Archives for January 20, 2013

'“I can tell you this: We truly are excited about being back. We welcome everybody into our arms and let’s try to make a go of it this year.”' … [Read more...] about As season kicks off, Pegula is optimistic

'“We’ll have him skate early [today] and we’ll see where he’s at,” Ruff said. “He’s a question mark. My discussions with him are that if he feels like he’s good and ready to roll, we’ll get him in. If he’s not, we’ll adjust the lineup.”' … [Read more...] about Leino’s status for opener uncertain

'Brennan took a closer look at Hodgson during the last four months in Rochester. They played together with the Sabres’ minor-league club during the lockout, and the experience made Brennan believe the hype. Now he’s adding to it.' … [Read more...] about No middle ground for Sabres’ Cup hopes

'“You have to look at the overall picture where you bring in a few guys who will bring grit, who will bring toughness, who will bring team toughness,” Sabres captain Jason Pominville said. “In our conference and our division, we’re going to need that to be able to win. By adding those guys, I think I like our team.”' … [Read more...] about Sabres make offseason moves to bring more fire to the ice

'Once the games started in 1995, for the Sabres in January and LaFontaine in March, there was a sense of urgency. “It was almost like playoff time all the time,” LaFontaine said. “In many ways, if you have a 48-game season, you don’t have a lot of time to waste. You want to grab the points.”' … [Read more...] about Streaks big in a short season

'For some perspective on 48 games, consider this nugget: When the Sabres hit game 48 last year after a January loss in St. Louis, they were 19-24-5 and in 14th place in the Eastern Conference. On that date, 15 of the 16 playoff teams were already in place — including all eight in the East. Only Phoenix, which eventually passed Colorado, snuck in from outside.' … [Read more...] about Sabres must avoid another slow start at home

'“That’s a school of thought for a lot of teams with their main guy,” Sabres coach Lindy Ruff said when asked about the steal-a-season theory. “If that guy gets on a real good roll, it can push your team ahead of another team and gain you a little space [in the standings]. Ryan is more than capable of doing that. All those guys are capable of doing it. But part of getting on … [Read more...] about In shortened season, a hot goalie could be difference

'“The standard for us is the level we want to play at and holding each other accountable for it,” Ruff said. “This is the level we want to play, this is the effort that we have to put into it, this is the discipline we need in the game. It comes from your peers. It’s all around you, and that’s the acceptable standard.”' … [Read more...] about Winning Cup etched on Ruff’s clean slate

'The Sabres have been quiet out of the gate the last two seasons. It cost them a postseason spot last year, and only a historic rally saved them in 2010-11. There’s no time to waste this year. With only 48 games on the schedule, another early season crawl will leave them crying.' … [Read more...] about John Vogl’s reasons for optimism and pessimism

'“I was actually very depressed that they were not playing. The Sabres are just my die-hard team.”' … [Read more...] about Sabres fever returns to Buffalo

'These high-priced Sabres closed last season like a panicked college student pulling an all-nighter. Still, a 15-5-4 roll left them three points shy of a playoff berth. The lockout stole whatever carryover effect there might have been, so these Sabres start from scratch.' … [Read more...] about Short NHL season will be intense

'“A nagging little” problem that flared up kept Ville Leino from practicing Saturday, coach Lindy Ruff said.' … [Read more...] about Sabres’ Leino questionable for opener; Grigorenko set for debut

'“Darcy’s a talented guy,” Pegula said. “I know from some of the stuff I read not everyone agrees with that. But he’s got all the resources now. We work very well, and we look forward to the future. We have a great communication in our hockey department. No egos. Everyone’s pulling in the same direction, and it’s a very good situation. … It really runs very well behind … [Read more...] about Sabres GM Regier receives extension; Pegula apologizes for lockout

'"During hockey games this place is jam packed," he said. "The customers are excited for it."' … [Read more...] about Local bars hope end of NHL lockout will bring back customers

'"This is my hangout during the hockey season," he said. "I haven't been here in a few months, but now I'm going to be here four times a week."' … [Read more...] about Fans, businesses happy to say ‘Game on!’