SabreSpace

'He could have said just about anything and been right after dismantling his former team. And what he said was, well, nothing but nice.' … [Read more...] about Gracious Gratton gains revenge on Flyers

'Buffalo has met both Washington and Pittsburgh only one time each in the playoffs, losing both series. Washington eliminated the Sabres in six games in the 1998 Eastern Conference finals. Pittsburgh knocked out Buffalo in a best-of-three first-round series in 1979.' … [Read more...] about Sabres wait for second-round opponent

There was blood in Vaclav Varada's eyes as he stared down Chris Therien and muttered under his breath, his teeth clenched. There was a smile on Therien's face. Sabres-Flyers Game 6 "Clearing the Crease"... … [Read more...] about Face it, Varada makes a difference

Who would have thunk it? No one in their right mind would ever dream of the scenario that transpired at the HSBC Arena in Buffalo on a warm April Saturday afternoon. EIGHT TO NOTHING! "What are you on drugs," would have been the question shot back at anyone predicting such an outlandish score. But 8-0 was the final score of the finale in the opening round between the … [Read more...] about Sabres feast on Philly steak

Erik Rasmussen, separated right shoulder and all, bangs Eric Desjardins helmet-first into the ledge of the boards behind the Flyer net. Half-submarines Keith Primeau along the right-wing wall to buy some time for James Patrick to scream a shot just wide from the point. Collides with Chris Therien in the corner to set the pylons on edge. The game is 49 seconds old. … [Read more...] about Our seventh heaven

'Only two questions remained after the sixth goal: Would the Sabres kick the extra point or go for two? Would goalie Dominik Hasek complete his sixth playoff shutout? They went for two, and Hasek stopped 24 shots.' … [Read more...] about Eight is enough!

'"I think that this game, it was a bad dream," Cechmanek said, in even tones, from his stall in the visitors dressing room at HSBC Arena. "We don't play good. That's it. The series is done."' … [Read more...] about Defensive meltdown leaves Flyers stunned

'Led by a couple of 37-year-old youngsters, Gilmour and Dave Andreychuk, the Sabres had dominated from the opening faceoff and were well on their way to a series-clinching, 8-0 victory.' … [Read more...] about Sabres 'Rip' page out of record book

'"I thought he was awesome. I thought he was flying," Sabres coach Lindy Ruff said of the heavy-footed Andreychuk before pausing for comedic effect. "I mean, I thought he was going pretty good in the first."' … [Read more...] about Andreychuk breaks out in big way in clincher

'Donner has not been satisfied with the working agreement with the Sabres, mainly because he believes the Sabres should absorb more of the developmental costs.' … [Read more...] about Sabres-Amerks relationship on the rocks

'"It's inconceivable, but it became possible," Keith Primeau said. "They had a game plan to come out and thoroughly beat us, and that is just what they did."' … [Read more...] about Flyers decisively ousted by Buffalo

'"I'm in a different role here in Buffalo, and I'm enjoying that role," he said. "I'm trying to find a niche here, and I'd like to stay in one spot as long as possible. It's part of the business that players get moved, but I feel really settled here. I feel grounded. I'm just having fun with this team, and I think we can go a … [Read more...] about An older, wiser Gratton relishes his role with Buffalo

'The vim and vigor the Flyers exhibited before exiting last year's Stanley Cup playoffs just one win shy of the final round were gone. It was obliterated by a six-game Eastern Conference quarterfinals series loss that was punctuated by the worst defeat ever suffered in the postseason by Philadelphia.' … [Read more...] about Flyers must face tough questions after bitter exit

'There is also the matter of skill. The Ottawa Senators have too many skill players and not enough grit; the Flyers are the exact opposite. They work too hard for goals and could use another player with skillful, soft hands and a pair of quick feet.' … [Read more...] about Flyers need more quality centers and defensemen

'All the hard work, all the admirable effort to overcome injuries and adversity got washed away in the most lopsided playoff defeat in team history.' … [Read more...] about Embarrassed Flyers are sent packing