SabresBeat

'Gratton is very familiar with the Philadelphia sports scene and how the fans can get on a player. For parts of two seasons as a member of the Flyers, Gratton became a regular target for frustrated hometown fans. Acquired as a high-profile free agent in 1997, Gratton arrived in Philadelphia with plenty of fanfare and expectations -- touted to be one of the final pieces in … [Read more...] about Gratton's goal silences Philly boo birds

'Now residing near Buffalo, in St. Catharines, Ontario, Nolan, through his work with Team Indigenous, is continually working to open doors for Native athletes. One day, he would like to see his people represented in Olympic competition. He isn't just pushing for youngsters to audition for teams from North and South America. He'd like to see them represent their own nation, the … [Read more...] about Beyond The Game

'Roman Cechmanek got the Philadelphia Flyers this far. They're not turning their backs on him now.' … [Read more...] about Flyers counting on Cechmanek

Like the deranged man who took a hammer to the Liberty Bell last weekend, the Sabres put a serious dent in Roman Cechmanek and the Philadelphia Flyers. … [Read more...] about Sabres-Flyers "To the Point"

Czech-mate? It certainly seems like Sabres' veteran Dominik Hasek taught the rookie Roman Cechmanek a lesson in the chess game of hockey pressure. … [Read more...] about Sabres-Flyers: “Sharpening the Swords.”

'The Sabres found just enough holes Wednesday night to squeeze out a 2-1 victory in the series opener before 19,543 fans in the First Union Center. For one game anyway, it appeared the Sabres had found an answer for the one goalie who tormented them like none other in recent history. He looked human.' … [Read more...] about Czech, please: Sabres cash in

'Curtis Brown says he's noticed the change over the last few weeks. He could see it in Doug Gilmour's eyes, the glowing anticipation of an athlete who had been there many times before, and could hardly wait to get back again. "Oh, yeah. He's ready to go," Brown said before Wednesday's playoff opener against the Flyers. "He's been … [Read more...] about Gilmour lights Sabres' lamp with spirit

'Hasek was momentarily shaken up but quickly recovered after he was bowled over with 8:13 remaining in the first period. It appeared Flyers center Peter White pushed Sabres center Curtis Brown into The Dominator during a scrum just outside the crease. The play happened just six seconds after Hasek stopped Mark Recchi on a penalty shot.' … [Read more...] about Hasek gives teammates a scare

'In his first NHL playoff game, Cechmanek looked more like Snow or the Beezer than Hasek, coughing up two softish first period goals on nine shots after allowing that many on 102 shots in four regular season games against Buffalo.' … [Read more...] about Sabres' D, veteran stars too much for Flyers

'Because while Hasek played the drama queen, his teammates' efforts could best be described as perfunctory. Both Buffalo goals were unspectacular. But Hasek was at his best and the Sabres' stingy defence -- tops in the NHL for good reason -- handled the rest in a dull, grinding fashion that got the job done.' … [Read more...] about Hasek delivers first strike

'The aging centerman set up one goal and scored what proved to be the game winner Wednesday night as the Sabres took Game One of their best-of-seven series with the Philadelphia Flyers.' … [Read more...] about Old-schooled by Gilmour

'It was not the Dominik Hasek show that dropped the Flyers last night in their opening round playoff game against the Sabres at the First Union Center, but the wall around him and the fall of Roman.' … [Read more...] about Cechmanek is soft as Sabres top Flyers

'Last night, the Sabres stifled the Flyers at one end with a strong forecheck and at the other with goalie Dominik Hasek, who frustrated the Flyers on those occasions when they were able to get up ice for a clean shot.' … [Read more...] about One depressing debut

'"It was huge," Buffalo center Chris Gratton said of Hasek's save. "Our whole bench jumped up with excitement. Dom's a game-breaker, and I think that save broke open the game for us."' … [Read more...] about Penalty-shot stop by Hasek sparks the Sabres' play

'Second round at the OK Corral Saturday at 1 p.m. There's no doubt Cechmanek will show. The challenge is too enticing for one of his caliber not to.' … [Read more...] about Dueling goalies will fight to finish