SabreSpace

Johan Hedberg wasn't necessarily flashy or stunning in how he did it -- but the Swede looked as solid as a seasoned veteran in not buckling under tremendous pressure by the Buffalo offense, especially in the second stanza when the Sabres took over. … [Read more...] about Sabres-Penguins Game 1 "Sharpening the Swords"

'The rookie goalie with the goofy Moose mask made 25 saves, notching his second playoff shutout amid countless golden scoring opportunities for Buffalo. It was the finest game of his brief career, considering the caliber of the Sabres' offense and the type of saves he had to make.' … [Read more...] about Pens fly past Buffalo in Game 1

'Team officials called it a "charleyhorse" and didn't seem concerned. Jagr was up and about socializing after the game, so he likely will be back in action for Saturday's Game 2.' … [Read more...] about Jagr's 'charleyhorse' injury not considered serious

'One day after being slagged by his owner and supposed mentor, Jaromir Jagr deliberately turned his back on Mario Lemieux. It proved to be the most inspired move of the night.' … [Read more...] about The Franchise hears owner's challenge

'The legend of the Moose is growing.' … [Read more...] about Penguins shut out Sabres 3-0

'The Buffalo Sabres are the NHL's best defensive team, having won the William Jennings Trophy for allowing the fewest goals during the regular season. But you might want to ask to see that hardware as evidence if you witnessed the colossal breakdown which cost them Game 1 of their Stanley Cup playoff series with the Penguins, a 3-0 loss last night at HSBC Arena.' … [Read more...] about Penguins buffalo Sabres on first goal

'"We gave him a lot of work tonight," center Mario Lemieux said. "It's just amazing, the way he's playing."' … [Read more...] about Video on how to beat Hedberg no help to Buffalo

'Was Lemieux trying to motive Jagr to a higher level of play in the Penguins' second-round Stanley Cup playoff series against the Buffalo Sabres? Or was his intent somewhat more diabolical? Was he setting the stage for trading the man who has won the past four NHL scoring titles? How about both?' … [Read more...] about Lemieux sets stage for deal

'Coach Ivan Hlinka, whose Czech Olympic team won a gold medal at the 1998 Games largely because of the play of Sabres G Dominik Hasek, offered an unusual perspective on how the Penguins should deal with Hasek in this series. "Score some goals," he said, smiling. "And if you don't, you just kill him."' … [Read more...] about Penguins Report

'"Every time we need him, he comes up big," Penguins defenseman Bob Boughner said of Hedberg, who blanked a team that scored eight goals in its previous outing. "I thought we looked a little tired and sluggish at some points in the second period. He was just rock-solid. He bided time for us until we came around in the third."' … [Read more...] about Pens' Hedberg handcuffs Sabres

'That's because the Penguins worked their tails off much more often than they worked stick-handling miracles Thursday night at the HSBC Arena. They got sweaty. They got bloody. They got down and dirty. They sacrificed much more than they scintillated.' … [Read more...] about Penguins get tough; Sabres get a lesson

'The Penguins won Game 1 of their second-round series against the Buffalo Sabres on Thursday night, 3-0, at the HSBC Arena, but it was not certain if they had equal success in their continuing game with Jaromir Jagr.' … [Read more...] about Mario needs Jagr's help

'"If there's a borderline call, we don't get the call because of my situation with the owners (that he is one of them)," Lemieux said. "So, I think it's been the opposite. In the Washington series, if you look at the tapes and you look at every game, it's very clear that if there's a borderline call, it goes against us."' … [Read more...] about Refs in his corner? Lemieux doesn't think so

'The Buffalo Sabres should have known they were in for a long night from the outset, as sniper Miroslav Satan raced in on Pittsburgh Penguins goalie Johan Hedberg and nailed the left post with a wrist shot. It was all downhill for the Sabres after that.' … [Read more...] about 'Moose' gets shutout as Pens roll

'With both teams checking closely and eliminating open spaces for the offences, the Pittsburgh Penguins eked out a 3-0 win over the Buffalo Sabres to open their Eastern Conference semifinals in a game that saw Pittsburgh star Jaromir Jagr limp off with an injury in the second period.' … [Read more...] about Hedberg shuts out Sabres in series opener