SabreSpace

Sabres' fans like rough-house, hard-nosed hockey. They want tough, gritty, physical play from everyone, especially the bigger guys. So when the 6'4", 220-pound Richard Smehlik doesn't lay people out with bone-jarring body checks they, quite simply, go nuts. They can't understand why a big guy doesn't use his size more. Why he doesn't just … [Read more...] about Smehlik: "That'

'While the Penguins have continued to produce fine hockey for the first and second periods, the past two games they have demonstrated an inability to close out the Buffalo Sabres.' … [Read more...] about Third periods take steam out of Penguins

'Darius Kasparaitis thinks the Buffalo Sabres are a bunch of fakers.' … [Read more...] about Kasparaitis accuses Sabres of whetting refs' whistles

'The Penguins beat Washington and jumped out to a 2-0 series lead against Buffalo with great defense, spectacular goaltending and timely third-period offense. So what happened?' … [Read more...] about Not the same Pens

'The Sabres, for example, got on a serious roll by winning Games 3 and 4 at Mellon Arena to negate losses in Games 1 and 2 at home. It's possible that a little of Buffalo's momentum will dissipate during the added time off.' … [Read more...] about Off day has advantages for Penguins

'"Give Hedberg credit. He's played great, and it's still 2-2," Woolley said. "But I sure think we have the better goalie. In fact, I know we have the better goalie."' … [Read more...] about Hasek dominating again, leadership inspiring Sabres

'Much more of this, the Penguins are going to have to think about going with Snowy in goal. It does not say much about Johan Hedberg's play in home losses to the Buffalo Sabres in Games 3 and 4. It says even less about the Penguins' chances of winning this series, let alone competing for the Stanley Cup.' … [Read more...] about Penguins might need Snow day

'To pick apart the Penguins' left-wing lock system, Sabres Coach Lindy Ruff has sent his fastest forwards -- usually RW Maxim Afinogenov or LW Jean-Pierre Dumont -- knifing through the Penguins' defense in the neutral zone without the puck. Someone else then chips the puck softly along the side boards or hard into the corners, and it's the job of those … [Read more...] about Penguins Report

'The Penguins, some would argue, have become so passive in their defensive stance that they have forgotten about two basic aspects of the game: hitting and scoring.' … [Read more...] about Will Penguins go on the attack?

'"If we were going to score, we were going to have to hang on, try to get somebody driving off his back side, try to put him in situations where he was going to have to scramble and try to make a desperation-type of save."' … [Read more...] about Sabres believe they know Hedberg's weakness

'Leave it to Penguins winger Kevin Stevens - a true optimist - to find the good news in the wake of Wednesday's 5-2 loss to the Buffalo Sabres. "The good news is, we don't play again until Saturday," Stevens said.' … [Read more...] about Penguins remain ultra-confident

'The Pittsburgh Penguins have been here before, and they don't have to refresh their long-term memory banks to recall it.' … [Read more...] about Pens can't forget last year's collapse

'"Every time we get down a goal we try to open it up, but you can see them coming with the odd-man rushes just because we opened it up," Boughner added. "So, we've got to find a way to get a lead early and sustain it."' … [Read more...] about Pens must alter game plan again

'Lose tomorrow, however, and the Pittsburgh Penguins might prefer to run. For cover.' … [Read more...] about A city steels itself for failure

'Some would dispute that, arguing that Buffalo's two straight wins -- this one so effortless -- gives the Sabres almost insurmountable momentum.' … [Read more...] about Cartoon figures replace high art of playoff drama