SabreSpace

'Coach Lindy Ruff has been openly critical of netminders Noronen and Martin Biron, having hooked his starting goaltender in three of the Sabres' previous seven games. Last night, he opted to let Noronen finish what he started, throwing up his hands about what to do next.' … [Read more...] about Lucky 7's for Senators

'Chara is now plus-37.' … [Read more...] about Big Z a big-time player

'Heading into his first NHL game of the year, and his first time facing the team for which he had 3,189 PIMs in 889 career games, Ray admitted he had some butterflies. "I was nervous, more nervous today than before the first game I played (for Ottawa) last year," he said afterwards. "Playing friends, and an organization that was so good to me and I'd … [Read more...] about Rayser's got sharp wit

'The distinctive voice of Sabres play-by-play man Rick Jeanneret was missing after he was taken to hospital before the game after experiencing chest pains.' … [Read more...] about Game story

'``We started well, we got the first goal and, after that, they kept coming,'' Noronen said. ``From my point of view, I let in one or two easy goals and we couldn't bounce back.''' … [Read more...] about Ottawa 7, Buffalo 1

'The Senators held a 16-5 advantage in shots during the period and poured it on in the third. Peter Bondra scored at 5:40, Marian Hossa tallied two minutes later and grinder Chris Neil hit the net at 16:08.' … [Read more...] about Ottawa 7, Buffalo 1

'Meanwhile, the Buffalo defense has started a dangerous trend for a team trying to chase down the final playoff spot. In the last four games Buffalo has been out-scored 23-5.' … [Read more...] about Sens Big Guns Shoot Down Buffalo

'The Senators are 14-0-3-2 in the Corel Centre since Dec. 13.' … [Read more...] about Sabres vs. Senators

'"There's no question that Buffalo is a big thorn in our side because they play such a patient game. For us to win, we can't afford to give an 80-85% effort. We have to make sure that we're all giving 100%."' … [Read more...] about Sens aim to dull Sabres

'The Senators will be starting G Patrick Lalime tonight, but who will be in net for the Sabres is anyone's guess. Buffalo coach Lindy Ruff pulled both G Martin Biron and G Mika Noronen in the club's two games before last night's tilt with the New York Islanders. In fact, the Sabres' starter has been replaced in three of the last six games.' … [Read more...] about Game Day

'"We didn't give up very much," said Sabres coach Lindy Ruff. "We created three times more chances than we gave up. I thought we did everything but score. What's demoralizing is that a couple of their goals were tough goals. We need a little better goaltending performance. We needed a couple more saves. We can't give up four goals a … [Read more...] about Sabres flunk four-point test

'Yeah, I know. The Sabres still have 18 games remaining and can rescue their season if they get on another tear. The truth is the first hot streak was nothing short of miraculous. Everything, and I mean everything, fell into place when the Sabres took off with a 9-1-1 record. Yes, it could happen again. Mika Noronen might score again, too.' … [Read more...] about Time's up for Sabres, party's over

'"We're both known for our antics of getting under people's skin," Sabres enforcer Eric Boulton said. "I'll have some remarks for him, and he'll be all over my case, too."' … [Read more...] about Scoring binge has Ray ready for old friends

'“We can’t give up four goals in a game.”' … [Read more...] about Sabres' loss dims playoff dreams

The players appear oblivious to the declining attendance and microscopic TV ratings. If they are so blind to the problems and so thick-headed that the NHL will be forced to shut down next season, it probably would be a blessing for hockey fans in Buffalo and many other league cities. An NFL-style salary cap, more parity on the ice and a more fan-pleasing style of play with an … [Read more...] about Best hope for the Sabres: Ax NHL for a year