Archives for May 9, 2007

'“It’s a very different hockey team than last year,” Coach Bryan Murray said in a conference call this week. “I think when I came here last year, I saw a team with a lot of flair and ability to score goals and be an exciting hockey team to watch, but dependent, totally dependent almost, on skill. But I think the learning curve took place after the … [Read more...] about Ottawa, East Finalist, Asks: Canada, Where&#8217s the Love?

'The big question is whether they are the best right now. Buffalo has become the model team for the new NHL, with speed to burn, the ability to roll four lines without losing any offensive potential, a solid group of defenseman and excellent goaltending. And they have home-ice advantage in this series. But the Sabres' scoring in these playoffs has not come from as … [Read more...] about Hatred aside, Sabres-Senators series a potential classic

'"I don't think it matters that it's the Senators, personally," said Sabres goalie Ryan Miller. "I look at this as a challenge because they're a good hockey team, they have talented players, but so are the Islanders, so are the Rangers and we have to focus on what we want to accomplish on the ice. We can't get caught up in, … [Read more...] about Neil hit, brawl with Sens, not Sabres' focus heading into Eastern Conference final

'"I think we all know the history," Murray said. "It's a matter of just playing now."' … [Read more...] about Sabres, Senators ready to settle differences on ice

'The NHL reported this week online sales for Sabres-related products via the nhl.com store are up 900 percent from April 2005 through April 2006. A league official estimates that retail sales for Sabres' wares may be approaching the $75 million to $80 million range. Revenues generated from those sales are accrued to the league's bottom line and shared equally … [Read more...] about Sales of Sabres gear spreading far and wide

'But Liberal House Leader Jim Bradley - a longtime Sabres fan - made it clear that not all Ontario government members expect a Senators victory. Bradley notes many of his constituents in the Niagara area are big Sabres fans, and says McGuinty is "dreaming in Technicolor" with his prediction of an Ottawa win.' … [Read more...] about McGuinty betting Sens will beat Sabres

'"It's going to be a tough task," said Tallinder. "They're such good, all-around players, and they know how to find each other at all times. It's no secret, we're going to try our best to shut them down, try to limit their space and time as much as possible."' … [Read more...] about First Jagr, now Spezza line awaiting Sabres duo Tallinder and Lydman

'A handful of NHL clubs -- and it only takes one infatuated bidder -- are likely at least to double Drury’s money come July 1. The Rangers, still smarting from his heroics in Round 2, would be obvious suitors. Ditto the Kings, eager to get their renaissance off the launch pad, as well as the Predators, who have serious doubts about being able to woo back … [Read more...] about Sabres fans need to enjoy Drury while they can

'It's been a year and a day since that collision, and Connolly, who missed 80 games during the regular season with post-concussion related symptoms, is regaining his prior form. His recovery has been termed by head coach Lindy Ruff as being "incredible."' … [Read more...] about Regaining His Form

'The Buffalo Sabres announced today they'll be hosting a "House Party" at HSBC Arena for all of their remaining away games in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Admission and parking are both free, but fans are asked to make a donation to the Sabres Foundation upon entering the arena.' … [Read more...] about HSBC Arena ''House Party''

'If the Islanders came up behind the Sabres and yelled boo, the Rangers busted through the front door with a chainsaw in one hand and an axe in the other. As Lindy Ruff supposedly told Rangers people after Game 6, "You scared the hell out of us." Put less delicately, brown was added to the Sabres' color scheme: formally, midnight blue, maize and Hershey's skid.' … [Read more...] about Scared straight

'"Sometimes the Jersey crowd almost put you to sleep a little bit. I think that's the way their team almost wants it," Senators centre Jason Spezza said following Wednesday's practice. "We're not going to have to worry about that now because Buffalo's got a pretty rowdy crowd as it is and from what you read and hear, you know it's … [Read more...] about Sens' Emery, Senators expecting rough ride from Sabres fans

'Buffalo Sabres general manager Darcy Regier could become a free agent at the conclusion of the season. If that occurs there would be a ton of interest from both Phoenix and Columbus where there are a pair of openings.' … [Read more...] about Senators blue line depth the key to series

'Sabres fans are going to think I have something against their team but I like the Ottawa Senators in the Eastern Final. They've showed something they haven't in past playoff years. They've got team grit. The Sabres can expect to be hit often. Bryan Murray also may be the best in the league at managing his bench right now.' … [Read more...] about Predictions for the Conference Finals

'From Buffalo's vantage point, their season-long focal point has been on completing the business left unfinished from last spring's heart-wrenching loss in Game Seven of the Conference Finals, twenty minutes away from qualifying for the championship round. The players have memorialized the quest in their words and actions all year long, determined to redeem … [Read more...] about Series preview – Eastern Conference Final