Archives for April 18, 2010

'Sabres head coach Lindy Ruff indicated that the injury wasn't "severe" and that Vanek will make the trip to Boston.' … [Read more...] about Sabres’ Vanek doubtful for Game 3

'Right wing Drew Stafford, meanwhile, will undergo tests Sunday to determine whether he can return for Game 3 on Monday. He has been sidelined with a concussion sustained in the second-to-last game of the regular season against Ottawa.' … [Read more...] about Sabres LW Vanek doubtful for Game 3 against Bruins

'“He will be tested later today,” Ruff said. “He won’t fly with us, he’ll be tested and if he’s cleared he’ll be available to play. But then we’re dealing again with another player that is going to step in without really [conditioning]. He’s had one practice... no physical contact of any sort. The obvious answer is that … [Read more...] about Vanek could return in Boston series

'“They got their bounces and it’s disappointing we went into the third with a lead and didn’t make it hold up,” said Sabres goalie Ryan Miller, who made 26 saves. “Everything’s not going to go our way.”' … [Read more...] about Chara gets revenge, nets game winner as Bruins tie series

'"It's not good," Sabres defenseman Henrik Tallinder said. "It's our barn. We should be able to lock down the game and wait for mistakes. Instead, we did foolish stuff like give up a four- on-two. That's not acceptable."' … [Read more...] about Chara helps Bruins get their swagger back

'"It's obviously tough," said Jason Pominville. "He was playing well, had a good start to this game as well. It's always tough when you lose a player of that caliber who is scoring well. He was going really well. The way it affects us is guys have to play in different situations, different positions."' … [Read more...] about Offense suffers a Vanek attack

'Buffalo has a 14-1 record all time when winning the first two playoff games, including six straight under Ruff. Boston has never won a playoff series when dropping the first two games, an 0-32 record that dates back to the Original Six. The Bruins had lost six straight playoff games in Buffalo and were ready to fall again after the Sabres had a 2-0 lead. But what did they … [Read more...] about Sabres fooling themselves with their nonchalance

'But the Bruins reminded us of some basic truths (OK, they're regular-season truths, but still worth reciting). Boston was a very good road team, the second-best in the East after Washington. The Bruins allowed the fewest goals in the NHL away from home. They're a tough, resilient team, one that doesn't melt in the face of a two-goal deficit.' … [Read more...] about Resilient Bruins give Sabres lesson in desperation

'"They definitely got their bounces. It's disappointing we entered the third period with the lead and didn't make it hold up but not everything is going to go your way," said Miller, who made 26 saves on 30 shots. "So we can take a little bit from this, regroup and go out and try to get the next one."' … [Read more...] about Miller bemoans no luck with bounces of puck

'Turning point: The Bruins shattered the Sabres' third-period shield of invincibility by tying the game on a four-on-two with 14:37 left. Three third-period goals by the Bruins dropped the Sabres' to 31-1 when leading after 40 minutes.' … [Read more...] about Game Two analysis

'"It's tough," goalie Ryan Miller said after the Sabres lost for the first time in 32 games this season where they took a lead into the third period. "No one said you're going to walk through the playoffs. The good part is they don't tell you what order you have to win them in, you just have to win four."' … [Read more...] about Buffalo Sabres lose Game 2 to Bruins, and Vanek to injury

'“It ended up costing us, but we could have regrouped from there.”' … [Read more...] about Playoffs can turn just that quickly

Bruins get great equalizer (Boston Globe) 1-2 punch at the top is a knockout (Boston Globe) Vanek lost in defeat (Boston Globe) Chara’s hit a benchmark moment (Boston Globe) He’s riding a hot streak (Boston Globe) Bruins score win, force Sabres to lose edge (Boston Herald) Big impact from Zdeno Chara (Boston Herald) Michael Ryder finally gets moving (Boston … [Read more...] about Sunday’s Boston Coverage

'The 5-3 win knotted the series 1-1 and meant Boston avoided their traditional spring bog from which it never escapes. In the 32 times it has dropped behind 2-0 in a series since entering the NHL, it has never won, including 0-26 in the best-of-seven playoff era. Nor had they been able to get an inspirational road win in Buffalo in the past seven post-season tries.' … [Read more...] about Sabres can’t hold on

'“Right there is a perfect example of us having to control our emotions,” Boston coach Claude Julien praised. “We did not run out of position and go for the big hits. He obviously sent a message right at the buzzer, but there was no reason to worry about (getting carried away) and then he came back and played solid.”' … [Read more...] about Bruins&#8217 Chara saves the day