Archives for October 16, 2008

'“We wanted to turn him into a penalty killer and he’s becoming a weapon on the other side of it too,” Ruff said. “We want to keep the focus on let’s make sure we kill the penalties first and the short-handed goals will come, but it was great to see him get those two opportunities and to put them away.”' … [Read more...] about Vanek’s work ethic paying dividends

'"I wasn't even aware that Lindy needed one more win, because he never even brought it up or talked about it; I guess that's something he wouldn't do though and shows the character and class that he has," said Sabres forward Jason Pominville. "He's an honest guy who has worked for every bit of his success. He's been here for a while and between Lindy and (General … [Read more...] about With 400 wins, Ruff making it look easy

'How is this happening? Defense. Three goals-against is the fewest in franchise history for the first three games of a season. An appropriate backdrop for coach Lindy Ruff's 400th career victory.' … [Read more...] about Sabres have it their way

'"[Coach Lindy Ruff] taps you to play and you have to find a way to make it a good partnership and keep good energy throughout the lineup, especially the goaltending," Miller said. "It's come up in the playoffs every year since the lockout that the goalie who's been on the hottest run doesn't have a lot of work during the regular season. [Pittsburgh's Marc-Andre] Fleury was off … [Read more...] about Miller returns without missing a beat

'The team still has a total of about 43,000 tickets left, or a little more than 1,000 for the average game. Most games have between 500 and 1,600 seats left.' … [Read more...] about Sabres tickets are few and far between

Rangers Fall Short in Quest for Best Start (New York Times) Rangers fall to Buffalo Sabres 3-1 for season's first loss (New York Daily News) Anger arises among tears as Rangers' pick Alexei Cherepanov is buried (New York Daily News) Rangers hit with first loss (New York Post) Rangers' perfect record blemished by pesky Buffalo (New York Newsday) Rangers back Mara's … [Read more...] about Thursday’s New York Coverage

'Vanek netted the second of Buffalo’s two power-play goals in the second period--the first man-advantage tallies allowed by the Rangers in six games this season--and then put the Sabres ahead in the third. He already has five goals in the Sabres’ first three games, including consecutive two-goal contests.' … [Read more...] about Vanek scores 2 again, ends Rangers&#8217 perfect start

'Vanek put the Sabres in front with a power-play tally, his first goal of the night. Derek Roy sent a slapshot in on net from the left side that Lundqvist tried to glove. The puck bounced out of his glove and right to Vanek, though, and he quickly deposited it in the net for a 2-1 Buffalo lead with 7:30 left in the period.' … [Read more...] about Buffalo 3, NY Rangers 1

'Just 1:10 in to the third period Thomas Vanek got his second tally of the evening scoring short-handed pushing the Buffalo lead to 3-1. Vanek is off to a hot start for the Sabres scoring five goals in only three games this season.' … [Read more...] about Vanek Scores Twice as the Sabres Top Rangers 3-1

'He is fifth among active coaches in career wins, compiling a record of 400-320-103 through 823 games and has the most wins among active coaches with their current teams.' … [Read more...] about Ruff records 400 career wins

'It wasn't a runaway like Monday night's game on Long Island, but Buffalo's 3-1 road victory over the New York Rangers was equally impressive. From Afinogenov to Vanek, the Sabres have committed themselves to a solid all-around game and they've been rewarded with a somewhat surprising 3-0 start.' … [Read more...] about Sabres take Rangers to school with a perfect road game

Off-ice practice (Portland Press Herald) Dineen on WBLM This Thursday (PortlandPirates.com) Pirates Coaches on WJAB This Week (PortlandPirates.com) … [Read more...] about Thursday’s Portland Coverage