Archives for April 2010

'“I was pleasantly surprised the damage isn’t severe,” Ruff said Sunday after an optional practice at HSBC Arena, where Vanek wasn’t made available to the media. “When a player comes off like that, you obviously fear the worst.”' … [Read more...] about Vanek could return to series

Pirates try to regroup on the road (Portland Press Herald) … [Read more...] about Monday’s Portland Coverage

'"Right off the bat, we came out banging,” Pominville said. “Guys were involved, finishing checks. We got the lead. We got the crowd into it. In the second, we were a bit too sloppy. We maybe wanted to do a little too much. Keep it simple, keep our composure. They kind of weathered the storm in the first and then came out in the second,” he said. … [Read more...] about Bruins put a hit on the Sabres

'As for Buffalo’s impressive streak of not losing a game when leading heading into the final period, Julien pointed out, “We certainly addressed that (before the last 20 minutes) and talked about the adjustments we needed to make to get us back into the game. Everybody understood the urgency and what this game meant to our hockey club ... hopefully going back with a … [Read more...] about Bruins make this a whole new series

'Ruff thought Boychuk, who was whistled for hooking at 13:39, had no ill intent. “It’s a play that trying to defend Thomas looks like a two-handed slash,” Ruff said. “He’s trying to break up the play.”' … [Read more...] about Sabres collapse with Vanek’s injury

'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