Archives for April 2010

'“The last two years we all said we would trade in our points and goals for a playoff chance, so here it is,” Vanek said. “I traded the goals in. I didn’t score them.”' … [Read more...] about Is Vanek rolling at key time?

'“He can steal a game on his own,” forward Jason Pominville said. “What he did with the American team can only put a smile on our faces and say, ‘Wow, hopefully, he can lead us the way he led that team.”’' … [Read more...] about Sabres G Miller turns attention to facing Bruins

'Sabres coach Lindy Ruff said center Tim Connolly (foot) “looks like a go,” but forward Jochen Hecht ( upper-body injury) is questionable for Game 1. Hecht, who missed the final three games of the regular season, had his left pinkie wrapped when seen in the locker room.' … [Read more...] about Sabres RW Stafford likely out for Game 1

'"For his first practice, I thought Tim did well," Ruff said. "We'll let the coach decide. He needs to have a good practice tomorrow. We'll hope it just carries on and elevates it. He got involved in some physical stuff and tomorrow a little more. I would anticipate him progressing."' … [Read more...] about Lindy’s clues: Connolly looks ready

'"I'm taking it day by day, trying to put the work in slowly and see how I feel," Stafford said. "It's a natural progression when you get hit like that. Once you get rid of certain symptoms, you get back to work and that's what I'm doing right now. Take it slow, make sure you get back to 100 percent because you don't want to mess around with heads."' … [Read more...] about Stafford’s return may not be far off

'“I’ve always admired the Buffalo organization -- the way they’ve built their team, how they stress bringing players through their system, how they get players in their lineup,’’ said Chiarelli, whose right-hand man, Jim Benning, was formerly the Sabres’ director of amateur scouting. “I admire how their coach has changed the way … [Read more...] about Sharp edge to these Sabres

'“He prepared the same way for every game, whether it was Norway, Switzerland, or Canada,’’ said Tim Thomas, who was Miller’s backup goalie on the US team in Vancouver. “He’s an intense guy when he gets ready for the games. He has his routine. He mentally prepared just as hard for each game. Based on what I saw at the Olympics, he must do … [Read more...] about Miller the student prepares for a playoff test

Sharp edge to these Sabres (Boston Globe) Golden second chance (Boston Globe) Miller the student prepares for a playoff test (Boston Globe) Short story: Bruins are back (Boston Herald) Andrew Ference makes playoff push to return (Boston Herald) Lottery nets chance at Taylor Hall, Tyler Seguin (Boston Herald) Good sign for Marc Savard (Boston Herald) Bruins-Sabres season … [Read more...] about Wednesday’s Boston Coverage

'The series won't be the Boston Bruins against Ryan Miller. It will be the Bruins against the Buffalo Sabres. It will, however, come down to goaltending.' … [Read more...] about Rask, Miller hold key to Bruins-Sabres

Pirates have it covered (The goal, that is (Portland Press Herald) Pirates Pirates preparing for playoff run (Biddeford Journal Tribune) Pirates begin to prep for Monarchs (Maine Hockey Journal) Pirates Weekly, April 12th (PortlandPirates.com) … [Read more...] about Wednesday’s Portland Coverage

'The Sabres went 2-2-2 this season against the Bruins, scoring only 11 goals. In six games, Rask owned the Sabres (4-1, 1.43, .954).' … [Read more...] about No playoff pains for Ruff

'Hecht, arguably the team’s steadiest presence up front, hasn’t skated since Tuesday (upper body). He’s missed the last three games. Ruff won’t rule him out, however.' … [Read more...] about Sabres hoping to be healthier by Thursday&#8217s opener

'“It’s been full speed for a few days now,” said Connolly, who took part in several physical drills. “It feels ready to go.”' … [Read more...] about Sabres getting healthy in time for playoffs

'“I can’t give you too much information yet, but I feel good out there,” Connolly said. “I did some battle drills yesterday on the day off, was able to get in there and just work on some tough drills in the corner.”' … [Read more...] about On the cusp of returning

'"It's great to be back in," coach Lindy Ruff said Monday during his first playoff news conference of the spring at the arena. "You've got to be excited to be back in again because a couple years of being absent really hurt."' … [Read more...] about Sabres’ Ruff happy to talk playoffs