SabreSpace

'Tonight, Jagr (who assisted on all three Pittsburgh goals) thrived in the kind of anguishing hockey that makes fans squirm with each trip down the ice, a gut-wrenching experience almost too painful to watch. Some fans even prefer to linger in those unresolved moments rather than deal with the ultimate sequence of events. One goal would send one team home, ending a slow churn … [Read more...] about Penguins Survive Overtime Thriller

'The Sabres supposedly had more depth on the bench and on the blue line, but for the second consecutive game they blew a late 2-1 lead. "Four times in the series we were up by one goal and they came back to win," said goalie Dominik Hasek. "We couldn't hold a lead. We didn't deserve to win."' … [Read more...] about Pens break Sabre hearts

'Yet there are other times when such confrontations do unfold as advertised: gripping, gasping, exhilarating and edgy; a duel between equals. Such was the case here last night, once the teams got a static first period out of the way.' … [Read more...] about Kasparaitis an unlikely OT hero for Pens

'"It's such a long summer to have to say I could have been better, or we missed the big chance . . . would'a, could'a, should'a."' … [Read more...] about Kasparaitis fires dream goal

'"One game," said Pittsburgh captain Jaromir Jagr, "one mistake, one bad bounce -- it can turn the game just like that."' … [Read more...] about Penguins pounce on a lucky bounce to squash Sabres

'The Pens gave the Devils something new to think about by changing their lines. Jaromir Jagr, who had three assists in the game, moved to the second line with Robert Lang and Martin Straka, with Alexei Kovalev taking his spot on the first line with Lemieux.' … [Read more...] about Penguins frustrate Sabres

'It was fitting that Game 7 went into overtime because the entire series had been closer than hot sauce on a chicken wing. It would take something like a defenceman gambling and jumping into the play to make something happen.' … [Read more...] about Mario and company move on

'"You can't help but feel that there's something special happening here and so you really want to do everything possible to keep it going." They did that twice in as many games against the Sabres. It's hard to think that there isn't something to this destiny thing after all.' … [Read more...] about Super season rolls on

'"We're going to be thinking of that 1:18 all summer," defenseman Rhett Warrener said.' … [Read more...] about Wasted opportunities sealed Sabres' fate

'Perhaps, coach Ivan Hlinka, captain Jaromir Jagr and Lemieux coach by committee. After the Penguins defeated Buffalo 3-2 in overtime Thursday, all three took some degree of credit for the decision to split up the two superstars late in Game 7.' … [Read more...] about Line change perks up Pens

'In the end, and in that context then, a little known goalie made the biggest difference of all. His name is Johan Hedberg. Ever heard of him? The Sabres have now.' … [Read more...] about Study in contrasts

'"For him to be in the slot, all alone and pick a corner ... unbelievable," said Lemieux. "But that's the way Game 7s are supposed to go."' … [Read more...] about Lemieux, Penguins keep magical run going

'The Sabres, 1-4 in Game 7s, were left wondering what went wrong, squandering two one-goal leads for the second straight game.' … [Read more...] about Penguins 3, Sabres 2, OT

'Dominik Hasek will need some time to decide if his Buffalo Sabres career will continue. He already knows this season ended too quickly.' … [Read more...] about Hasek not sure if he's played his final game

'"It seemed like we couldn't hold the lead," Hasek said. "They've done the job. ... Something's wrong. We try hard, but you don't deserve to win in OT if you give up a goal (in the third period)."' … [Read more...] about Pittsburgh 3, Buffalo 2 (OT)