Archives for November 14, 2013

'"One thing (the Sabres) did not change, which I wish they would have, was the assistant general manager, Kevin Devine," Crawford added. "But that may come in the future with a new general manager."' … [Read more...] about Local community reacts to hire of Nolan, LaFontaine

'Simply put, the Sabres had to do something. They were becoming the butt of jokes around the league for their inept play.' … [Read more...] about Sabres moves either brilliant — or desperate

'There was not a single tipping point that led to Pegula’s decision to fire Regier and Rolston but the owner felt a change was needed. The team’s listless play, angry fan base and growing dissatisfaction were factors in the decision.' … [Read more...] about Sabres turn back the clock to move forward

'Make no mistake, these two men come to Buffalo in a package deal, and for certain LaFontaine doesn’t take this job unless he could bring Ted Nolan along with him.' … [Read more...] about Merry Christmas, Sabres Nation!

'It’s almost as though the Sabres looked at the spectacular success the Colorado Avalanche have had this season with former heroes Joe Sakic and Patrick Roy and decided to copy it almost to the letter.' … [Read more...] about Reeling Sabres clean house, fire coach Rolston, GM Regier

'“If I had a perfect situation to pick, this would be it. I love the city of Buffalo,” Nolan told the Star. “I may have left the city physically, but not spiritually or emotionally.”' … [Read more...] about Ted Nolan says return as head coach is “perfect situation”

'“Why now? I just decided, that’s the only answer I can give you,” Pegula said Wednesday morning at a press conference to introduce LaFontaine and Nolan. “We worked together and sometimes you get to the point where a change is needed. Darcy Regier had a heck of a run with the Buffalo Sabres. It was not like he was a failure.”' … [Read more...] about Familiar faces LaFontaine, Nolan return to struggling Buffalo Sabres

'With Rolston, it’s simple. The Sabres were 4-15-1 and have been bad, and getting worse, as 16-year GM Darcy Regier’s tenure has droned on. Even owner Terry Pegula’s infusions of enthusiasm and salary cap cash haven’t helped. Firing Regier and Rolston, going back to the future to get Nolan and new president of hockey operations Pat LaFontaine might work out, and it might not — … [Read more...] about Coaching merry-go-round alive and well as Buffalo Sabres hire Ted Nolan

'So now, after appearing to trust Regier to oversee the rebuild (four teenagers in the lineup this season), Pegula decides 20 games down the reconstruction road he is not the man to oversee the change in direction? The man can do what he wants, but it seems impetuous.' … [Read more...] about Sabres dip into storied past to restore lustre to franchise

'Happy is an understatement. How about ecstatic? How about giddy?' … [Read more...] about Nolan, Sabres mean to be together

'Jason Botterill will be granted permission to interview with the Buffalo Sabres for their vacant general manager position, sources told the Tribune-Review on Wednesday.' … [Read more...] about Sabres’ shakeup could have impact

'“I still want to be a general manager,” Hextall said. “I’ll keep saying that until either I become one or I decide that the dream is over. I want to be a general manager. I can’t predict the future. I have no idea. If anybody calls, I’ll listen and talk to Homer. I’m not gonna sit and wait for someone to call. I feel at peace for where I’m at.”' … [Read more...] about Hextall not on Sabres’ list yet

'Nolan was in Buffalo two seasons. But fans act as if he was there for 10.' … [Read more...] about Sabres’ reach into past could work but doesn’t always

'LaFontaine said that there's an on-going search for a new GM, and he already has a short list of candidates. LaFontaine also said that he would finish out the year with Nolan as his interim coach. Nolan won the Jack Adams coach of the year award in 1996 with Buffalo, leading the Sabres to the division title.' … [Read more...] about Sabres fire coach, GM Darcy Regier; hire Ted Nolan, Pat LaFontaine

'The Buffalo Sabres on Wednesday shook up the front office following the team's ugly 4-15-1 start to the NHL season, firing general manager Darcy Regier and head coach Ron Rolston while welcoming back former star centre Pat LaFontaine and coach Ted Nolan.' … [Read more...] about Pat LaFontaine, Ted Nolan return to Sabres