SabreSpace

'"I was very fortunate to play for one team that long. I'm with the Islanders now, so I have to do my job," said Zhitnik, who said he tried to tune out the fans. "I wasn't really paying attention. When you're playing, you're playing. On the ice, you're thinking of what you should do in the next moment. You try to do something … [Read more...] about The hisses just keep coming for Satan, Zhitnik

'It was a good crowd, but several sections were occupied by only a handful of fans, most notably sections 301 and 302 in the upper level of the building and section 102 in the lower level. "I was kind of shocked at the empty seats," said George Furlet of Gowanda, returning to his seat following a beer run. "I think it's going to take awhile for people … [Read more...] about Hockey's return warmly welcomed

No praise for Satan as Isles fall in opener (New York Post) Isles at a loss in opener (Newsday) Islanders notebook (Newsday) Islanders fans frustrated, can't find game on DirecTV (Newsday) Islanders fall to Buffalo in season opener (NewYorkIslanders.com) … [Read more...] about Thursday’s New York Coverage

A tradition of great keepers (Rochester D&C) Cunneyworth seeks a title (Rochester D&C) Amerks make roster moves (Amerks.com) … [Read more...] about Thursday’s Rochester Coverage

'The game went back and forth until the Sabres got a two-goal lead early in third period when Maxim Afinogenov scored. Thomas Vanek recorded his first NHL point on that goal as he had an assist. Afinogenov would add an empty netter on the power play with 35 seconds left in the game.' … [Read more...] about Sabres Open Season With 6-4 Win Over Isles

'Daniel Briere recorded two goals and an assist to lead the Buffalo Sabres past the New York Islanders, 6-4, in the season opener for both clubs at HSBC Arena.' … [Read more...] about Buffalo 6, NY Islanders 4

'Maxim Afinogenov scored twice, J.P. Dumont had a goal and an assist and Brian Campbell added a goal in a game Buffalo never trailed. Ryan Miller stopped 22 shots and overcame a very soft goal to win his seventh career game and end a four-game losing streak dating to February 19, 2003.' … [Read more...] about Sabres 6, Islanders 4

'Team Marketing said the average price of a ticket at HSBC Arena is $29.73. Only the Carolina Hurricanes ($26.15) and Phoenix Coyotes ($27.37) have cheaper ticket prices. The Philadelphia Flyers have the most expensive ticket prices at an average of $54.81.' … [Read more...] about Sabres' costs among cheapest in NHL

'It might as well be the best kept secret in town. A secret even kept from many employees and players within the Buffalo Sabres organization. However, rumors are rampant this morning on the opening day of the 2005-2006 NHL season. Is Blue and Gold back?' … [Read more...] about Blue & Gold: Will The Sabres Unveil New Jerseys Tonight?

'Across the board, pundits are picking the Sabres to miss the playoffs for the fourth season in a row, and while there are plenty of reasons to think they're right, there are reasons for hope.' … [Read more...] about Sabres' familiarity breeds contentment

'"It puts a target on you, but I think I have a great rapport with the players we have here now," Ruff said. "We as a staff, myself included, we have to silence the critics. That's the way I look at it. If we don't, whatever happens, happens. We have something to prove. If we don't, we should take the blame."' … [Read more...] about Ruff will accept blame if Sabres don't reach goal

'"We want to be a team that's going to take advantage of the new rules," said co-captain Daniel Briere. "Instead of complaining about them, we want to try to exploit them as quick as possible. In that way, we're hopeful we might be able to jump on a few teams and surprise a few teams."' … [Read more...] about Built for speed

'Then it happened. The bounce that changed the Sabres.' … [Read more...] about Frozen in time

'"This game has got everything, and I'm excited about that," Sabres coach Lindy Ruff said. "Let's get it out of the way. We got two former players coming back, we got a new NHL we're staring at, we got a team we really like, we've had a training camp that's been very good. So bring it on. Let's get at it."' … [Read more...] about Opening night anything but same old story

'The team's payroll is at $28.31 million, right about where management wanted.' … [Read more...] about Difficult roster decisions remain after opener