Archives for May 9, 2007

'Everything starts with the goalie. And this series victory was all about Miller. Often overlooked due to the heroics of a certain co-captain to be named later, Miller stonewalled the Rangers in five of the six games. For all the talk of Lundqvist, Miller is the one who won four games.' … [Read more...] about Miller navigates Sabres’ Quest for the Cup

'Ruff isn't concerned about the chippy, sometimes nasty play between the teams. There's too much at stake. "The big prize is one team is going to play for the Stanley Cup," he said. "If you're going to take those (retaliation penalties) at this time of year, then I think the mindset is in the wrong place."' … [Read more...] about No Sabre rattling necessary

'The line between winning and losing was easy to find during the teams’ eight games. The Sabres won both games in which they kept Ottawa to one power-play goal or fewer. The Senators scored two or more six times, and they won five (the other had to go to a shootout).' … [Read more...] about Penalty kill is Job One for Sabres

'Emery is up against it now. The only thing he’s proved to Buffalo fans is that he can beat up Martin Biron. So if you need someone to rush onto Chippewa Street at 4 a.m. and punch out a bunch of drunken thugs, Emery is your man. Knocking this Sabres team out of the playoffs, well, that’s a different matter.' … [Read more...] about Emery adds fuel to hot series

'The Sabres changed their forward trios during Game Five of the Eastern Conference semifinals, and the result was seven goals and two straight victories to close out the New York Rangers. The Sabres practiced for the conference finals Tuesday for the first time, and the lines were the same.' … [Read more...] about Ruff to stick with his line combinations

'So where is Fort Erie leaning in the Eastern Conference finals, in the battle between the Sabres and Ottawa Senators? That depends on whom you ask.' … [Read more...] about Sabres have edge in Fort Erie

'The bitter rivalry that is the Buffalo-Ottawa matchup is just what this Sabres team needs. If there is any one team in the entire NHL that the Sabres will get up for and play a complete hockey game for, it is the Ottawa Senators.' … [Read more...] about Buffalo-Ottawa: Just What The Doctor Ordered

'The Sabres coach was quick and sharp when asked about comments made by Ray Emery, who said in Tuesday’s Sun that he’s not thrilled about having to spend off-days in Buffalo and joked on TSN’s Off The Record that he might pass his spare time this week hanging out at TGI Friday’s.' … [Read more...] about Ruff ride for Sens goalie

'"He's a great player, a great addition to their team," he said. "But especially at this time of year, there is going to be more physical play. If the opportunity comes, no matter who is cutting across the middle, you're going to take the opportunity to make a hit, just like they're going to do on you."' … [Read more...] about Schaefer glad rival is back

'The roles are reversed. This time, it's the Sabres as regular season studs, the Sabres facing the pressure of winning it all, the Sabres slipping in the second half of the regular season. Did anyone imagine the New York Rangers could extend Buffalo to six games? Even the New York Islanders had their moments in Round 1. The Sabres haven't looked like the same dominant team. … [Read more...] about Senators have reasons to believe

Buffalo is where Sens got it right (Ottawa Sun) Centre of excellence (Ottawa Sun) Ruff ride for Sens goalie (Ottawa Sun) Schaefer doesn't think hit still an issue (Ottawa Sun) Toto disregard for Sens (Ottawa Sun) Senators have reasons to believe (Ottawa Citizen) Razor's edge (Ottawa Citizen) Schaefer glad rival is back (Ottawa Citizen) Senators committed to 'sticking … [Read more...] about Wednesday’s Ottawa Coverage

'Ottawa has been playing more cohesively and getting better contributions from its defence, but give the slight edge in the all-important goal rankings to Buffalo's Ryan Miller over Ray Emery, even though Emery is 9-2 versus Buffalo.' … [Read more...] about Eastern Conference preview

'Here you have two veteran guys in Lindy Ruff and Bryan Murray who have been through the playoff wars before. They have practically been through every situation the sport could throw at them.' … [Read more...] about It’s almost too close to call

'"Guys were committed to playing defensively, that's why we were winning," Spezza said. "It wasn't because we were scoring. I learned that if everyone plays together, you don't need the strongest group of individuals to win."' … [Read more...] about Spezza takes career in new direction

'"At first, I didn't understand the whole, 'Welcome to Pominville' and what that meant," the Sabres star said. "And then I kind of caught on to it. It's actually a pretty good idea. I thought it was kind of funny and it's nice to see people having fun with it."' … [Read more...] about What’s in a name? Ask the people of Pominville