Archives for April 2011

'So, with Thomas Vanek doing his best captain impersonation, two inexpensive rookies being salary cap gems, Drew Stafford on fire and Ryan Miller between the pipes -- with Jhonas Enroth -- fans not only should ask, but deserve to query: Why not us? It’s been 40-plus years, after all.' … [Read more...] about Playoffs, Anyone?

'Kris Versteeg’s shorthanded goal was the 13th shorthanded goal allowed by the Sabres this season, the third highest total in the NHL.' … [Read more...] about The aftermath: Sabres 4, Flyers 3 (OT)

Pirates fail to get clincher (Portland Press Herald) Pirates miss ‘clinching’ opportunity (Maine Hockey Journal) Former Otter Szydlowski signs with Sabres (Erie Times News) Providence overcomes penalties to catch Portland (Providence Journal) Bruins Slip Past Pirates (PortlandPirates.com) Pirates Sign Two Forwards (PortlandPirates.com) szydlowski agrees to … [Read more...] about Saturday’s Portland Coverage

'Buffalo has no desire to rely on the Hurricanes -- nor does it need to do so. "We just have to take care of business," coach Lindy Ruff said. "We have the opportunity to really wrap our arms around this and enjoy it and go out and play a heck of a game."' … [Read more...] about Festive mood engulfs Sabreland

'McGuire was the brother-in-law of Buffalo Sabres equipment manager Rip Simonick, a fellow native of the Old First Ward. Simonick and his wife, Mary Ann, were among several immediate family members to visit McGuire in Toronto on Wednesday night.' … [Read more...] about EJ McGuire loses his battle with cancer

'"I think we battled hard for three months to put ourselves in a good position, so I think we know that if we win, we’ll be in, so that’s our focus, to win one game at a time this weekend,” said Thomas Vanek, whose hat trick led Buffalo to a 4-2 win over Tampa Bay on Tuesday. “For us, it’s about getting the win Friday night and getting the win … [Read more...] about 80 down, 2 to go

Buffalo needs to make playoff point against Flyers (Philadelphia Daily News) Flyers tonight (Bucks County Courier Times) Philadelphia (46-23-11) at Buffalo (41-29-10) (AP) Philadelphia Flyers (46-23-11) at Buffalo Sabres (41-29-10) (The Sports Network) Sabres can clinch playoff berth by beating Flyers (NHL.com) … [Read more...] about Friday’s Philadelphia Coverage

Adam adds to Pirates' honors (Portland Press Herald) Adam completes the rookie of the year hat trick (Maine Hockey Journal) Luke Adam named AHL’s top rookie (St. John's Telegram) Adam Named AHL's Outstanding Rookie (PortlandPirates.com) Adam named AHL rookie of the year (TheAHL.com) … [Read more...] about Friday’s Portland Coverage

'Coach Lindy Ruff said there's "no doubt" Miller will play in at least one of Buffalo's final two regular-season games this weekend. Ruff provided the update Thursday after Miller took part in his fourth consecutive practice since being sidelined with an upper body injury that's forced the goalie to miss four games.' … [Read more...] about Sabres G Miller expected to return this weekend

'“Everybody kind of tries to raise their game in the second half,” Pominville said last week. “We’re competing for playoff positioning. Everybody has a goal. You want to be a leader in different ways. I don’t know if there’s a reason other than just being able to elevate my game and trying to peak at the right times.”' … [Read more...] about Pominville again with another late surge

'I think Pegula’s emotions have rubbed off on the players and made them play even harder. After Pegula became owner, the Sabres snapped a four-game losing streak and have gone from a team looking they wouldn’t make the playoffs to a team most likely in the playoffs.' … [Read more...] about As season comes to an end, Sabres look like playoff team

'"I was surprised that they even recognized me," he said. "It really makes a statement to what he wants his team to be. It was a real class act."' … [Read more...] about Former Rochester Amerks part of Buffalo Sabres’ reunion

'"There's always one or two teams that you say, 'Boy, those guys have gone well,'C" Ruff said. "We've gone well. Any time, as a coach, you take a look and think, 'Oh, it doesn't matter. It's the playoffs.' But it just seems that teams that have gone well down the stretch are usually the teams that are tougher to play against in the playoffs."' … [Read more...] about Sabres could be a tough out for any playoff team

'"I'll get on the ice with the boys [today] and see what Lindy has to say and the doctors have to say. I think there's still some talking we have to do in that regard."' … [Read more...] about Miller to get full test today

'Terry Pegula turning Buffalo into a place players want to play didn't hurt, but that won't be as big a factor until next year and beyond.' … [Read more...] about Sabres Better Now Than a Year Ago