Archives for February 2009

'There have been 137 coaching changes in the NHL since Ruff was hired by the Sabres in July 1997, according to the Elias Sports Bureau. While that number alone is staggering, consider the anecdotal evidence - Craig Hartsburg has now lost three NHL head coaching jobs over that period.' … [Read more...] about Sabres coach Lindy Ruff marvels at own longevity in wake of latest NHL firing

'Ryan Miller needed to make just 16 saves to record his second consecutive shutout, stretching his scoreless string to 126 minutes, 52 seconds after a goal late in the third period of a 5-2 loss at Calgary on January 28.' … [Read more...] about Buffalo 5, Toronto 0

'It didn't take long for the Sabres to grab the lead. Tim Connolly notched his 10th goal of the season just 2:23 into the game when he tipped a Craig Rivet shot past Leafs rookie netminder Justin Pogge. After gaining possession following an Alexei Ponikarovsky turnover, Rivet flung the puck toward the Toronto net and a streaking Connolly was able to tip it home.' … [Read more...] about Vanek Racks Up Natural Hat Trick; Sabres Rout Leafs 5-0

'“It was one of our better efforts on defense,” Ryan Miller said. “We had great backpressure. They didn’t have a lot of zone time... they didn’t have body position because we were making them shoot from a little worse angle than they wanted. Little things like that paid off tonight and the boys looked really sharp. They should be proud of … [Read more...] about On the defense

Pirates fall apart in loss (Portland Press Herald) Sharks rally, upend Pirates (Worcester Telegram and Gazette) Pirates let a golden opportunity get away (Maine Hockey Journal) Sharks Come From Behind for 5-3 Win (PortlandPirates.com) Five straight goals by Sharks send Pirates off the plank (SharksAHL.com) … [Read more...] about Thursday’s Portland Coverage

'Sabres defenseman Teppo Numminen has been activated from injured reserve and expected to play Wednesday, when Buffalo hosts Toronto.' … [Read more...] about Sabres D Numminen activated from IR

'To clear room on the roster for Numminen, the Sabres assigned defenseman Marc- Andre Gragnani to Portland of the American Hockey League. He had played all four games during Buffalo's recent West Coast road swing.' … [Read more...] about Sabres activate Numminen off IR

'Numminen has missed the last six games after suffering a small fracture of the jaw vs. Carolina on January 17 when he was struck in the face by a puck. The 40-year-old Numminen had played in all 45 games prior to the injury, collecting 14 points (2+12).' … [Read more...] about Sabres activate Numminen from IR

'"Tough, tough, tough," coach Lindy Ruff admitted Monday in Anaheim. "Getting back home and playing right away is always tough. We get home and it's a tough turnaround. There's no rest days, and we're going to have to skate [Wednesday] morning and be ready to play."' … [Read more...] about There’s no rest for the weary Sabres

Maple Leafs Game Day (National Post) Toronto (19-23-9) at Buffalo (26-20-5) (AP) Sabres return home to face Maple Leafs (Sportsticker) Toronto Maple Leafs (19-23-9) at Buffalo Sabres (26-20-5) (The Sports Network) … [Read more...] about Wednesday’s Toronto Coverage

It's been a zigzag season for one promising Pirate (Portland Press Herald) … [Read more...] about Wednesday’s Portland Coverage

'The Buffalo Sabres announced today the start time for the team’s regular season finale against the Boston Bruins on Saturday, April 11 at HSBC Arena will be 4 p.m. The game time had previously been listed as TBA.' … [Read more...] about Sabres and Bruins to play at 4 p.m. on April 11

'The Sabres took just one shot over a span of 21 minutes, 46 seconds during the second and third periods. The Ducks, meanwhile, fired at will. They scored three straight times, overcoming a 1-0 deficit and skating off with a 3-2 victory in Honda Center.' … [Read more...] about Sabres don’t call the shots in finale

'"Obviously, it's a fun time for those young guys," Rivet said in Honda Center. "They're getting an opportunity to play some games and show they can play in this league. It's an important time for them."' … [Read more...] about Sabres’ blue line has a tint of green

Ducks regaining some consistency (Orange County Register) Ducks and Sabres unlikely dance partners (Orange County Register) Photo gallery (Orange County Register) Trickle-in theory works for Ducks (Los Angeles Times) Ducks Stave Off Late Buffalo Comeback, 3-2 (AnaheimDucks.com) Photo gallery (AnaheimDucks.com) Photo gallery (Sabres.com) … [Read more...] about Tuesday’s Anaheim Coverage