SabreSpace

'Coach Lindy Ruff threatened to make lineup changes for today. He mentioned C Chris Taylor and LW Rob Ray as possible replacements, a clear indication of his displeasure with his team's lack of physical work in Game 1.' … [Read more...] about Penguins Report

'It was so quiet that you could have heard a puck drop Thursday at HSBC Arena, even before Mario Lemieux scored five minutes into the game. The place had no energy. Neither did the Sabres.' … [Read more...] about Penguins expect different energy level in Game 2

'"I think everybody was surprised," Buffalo forward Miroslav Satan said Friday, as the Sabres attempted to come to grips with the 3-0 shutout Johan Hedberg and the new-look Penguins threw at them in Game 1. "They're playing a much better defensive game than they used to play.' … [Read more...] about Sabres surprised by 'new' Penguins

'"I don't know," said Jagr when asked if he had recovered enough from a charley horse he suffered Thursday night to play. "I cannot tell you right now."' … [Read more...] about Jagr practices, but uncertain for Game 2

'For the third consecutive season, the Penguins opened the second round of the Stanley Cup playoffs by shutting out their opponents on the road. For the third consecutive season, they were the recipients of a heap of praise for such an accomplishment the day after Game 1. Which leads us to wonder: Will they also be eliminated in this round for a third consecutive … [Read more...] about Familiar words finally ring true

'"I think Hedberg played a great game, no doubt," Hasek said. "We had four, five, I don't know how many, but we had a couple good (scoring) chances and he stopped the puck and he didn't give up any rebounds. He was always in position."' … [Read more...] about Hasek impressed with Hedberg

'Physically, Jaromir Jagr of the Pittsburgh Penguins is questionable for this afternoon's second game of the Eastern Conference semifinal against the Buffalo Sabres. But psychological and emotional issues may be more threatening to the NHL's top scorer of the past four seasons.' … [Read more...] about Jagr's feelings may be hurting as much as his leg

'The logic was Jagr was not injured at all, but lacks the fortitude to battle and his ego had been punctured by the sharp words from owner/teammate Mario Lemieux on the eve of the series that Jagr needed to step up his game if the Penguins were going to go anywhere. "(The injury) is just another Euro-excuse," said one caller.' … [Read more...] about Jagr's status is as clear as mud

'Jagr spent about 20 minutes on the ice testing his skating ability during an optional practice Friday. Afterward, he complained of soreness, saying it was especially difficult making tight turns as well as stopping and starting.' … [Read more...] about Jagr questionable for Game 2 against Sabres

'Although it might be just another NHL playoff matchup in the United States, Czechs watching their heroes on TV at Jagr's Sports Bar consider the Pittsburgh Penguins' series against the Buffalo Sabres the hockey battle of the year.' … [Read more...] about Czechs watch their heroes as Penguins clash with Sabres

The injury report is in. Jaromir Jagr is day to day with a charley horse. Erik Rasmussen is questionable with a separated shoulder. Richard Smehlik is up in the air with a bad foot. And the pointy-nosed penguin over Johan Hedberg's chest is doubtful for Game 2 with a banged-up beak, a bruised breast and a bloodshot eyeball. … [Read more...] about Beware of o and don't shoot at o The Penguin

'The real reason the Buffalo Sabres lost 3-0 to the Pittsburgh Penguins in Game One of the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals was because of poor judgment - especially in the offensive zone.' … [Read more...] about Penguins 3, Sabres 0

'Forward Stu Barnes added, "The reason we lost was careless errors. We gave up too many odd-man rushes."' … [Read more...] about Super Mario spoils Sabres’ start

'Saturday's game will be key. After a 3-0 loss at home, I don't know what else would have to happen for us to realize we really need to kick it into high gear here. We're down one game with another game at home.' … [Read more...] about ‘Maybe we’ve been a little too confident’

'"It gives us confidence, scoring first," Lemieux said. "And the way we've been playing defense, that's to our advantage. The way (goalie Johan) Hedberg has been playing, if we get two or three (goals) ... that should be enough."' … [Read more...] about Lemieux still ‘pretty good’