SabreSpace

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

'If there is one thing that makes Cechmanek even a little uncomfortable, it is the unavoidable comparison with his countryman, Buffalo's Dominik Hasek, whom Cechmanek yesterday noted has been for several years "the best goalie in hockey."' … [Read more...] about Czech-mate

'Cechmanek appears to be the only doubt in the Sabres' minds heading into the series. "We know we can skate with them. Special-teams wise, we can definitely play with them," Buffalo coach Lindy Ruff said. "The one thing we have to do is get to that goaltender." And if they can solve Cechmanek, watch out.' … [Read more...] about From Dominator to dominated

'As a franchise that is thoroughly experienced in the business of the Stanley Cup playoffs, the Philadelphia Flyers know it's all about the preparation. And so, they made their final lists yesterday as they waited for the arrival of the Buffalo Sabres. Torn nets. . .check. Quick whistles. . .check.' … [Read more...] about Sabres don't want to wear out welcome

'Told of rival goalie Dominik Hasek's comments - "I see many places to score (on Cechmanek). . .I don't see any reason why we shouldn't score two, three, maybe four goals a game'' - Cechmanek basically stifled a yawn and responded, "I think it will be an interesting first game.'' Interesting, indeed.' … [Read more...] about Czech mates

'Keep in mind, Dominik Hasek may have lost all four games to the Flyers this year, but he has a way of standing on his head in the playoffs.' … [Read more...] about Flyers should shuffle Buffalo in 6