Archives for October 2013

'While it's still early, nothing about the Sabres’ first 13 games (2-10-1) suggests they're a team destined to make the Stanley Cup Playoffs this season. Now they're clearly hoping the Islanders don't either, because that could give them two of the first 14 selections in the 2014 NHL Draft.' … [Read more...] about Vanek deal is good for Sabres, risk for Isles

'"Matt’s a very good player…. [He’s] off to a good start and is a goal scorer and plays in the hard areas and on the power play. And will continue to contribute in that regard, but this is more an overall deal which I believe will improve this hockey club going forward."' … [Read more...] about Sabres acquire Moulson & 2 picks for Vanek

'The Sabres’ busy and effective penalty killers helped put the team on the verge of a second straight win, but things fell apart at the end with missed assignments and net-front scrambles.' … [Read more...] about Sabres fail to close out Lightning

'“With respect to how the fans feel, I understand that,” Regier told The News on Saturday. “It’s interesting. What overrides the personal is you feel badly for others, whether it’s coaches or players or ownership or fans. You feel badly for them, and it just brings the focus back on you’ve got to figure something out. You’ve got to figure out how to do the work.”' … [Read more...] about Regier caught by surprise by Sabres’ bad start

'It wasn’t intentional, but the Sabres did him an enormous favor when they sent him on his way. For starters, they spared him the indignity of this season. Ruff would be pulling out his hair if forced to coach this team. The Sabres are a laughingstock, an international punch line, an embarrassment. … [Read more...] about Ruff should thank his lucky Stars he’s gone

'A more likely scenario based on past events would have the Sabres getting a second-round pick for Miller.' … [Read more...] about Train may have left station for Miller trade

Lightning rally to end homestand in style (Tampa Tribune) Cooper pleading for more shots on goal (Tampa Tribune) Lightning tops Sabres (Tampa Bay Times) Lightning seeks All-Star Game for Tampa (Tampa Bay Times) Bolts Continue To Find Ways In Win Against Buffalo (TampaBayLightning.com) Photo gallery (TampaBayLightning.com) Photo gallery (Sabres.com) … [Read more...] about Sunday’s Tampa Bay Coverage

'The result is a franchise in freefall. Billionaires like Pegula, an oil and gas titan, don’t suffer ridicule in the boardroom. Everybody in the rinks, however, is laughing at Pegula. It’s time for the boss to act like one. Pegula can start by telling his supposed hockey people they are no longer needed.' … [Read more...] about Plenty of blame to go around with Sabres’ John Scott

'Still, the Sabres seem to be getting dirtier and dirtier. It was highlighted by Scott’s latest assault on Columbus’ Jack Johnson and Scott concussing Boston Bruins upper-echelon forward Loui Eriksson with precisely the type of cheap head shot the NHL’s trying to remove.' … [Read more...] about Sabres taking dirty play to a new level

'Brian Flynn and Thomas Vanek scored for Buffalo, which was coming off a 3-1 win at Florida on Friday night in which the Sabres were outshot 45-21.' … [Read more...] about Lightning beat Sabres 3-2

'"I think we took too many penalties," Vanek said. "Miller kept us in the game. We got the lead but they kept coming. It's disappointing. We battled hard and walked away with nothing."' … [Read more...] about Tampa Bay 3, Buffalo 2

'"We took too many penalties," Vanek said. "Miller did a great job to keep us in it. We got the lead and then they just kept coming. Five-on-five I thought we played well. It doesn't take many mistakes for those guys to bury one."' … [Read more...] about Late flurry saves Lightning vs. Sabres

'Thomas Vanek, taking a backhand pass from Macus Foligno, put Buffalo ahead at 12:46 of the final period. Vanek ripped a shot into the upper corner of the net, giving the Sabres a 2-1 lead. It wouldn't last long, thanks to Martin St. Louis. Ryan Miller caught a piece of St. Louis' shot, but the puck landed in the net. Just 1:46 later, Tampa Bay regained the lead for good when … [Read more...] about Lightning Come Back to Beat Sabres 3-2

'He didn’t play much, finishing with 9:56 of ice time on 13 shifts, but I liked what I saw. If Leino continues to play like that, I think he can help this team.' … [Read more...] about Leino finally back on the ice

'"Cody Hodgson. He didn't play. He just didn't play," Rolston said. "[Drew] Stafford too. Your best players have to be your best players. At the end of the day, that's what is going to happen."' … [Read more...] about Lightning score twice late to rally past Sabres