SabreSpace

'Ruff brought his defensive convictions to Buffalo and went about installing a system designed to reduce the insane workload heaped upon Sabres goaltenders. The progress has been immense. The Sabres allowed 2,560 shots in Ruff's first season. The number dropped to 2,461 his second season. Then to 2,208. Last season, Buffalo goaltenders faced only 2,195 shots.' … [Read more...] about Defense is the main ingredient in Ruff's winning recipe

'Biron is basically a butterfly goalie, which means his game develops from strong positioning and lateral mobility. True to his style, Biron cuts off the bottom of the net by dropping to his knees and kicking his feet toward the goalposts in a maneuver that makes him resemble a butterfly. He covers cross-ice passes by following the puck from side to side on his knees, and … [Read more...] about Biron's butterfly form follows Hasek's Slinky style

'And then there's Biron, a guy who has never brooded a day in his life. While the standard-issue goalie responds to game-day pressure by shutting out the world, this knock-kneed 24-year-old engages in small talk right up until game time. He reads the newspapers, appears on radio talk shows and volunteers for every charity event that comes his way, even as he prepares … [Read more...] about Speaker of the house

'Ruff is entering his fifth season with the Sabres, but there was never a sense this was his team. No matter the coach, it seemed the Sabres always belonged to Hasek, which is why most everyone tiptoed around his ego. The Sabres this year appear more rejuvenated after a busy summer, almost as if they had been set free from The Dominator's long shadow.' … [Read more...] about Ruff ready for life without Hasek

'Buffalo is likely to contend with Toronto and Ottawa for the Northeast Division title but once again fail to finish among the top four of the Eastern Conference. Not procuring home-ice advantage in the playoffs hasn't hurt the Sabres before. The prediction here is that their run will end in the second round after a heartbreaking, seven-game slugfest with the … [Read more...] about No Hasek? No problem!

'"He says, ""Say what you think, do what you have to do.' In no way, shape or form have the Sabres ever held us back," said Blessing. "We have free rein to say whatever we want. And try and avoid Dr. Scholl's (foot in mouth) disease."' … [Read more...] about Hotline hosts take gloves off when discussing Sabres

'Milley and Pyatt, junior teammates for three seasons with the Sudbury Wolves of the Ontario Hockey League, were both sent to the Rochester Americans yesterday along with injured defenseman Henrik Tallinder.' … [Read more...] about Sabres send Amerks three players

'Rasmussen's signing forces Ruff to exile one additional player and bring the roster back down to 23 - not a pleasant task for a man who can still remember being a teenager in training camp. Ruff is deciding between two wingers - Norm Milley and Taylor Pyatt - who each had an outstanding September. It isn't exactly Sophie's Choice, but it isn't easy, … [Read more...] about Rasmussen's return gives Ruff a roster surplus

'The News will offer its annual NHL Preview section in Thursday's editions. The section includes a profile of young goalie Martin Biron, a look at what to expect from the Sabres, division previews, stories and columns, including a chat with the boys of Hockey Hotline.' … [Read more...] about NHL preview coming Thursday

The Avalanche are turning up the Heatley to repeat as champs. The fans in Colorado are Yelleing, “We're #1, We're #1.” I am sure they will put their best Foote forward in accomplishing their goals, because before it is all said and done, the Avs will Skoula more than one team. … [Read more...] about Pop the Corkum… Hockey is here again!

How could anyone in his right mind say that losing a two-time Hart- and six-time Vezina-winning goaltender is the best thing that could have happened to a hockey club? The doctors say I am of sound mind, and I'm saying it. … [Read more...] about Hockey after Hasek: A lot more fun to watch

Borrowing from Wayne and Garth, I propose a rally cry for our boys and gals who will soon be kicking some major ass across the big pond in Sandland... “GAME ON!” And to all of my fellow countrymen and Sabres' fans, I wish you the joys of a winning season and the continued comfort of living in a free nation. … [Read more...] about War and hockey

'Meanwhile, the defense is down to seven players (plus the injured Henrik Tallinder), leaving 22-year-old Campbell as the odd man out. Campbell played eight games with the parent club last season and 12 games the season before, and had generated plenty of enthusiasm in coach Lindy Ruff during training camp. But Campbell fizzled during the exhibition season and, with last … [Read more...] about Sabres cut roster; Rasmussen signs

'With seven veterans returning on defense, the Sabres chose the status quo and sent Campbell to the Rochester Americans yesterday along with defenseman Rory Fitzpatrick of Irondequoit and center Chris Taylor. "I feel I'm ready for the opportunity but it's not coming right now," the third-year veteran said last night. "I can't sulk about it. I … [Read more...] about Three key players sent to Amerks

'Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed, but Rasmussen was expected to get a large raise from the $481,250 base salary he earned last season. The first two years of the contract are guaranteed, with the Sabres holding an option on the third year.' … [Read more...] about Sabres sign Rasmussen to three-year deal