Archives for January 2009

‘“You look at the defense we’ve got, and we’ve got to play a certain way,” Ruff said Friday. “Giving up the types of shots we’ve given up doesn’t bother me. It’s the quality opportunities, and we’ve tried to stay away from that. We’re just trying to protect our defense a little bit, and I think we’ve done a good job of that. We’re going to give up a few more shots playing that way, but at the same time it’s still an effective way to win games.”’

Buffalo (25-19-5) at Phoenix (24-21-5) (AP)

Without Reinprecht, Coyotes face Sabres (Sportsticker)

Buffalo Sabres (25-19-5) at Phoenix Coyotes (24-21-5) (The Sports Network)

Sabres at Coyotes-Preview (PhoenixCoyotes.com)

Sports Digest (Portland Press Herald)

Pirates move back to first place with 4-2 win over P-Bruins (Maine Hockey Journal)

Pirates Come From Behind for 4-2 Win Over Bruins (PortlandPirates.com)

P-Bruins fall to Pirates 4-2 (ProvidenceBruins.com)

‘What is more troubling than Gragnani’s little ice time is the comparable playing time for Nathan Paetsch. Buffalo’s seventh defenseman for the entire season, Paetsch was supposed to be cracking the top-6 at this point in his career. A season or two ago, Paetsch seemed like the only defenseman other than Brian Campbell able to play positive minutes on the power play. Now the 2001 second-round pick is likely on his way out with Mike Weber ready to play for the big-league club and the time also approaching for Mike Card and Mike Funk to make their way west from Portland into HSBC Arena.’

‘Kaleta skated with the fourth line during the Buffalo Sabres’ practice at the Peoria Sports Complex today. He may be available to play Saturday when the Sabres visit the Phoenix Coyotes.’

‘Connolly and Stafford, who became linemates three games ago, have become Buffalo’s most productive duo. They have combined for seven goals and two assists in the past two games.’

Pirates still short-handed on defense (Portland Press Herald)

‘"It was my best impression of Roger Dorn from ‘Major League.’ Just ground balls going through," Miller said. "Not very like me, but I definitely have to be better, especially on the road and especially for a team that needs some points."’

‘"He’s going to be an offensive defenseman," the coach said. "He’s going to have to work a little bit on his play on the defensive side, but it’s no different than a Brian Campbell when he first came up his first few years."’

‘”No matter the shots, it’s my job to keep us in the game. I didn’t do a good job of that tonight.”‘