SabreSpace

'After generating just one goal in the first five games -- Kovalev got it in Game 3 -- the No. 2 line moved emphatically toward re-establishing itself as a major offensive force.' … [Read more...] about Penguins' second line regains its touch

'He did block five shots in Game 6. He blocked 13 in the series. He blocked two on one shift in the first period Monday night, including a blast by Jeff Halpern. He blocked a rocket by Peter Bondra in the second period. That one especially stung.' … [Read more...] about Add Kasparaitis to list of heroes

'Washington's power play savaged the Penguins during Round 1, scoring seven times in 22 tries, and Buffalo's was even more lethal during its opening-round series, converting six of 18 chances against Philadelphia. That means the Penguins, who were guilty of some ill-conceived and unnecessary penalties against the Capitals, will try to cut down on those while … [Read more...] about Penguins Report

'"I don't think it's Hedberg's job to beat Dominik Hasek," defenseman Bob Boughner said. "I think he just has to make the big saves, like he did in this series, and give us a chance to win games. Everybody knows Dominik and how can just take the game away from you at times."' … [Read more...] about Hedberg ready for Hasek, Sabres

'Straka, Kovalev and Lang, the trio of gifted scorers who are second line only because they play on a team that also features guys named Lemieux and Jagr, had been largely silent in the playoffs until Monday night.' … [Read more...] about Second line scoring again

'The Buffalo Sabres cannot match the Penguins' firepower - few teams can - but they are one of the deeper teams around. That's one reason why Sabres goaltender Dominik Hasek is confident about this series.' … [Read more...] about Besides Hasek, depth is Sabres' biggest asset

'Hasek may be a five-time Vezina Trophy winner and a two-time NHL most valuable player, but he is only 11-15-5 against the Penguins -- 1-2 this season, allowing 10 goals on 71 shots.' … [Read more...] about Dominate this!

'"It's almost impossible -- you know they're going to score some goals," Sabres goalie Dominik Hasek said following Tuesday's practice. "But the question is how many?" It's a question that makes this matchup intriguing.' … [Read more...] about Sabres brace for second-round meeting against potent Penguins

'Take the Penguins in six games. Lemieux is back and the elusive third round is within reach.' … [Read more...] about Reaching 3rd round attainable goal now

''We believe that we can win.'' … [Read more...] about Staying focused

'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