Archives for March 2009

'"I know we're being questioned, but we dealt with a nasty virus that went through the team, and now we don't have one sick guy and our energy level has gone way up," said coach Lindy Ruff. "They're working hard. Were they frustrated? Yeah, everybody is, but the strength of that came from the room, not from anything I was going to say. That group of guys is going to battle."' … [Read more...] about Buffalo Sabres rally to defeat Florida Panthers

'Maybe there’s still reason to believe. But not if they don’t play with the same grit they showed through Wednesday’s final 14 minutes.' … [Read more...] about Finally, Sabres show some heart

'Vanek played just two shifts in the third period of Buffalo surprising 5-3 victory over the Florida Panthers, while guys like Patrick Kaleta and Paul Gaustad saw a regular shift.' … [Read more...] about Vanek, Stafford sit as Buffalo rallies

Another opportunity squandered by Florida Panthers (Miami Herald) Opportunity knocks for Florida Panthers' Rostislav Olesz (Miami Herald) Up by two late, Panthers pull a disappearing act (South Florida Sun Sentinel) Olesz gets shot to prove self (South Florida Sun Sentinel) Florida Foiled By Fickle Third (FloridaPanthers.com) By The Numbers: Sabres 5, Panthers 3 … [Read more...] about Thursday’s Florida Coverage

'Tim Connolly scored the go-ahead goal to cap the surge and added an assist for a Buffalo team that overcame a 3-1 deficit and won for only the second time in eight games (2-5-1). Clarke MacArthur, Craig Rivet and Maxim Afinogenov, with an empty-netter, also scored for the Sabres, who needed a win to avoid falling further out of playoff contention.' … [Read more...] about Pominville sparks 3-goal surge in Sabres&#8217 win

'Craig Rivet, Clarke MacArthur, Maxim Afinogenov and Tim Connolly also found the net for Buffalo, which halted a four-game slide. The Sabres are five points behind Montreal in the race for the eighth and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. Mikael Tellqvist made 30 saves in the win.' … [Read more...] about Buffalo 5, Florida 3

'After enduring much local criticism, Jason Pominville had a hand in all three comeback goals to help Buffalo to victory. Pominville's goal brought the Sabres to within one of Florida, and then collected two assists on the next two quick hitting goals.' … [Read more...] about Sabres Wake from Losing Slumber; Defeat Panthers 5-3

'“Not bad for a team with no character, eh?” he said of the win, citing recent criticism of the team’s passion. “Everybody is just counting us down and saying that we have no character. We’re just going to lay down and just give up. This shows everybody that we really do want to win. We came back.”' … [Read more...] about Character witness

'“You’ll get a game, probably one in three, one in four, where your support guys will rise to the occasion and help you win games,” he said. “...The finishers need to finish or we’ll be talking about missed opportunities again.”' … [Read more...] about Ruff appeals to top players to start finishing for Sabres

'“My plan is to get in as quick as possible,” Miller said. “(But) you don’t want to do anything too quick.”' … [Read more...] about Miller might return for key game Friday

Pirates understand what’s at stake (Maine Hockey Journal) Pirates Visit Martel Elementary School (PortlandPirates.com) … [Read more...] about Thursday’s Portland Coverage

'Miller is 29-16-5 with a 2.50 goals-against average, .919 save percentage, career-high five shutouts in 2008-09.' … [Read more...] about Sabres’ Miller expected to return on Friday

'Coach Lindy Ruff provided the news before the team’s home game against Florida on Wednesday. The game will be the 13th Miller has missed since being hurt in the third period of a 4-2 win over the New York Rangers on Feb. 21.' … [Read more...] about Sabres G Miller expected back on Friday

'In a pre-game interview, Lindy Ruff reported that, barring any setbacks, the plan is to have Miller back in the lineup for Friday's match-up against the Toronto Maple Leafs.' … [Read more...] about Miller within days of returning

'"The guys that get the key ice time, really they are the guys that make the difference game in or game out," Ruff said. "You'll get a game -- one in three, one in four -- where your support guys will rise to the occasion and help you win games. ... The finishers have to finish or we'll be talking about missed opportunities."' … [Read more...] about Sabres deep-sixed by forwards