Archives for April 2011

An overtime loss, and on to the playoffs (Portland Press Herald) Pirates fans take home some souvenir jerseys (Portland Press Herald) Reporter passes time - and the puck - manning Pirates' penalty box (Portland Press Herald) Pirates take a moral victory in shootout loss after hectic finish (Maine Hockey Journal) Falcons wrap season on winning note with overtime victory … [Read more...] about Monday’s Portland Coverage

'After being as many as 10 points out of contention in January, the Sabres ended the season by going 9-1-2 in their final 12 games to cap a charge in which they were 29-11-6 since Dec. 28. The 64 points Buffalo gained over that span is second to the Vancouver Canucks, the Presidents’ Trophy winners who closed with a 33-11-4 spurt.' … [Read more...] about Surging Sabres on a roll entering playoffs

'Flyers will win if... Pronger returns to full health and proves that the rigors of a long playoff run are not beyond the reach of a body that has waged many battles during the past two decades and Bobrovsky, the young goalie, proves that his regular season success was not the latest goaltending mirage experienced by the organization. Sabres will win if... Miller flashes his … [Read more...] about Contrast in fortunes in Flyers-Sabres showdown

'About one-third of the crowd at the Nationwide Arena appeared to be sporting Sabres apparel and rooting for Buffalo.' … [Read more...] about The aftermath: Sabres 5, Blue Jackets 4

Sabres pose problems for Flyers in first round of playoffs (Philadelphia Inquirer) Flyers Draw Buffalo in First Round (PhiladelphiaFlyers.com) … [Read more...] about Sunday’s Philadelphia Coverage

'"They've got a lot of skill, a lot of guys that compete," said Sabres forward Tyler Ennis, who scored his 20th goal Saturday during a 5-4 victory over Columbus. "That'll be a fun building to play in. Both buildings are going to be rocking, and it should be exciting."' … [Read more...] about Spite club: Sabres draw Flyers

'Suddenly defenseman Andrej Sekera became an asset, not a question mark. Drew Stafford became a 30-goal star. Rookie Tyler Ennis became a vital part of the attack and maybe a future star. Tyler Myers, last year's NHL rookie of the year, eventually cross-checked the sophomore jinx. In the second half of the season little Nathan Gerbe stopped being a curiosity and started driving … [Read more...] about Sabres end marathon with strong finishing kick

'"The job that all the players did from the American League was tremendous," coach Lindy Ruff said. "I think our coaches down there [Kevin Dineen and Eric Weinrich] deserve a lot of credit because those players have been able to come up and play and be valuable pieces for us."' … [Read more...] about Former Pirates find smooth sailing with big club

'The Sabres’ stunning turnaround from Eastern Conference bottom dweller to playoff team starts squarely with the ownership of Terry Pegula. Everything changed in February when Pegula and Ted Black took over, and the emotional change with the entire franchise is impossible to overstate.' … [Read more...] about Sense of history serves Sabres well

They're finished (Columbus Dispatch) Jackets' scrutiny must start with players (Columbus Dispatch) Hejda wants long-term deal, but future unclear (Columbus Dispatch) Photo gallery (Columbus Dispatch) 10 years of hard times for the Blue Jackets (Fox Sports Ohio) Post Game Numbers and Quotes - Apr. 9, 2011 vs. Buffalo (BlueJackets.com) Photo gallery (BlueJackets.com) Photo … [Read more...] about Sunday’s Columbus Coverage

'“Lindy wanted to make sure I could get tested then get me out of there to give me some more time to practice and prepare, and not risk anything,” said Miller, who allowed one goal on 21 shots. “I felt good. My awareness is better. That goal against I wanted to get to my net a little cleaner.”' … [Read more...] about Sabres score 2 on 5-minute PP to top Blue Jackets

'Chris Butler, Tyler Ennis and Drew Stafford also lit the lamp for the Sabres, who clinched the No. 7 seed in the Eastern Conference. Buffalo and Montreal both finished with 96 points, but the Canadiens got the sixth spot due to more non-shootout wins. Montreal beat Toronto on Saturday.' … [Read more...] about Buffalo 5, Columbus 4

'Buffalo concludes the 2010-2011 regular season campaign 43-29-10 and 16-4-4 since Terry Pegula assumed control of the team in February.' … [Read more...] about Sabres beat Blue Jackets 5-4

The NHL playoffs are a lot of fun, and I’m embracing it. This calls for an orange boycott in Buffalo. You got scurvy? Eat grapefruit. Work in traffic? Neon yellow is available. Go to Syracuse? Skip school. … [Read more...] about Orange Boycott: Sabres draw Flyers

Pirates tuck the division title away (Portland Press Herald) Amateur tryout deal offers a look at what it's like to live the dream (Portland Press Herald) Pirates clinch title with shootout victory in Albany (Maine Hockey Journal) Devils lose 3-2 to Portland in OT shootout in home finale (Albany Times Union) Pirates Shade Devils, Capture Atlantic Division Title … [Read more...] about Sunday’s Portland Coverage