SabreSpace

'After 82 games, you have an identity, Desjardins explained. "You've got to know who you are." For the Flyers, it's not a question of who they are, but whether that identity is good enough for the new NHL.' … [Read more...] about Habitual Flyers trying to catch up to new-age Sabres

'"We're a good road team, and we have to go out and win a road game," Sabres coach Lindy Ruff said Monday. "That would make a big statement. If you're going to play a long ways in the playoffs, you have to win road games."' … [Read more...] about Winning on the road easier said than done for Flyers, Sabres

'Screams erupted bar-side every time a Sabre neared the Flyers net. “It’s better than sitting at home,” Hassell said. “It’s fun to go out with a bunch of friends, so you’re all cheering.”' … [Read more...] about Sabres stretch to suburbs

'"I was kind of fortunate and unfortunate actually. I got called up, played one game, got sent back down and then maybe a week later I was back up and played 50-something in a row. I have been here for a while keeping it simple and trying to stick around."' … [Read more...] about Pominville finally getting his chance

'This was a total team effort. The Sabres are known for their skating and passing ability. This time, they shut down the Flyers defensively.' … [Read more...] about Miller stymies Flyers

'Think Sabres and you think a young team who can skate like the wind and throw the puck around as if it's on a string. Yesterday, they took a 3-2 series lead with a 3-0 win. They scored three goals that would be the centrepiece of an ad campaign for the new NHL. But ultimately that's not what won them the game. "I think their tenacity and hunger, not their speed, controlled the … [Read more...] about Physical hockey still lives

'The Flyers, meanwhile, looked nothing like the team that beat the Sabres in Games Three and Four. All-World center Peter Forsberg, who had two goals and one assist in each Flyers victory, had a solitary shot Sunday. "This was as good a game as I've seen us put together from an offensive standpoint and defensive standpoint," Sabres coach Lindy Ruff said.' … [Read more...] about In the zone

'Philly wasn't going to change its approach when the series shifted back to HSBC Arena for Game Five Sunday afternoon. The Flyers were content to lay back, strive for the consummate close-to-the-vest game. The question was whether the Sabres could alter their preferred style to meet the challenge, find a way to win a grittier brand of hockey, one predicated upon discipline and … [Read more...] about Flyers were beaten at their own game

'"He's a complete player now," Sabres defenseman Brian Campbell said. "He's not just a guy that goes down and scores highlight-reel goals every time, although all he seems to do is score highlight goals. He's a great penalty killer, he's everything. You look at Timmy now, and he combines everything. Now, he's a dominant hockey player."' … [Read more...] about Connolly’s rise symbolizes the new NHL

'"It's kind of becoming a habit up here," Flyers center Peter Forsberg said. "We're not working hard enough. We're not getting enough chances. There's nothing to say about them winning. They were better."' … [Read more...] about Flyers say they lacked intensity

'"He settles everything down," Hitchcock said after the Sabres' 3-0 victory in HSBC Arena. "He's a tremendous player. He's settles EVERYTHING down."' … [Read more...] about Numminen’s leadership welcomed in a heartbeat

'Playing hockey where you live is commonly referred to as home-ice advantage. In front of 18,690 appreciative fans yesterday, the Sabres showed why.' … [Read more...] about Sabres leave Flyers on the brink

'"The only thing that's in the back of my mind is when I come to the rink, I have to remember to take the pills," Numminen said of his heart medicine. "That's the only thing on my mind."' … [Read more...] about Numminen’s concerns take a back seat

'The two-goal deficit was huge, given the way Miller was performing in net. "He struggled in Philadelphia. He knows that," Hitchcock said. "But he answered the bell."' … [Read more...] about Miller puts Sabres on brink of series win

'Buffalo winger Jochen Hecht did not play because of a reported upper-body injury he sustained in Game 4. Left wing Taylor Pyatt made his first career playoff appearance in Hecht's place.' … [Read more...] about Sabres Report