SabreSpace

'Ted Nolan could have done that. He would have been a galvanizing presence. He would have become the face of the Islanders, a confident and smiling face. It would have been interesting to talk about his rise from a modest upbringing-he and his brother couldn't play on the same shift when they were in youth leagues because they had to share a pair of gloves-to the NHL's coach … [Read more...] about Uninspiring choice good fit for Milbury

'In bypassing Nolan, Milbury is likely to add to the reputation that Nolan will not be hired by any current NHL general manger. Nolan hasn't worked in the NHL since a nasty separation from Buffalo during which there was a long-simmering feud between himself and former Sabres general manager John Muckler and a feud between Nolan and star goaltender Dominik Hasek.' … [Read more...] about Isles to tab Laviolette, not Nolan

After dismissing early-season critics with a rousing start, the 2000-2001 Buffalo Sabres produced one of the more memorable regular seasons in their franchise history. Here are this season's final grades in numerical order with Lindy Ruff and Darcy Regier saved for last... … [Read more...] about The grades are in

'So apologies are due to the best minds of my generation and all those dharma bums out there on the road somewhere for this imitative effort to chronicle the lows of poor Buffalo suffering through a bout of Kasparaitis Bop.' … [Read more...] about Singing the Blues

'The "Hockey Hotline" pair knows the diehard and sophisticated hockey fans who dial in, not just locally and regionally but across the cable universe, cannot be fooled. If the players don't like it, they should take Robitaille up on his offer and speak with him directly.' … [Read more...] about Players bristle under 'hotline' commentary

'I don't think life is unfair for Buffalo hockey. The Sabres have qualified for the playoffs in 13 of the last 14 seasons. In three of the last four they advanced at least to the quarterfinals. They do it as a small-market team with a small-market budget.' … [Read more...] about Sabres fans missing the big small-market picture

'Nolan has learned more about dealing with people in his last four years away from hockey than he did in his two years in Buffalo. He has a much better understanding of management after putting together a hockey program for Native North Americans across Canada. He also has had time to reflect on his own actions during his feud with Muckler and, presumably, realizes he was … [Read more...] about Nolan, Milbury are made for each other

'"That's the probable scenario," our man said, laughing off a report out of Buffalo indicating Hasek would be willing to play for the Sabres next season for $6M. "I know what Dom would like to do, and it has absolutely nothing to with remaining in Buffalo at a discount."' … [Read more...] about Hasek: Hasta la vista?

'We know how the Sabres fared as a team. Here's how they fared position by position. Reminder: If you're looking for a group of A's, go catch a ballgame in Oakland.' … [Read more...] about Short of the goal

'So I stand here and hang up my jersey with its battle scars and memories, and with mixed emotions think about when I can put it on again. Doug may never wear his again, or Donald, or even Dom for that matter. But I will. I'll put mine on again come October.' … [Read more...] about Hope springs eternal for the true sports fan

'A starting goaltender who's among the best to ever stand in the crease. A back-up who started as a rookie and is considered a rising star. An understudy in the minors who will be a starter in the big leagues before long. A college star who oozes potential.' … [Read more...] about Should Hasek stay, Sabres have problem

'"But if I play, I want to play. I wouldn't be asking for 25 minutes a game, but I would want to be some kind of impact player. I couldn't play just 12 or 13 minutes a game. My heart just wouldn't be in it."' … [Read more...] about Gilmour's plans part of off-season intrigue

'"I won't comment because I can't," Leafs assistant to the president Bill Watters said, observing tampering rules as unrestricted free agent Gilmour is technically in the employ of the Buffalo Sabres until July 1.' … [Read more...] about Maple Leafs have little interest in Gilmour

'"I am done in Buffalo."' … [Read more...] about Gilmour says he isn't retired

'Doug Gilmour is leaving the door ajar to a 19th season in the National Hockey League.' … [Read more...] about Gilmour not ready to make it official