SabreSpace

'Esche nearly stole a victory for the Flyers in the opener. "It was a tough way to lose," Knuble said after the game. But if the Sabres fail to capitalize on most of their scoring chances against the red-hot Esche, they could endure the tough loss in Game 2. That would send them to Philadelphia for Game 3 on Wednesday without home-ice advantage.' … [Read more...] about Sabres watch

'Fortunately Umberger was only feeling the effects of a stiff neck yesterday and could see action in Game 2 tonight, health permitting. "It was a legal hit ... He just caught me off guard," said Umberger, who is listed as questionable.' … [Read more...] about Sabres show they’re not scared

'"After a game like tonight, we picked up a lot of experience," he said. "For a lot of guys it was a first playoff game, first overtime game and first double-overtime game. I don't think that's going to be a major factor."' … [Read more...] about 'A little bit of a war'

'How things change. When these teams met in recent years, it was so often about the relentless Philly pressure and the Sabres hoping to hold them off with goaltending and counterattack, while catching a big break now and then. Today, it's quite the opposite.' … [Read more...] about Esche made the difference on Saturday night

'Ruff has proved adaptable, adjusting his coaching style to the N.H.L.'s new rules. The Sabres are one of the league's fastest-skating teams. On Saturday, they made the more experienced Flyers look a step slow. "You have to give him credit," Brière said of Ruff. "He's been known as a defensive coach pretty much his whole … [Read more...] about After a Rough Patch, the Sabres Look Sharp

'Take away the one "home" game the Sabres play in Rochester and the team's average attendance just at HSBC Arena alone increased nearly 11 percent this season.' … [Read more...] about Bright attendance shoots Sabres back to black ink

'"He's gotten mad at me a few times, like when you'd shoot a little high on him or something," Briere said with a laugh. "The thing about Robert is he makes it no secret if he likes you or doesn't like you. If he's mad at you, you'll know right away, and he's not going to hide behind anybody or anything. If there's a problem, you'll know right away. Then an hour later, it's … [Read more...] about Briere, Esche: Friends, but only outside crease

Worn out, but no knockout (Philadelphia Inquirer) Briere, Esche: Friends, but only outside crease (Philadelphia Inquirer) The goal is under control (Philadelphia Inquirer) One painful lesson for R.J. Umberger (Philadelphia Inquirer) Umberger rallying; can the Flyers? (Philadelphia Daily News) Esche won't make this easy for Sabres (Philadelphia Daily News) Flyers stay … [Read more...] about Monday’s Philadelphia Coverage (Updated 11:00 a.m.)

'"That's something we've got to get better at," said Kapanen, who beat goalie Ryan Miller with a backhander from in close, only to have the shot deflect off the post 13 minutes into the first overtime. "I think I should be one of the guys and I want to be one of those guys providing some offense."' … [Read more...] about Flyers offense must improve against Sabres

'"They weren't kidding," Miller said of his first playoff experience. "The highs were high. The lows were low."' … [Read more...] about Sabres take upper hand in ‘little bit of war’

'"It's a neat feeling, especially when you're not known as a goal scorer," McKee said. "Anyway that I can help my team, whether it's scoring goals, blocking shots or hitting guys, whatever it is I'm happy to be able to contribute. It's certainly pretty special scoring a goal here at home."' … [Read more...] about History repeats for McKee

'This game had everything.' … [Read more...] about Sabres learn a lesson and survive

'The Flyers didn't seem resentful about the hit after the loss. Philly coach Ken Hitchcock said Umberger, a rookie, "got welcomed big-time" to his first Stanley Cup playoff game. Umberger found out, the hard way, that it's a different game in the postseason, a more violent, close-checking proposition.' … [Read more...] about No hard feelings? Tell it to Flyers rookie

'I also doubt that this team could have arrived at the place it's at if General Manager Darcy Regier hadn't constructed its roster as he did. Basically his policy was "who needs superstars?" Buffalo won with four lines that may not have been equal yet they sure bore a strong resemblance one to another.' … [Read more...] about New rules give Sabres extra spring in their step

'"He gave us a chance to win," Hitchcock said. "and that's what you are looking for when you are playing a good team like that one on the road."' … [Read more...] about Esche’s play shows he was the right choice