Archives for February 1, 2012

Up next: Rangers at Sabres (Bergen Record)
NY Rangers (31-12-5) at Buffalo (21-24-5) (AP)
New York Rangers (31-12-5) at Buffalo Sabres (21-24-5) The Sports Network)
Sabres return home to face Rangers (NHL.com)
Pregame Notes: Rangers at Buffalo (NewYorkRangers.com)

‘But the coup de Lucic did not fail to cause rumors, starting with an esprit de corps that is deficient in the Sabres. And now today, it is suggested that the coach Lindy Ruff, who is in his 13th season at the helm, could be the next to suffer. The General Manager Darcy Regier is also on trial. If the event Lucic has nothing to do, how can we then explain the crushing of the Sabres?’

‘”It has no class to say that to a guy who broke his neck, said Mathieu Darche. Say what you want, it’s part of the game, but to say something like that … This is not correct and I went to tell him.”‘

‘”The only reason we’re so busy is because we have the games,” said Brad Thomas, manager of Mr. Goodbar, explaining the decision to switch providers earlier in January paid off.’

‘The Sabres’ leading goal scorer suffered an upper-body injury in the first period Tuesday. He played a regular shift, including the final one of the frame, but didn’t return for the second.’

‘”I can play center, and I’m excited to,” Ennis said in Bell Centre. “Maybe they just want a little change or switch it up a bit. I’m comfortable with it, and they’re comfortable with it. It’s going to be fun.”‘

‘”We don’t need to talk about why we’re here,” Miller said of the Sabres’ plight. “It’s important we came off the break strong. That was a really nice hockey game – we were responsible and came out on top. We have back-to-back wins for the first time in a while (since Nov. 8-11), so we start to build from the positives.”‘

‘The Sabres’ defence ranks 26th in the NHL, while the offence is 25th. Those numbers don’t cut it in a league where 16 teams make the playoffs.’

‘In the Wizard of Oz, the Sabres are Dorothy, stomping in vain on the door to get into Uncle Henry and Auntie Em’s storm cellar as the tornado twists her way. Some would suggest they’ve played like Toto, too.’

‘”There are many things you can say on the ice, but not the kind of insults. Gaustad missed class.”‘