SabreSpace

'Do we honor a man for extinguishing a fire . . . or admonish him for starting the blaze?' … [Read more...] about Bettman tries to put out his own fire with new CBA

'My thinking is that the Sabres are satisfied with their 9th place team from two years ago, and have these wonderful expectations based upon a 9th place team.' … [Read more...] about Sabres "Woe Is Me" Tour Continues

'Will Golisano, who jumped into the NHL more to save the franchise for Buffalo than anything else, be tempted to spend a little more than the budget allows if that means he can land a difference maker? He is still, afterall, a BILLIONAIRE, with a B. Better yet, he has become an avid hockey fan. That is one great combination for Buffalo hockey fans, at least … [Read more...] about NHL Changes Bring Along Interesting Questions

'The Sabres are entering giddy times, following a tumultuous three years that included the franchise being taken over by the league, going through bankruptcy, searching for a new owner and enduring a season-long work stoppage.' … [Read more...] about A new era for the Sabres

'"When we look back in a year or five or 10," NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said at a news conference in New York, "today will be viewed as a pivotal point in time because we could begin to move forward finally in an effective way where . . . we could connect with our fans and give our fans the best possible product, and do it in a way where all of our franchises were healthy … [Read more...] about Darkness ends for NHL

'"It's probably sour grapes on my part, but I don't think Pittsburgh should have been as lucky as they were," said Sabres General Manager Darcy Regier, playfully alluding to the Penguins' previous fortunes in drafting franchise players Mario Lemieux and Jaromir Jagr.' … [Read more...] about Sabres lose out in Crosby lottery

'The games will be carried on Time Warner systems in other areas that get MSG but they may occasionally go to an overflow channel in areas that are allowed to carry any of the other pro basketball and pro hockey teams that MSG carries.' … [Read more...] about Sabres fans will see MSG games

'New rules alone will likely spark interest. Virtually every change was designed to create more room on the ice, which should produce more goals. Time will tell whether the modifications have their desired effect, but skill players who had been stifled in a congested neutral zone might finally participate in a league intent on showcasing their talent.' … [Read more...] about With new rules, the future is wide open

The Buffalo Sabres are ready to face the Brave New NHL with a new sense of optimism. After years of watching other teams outspend and out produce them, the Sabres are now geared and ready to roar out of the gates come the start of October. … [Read more...] about Sabres ready to roll when season resumes

'The Buffalo Sabres did not do as well in the draft lottery as their fans had hoped. The Sabres received the 13th overall selection in the 2005 draft. Based solely on the order of selection here are the Sabres picks for the 2005 Draft...'. … [Read more...] about Preliminary Sabres' Draft Order

'"It's going to be a giant fantasy hockey pool," said Rochester-based agent Steve Bartlett, who represents Sabres enforcer Andrew Peters and prospect Thomas Vanek. "I think there's going to be a record number of players changing teams. It'll be chaotic. It'll be intense. We'll all have to get our arms around this (new CBA) in a big hurry because there's no time to spare, no … [Read more...] about NHL players OK deal

"After two days of thorough discussion and analysis, the players voted in favor of ratifying the new Collective Bargaining Agreement. We expect the owners will ratify the agreement tomorrow as well. Once the ratification process is complete, the focus of everyone can turn to the 2005-06 season." … [Read more...] about Union Ratifies Proposed CBA

"We drafted Thomas Vanek to score goals," stated Director of Amateur Scouting, Jim Benning pointblank. "For Thomas to be successful, he's going to have to put up numbers." … [Read more...] about Headed for Success?

"Where as in other seasons, we kind of know we're picking 15 or 20 overall and you hone your potential pool to 20 guys," said Benning. "(This season), we've had to really become familiar and comfortable with the top-60 players in this year's draft." … [Read more...] about Preparing for the Draft

"We have always tried to be a physical team, a hard-working team and we try to draft character, so I don't know if we'll change that part of our thinking," stated Benning. … [Read more...] about Notebook: Pre-Draft Warm-Up