Archives for November 2013

'“There’s no one that can bring a group of players together — and I’ve seen it first hand — than Ted Nolan,” LaFontaine said.' … [Read more...] about Ted Nolan named interim coach of Buffalo Sabres

'Now the man who let Nolan go (Regier) was himself let go and Nolan was brought back. That's surreal with a capital "S."' … [Read more...] about Sabres owner makes needed move

'“Terry said to me, ‘If you think (Nolan’s) that good and if you think he can help this organization, (do it),’” said LaFontaine, who played two years under Nolan. “So he’s putting his trust in me right away.”' … [Read more...] about Sabres owner Terry Pegula only began showing interest in Pat LaFontaine recently

'“I’m not worried about the Leafs,” he said. “If they want to do something, fine. I’m just going to play my game, hit people and be physical."' … [Read more...] about Buffalo Sabres tough guy John Scott says he’s not a ‘meathead’

'“I said to the team, I said, ‘We’re not going to promise if we compete we start winning. It has nothing to do with that. But if we compete, it gives us a chance to win,’” Nolan said. “Without that, it doesn’t work.”' … [Read more...] about Interim coach Ted Nolan wants to make Sabres work, evaluate new players

'Bringing Nolan back is appropriate under an interim basis. The biggest knock on him is that he holds only a .500 record as a National Hockey League head coach and, depending on whom you believe, gained a reputation within hockey circles as a “boss killer,” as critics say was evidenced by his notoriously difficult relationship with former GM John Muckler.' … [Read more...] about Will reaching back bring Sabres forward?

'I look forward to seeing who the new Sabres GM will be. I look forward to seeing if Nolan sticks around. For however long it lasts, I’m eager to watch the Sabres play again.' … [Read more...] about Let’s enjoy the moment, shall we?

'"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