SabreSpace

'Perhaps a bigger blow is that the Sabres also lost defenceman Alexei Zhitnik, a major part of the team's power play and penalty-killing unit. Zhitnik received a concussion when he was rocked by Alexei Kovalev.' … [Read more...] about Mario slips Sabres as Pens win

'Whenever he discusses his success here at the edge of Lake Erie, the 43-year-old Regier often mentions the name Dominik Hasek. Had it not been for Hasek's brilliant netminding in recent years, Regier points out, the franchise's recent history - including a trip to the Cup finals two years ago - could read much differently.' … [Read more...] about Buffalo is an example of banking on trust

'Tomorrow night, in an old funky domed arena in Pittsburgh, Johan Hedberg officially will be elevated to cult status.' … [Read more...] about 'Moose' heads chase

'With Jagr out with a charley horse he sustained in Game 1, Lemieux was fierce and unyielding in a ferocious 3-1 win over the Buffalo Sabres, giving the Penguins a sweep at the HSBC Arena and sending them home with a formidable 2-0 lead in their best-of-seven Eastern Conference semifinal.' … [Read more...] about Mario leads Pens to victory

'Jagr had a spirited conversation with Penguins coach Ivan Hlinka before the game, according to people who witnessed the exchange. The conversation was in Czech and a Czech photographer who overheard part of the gesture-laden discussion said the topic of the Penguins' defensive system came up at one point.' … [Read more...] about Jagr sits out Game 2

'Without Jaromir Jagr, the Pittsburgh Penguins needed someone to fill the void. Few expected that player to be Andrew Ference.' … [Read more...] about Pens beat Sabres without Jagr

'Who needs the NHL's leading scorer when you've got "The Moose?"' … [Read more...] about Pittsburgh 3, Buffalo 1

'Alexei Zhitnik, leading Sabres defensemen in playoff scoring, sustained what appeared to be a concussion in the first period Saturday against the Pittsburgh Penguins. … [Read more...] about Sabres' Zhitnik out with apparent concussion

'Jagr, who got a charley horse in the second period of Thursday's series opener, did not even feel healthy enough to take part in the pregame skate. The team said Saturday that his status is day-to-day.' … [Read more...] about Jagr misses Game 2

'"Mario's first guy back," shrugs Buffalo coach Lindy Ruff. "That's out of character -- that's the commitment they've got to winning now."' … [Read more...] about Jagr's status almost as puzzling as Penguins' play

Like a sharp slap in the face after a long peaceful nap, the Sabres have awoken to the harsh reality that nothing will come easy in this series, particularly if they don't pay attention to defensive responsibilities in their own end. … [Read more...] about Sabres-Penguins Game 2 "Scouting Report"

The Sabres need to take advantage of the Penguins' small defensive corps and put a body in front of Johan Hedberg. If he can't see the puck, he can't stop it. … [Read more...] about Sabres-Penguins Game 2 "Edge Matchups"

'Goalie Dominik Hasek thought the Sabres' problems were mental: "We didn't work hard enough, and we weren't focused enough for the game. If we want to win four of the next six, we have to change it."' … [Read more...] about Sabres need to right so many wrongs

'But what's this - Lemieux backchecking?' … [Read more...] about Penguins committed to defense

'Lindy Ruff was not a happy coach after the Sabres lost Game One on Thursday night. You could tell, because he criticized players by name. How in the world could the top two players on his checking line, Curtis Brown and Vaclav Varada, go an entire game without recording a hit?' … [Read more...] about Nothing pretty about opener for the Sabres