on the Rangers pursuing Drury when he hits the open market July 1. As per club policy, he and the Sabres have not engaged in contract extension talks in months. "No, we never got into it," Drury said. "My feeling kind of all along was: If it was going to be quick - a one-day deal - good, let's get it out of the way."' … [Read more...] about Drury digs Garden

'He might get to play his home games in the city yet, for the Rangers, but let's not get ahead of ourselves. The Rangers still are in the serious business of trying to stop him, not sign him. Lots of luck.' … [Read more...] about Drury’s audition for Broadway role?

Their Defense in Question, Rangers Look to Regroup (New York Times) Blueshirts irked at being counted out (New York Daily News) Drury digs Garden (New York Daily News) Outlook not Roz-y (New York Post) Rust no longer an excuse for Rangers (New York Post) Needing a 'V' with problems at 'D' (New York Newsday) Drury's audition for Broadway role? (New York Newsday) Hockey … [Read more...] about Friday’s New York Coverage (Updated 2:00 p.m.)

'"You get a bit of everything with both guys," Ruff said yesterday as the teams prepared for this evening's Game 2. "Toni is physical, Henrik has outstanding reach and can skate."' … [Read more...] about Sabres’ unlikely combo

'He said he never intended to rile the top-seeded Sabres by questioning their status as a legitimate Cup favourite before the series started. Renney's line "they're not the cream of the crop" was gobbled up and spat out by media and players alike in these parts. "You have to be more calculated in what you offer up," Renney said. "You'd expect the same from your players."' … [Read more...] about Renney mends fences

'While an experienced coaching staff like that of the Rangers might usually be able to shield their young defencemen from the top attackers of the opposition, that's not really possible against the Sabres. Blessed with skilled depth at all three forward positions, the Sabres have abandoned the traditional approach of designating a checking line or an "energy" line and instead … [Read more...] about Baptism of fire for Girardi

'"My first three years in the American Hockey League, I was used in more of an offensive role and saw some power-play time," Mair added. "But never at this level. The skill that those players have is remarkable, and it makes it quite easy for myself."' … [Read more...] about Fourth No. 2 line makes its mark

'"We've got four balanced lines and six mobile defencemen who like to join the rush," said Sabres centre Derek Roy. "It keeps the other team's forwards honest."' … [Read more...] about Buffalo’s balanced lines stun Rangers