SabreSpace

'At the other end, Ryan Miller, who did not look as sharp as Gerber on Sunday, plays every minute. Carolina's first goal, from Justin Williams, was mediocre. The third goal, from Rod Brind'Amour, was almost identical to Derek Roy's goal against Gerber -- but from a worse angle and further out. Should Lindy Ruff now send in Martin Biron? Who knows? But the point is this. Peter … [Read more...] about Kudos to ‘Canes coach

'Having played under Paul Maurice for a number of seasons in North Carolina, Brind'Amour last night predicted the incoming Maple Leafs coach will lead Toronto into the postseason in 2006-07. Case closed.' … [Read more...] about Rod measures Leafs for playoffs

'Originally on the Isles' list of candidates were Dean Lombardi, who signed in Los Angeles, Ray Shero (Pittsburgh) and Peter Chiarelli (Boston). Other possible candidates on the Island are two of the Isles' former Atlantic Division foes, ex-Rangers' GM Neil Smith and former Pens boss Craig Patrick.' … [Read more...] about Isles looking at Laviolette

'Going with his gut has made Laviolette look brilliant so far in these playoffs.' … [Read more...] about Carolina playing rotating goalies

'Laviolette realizes that Ruff is trying to plant a seed in the minds of the officials, but said he thinks the Sabres have been getting more than their fair share of calls. One that particularly rankled him was a diving call on Justin Williams at the end of the first period in Game 5 after he was clearly brought down by Buffalo goalie Ryan Miller.' … [Read more...] about Carolina diving has Ruff ruffled

'There was much brave talk yesterday, which was to be expected, but it all had a rather far-fetched tone when you consider what the Sabres did not do the previous evening in North Carolina. They had the Carolina Hurricanes on the ropes, skating hard to overcome all their injuries on defence, but could not finish them off.' … [Read more...] about Missed opportunities hurting Sabres

'The hope that defenceman Teppo Numminen will return from his groin-hip flexor injury faded yesterday. The team did not practise on Monday and he did not make himself available to reporters, but head coach Lindy Ruff made it clear he is unlikely to play on Tuesday against the Carolina Hurricanes.' … [Read more...] about Numminen edoubtful’ for Game 6

'"There's no reason not to be confident," Ruff, the NHL's longest-serving coach, said of the preparations for what could be the final game of the season today. "We have answered the bell in almost every situation. If we play that way [today], we're going to get the job done."' … [Read more...] about Sabres have ’em where they want ’em

'"It's worked. You don't see it that often with a lot of teams, but it's worked for them," said Sabres head coach Lindy Ruff. "It gave a boost to his team," added Buffalo's Daniel Briere. "I'm sure that's what he was looking for. He did the same thing with Ward and it worked, too."' … [Read more...] about Goalie switch works wonders for ‘Canes

'When Lindy Ruff was asked the same question yesterday, he adopted the cantankerous personality of Murray's character in his response. "I'm actually getting tired of that question," he fumed at a television reporter. "I don't know what the answer is. Doubtful."' … [Read more...] about Numminen, team growing testy as questions about depleted Buffalo blue line mount

'You cannot play with more pure grunt, with more determination to prove something, than the Threadbare Six did in Sunday's overtime loss. But there's the problem: it was a loss. And now they have to do it again, and a bit more, or this club does not see June together.' … [Read more...] about Sabre survivors on the brink

'On the one hand, they lost Game 5 Sunday to fall behind Caroline Hurricanes 3-2 in games. On the other, they were dominant for stretches and could easily be in command with a few breaks.' … [Read more...] about Mair lays it on the line

'"He seems so mad at our team ... I don't understand, I thought his team played well. He made it sound like we didn't even show up," Laviolette said. "He's getting a lot of calls. I think we've killed more than we have been on the power play. They're getting their calls."' … [Read more...] about Ruff angry

'The coaches seem to agree on only one thing. Ruff said the Hurricanes would hate to lose Game 6 and play Game 7. Laviolette said Carolina wants to finish the series as soon as possible. "Nobody wants to go to a Game 7," he said. "Game 7s, anything can happen."' … [Read more...] about Coaches trade barbs off the ice

Canes try to finish seesaw series (Raleigh News and Observer) Captain contagious (Raleigh News and Observer) Stanley Cup run helps groom Ward for marriage (Raleigh News and Observer) Coming up empty (Raleigh News and Observer) Five Points (Raleigh News and Observer) Slap Shot (Raleigh News and Observer) Canes try to close out series tonight (Durham Herald Sun) Resilient … [Read more...] about Tuesday’s Carolina Coverage (Updated 9:00 a.m.)