SabreSpace

'When the Sabres scored three more times in the first period resulting in, among other things, the removal of Esche the Flyers distilled things to a couple of nasty goals: trying to intimidate a team which won't be intimidated; and trying to get back at Campbell for his clean, devastating, check on R.J. Umberger in game one.' … [Read more...] about Sabres embarrass Flyers 8-2

'Ruff took issue with the notion Forsberg didn't play well Saturday, other than the first few minutes of the game. "I thought he played pretty damn good. He made a lot of good plays and we had our hands full with him."' … [Read more...] about Healthy or not, Forsberg is always a threat

'Umberger, meantime, wasn't separated from his sense of humour or some outrage at the aftermath of the monster hit he took Saturday from Buffalo defenceman Brian Campbell. "I didn't get to see that," he laughed when asked about the suspect timing of the replay of the thundering body check on the HSBC Arena video screen. He was being assisted off the ice when the … [Read more...] about Flyers’ Umberger laughs off thundering hit from Sabres’ Campbell in Game 1

'Power play time in the game was extremely lopsided in favor of Buffalo, as the Flyers attempted to use a physical style to get back into the game but were whistled at virtually every turn. Buffalo was 3-for-12 with a man advantage while Philadelphia was 0-for-3. The Flyers had 61 penalty minutes compared with 12 for the Sabres.' … [Read more...] about Buffalo Takes Game Two, 8-2

'It marked the first time in Sabres history that two players notched hat tricks in the same playoff game.' … [Read more...] about Buffalo 8, Philadelphia 2

'The Sabres, who needed 58 shots to beat Philadelphia 3-2 in double overtime on Saturday night, scored twice on their first three shots and needed only 12 to build a 6-1 lead on Dumont's third goal midway through the second period.' … [Read more...] about Buffalo 8, Philadelphia 2

'Brian Campbell's mother is scared for her son. So is his head coach. And most of the New York state area.' … [Read more...] about Sabres' Campbell may be marked man

'By the time Daniel Briere redirected Jochen Hecht's pass past Esche, who had already made 55 saves, during the second overtime, what once looked like an easy win had become a classic, a victory that portends another wild spring in Western New York. If there were any fans left who hadn't gotten over lingering bitterness from the lockout that claimed last year, they have now.' … [Read more...] about Briere’s goal caps perfect start to another wild Stanley Cup bid

'While it might be hard to imagine Briere duplicating his Sabres playoff record 14 shots on goal during the best-of-seven series opener, he believes there is room for improvement. "I know I didn't have my best game," Briere told reporters. "There's probably three or four solid, good chances when I should have scored."' … [Read more...] about Sabres' Briere a difference-maker

'Umberger has yet to be cleared to play by team doctors, and a decision on whether or not he is able to dress will be made later Monday afternoon.' … [Read more...] about Flyers' Umberger status uncertain

'"It was an incredible hit, and it was clean," said Kilrea. "No elbow was up. It's a chance you have, and you take it."' … [Read more...] about Killer salutes killer hit by former 67

'"I was thinking about it today over breakfast," Campbell said after Sunday morning's practice in the Amherst Pepsi Center. "We won a hockey game while going 0 for 9 on the power play."' … [Read more...] about Plenty of room for improvement

'"There's no reason to think about it now, but yeah, it wasn't a good feeling to take a penalty like that late in the third," Lydman said. "It wasn't the greatest feeling in the world. Luckily, it's just the first game and it's just the beginning. There's a new game [tonight]."' … [Read more...] about Lydman vows to play smarter

'"He's his own biggest critic," Drury said Sunday. "He's never, ever satisfied no matter what he does in a game. Just looking at the numbers he's put up in the playoffs, they're astounding. He's the biggest competitor the game has probably seen in a long time."' … [Read more...] about Sabres expect better showing from Forsberg

'"I got my wits back real quick," said Umberger, who was knocked woozy Saturday on an all-time check delivered by Buffalo defenseman Brian Campbell. "I lost a little bit of quick memory, but otherwise I felt fine. I wanted to go back out last night, but they wouldn't let me."' … [Read more...] about After big hit, Umberger may be ready to play