SabreSpace

Nothing seems to be going Bob Essensa's way this season. Coming into Thursday night's game against the Kings in Los Angeles, Essensa was sporting a 0-4-0 record. Being 37 years young, Essensa had something to prove, and after having at least a half a dozen Sabres players came forward earlier in the week and said Essensa should be given another chance to start in goal. … [Read more...] about Essensa squanders King-sized chance

'"It was just, "We brought you here, and you know what you came for: to help this team for a playoff run.' They got some younger guys they want to step in and build for the future rather than having an old vet like me around."' … [Read more...] about Heinze wanted option to return

'They also played a strong defensive game in front of Storr, who stopped 21 of 23 shots. The Kings killed off all five Buffalo power-play opportunities, extending their streak to 44 consecutive kills, tying a club record.' … [Read more...] about It's an Olympian effort for Kings

'Thursday it became official: Kings winger Ziggy Palffy and defenseman Lubomir Visnovsky were granted permission to participate in an Olympic qualifying game for their native Slovakia...The problem was the Kings play three games during the qualifying tournament. For Palffy and Visnovsky to play for Slovakia, they would have had to play seven consecutive days. Slovakia … [Read more...] about Belanger sidelined

'Palffy's tying goal officially went on the scoresheet unassisted but it was aggressive forechecking by wing Adam Deadmarsh that led to Sabres defenseman Richard Smehlik's ill-advised pass from behind his net. The puck took an odd bounce off the side boards into the left faceoff circle where Palffy ripped a slap shot past Sabres goaltender Bob Essensa high on the … [Read more...] about Kings of crunch time

'Adam Deadmarsh scored the winner as the surging Kings won their third in a row, blowing past defenseman Richard Smehlik down the left side before backhanding a shot between Essensa's legs with 1:16 to play. Bryan Smolinski scored an insurance goal with 45 seconds left.' … [Read more...] about Kings Give Third Degree

'The Kings will allow two of their top players to leave the team for two days next month to play in an Olympic preliminary-round game, General Manager Dave Taylor said Thursday, because they know how much it means to the players.' … [Read more...] about Palffy, Visnovsky Get OK to Play in Preliminaries

'Essensa, who signed with Buffalo as a free agent last August for $600,000 after helping Vancouver get to the playoffs, surrendered a goal on the second shot he faced.' … [Read more...] about Kings 4, Sabres 2

'Satan continues to be Buffalo's most productive player on the road, collecting five goals and 13 assists away from HSBC Arena.' … [Read more...] about Los Angeles 4, Buffalo 2

There is only one player left on the Buffalo Sabres roster who typifies the style of hockey the Sabres used to play under former coach Ted Nolan. Under Nolan's realm, the Sabres earned the rightful title of the "hardest working team in the NFL." Vaclav Varada still plays the style of aggressive, in-your-face kind of hockey that Nolan instilled in all of his … [Read more...] about Sabres shoot down the Ducks

'Essensa will start the contest against the Los Angeles Kings tonight. The veteran goaltender knows, though, that his birthday gift comes with a big string attached.' … [Read more...] about Essensa gets start

'"But we have to put this behind us and focus on L.A. We have to play the same smothering-type defensive game like we did tonight."' … [Read more...] about Varada ignites victory

'Zhitnik on Wednesday was selected to play for the All-World team. It will be the Ukrainian's second All-Star honor after being tabbed in 1999.' … [Read more...] about Miller living like a King

'"They (the Sabres) played very solid defense and certainly, a lot of battles on the boards, they won. When they get ahead, they just trap the hell out of it."' … [Read more...] about Ducks' revival short-lived

'"It's always a big honor to be selected," Kariya said. "This hasn't exactly been a stellar first half, so it's nice to be recognized. I'm just going to go and have fun."' … [Read more...] about Kariya again a star