SabreSpace

'"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

'NHL commissioner Gary Bettman will announce the cancellation of the 2004-05 season at a news conference Tuesday in New York, following the failure of both sides in the labour dispute to get a deal on paper by his weekend deadline. The league was to put out an advisory later Monday, but a source confirmed to The Canadian ress that the announcement will take place … [Read more...] about NHL to cancel season Tuesday, source says

Miller focused on having fun among flying pucks (Rochester D&C) Goalie Miller a good choice as AHL MVP (Rochester D&C) Miller Wins Top Goaltender (RNews.com) Vanek's and Austria's Olympic dreams dashed by Ukraine (Amerks.com) Miller named top goalie as PlanetUSA wins Skills (Amerks.com) Ryan Miller head to AHL All-Star Classic (Amerks.com) … [Read more...] about Monday’s Rochester Coverage

Amerks' short lapse opens gate to Bulldogs victory (Rochester D&C) Hamilton 5, Rochester 2 (AP) Ott scores twice as Bulldogs capture 5-2 victory over Americans (CP) Hamilton Skates Past Amerks (RNews.com) Bulldogs bite Amerks 5-2 (Amerks.com) Bulldogs 5, Rochester 2 (HamiltonBulldogs.com) … [Read more...] about Sunday’s Rochester Coverage

'"I'm an eternal optimist, but that's fleeting fast."' … [Read more...] about NHL ready to pull plug

'"I think it is crazy that it's come this far," Patrick said. "This has been forecast for four years. The players association said this is going to happen ... . Obviously, in a fight like this, it takes two sides.' … [Read more...] about For the love of the game