SabreSpace

The end result is nice and all -- Toronto won its 40th game, the fourth time in five years Pat Quinn has reached that milestone as coach -- but the Leafs realize their overall effort must improve in the final seven games before the playoffs start. They mustered little against the Sabres stifling defensive system in the opening 40 minutes, which will be childs play compared to … [Read more...] about The great escape

The whisper around the league was that if Regier had been canned, NHL commissioner Gary Bettman would have exerted his influence to get him a job somewhere else in the league as a reward for his handling of the franchise while it was under the leagues stewardship. … [Read more...] about Strachan on Hockey column

'This was the final meeting of five games between the QEW rivals, but it was tame affair compared to the fight-night in Buffalo on Mar. 6. There were four separate fights in the Sabres 4-2 victory that night, but not one dust up in this meeting. In fact, the two teams combined for just 18 penalty minutes (10 for Toronto and eight for Buffalo).' … [Read more...] about Disciplined Leafs dump Sabres

'When the Maple Leafs and Sabres played last played on March 6, four fights broke out in the first 14 minutes of the game. No fights occurred this time.' … [Read more...] about Maple Leafs 3, Sabres 2, OT

'"We didn't allow a whole lot, but they have their big gunners who will get a little something going," Buffalo center Curtis Brown said. "Overall, we really limited them, so it's tough to lose it the way we did in overtime, giving up too good of a chance. Tonight, two big mistakes and they put them both in. That's what happens against a … [Read more...] about Toronto 3, Buffalo 2

Finally, a week that was only about hockey. Sabres fans, weary of the constant lack of ownership and bankruptcy news, finally could concentrate on what was happening on the ice instead of off-ice matters. Lindy Ruff finally broke Scotty Bowman's team record of most wins, but outside of that, it was the same old story for the Sabres. … [Read more...] about Ruff sets record in otherwise gloomy week

'That's where McMorrow comes in. With enforcer Rob Ray traded to Ottawa, the Sabres need someone to help Eric Boulton in case things get out of hand. The 6-foot-4, 220-pound McMorrow was the obvious choice.' … [Read more...] about Sabres call on McMorrow to supply missing muscle

'D Bryan McCabe has been fined twice by the NHL in the past week ($1,000 for diving and $200 for a gross misconduct).' … [Read more...] about Sabres vs. Maple Leafs

'"People there (at WGR) have a relationship with the (new) ownership," Koshinski said. He noted that Golisano's initial proposal to buy the Sabres was handed to WGR staffers. "We'll see if they can live under the same type of scrutiny as we did," Koshinski said. He said being in common ownership with the Sabres might have led Empire to do more … [Read more...] about Sale of Sabres will give Empire an image upgrade

'The key to beating the Sabres: Toronto's cast of dumb-penalty takers will be pleased to learn that they can rack-up all the minutes they want against Buffalo. The Sabres' 13.3% success rate with the man advantage is fourth worst in the league.' … [Read more...] about Leafs Game Day

'The Sabres, whom the Leafs play tonight, learned a lesson. They might be winning less but they're also whining less. And -- surprise, surprise -- life among the zebras has become easier.' … [Read more...] about Leafs, Sabres on different hockey paths

'''Obviously, I have to play tough,'' McMorrow said about his first professional season. ''I know my role. I just got to go out and do it.''' … [Read more...] about McMorrow not in Buffalo for scoring touch

'"It was a more of an inner-ear, balance thing. We anticipate him playing on Saturday," coach Lindy Ruff said. "I'm not concerned with Rhett at all."' … [Read more...] about Warrener should play Saturday

'Since Briere was acquired from Phoenix last week and began centering Dumont and Hecht, the line has had more chances than a lottery player with a cart full of tickets. They've combined for 54 shots in the five games, including 37 in the past three.' … [Read more...] about Ruff praises new line with highest compliment

'The Sabres aren’t bringing up McMorrow to score goals. The rookie right winger still hasn’t score a goal as a pro, and he has played 59 games for the Rochester Americans. But he leads the American Hockey League in fighting majors with 39, is third in penalty minutes with 291, and very likely will pick up his first NHL penalty minutes against the Leafs.' … [Read more...] about Amerks McMorrow lands a fighting chance