Archives for April 2007

'A year ago, it was chic to talk about the Sabres as a team without any real stars. But they’re loaded with stars now, and Vanek has the potential to be the biggest of them all.' … [Read more...] about Vanek answers call with breakout performance

'“If I get my chance, I’ve got to do something good out there,” Roy said. “You’re always hoping to contribute for your team. If you see your team struggling on the power play, you just want to get out there and contribute. Not taking the power play for granted is huge.”' … [Read more...] about Back on power play, Roy makes his point

'"We weren't too frustrated," left wing Thomas Vanek said of the scoreless tie, which lasted until 5:41 left in the second. At that moment, Vanek redirected defenseman Dmitri Kalinin's point shot past goaltender Henrik Lundqvist for a 1-0 Sabres' lead. "From there, we kept rolling," Vanek said. "Once we get that first one, we keep going."' … [Read more...] about Sabres shut up Rangers in rout

'"We've had stretches during the year where we'll get one, then we'll get two and sometimes we'll get three," said Sabres coach Lindy Ruff. "We said, 'Let's keep attacking; let's keep playing our game.'"' … [Read more...] about Sabres’ answer a rapid rebuttal

'Still, the Rangers weren't overly discouraged. "I don't think we're out of place against them at all," Callahan said. "Going into Game 2, I think we have a lot of confidence."' … [Read more...] about Callahan confident Rangers can advance

'And for all his pre-game chatter, the most important stat next to Avery’s name on the box score was a minus-3.' … [Read more...] about If Rangers get tough, they’ll be going

'Daniel Briere was called for goaltender interference with under 15 minutes remaining and the Sabres holding a 3-0 edge, but before the play was whistled, Dainius Zubrus was also given a minor for slashing. But New York couldn’t score during the two-minute, two-man advantage, managing just two shots in the process.' … [Read more...] about Rangers fail to score on two-minute, two-man advantage

'"They've been doing it all year," Zubrus said of Tallinder and Lydman's success against their opponent's top forwards. "They know what it's like. They are very mobile, they keep their gaps and they are very smart players."' … [Read more...] about Another day at the office for top eD&#8217 pair

'This season, Vanek led the Sabres with 43 goals, and he led the N.H.L. in plus-minus at plus-47. With such staggering numbers, it would be difficult to imagine Sabres Coach Lindy Ruff benching Vanek. But Ruff has not coddled him. “It’s been a learning year,” Ruff said of Vanek’s second N.H.L. season. “It’s been a growing year. It’s … [Read more...] about Vanek Makes Sure His Return to Playoffs Is Not Just a Repeat

The Sabres Grab Control From the Rangers in a Flash (New York Times) Vanek Makes Sure His Return to Playoffs Is Not Just a Repeat (New York Times) Buffalo buries Blueshirts (New York Daily News) Ranger defense takes a 'mild' beating (New York Daily News) Karel's back on blue line (New York Daily News) A bad 'one' (New York Post) Scorers have to make their point (New York … [Read more...] about Thursday’s New York Coverage

'"We want to stay away from the track meet," rueful Rangers coach Tom Renney said. "The first 10 minutes we were fine (with Miller forced into a tough save on Marcel Hossa right off the faceoff). But the penalties stunted our growth. Our thought process went south after that. But we'll batten down the hatches and respond accordingly (in Game 2)."' … [Read more...] about Sabres hold their edge

'"Out of the lockout, there's no better example of what a team can do than the Sabres," Shanahan said. "Give (long-serving Buffalo coach) Lindy Ruff credit. They had a vision, they worked with what they had, players who played a certain style. Then they drafted and traded for players who fit that style. It shows what a little patience and belief will do."' … [Read more...] about Shanny likes Sabres

'They don't just come at you in waves. They can stun you with a sudden onslaught, which is what seemed to happen to the Rangers last night.' … [Read more...] about Sabres blitz Rangers

'The performance was a relief not only to the supportive Sabres fans, but head coach Lindy Ruff. His team was wound as tight as a golf ball in its opening-round series against the New York Islanders.' … [Read more...] about Buffalo humming on all cylinders

'But in the second period, Lundqvist seemed overwhelmed by the amount of rubber coming at him. "We knew it was going to be tough," he said on a night where he faced 36 shots. "I'd rather see us play a patient and smart game."' … [Read more...] about Sabres run away with it