Archives for February 8, 2013

'The finish erased the continuation of Buffalo’s troubles with team defense. The Sabres allowed at least four goals for the sixth straight game. It’s the first time that has happened under Lindy Ruff, who began coaching the team in 1997.' … [Read more...] about Sabres beat Habs in shootout

'In most NHL cities, where the coach and general manager aren’t a conjoined entry, Ruff would have been fired. That’s what happens in pro sports, and particularly in the modern NHL. The coach’s message wears thin, the players get fed up, management whacks the coach.' … [Read more...] about Time to put reinvented Ruff out of misery

'Ott’s biggest contribution, however, was taking a couple of punches from Montreal’s Ryan White at 7:32 of the third period. The Habs were holding a comfortable 4-2 lead and the Sabres were doing little but agitating their fans.' … [Read more...] about Ott takes punch for the cause

'Vanek’s tying goal was scored with 1.9 seconds on the clock, an improbable stroke of good fortune for a depressed team that has been searching for some reason to again believe they can win.' … [Read more...] about Thomas Vanek sparks comeback with late goal

'“He and his former scientist colleagues and the rest of his management called in our delegation to a meeting where they proceeded to explain to us how this is a safe industry and everything will be fine, we just need to have access to doing this in New York” Assemblywoman Crystal Peoples-Stokes, D-Buffalo, said this week. “They said New York is behind the eight ball on this … [Read more...] about Sabres owner Terry Pegula made fracking pitch in 2011 meeting

'“The goalie didn’t make a good enough effort to put a glove on it and the puck’s loose,” Foligno said. “You got to keep playing until the whistle.”' … [Read more...] about Buoyed by Vanek, Sabres rally late, stun Canadiens in shootout

'“It’s something I’ve never went through before,” Pardy said Thursday prior to sitting out the Sabres’ 5-4 shootout win over the Montreal Canadiens inside the First Niagara Center. “It’s not an easy thing (for) guys that have went through that, being put on waivers, not knowing where you’re going to end up. Sometimes it’s hard to deal with.”' … [Read more...] about Ehrhoff’s return pushes Pardy out of Sabres’ lineup

Habs cough up 4-2 lead, lose in shootout (Montreal Gazette) 'I cost my teammates another two points': White (Montreal Gazette) News and notes: Habs vs. Sabres (Montreal Gazette) Another blunder Ryan White (Le Journal de Montreal) "I was pushed" - Peter Budaj (Le Journal de Montreal) Canadian leans on the wire before the Sabres (La Presse) Bourque: "Unable to protect our … [Read more...] about Friday’s Montreal Coverage

'Jason Pominville also scored in the shootout and Ryan Miller clinched the victory by making a left pad save to stop Brian Gionta on Montreal's final opportunity.' … [Read more...] about Vanek rallies Sabres to 5-4 shootout win over Habs

'Trailing by two, 4-2, Vanek put his team on his back with a pair of late strikes. The first came on the power play after Montreal's Ryan White was given a four-minute roughing penalty. Vanek gathered a rebound in front and beat Budaj with a backhander at 7:57.' … [Read more...] about Buffalo 5, Montreal 4 (SO)

'The two sides headed to a shootout following a scoreless overtime period, where Vanek and Jason Pominville both converted. Miller stopped Brian Gionta on Montreal's final attempt and the Sabres skated off the ice with a 5-4 win.' … [Read more...] about Sabres Rally to Beat Habs in Shootout 5-4

'Mike Weber continues to win battles behind the net. He might lose the puck, but he works so hard, he gets it right back and in many cases gets the puck on the wall to a winger and out.' … [Read more...] about Defense has to be the name of the game

'A close look at the Sabres' chart after 10 games raises questions about decisions made by head coach Lindy Ruff...'. … [Read more...] about Player Usage Charts Raise Questions About Sabres Slow Start

'Lindy Ruff has been noticeably different to me. From everything I’ve heard he has eased up a lot in the room, but the problem is some players don’t trust it. They’re waiting for the volcano to erupt.' … [Read more...] about Sabres Ruff has toned it down, but still very few wins

'Sabres forward Thomas Vanek scored his second goal of the night with 1.9 seconds remaining in regulation to tie the game, 4-4. With teammates Marcus Foligno, Tyler Ennis and Steve Ott crashing the net, Vanek broke free from Canadiens center Tomas Plekanec to put the puck in past a swarm of bodies and Montreal goaltender Peter Budaj.' … [Read more...] about After late goal, Sabres defeat Canadiens in shootout