SabresBeat

'In that sense, perhaps the relative ease with which they won the series might lead them into a false sense of security. Even though the Sabres had some good moments, it could not be said that they really dominated the series. But at the same time, many a Stanley Cup winner has looked shaky in the opening round -- a lot shakier than the Sabres looked in this one.' … [Read more...] about Late Islander goals put scare into Sabres

'A franchise that once went 13 years without a seven-game playoff series victory dispatched the Islanders in five games, yet neither its head coach nor its players were altogether pleased. Sabre players raised their sticks to salute the crowd after the handshakes were done, but there's a feeling if Buffalo doesn't play much better in the second round, it will … [Read more...] about Fish kill

'During the Sabres’ four games to one playoff victory over the New York Islanders, Lorentz was network quality. He was on top of all the strategic moves being made by coaches Lindy Ruff and Ted Nolan.' … [Read more...] about Lorentz steps up in postseason

'“I grew up as a Buffalo fan. Buffalo’s a way better town than Toronto. I love it here. Look at the fans here. You don’t see this in Toronto before a playoff game. No, this is a party. Toronto is so business people, and no fun, like this,” Luey said.' … [Read more...] about Sabres fans party with gusto

'"Talk about a bizarre series," said Sabres center Jim Lorentz, who is remembered more for one incident that night than any other in his entire 10-year career. "Not only were we besieged with fog throughout the series, but in the one game in Buffalo, a bat started flying around the Aud. Now I don't know how the bat got into the building or whether … [Read more...] about Holy Cow! It's Batman!

'“I’ve never brought my husband to a game,” said Gillian Wellman, 27, of Barker, who this season attended seven games. “Last year, we didn’t have tickets and we went out to watch the games every single night. Nothing will come between me and hockey. I’m here for the Cup.”' … [Read more...] about In the game

'“Bottom line is, we’re moving on,” Sabres defenseman Teppo Numminen said. “Five games, that’s always nice. But it was a good reminder for everybody and for our team how tough we have to play and how hard we have to work to get a win in the playoffs.”' … [Read more...] about Frantic finish

'“I just tried to take it to the net and stick my leg out there to protect the puck a little bit,” he said. “I was able to get enough time there to get a shot off. I threw it to the net and I happened to find a hole. It was good to get the first one over with. I was waiting for it for a few games.”' … [Read more...] about Rookie Stafford breaks ice with goal

'Satan signed his big contract, a three-year deal worth $12.75 million with the Isles. His departure signaled the moment the Sabres transformed from a group of individuals into a team. Buffalo became a serious threat last season, the NHL’s best team this year. Need more evidence his move to Long Island was addition by subtraction? No.' … [Read more...] about Best players proved difference in series

'“That’s the game-breaker right there,” said defenseman Teppo Numminen. “Everybody knew that was their chance and it looked like they were going to score.”' … [Read more...] about Miller saves the best for last

'“You never underestimate the power of grit and character and strong-willed people that know how to compete,” Nolan said after his team’s 4-3 defeat in HSBC Arena. “It doesn’t matter how fast you are. But if you’re a competitive son of a gun, you’ll win your share of games.”' … [Read more...] about Nolan proud of Islanders&#8217 effort

'"We needed an unbelievable save to end the game," Sabres coach Lindy Ruff said. "That's as good as it comes."' … [Read more...] about Series stopper

'Hill, 37, had no points and a minus-1 rating in the first four games of the series. He entered Friday's game averaging 18 minutes, 38 seconds of ice time in the series, fourth most among defenseman on the club. He also had 20 hits and 11 blocked shots. "Certain things you've got to live with," Islanders coach Ted Nolan said after the game. "It's one of those things that … [Read more...] about NHL suspends Islanders Hill

'"We fought for everything we got; we had to work for everything," said Miller, whose sprawling, rolling save at the left post denied Miroslav Satan of the tying goal with 9.1 seconds remaining. "That will serve us better than if it was easier."' … [Read more...] about Sabres close out Islanders

'Some of Buffalo’s best players -- Chris Drury and Dainius Zubrus excluded -- have yet to play their best hockey, yet the Sabres coasted through the first round in five games against a competent Islanders team that entered the series with a four-game winning streak.' … [Read more...] about Sabres didn’t play well, but they still can