Archives for February 17, 2009

'So far, through 57 games, the Sabres haven’t been prepared many nights against the supposedly weaker foes. Players can speak about those teams with harsh experiences fresh in their minds. Buffalo has 12 losses (10-8-4 overall) to the clubs ranked ninth through 15th in the conference, including three straight following Sunday’s 3-0 debacle to the Carolina Hurricanes … [Read more...] about Ruff times in Buffalo

'"As long as we're winning, it's fine. But in games like [Sunday] where we don't have a good start or have problems, it's hard on you if don't contribute offensively."' … [Read more...] about Sabres waiting for Hecht to get clicking

'“It doesn’t seem like we’re getting any production out of having Tim and Jochen and Pommer together. In the second period a couple of times, they couldn’t even get out of their own end,” Ruff said. “Sometimes lines just don’t work."' … [Read more...] about Ruff needs Hecht to step up

'"They were flat, but they won't be flat (tonight)," Ruff said yesterday. "We're going to have to be ready for them and be a lot better. You saw a (Leafs) team that turned it up and flat out smoked Pittsburgh."' … [Read more...] about Ruff expects battle

'Ruff, of course, is the dean of NHL coaches, in place behind the Buffalo bench since July of 1997. Everyone knows his CV; a great shot at the Cup early, then dry years while ownership went bust before emerging from the lockout with back-to-back 50-win seasons. It obviously helps that GM Darcy Regier has been there 12 years, as well, and shouldn't this kind of front-office … [Read more...] about Ruff a rarity in this rapid-fire world

'"With the way the game has evolved the last couple of years, it seems that goals have become a bit more dirty," Mair says. "You've got to go to the net, and on the flip side keep people away from your crease."' … [Read more...] about Nasty intent

Maple Leafs Game Day (National Post) Buffalo (29-22-6) at Toronto (21-25-10) (AP) Red-hot Blake, Maple Leafs face Sabres (Sportsticker) Buffalo Sabres (29-22-6) at Toronto Maple Leafs (21-25-10) (The Sports Network) … [Read more...] about Tuesday’s Toronto Coverage

Springfield Falcons hosting strong Portland Pirates (Springfield Republican) Kennedy named AHL player of the week (Maine Hockey Journal) Kennedy's play has bite (New England Hockey Journal) Portland Pirates left-winger Tim Kennedy named AHL player of the week (CP) Pirates' Kennedy named Player of the Week (TheAHL.com) … [Read more...] about Tuesday’s Portland Coverage