SabresBeat

'Was Lemieux trying to motive Jagr to a higher level of play in the Penguins' second-round Stanley Cup playoff series against the Buffalo Sabres? Or was his intent somewhat more diabolical? Was he setting the stage for trading the man who has won the past four NHL scoring titles? How about both?' … [Read more...] about Lemieux sets stage for deal

'Coach Ivan Hlinka, whose Czech Olympic team won a gold medal at the 1998 Games largely because of the play of Sabres G Dominik Hasek, offered an unusual perspective on how the Penguins should deal with Hasek in this series. "Score some goals," he said, smiling. "And if you don't, you just kill him."' … [Read more...] about Penguins Report

'"Every time we need him, he comes up big," Penguins defenseman Bob Boughner said of Hedberg, who blanked a team that scored eight goals in its previous outing. "I thought we looked a little tired and sluggish at some points in the second period. He was just rock-solid. He bided time for us until we came around in the third."' … [Read more...] about Pens' Hedberg handcuffs Sabres

'That's because the Penguins worked their tails off much more often than they worked stick-handling miracles Thursday night at the HSBC Arena. They got sweaty. They got bloody. They got down and dirty. They sacrificed much more than they scintillated.' … [Read more...] about Penguins get tough; Sabres get a lesson

'The Penguins won Game 1 of their second-round series against the Buffalo Sabres on Thursday night, 3-0, at the HSBC Arena, but it was not certain if they had equal success in their continuing game with Jaromir Jagr.' … [Read more...] about Mario needs Jagr's help

'"If there's a borderline call, we don't get the call because of my situation with the owners (that he is one of them)," Lemieux said. "So, I think it's been the opposite. In the Washington series, if you look at the tapes and you look at every game, it's very clear that if there's a borderline call, it goes against us."' … [Read more...] about Refs in his corner? Lemieux doesn't think so

'The Buffalo Sabres should have known they were in for a long night from the outset, as sniper Miroslav Satan raced in on Pittsburgh Penguins goalie Johan Hedberg and nailed the left post with a wrist shot. It was all downhill for the Sabres after that.' … [Read more...] about 'Moose' gets shutout as Pens roll

'With both teams checking closely and eliminating open spaces for the offences, the Pittsburgh Penguins eked out a 3-0 win over the Buffalo Sabres to open their Eastern Conference semifinals in a game that saw Pittsburgh star Jaromir Jagr limp off with an injury in the second period.' … [Read more...] about Hedberg shuts out Sabres in series opener

'Lemieux, the Penguins owner/superstar who challenged Jagr to step up on the eve of their Eastern Conference semifinal against the Buffalo Sabres, combined with his protege to give the Penguins a strong start in their 3-0 win over the Sabres in the first game of the best-of-seven series at the HSBC Arena Thursday night.' … [Read more...] about Is the magic gone between Lemieux and Jagr?

'Johan Hedberg, a last-minute pickup by the Pittsburgh Penguins and a surprise winner in dominating fashion vs. the Washington Capitals, opened with a stare down against Dominik Hasek, a five-time Vezina Trophy winner and the Buffalo Sabres. Hedberg also earned a shutout.' … [Read more...] about Goalie-oriented

'The Pittsburgh Penguins overcame an injury to scoring star Jaromir Jagr to open the second round of the playoffs with a victory.' … [Read more...] about Penguins 3, Sabres 0

'U.S. Reps Melissa Hart, R-Pa., and Jack Quinn, R-N.Y., have placed friendly wagers on the Penguins-Sabres playoff series. If the Penguins lose, Hart will give the Buffalo congressman Primanti's Brothers sandwiches, which include a side of fries and coleslaw between the bread, and six-packs of Iron City and Penn Pilsner beer. If the Sabres lose, Quinn will treat Hart … [Read more...] about Friendly bet

'The Buffalo Sabres may have "The Dominator" but the Pittsburgh Penguins boast "The Moose."' … [Read more...] about Pittsburgh 3, Buffalo 0

'The Sabres have two options in addressing Lemieux. They can put another defensive center on Lemieux's line or just roll out four lines in an attempt to wear down Pittsburgh, which has a shorter bench and often double shifts Lemieux.' … [Read more...] about Lemieux seeks 'killer instict' against Sabres

One of the greater debates in professional sports contests has always been equal to the chicken or the egg theory. Which wins out -- offense or defense? … [Read more...] about Sabres-Penguins Series Scouting Report