Archives for January 11, 2009

Opportunity slips away from Sabres

‘"Everybody’s disappointed in this room," Sabres captain Craig Rivet said. "As much as you can say we were right there throughout the game, we lost. That’s the bottom line. To give up a goal with 2 1/2 minutes left against arguably the best team in the league, it’s frustrating."’

Butler back in lineup as Tallinder sits

‘”Right now I want to use those seven guys,” Ruff said. “That isn’t an easy decision. It’s tough for Hank. We may look at trying to get a little bit of a rotation, but I think the fact that Butler has played so well, he’s got to go back in. If we’re going to keep him here, he’s got to play. At the same time, I can’t lose the other guys in the process.”‘

Handing out some mid-season grades

‘The coaching staff and particularly Lindy Ruff have taken criticism for what has been a mediocre year thus far, but it’s difficult to perform with your captain (Craig Rivet) and leading playmaker (Tim Connolly) injured. Ruff has done as good as can be expected. My only real complaint is Ruff’s inability to trust a backup goaltender. Miller needs a game off more often, giving Patrick Lalime a chance between the pipes.’

As Roy goes, so go Sabres

‘The Sabres need consistent scoring if they hope to press for home ice in the opening round of the playoffs. And Derek Roy is perhaps the biggest key in that push.’