Archives for May 2007

'Drury, who trails only Joe Sakic among active players in playoff game winners, is on his way to becoming the most popular athlete in the history of Buffalo, a position he could cement - and one up Bills quarterback Jim Kelly - with a Stanley Cup. Drury is an unrestricted free agent July 1, and the Sabres should do anything short of kidnapping to keep him from going on the open … [Read more...] about Sabres stretch it to the Max

'"It's a tough loss, plain and simple," coach Tom Renney said. "We weren't close to being the better team on the ice tonight. It was close for one reason, and that was our goaltender."' … [Read more...] about Buffalo 2, NY Rangers 1, OT

'The Sabres avoided what looked like sure defeat until Captain Clutch, Chris Drury, tied it with 7.7 seconds left in the third period. "The puck can find him, he'll score the big goal," Ruff said of his co-captain.' … [Read more...] about Rejuvenated Afinogenov gives Sabres 3-2 series lead over Rangers

'Rangers center Blair Betts was called for hooking in the extra session and the Buffalo power play went to work. Afinogenov took a pass from Jason Pominville and blasted a slap shot from the high slot that beat Henrik Lundqvist through the pads for the win. "I just tried to shoot the puck, guys were screening the goalie, and it went in," said Afinogenov.' … [Read more...] about Buffalo 2, NY Rangers 1 (OT)

'The Sabres now hold the 3-2 series lead as they head to Madison Square Garden for Game Six of the Eastern Conference Semifinal on Sunday afternoon at 2:20pm. The home team has won every game so far this series.' … [Read more...] about Sabres Win Game Five In Thrilling Fashion

'With an extra attacker on and Miller on the bench, Chris Drury won a faceoff, fed Tim Connolly at the point and then scored on the rebound with 7.7 seconds left in regulation to force overtime.' … [Read more...] about Sabres win Game Five

'Chris Drury = Clutch. Max Afinogenov = Redemption.' … [Read more...] about Grading the Sabres: Game 5

'"It's a great story," said Drury. "It's the highs and lows of playoff hockey."' … [Read more...] about Poetic Justice in Game Five

'Their backs pressed firmly to the wall, the never-say-die Sabres found new life with some patented last second heroics to send the epic struggle into overtime. From there, Hollywood would have gleamed with pride at the rags-to-riches ending, witnessing a Buffalo rally that was completed by maligned and recently benched winger Maxim Afinogenov, the most free-spirited mustang in … [Read more...] about ECSF # 5: Sabres 2, Rangers 1 (OT)

'Seemingly headed for a 3-2 deficit in their best-of-seven series against their downstate rivals, the Sabres were the ones taking a one-game advantage into Game 6 scheduled Sunday afternoon in New York City.' … [Read more...] about Never a doubt

'The last 16 seconds of the third period. The Sabres had their backs up against the wall. They also had to score one goal against a goaltender who was absolutely stellar. They overcame the odds and not only tied the game, but won it as well. Those 16 seconds at the end of the third showed great perseverance.' … [Read more...] about Drury saves, Afinogenov redeems in playoff thriller

'With the best-of-seven series against New York tied at 2, Buffalo also welcomed back forward Maxim Afinogenov, who returned after being a healthy scratch in a 2-1 loss in Game 4 at New York on Tuesday. The additions led the Sabres to sit out rookie forward Drew Stafford, who had two goals and two assists in nine playoff games, and Daniel Paille, who played his first game … [Read more...] about Sabres C Gaustad back for Game 5 after missing 3 months

'“They've been making sure they’re in shot lanes, giving us the outside and not making the entries easy on us,” he said. “That’s a big part of the power play when you’re able to get in under control and get the power play set up. We’ve been doing a good job moving the puck around,” he said. “We’ve just got to … [Read more...] about Sabres hoping to henerate positive power play energy

'Drury's theory is this: if you're mentally and physically ready for a game, your performance is almost predetermined. You're going to be fine. If you're not, don't sweat the small stuff or pet the sweaty stuff or something. You're going down.' … [Read more...] about What’s inside?

'After what happened Tuesday night in New York City, the Buffalo Sabres and their fans have every right to be furious. They've simply worked too hard and come too far to have their Stanley Cup dreams put in jeopardy because of one play.' … [Read more...] about Now or never