SabreSpace

'"If you go home and expect to win by taking it easy, we're going to come back here, 2-2," Bergevin said. "We have to go home with the intention of winning one game: Game 3. That's all that matters."' … [Read more...] about No Jagr, but plenty of luck results in 2-0 series edge

'Recent history tells us the Penguins, despite what appears to be a commanding lead -- especially because it was built on the road -- have plenty to worry about. They have been in this position before and remember it well.' … [Read more...] about Penguins know series isn't over

'He was beaten twice on 14 shots in the Buffalo Sabres' 3-1 loss to the Penguins in Game 2 of their Stanley Cup playoff series yesterday at HSBC Arena. And, most frustrating, both pucks which eluded him -- the third goal went into an empty net -- were off target.' … [Read more...] about Sabres rue bad breaks and bad luck

'And did Kovalev raise his elbow, as the Sabres charged? "Not at all. I just turned sideways and hit him with my shoulder."' … [Read more...] about Penguins Report

'So much for the Sabres' game plan.' … [Read more...] about Pens take first two in Buffalo

'"I watched two replays; it's elbow-on-chin in my determination," Ruff said of the Kovalev-Zhitnik collision. "That will be dealt with."' … [Read more...] about Ruff pleased with short-handed defensemen but not Kovalev's rough play

'"That's just the way playoffs go," said a delighted Ference. "I've had almost 10 good shots that have been right on net. And then you get the lucky ones that go in off people's backs."' … [Read more...] about Luck, distraction key to getting puck past Hasek

'The Sabres are not capable of putting a scare into the Penguins, even if, as Lemieux predicts, they come out Monday night in Game 3 at the Mellon Arena and "play desperate." They already look desperate.' … [Read more...] about For the Penguins, it's a 'regular' life

'No wonder the only mystery left in this series involves how long it will take the Penguins to fill that hole with dirt.' … [Read more...] about Sabres headed down same road as Caps

'Sometime this morning, a truck carrying 18,000 yellow foam antlers is expected to pull up to a loading dock at Mellon Arena.' … [Read more...] about Penguins expecting antler shipment today

'Perhaps a bigger blow is that the Sabres also lost defenceman Alexei Zhitnik, a major part of the team's power play and penalty-killing unit. Zhitnik received a concussion when he was rocked by Alexei Kovalev.' … [Read more...] about Mario slips Sabres as Pens win

'Whenever he discusses his success here at the edge of Lake Erie, the 43-year-old Regier often mentions the name Dominik Hasek. Had it not been for Hasek's brilliant netminding in recent years, Regier points out, the franchise's recent history - including a trip to the Cup finals two years ago - could read much differently.' … [Read more...] about Buffalo is an example of banking on trust

'Tomorrow night, in an old funky domed arena in Pittsburgh, Johan Hedberg officially will be elevated to cult status.' … [Read more...] about 'Moose' heads chase

'With Jagr out with a charley horse he sustained in Game 1, Lemieux was fierce and unyielding in a ferocious 3-1 win over the Buffalo Sabres, giving the Penguins a sweep at the HSBC Arena and sending them home with a formidable 2-0 lead in their best-of-seven Eastern Conference semifinal.' … [Read more...] about Mario leads Pens to victory

'Jagr had a spirited conversation with Penguins coach Ivan Hlinka before the game, according to people who witnessed the exchange. The conversation was in Czech and a Czech photographer who overheard part of the gesture-laden discussion said the topic of the Penguins' defensive system came up at one point.' … [Read more...] about Jagr sits out Game 2