SabreSpace

'Source says barring last-minute union move, commissioner Gary Bettman to cancel 2004-05 season at 1 p.m. EST news conference.' … [Read more...] about Looks like the NHL season is over, only last-minute heroics will save it

'"A number of guys went behind our backs," New York Islanders center Michael Peca said. "It isn't right. They're doing something unethical. I can say with 100 percent certainty (Goodenow) had no knowledge players were going to the league behind his back. To see these guys, running around and lobbying as individuals about a salary cap, when … [Read more...] about NHL, union keep trying to bridge gap

'For years, the Sabres all but ignored local amateur hockey. Regier addressed the problem three years ago and insisted the organization become more involved. The Sabres now have one full-time employee, Youth Hockey Manager Pat Fisher, working within the community on everything from instructional clinics to promoting the game.' … [Read more...] about Sabres involved

'Rory Fitzpatrick would like to know what took so long. "If this is where we were headed with a cap, then it could have been settled in September," said Fitzpatrick, the lifelong Irondequoit resident who plays defense for the Buffalo Sabres. "What a waste of a season if we were going to accept a cap anyway."' … [Read more...] about Local NHLers aren't packing skates just yet

'"I wish everyone would just shut up and play."' … [Read more...] about Area hockey fans sound off on lockout

'"I know there's some extreme bitterness throughout the league amongst players for the move the negotiating committee took," Patrick said. "At the same time, there are so many guys who just said they want to play hockey, and if this is what it takes, they're willing to do that."' … [Read more...] about Cap talk startles ‘Peg pros

'McKee was surprised to learn of the developments, particularly after he was informed by players' association executive director Bob Goodenow on Monday that the NHLPA was not willing to accept a cap and to expect the season to be canceled. Now, McKee's wondering when the season or what's left of it can begin. ''It's been a roller-coaster … [Read more...] about Players wonder what took so long for NHLPA to accept cap

'The players' association will accept a salary cap, and the league has backed off its demand for a link between revenues and player costs. Now they just have to figure out the money, and time has all but run out.' … [Read more...] about Players agree to accept cap, but talks break down

'"I can assure you the players are getting stronger and stronger," Sabres player representative Jay McKee said. "There is no way a cap will ever be accepted. Gary's getting into a fight he never saw coming. He's in the fight of his life. (The players) aren't the type of guys will back away when they're pushed."' … [Read more...] about Last-ditch talks held in Buffalo area

Amerks prepare for three games in three nights (Amerks.com) Amerks' Miller leads PlanetUSA to shootout win (Amerks.com) … [Read more...] about Tuesday’s Rochester Coverage

'The question has been dogging James Patrick like a 230-pound forward with a chip on his shoulder: "Have I played my last game in the National Hockey League?" The answer for the 41-year-old defenceman, who didn't have a contract for the 2004-05 NHL regular season, is clearer now, and it's not good.' … [Read more...] about For some, end of season is end of career

'Three Swedish NHL players accused of rape were suspended for the remainder of the season by their clubs on Monday, two days after being banned from the national team. Kristian Huselius of the Florida Panthers, the top scorer in the Swedish Elite League with Linkoping during the NHL lockout, and teammate Henrik Tallinder of the Buffalo Sabres were released after a club … [Read more...] about Two NHL players released, one banned after rape accusations in Sweden

'The league is holding firm on its pledge to gain "cost certainty" that will tie player salaries to revenues. The NHLPA has offered a 24 percent rollback on salaries but refuses to agree to a salary cap.' … [Read more...] about Reports: NHL readying to cancel season

'Various sources are reporting that NHL commissioner Gary Bettman will hold a press conference in New York on Tuesday to cancel the NHL season. The league and the NHLPA met in Washington with a federal mediator on Sunday at the request of the mediator. Both sides reported no progress. NHL teams will hold press conferences after Bettman is finished.' … [Read more...] about The NHL Season To Likely End

'A public relations executive, speaking on condition of anonymity, told The Associated Press that planning was under way Monday for NHL commissioner Gary Bettman to make the announcement at a news conference in New York.' … [Read more...] about Bettman reportedly set to cancel season Tuesday