SabreSpace

'Under normal circumstances, Cechmanek's play would have been good enough. But with Hasek at the other end, the Flyers need more than dependable work from their goaltender. Fair or not, they don't need solid. They need spectacular.' … [Read more...] about Hasek is best goalie on this night

'Buffalo Sabres coach Lindy Ruff finally discovered something he liked about Philadelphia. It was called Game 1.' … [Read more...] about Sabres gain edge on Flyers’ ice

'The Flyers were awarded the penalty shot when Sabre defenseman James Patrick covered the puck with his glove in the crease after a shot by John LeClair. It was the second time Hasek has stopped a Flyer penalty shot in the playoffs. Hasek denied Eric Desjardins in the playoffs last season.' … [Read more...] about Flyers notebook

'The Flyers have won one playoff series in the last 12 years in which they lost the first game.' … [Read more...] about Sabres 2, Flyers 1

'The old cliche says the playoffs are a different season. On Wednesday night, Dominik Hasek and the Buffalo Sabres proved it.' … [Read more...] about Buffalo 2, Philadelphia 1

The Hatfields and McCoys may be smiling from above at what appears a likely rekindling of a similar rivalry, given the familiarity -- and subsequent contempt -- the two franchises have gained for each other in meeting now for the fifth time in seven years. … [Read more...] about Sabres-Flyers Series Scouting Report

Audette, Heinze and Gilmour, the Sabres brought you into Buffalo for the purpose of helping the team advance far into the playoffs. We need you now. … [Read more...] about Sabres-Flyers Game 1 "Edge Matchups"

'Nobody can predict what's going to happen in this series, whether it starts in Philadelphia, Buffalo or Bangkok. The Sabres and Flyers are so evenly matched, their styles so similarly efficient, that only the foolish would dare name a winner before the series opens tonight in Philly's First Union Center (7 p.m., Empire, 107.7 FM & 1330 AM).' … [Read more...] about Sabres, Flyers are poster boys for parity

'Is Roman Cechmanek in the heads of the Sabres' shooters? Or are the Flyers' offensive players trying to hide the fact that Dominik Hasek is in their heads? Is Hasek in the head of Cechmanek, his Czech countryman? Are Michael Peca and Eric Lindros still in anyone's heads? Is Vaclav Varada in John LeClair's head?' … [Read more...] about Hasek's noggin is a tough nut to crack

'In the nets, though, they are not twins. At 6-foot-3 and 187 pounds, Cechmanek has two inches and 22 pounds on his former teammate. Hasek is a chameleon on the ice, transforming from windmill to eel to velcro strip. Cechmanek leaves his feet less eagerly, using his size to shrink the net. When he does drop Cechmanek often resembles a giant tortoise, collapsing on the puck … [Read more...] about All eyes on the goal

'Home-ice advantage also will help Philly. That's why the Flyers will win in seven games.' … [Read more...] about Sabres must complete the rise and fall of Roman empire

'Buffalo Sabres coach Lindy Ruff on Tuesday appeared to be leaning toward inserting defenseman Jason Woolley back in the lineup for Game One. Woolley was a healthy scratch the last two games of the regular season, but he has played well in the playoffs in his career.' … [Read more...] about Woolley could return to duty in opener

'Expectations have always run high with the Flyers in the postseason. Not this time.' … [Read more...] about Great expectations? Not with the Flyers

'Barber moved on to the Kitchener Rangers of the Ontario (Junior) Hockey Association. The Flyers made him their No. 1 pick, seventh overall, in the 1972 draft. Two years later, on a line with Bobby Clarke, he was leading the Flyers to the first of two Stanley Cups. "Made us proud," said Bob. "Maybe he'll do it again."' … [Read more...] about Time for Flyers to Light the Fire

'Tonight, Philadelphia should and will salute the Flyers not only for having used the third-best record in the East to secure the home-ice advantage over the Buffalo Sabres in the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs, but also for having persevered.' … [Read more...] about Battered bunch deserves more appreciation in city