Archives for February 2011

'I got the sense watching Pegula on Tuesday that he feels the same way. He was at turns Tuesday, a passionate fan, shrewd businessman and rambling parent bragging about his children. It is remarkably fortunate that all those things combined to make a man who wants to run this team the way it should have been run all along. I never got the sense that Pegula is doing this out of … [Read more...] about Believing in one of our own

'The Sabres have plenty of cap room and the ability to clear more, but the word out of Buffalo is that the Sabres won’t be buyers unless they are within four points of a playoff spot. They are currently five points behind eighth-place Carolina, but they have three games in hand and the three games before the trade deadline are crucial. The Sabres are home for all three … [Read more...] about It’s drill, baby, drill for Sabres

'"I think it's more complicated than just losing the 10 pounds," Buffalo general manager Darcy Regier said. "The biggest challenge a player always has is maturing, and losing 10 pounds is only part of it. It's the preparation for the season and the preparation for the game."' … [Read more...] about Sabres’ Drew Stafford slices pounds, gains goals

Thrashers preview (Atlanta Journal Constitution) Atlanta (25-25-10) at Buffalo (27-25-6) (AP) Atlanta Thrashers (25-25-10) at Buffalo Sabres (27-25-6) (The Sports Network) Sabres, Thrashers want to put end to losing streaks (NHL.com) … [Read more...] about Wednesday’s Atlanta Coverage

'“He believes in Buffalo and in Western New York,” Bettman said. “He loves the game and this is a dream come true for him. It’s also a dream come true for us at the league because we know this franchise is in great hands, that the good work that has been done to date will only continue and be built upon, and I know he is probably as committed as anybody … [Read more...] about A new era begins

'It won't be easy, and fans expecting a lot of big and flashy moves before the NHL trade deadline might be disappointed. Pegula didn't get to be a billionaire by making decisions without weighing pro's and con's, but he did strike it rich by not being afraid to take a risk.' … [Read more...] about Pegula The Ultimate Sabres Fan With a Dream

''Pegula was a lot of things Tuesday morning: the fan overcome by his heroes, the dad who rambled on about his children and the businessman allowed to do a press conference that didn’t revolve around the term “fracking.” Black told me that Pegula is “the kind of guy you’d love to work for.” This was family-first and winning-second and somehow … [Read more...] about Pegula Matata? Holding Hope After Expecting A Letdown

'"I'm the guy who lived in Houston, Texas in 1979 and listened to that horrible (playoff) overtime loss to the Penguins," said Pegula. "A friend of mine in Olean, N.Y., held his phone to the television and I listed to the game on the phone. I'm the guy who used to sit on an overpass in Pittsburgh in the early 80s to listen to Sabres radio broadcasts as they faded … [Read more...] about Emotional Pegula takes reins of Sabres

'The Sabres also announced that Ted Black has been named the team's new president and alternate governor, while Ken Sawyer will serve as the team's senior advisor.' … [Read more...] about Pegula introduced as new Sabres owner

'New Buffalo Sabres owner Terry Pegula says Lindy Ruff will stay on as coach and promises general manager Darcy Regier a blank check for a winning team.' … [Read more...] about New Sabres owner keeping Ruff, opening wallet

'A lifelong hockey fan, the 59-year-old Pegula was a Sabres season ticket holder from 1980-98 as he spent time living in both Olean and Orchard Park, NY, while operating East Resources Inc., an independent exploration and development company. A native of Carbondale, PA, Pegula founded East Resources Inc., in 1983. Over the next 27 years, he built it into one of the largest … [Read more...] about Terry Pegula officially introduced as new owner

'Terry, that's why fans are so excited. They're tired of a low standard, sick of being told they're lucky to have a team. They long for the days when winning the Cup was the goal. They see you as one of them. You won't be selling hope, but demanding success. It's your team now. Time for action.' … [Read more...] about A plea to Pegula: Don’t let us down

'"It's very exciting," Sabres winger and Angola native Patrick Kaleta said after practice Monday morning. "We're focused with what we have to do on the ice but things going on off the ice are exciting."' … [Read more...] about It’s Day One of the Pegula Era for Sabres

'"I don't know what to expect to happen," Connolly said after practice Monday in HSBC Arena. "I've seen a lot of deals happen early this year but those aren't real deadline deals. You just have to wait and see. It's not in my control. I have to perform to the best of my ability for this team. I'm excited about this team. We still have a good shot [to make the … [Read more...] about Connolly’s days as Sabre may be counting down

Pirates' Dineen: 'We can't get any worse' (Portland Press Herald) Pirates only have themselves to blame (Maine Hockey Journal) Whale Outmuscle the Pirates in Overtime (PortlandPirates.com) Redden's Shorthanded Goal Beats Pirates in OT (CTWhale.com) … [Read more...] about Tuesday’s Portland Coverage