Archives for January 31, 2012

‘“We’ve done it before, the same guys,” Stafford said about making up ground. “I know I can speak for myself, I feel energized, I feel (it’s) a fresh start. Based on the attitude in here, seeing everybody after the break, the type of practice we had out there – it’s all business.”’

‘But there’s a reality looming around the room too: The Sabres are 14th in the East and several players could be in their final month in the Blue and Gold if the team becomes a seller at the Feb. 27 trade deadline.’

‘Pominville was either lying or delusional, either of which is disturbing heading into tonight’s game in Montreal.’

‘”[It’s settled down] for the time being,” Montreal defenseman Josh Gorges said Monday. “Winning will keep it that way. That’s the only recipe to keep things quiet and keep things positive is to win. We know that as players, and they know that as coaches. We’ve got to go out there and win some games.”‘

Buffalo (20-24-5) at Montreal (19-21-9) (AP)
Buffalo Sabres (20-24-5) at Montreal Canadiens (19-21-9) (The Sports Network)
Sabres see road trip end with visit to Canadiens (NHL.com)

‘Brayden McNabb was back practicing. McNabb was feeling better before the All Star break but worked out with the team for the first time since sustaining an upper-body injury. He had been skating on his own. Jochen Hecht is still having good days and bad days as he attempts to come back from a concussion.’

‘Head coach Lindy Ruff said that, barring any last-minute setbacks, he expects Tyler Ennis to be back in the lineup on Tuesday. Ennis has missed the last 17 games with a high ankle sprain, the same injury that kept him off the ice for an additional 17 games earlier this season. Ruff also said that Paul Gaustad is a possibility for tomorrow, after missing the past three games with an upper body injury after being hit by Jamal Mayers in Chicago on January 18.’