Archives for January 3, 2008

‘”It’s been two pretty demanding days,” Ruff said. “The practice day was a pretty demanding day. (The game) took a lot out of everybody. (Wednesday) I thought we were sluggish, but we’re going to push it as hard as we can with the on-ice and the off-ice to try to be ready for a real good practice (today).”‘

'I have one major criticism. NBC's coverage of the game was atrocious.'

'The great joy of the Buffalo game was that it presented hockey as we know and love it. The great danger of the Buffalo game is waxing nostalgia into disinterest.'

'The NHL has looked at its TV numbers for years and knows what they got. The outdoor game drew some viewers because it was different, a novelty or a curiosity or — if you're a cruel person — a freak show, but the league knows that a regular-season game involving any two of its best teams never gets a number like it got on New Year's Day, and that's not likely to change.'

'"I don't know. Still on the same schedule, day by day, week by week," said Numminen, catching his breath after a 90-minute practice. "But things are getting closer. We're moving in the right direction. … They checked things out and things are like they should be."'

‘The Sabres can’t afford to let Tuesday’s loss send them into an Edmonton- like tailspin. Not with a January schedule that includes just three home games. “We have to come back pretty fast,” said winger Ales Kotalik, who opened the shootout with Buffalo’s lone goal. “We have a really tough month coming up. Any hangover from this kind of game can kill us, can really put us in a deep bottom in the standings.”’

‘One year after scoring 43 goals, Vanek is on pace for 22 goals and 47 points. He has one goal and no assists in his last seven. Forget the huge contract (if such a thing is possible). He would be a colossal disappointment at last year’s money.’

‘“He’s doing a lot better,” said coach Lindy Ruff. “I’m hoping we can get him cleared for a normal practice the next couple days.”’

‘Sabres officials were pleased when they looked at newspaper and Web site clippings. “I think, with the setting, the snow falling, the close game and the 83,000 people in one town watching hockey, I think that says a lot about this area and the passion we have for hockey,” Sabres public relations director Michael Gilbert said Wednesday.’

'Maybe the New Year's Day game in Orchard Park won't rejuvenate the NHL's fortunes in the United States. But it sure made more Americans pay attention to hockey than any game has in years.'