SabreSpace

'"When you go to war, you're going to lose some guys through battles and we need some other guys to come and step up," forward J.P. Dumont said.' … [Read more...] about Sabres dropping like flies on blue-line

'There are three periods played in every hockey game, but to be victorious in the Eastern Conference final, you only have to be good in one. More specifically, the second.' … [Read more...] about Sabres, Hurricanes series appears to be all about winning the middle frame

'On Wednesday, moments after Roy's gloved fist cracked him flush on the nose, Staal grabbed his opponent and slammed him to the ice. It was an uncharacteristic play coming from a skilled player who scored 100 points during the regular season and racked up just 81 penalty minutes. But according to Stillman, it may be necessary in the 21-year-old Staal's development.' … [Read more...] about Stillman helps Staal’s game grow

'Professional sports in Buffalo teach people about heartbreak long before they start dating. When you root for the Sabres, or the Bills, you learn early the dull ache that fills your stomach after a big loss. But as a Sabres fan you also learn about passion, loyalty and devotion.' … [Read more...] about Buffalo’s passion runs deep

'Quinn did not believe it was fair that a season-ticket holder might be seated next to someone who paid a third of the price for a ticket because of promotions. "We felt that was like the airlines do: the most valued business customer pays the most and the guy who plans a long weekend six months in advance gets the big discount," he said. "To me, that was counter-productive."' … [Read more...] about Rivalry extends to ticket sales

Ward still steady (Raleigh News and Observer) Tonight's Game 4 is pivotal for Hurricanes (Raleigh News and Observer) Cole faces another test (Raleigh News and Observer) Five points (Raleigh News and Observer) Rivalry extends to ticket sales (Raleigh News and Observer) Buffalo's passion runs deep (Raleigh News and Observer) Buffalo fans are tuned in (Raleigh News and … [Read more...] about Friday’s Carolina Coverage (Updated 10:30 a.m.)

'Buffalo is the smallest of the 24 American N.H.L. markets. Raleigh, N.C., home of the Hurricanes, is the second smallest. Edmonton, Alberta, one of six Canadian N.H.L. markets, is the smallest in the league. The playoff survival of their teams represents a be-careful-what-you-wish-for conundrum for the N.H.L.' … [Read more...] about Small Markets. Big Results.

'"Once you have lived in this community, you really understand what (Buffalo) people want and what they expect out of you," said Buffalo defenseman Brian Campbell. "You bring that into the locker room. This is a hardworking city and they love their sports. If you go out and work hard for them, they will respond."' … [Read more...] about Injured Sabres vow to persevere

'Trailing 2-1 in the best-of-seven game, the 'Canes enter Game 4 understanding that it is at a crossroads of the series. There is a mammoth psychological difference between being down 3-1 and being tied 2-2. The 'Canes focused heavily on team bonding in the preseason, and communication is one of the team's strengths. That clearly helps in this situation.' … [Read more...] about Hurricanes goalie Ward’s job seems safe

'When you look at this year's Buffalo club as compared to the one from 1999 that went to the Cup final, you can understand why Ruff is considered one of the best coaches in the business and why he may come away with the Jack Adams Award at the end of this season. This year's team plays a way different style than the Sabres' team that went to the Cup final against the Stars.' … [Read more...] about Sabres have history of success under Ruff

'Regarding the Sabres fan contingent down in Raleigh this past weekend, Demetri said, “People here were actually shocked as to how many Buffalo fans there were and the way they made their presence felt. We have a lot of folks from your area living in this region, but this show of support exceeded anyone’s expectation.”' … [Read more...] about Carolina on My Mind

.Bettman appreciates the new found stability team owner and Rochester billionaire Tom Golisano has brought to the Sabres. “He was my computer generated model for exactly what we needed for a new owner in Buffalo,” the commissioner said of Golisano. “I would respectfully suggest that resurrecting this franchise that was in so much difficulty was pretty much out … [Read more...] about New NHL Pleases Commissioner

'There's no talking during the game. My husband would kill me.' … [Read more...] about Many Fans Exhausted After Watching Sabres Play

'Ryan McPhee, 11, of Hilton has been in the hospital with leukemia for four months. But Friday he'll get a chance to stop thinking about those hospital visits when he goes to the Sabres game with two VIP tickets. Ryan’s mother says there are days when he can't get out of bed, but on Thursday he's was practically bouncing off the walls in excitement for game four of the … [Read more...] about Sabres’ quest for Stanley Cup extra special for local boy

'"Obviously it's a tough loss for them, but it doesn't really change anything as far as what we do," said Carolina coach Peter Laviolette. "When we're playing our game, we try to take advantage of the other team's defense from the top of the circles down and we'll continue to make that a part of the game plan, but the fact that … [Read more...] about Moment of truth for Sabres; opportunity for 'Canes