Archives for January 11, 2008

‘When the frugal Regier went out of character with Vanek’s deal, he destroyed his leverage in future contract talks. How does he revert to the penny-pinching, do-it-for-the-team Darcy if Vanek continues to struggle? Players (and agents) aren’t dumb. They see the dollar amounts attached to Vanek’s less-than-inspired effort.’

‘The Sabres, the only team last year to feature seven players with 60 or more points, don’t have one this year among the league’s top 50 scorers.’

‘Jaroslav Spacek, who left Thursday night’s shootout loss to the Senators due to back spasms, was feeling “tighter and stiffer” on Friday morning, according to Lindy Ruff. “It doesn’t look like he’ll play tomorrow,” Ruff said.’

'If Buffalo Sabres fans want to see the Stanley Cup this season, they would do well to head for the Albright-Knox Art Gallery from 3 to 10 tonight.'

'Spacek, who leads the team's defensemen with eight goals this season, will be out for a couple of days, coach Lindy Ruff said Friday after Spacek visited the team doctor. Spacek's back began bothering him during the first period of Buffalo's 3-2 shootout loss at Ottawa on Thursday, and he was unable to finish the game.'

'Brian Campbell will be the sole representative from the Buffalo Sabres for the 2008 NHL All-Star Game, Sunday, Jan. 27 at Philips Arena in Atlanta.'

‘The NHL released the 2008 Eastern Conference All-Star roster earlier this morning, and defenseman Brian Campbell will be the only representative from the Buffalo Sabres this season.’

‘The process of self-discovery seemed to only intensify in the second quarter, and not in a good way — the Sabres turned into Sybil on skates. The quarter featured more than a few mood swings: the fourth and fifth wins in a row and four losses in six games to start it, and streaks of six wins and seven losses to close it out.’

‘“It’s gutsy. It’s the way we need to play,” said defenseman Brian Campbell. “It’s not easy but that effort is going to reward you.”’

‘Connolly has been nursing a groin injury and has been used sparingly in practice of late. He was held out entirely for Wednesday’s workout here with what coach Lindy Ruff termed “general aches and pains.”’