SabresBeat

'There are only 11 games and three weeks left in the regular season, but Ruff said that could be plenty of time to get Connolly prepared for game action. “There’s still a remote chance that he could get back for possibly the last couple regular-season games,” Ruff said. “I don’t think you can rule that out.”' … [Read more...] about Connolly takes a step forward

Amerks tumble to their 10th loss in 12 games (Rochester D&C) Sagat scores twice to lead Marlies to 4-1 win over Americans (CP) Toronto Tops Amerks (RNews.com) Marlies thump Amerks, 4-1 (Amerks.com) Marlies Down Amerks 4-1 (TorontoMarlies.com) … [Read more...] about Sunday’s Rochester Coverage

'Miller's game needs a haircut for the Sabres to be a serious threat to go all the way.' … [Read more...] about Mirror images

'''It's been tough, but the good thing is everyone should be back and ready to go for the playoffs,'' right wing Jason Pominville said. ``We haven't been at our best, but other guys have had a chance to come in and do a good job. Last year it was me and [center] Derek [Roy] who came up and were able to do the job and stick around. It only makes us better.''' … [Read more...] about Sabres hit rough patch

A big matchup today gets bigger in playoffs (Atlanta Journal Constitution) Buffalo (46-19-6) at Atlanta (38-25-10) (AP) Thrashers seek seventh straight home victory (Sportsticker) Buffalo Sabres (46-19-6) at Atlanta Thrashers (38-25-10) (The Sports Network) Game # 72: Buffalo @ Atlanta (SabresFans.com) … [Read more...] about Sunday’s Atlanta Coverage (updated (11:00 a.m.)

'Coaches might not do that, but hockey analysts do, and Melrose said anybody in the East can emerge as the favorites to play in the conference finals. Pittsburgh and Atlanta are playing as well as anyone, and he's hesitant to label Buffalo the favorite anymore. "It's not where you finish, it's how you're playing going into the playoffs," he … [Read more...] about A big matchup today gets bigger in playoffs

'A playoff spot is clinched when no more than 7 teams can pass the Sabres. Right now, 8 teams fit that description. (Carolina can catch up in points but loses on the first tiebreaker, which is "wins.")' … [Read more...] about Sabres Clinch Playoff Berth

'Pominville has 31 goals this season, joining Chris Drury (35) and Thomas Vanek (34) in the 30-goal club. It’s only a matter of time before Briere (29) gains membership.' … [Read more...] about Sabres give Lightning a jolt of own medicine

'Although plus-minus stats for individual players can be a bit misleading, Sabres coach Lindy Ruff says it's a fair representation of the strides Vanek has made since last season, when he was a minus-11. "I think it's a stat that you can use," Ruff said. "His play away from the puck has been a lot better. It's part of his progression."' … [Read more...] about Incremental moves take Sabres’ Vanek to new level

Lightning Get A Cool Reception (Tampa Tribune) Smaby Called Up; Lecavalier Sets Record (Tampa Tribune) Lightning returns home to disappointment (St. Petersburg Times) Lecavalier sets points record for franchise (St. Petersburg Times) Lightning return home but get stopped by Sabres, 3-2 (TampaBayLightning.com) … [Read more...] about Saturday’s Tampa Bay Coverage

'"Today certainly felt like a playoff game with the atmosphere and intensity," Sabres center Chris Drury said. "We're also fighting for position so it's not like we're just coasting in here. Every point is huge for us and we want to finish absolutely as high as we can."' … [Read more...] about Buffalo 3, Tampa Bay 2

'The Lightning made it a one-goal game 4:38 into the final stanza when Lecavalier threw a backhand pass from the right side that went off the stick of a Buffalo defender and into the net for his league-leading 48th goal of the season. However, Tampa Bay, despite having a pair of power plays in the third, was unable to net the equalizer and Buffalo held on for the win.' … [Read more...] about Buffalo 3, Tampa Bay 2

'With the win, the Sabres clinch a spot in the playoffs.' … [Read more...] about Sabres Top Tampa 3-2; Clinch Playoff Spot

'"When you have a two goal lead, you kind of turn it down a notch," said head coach Lindy Ruff. "You don't want your d joining and creating opportunities where if you miss you're going to give up an opportunity and let them back in the game. So we did slow it down, but when it got 3-2, we went after it again."' … [Read more...] about Gutting it out in Tampa Bay

'With their goaltending shining for the second consecutive contest, Buffalo's offense hit the high-speed lane in a game that resembled a track meet between two counterattacking rosters, ready to pounce on every turnover.' … [Read more...] about Game # 71: Sabres 3, Lightning 2