Archives for May 2001

'The Penguins, shut down in their own building despite the return of Jagr from a shoulder injury, were whacked 5-2 at the Mellon Arena to blow a 2-0 lead in the series. They now head back to Buffalo for Game 5 Saturday afternoon (1 p.m.) with the Sabres having taken back the momentum with a methodical, relentless work ethic.' … [Read more...] about Sabres 5, Penguins 2

'Mario Lemieux had no shots, Jaromir Jagr had no impact. Everything went right for the Buffalo Sabres in Pittsburgh, and now it's the Penguins who are trying to figure out what's gone wrong.' … [Read more...] about Sabres 5, Penguins 2

'"I guess the home-ice advantage doesn't mean anything," said Sabres right wing Donald Audette. "Next game is going to be huge."' … [Read more...] about Buffalo 5, Pittsburgh 2

'Once again Ruff and Company kept their team poised. Sabres playing their best hockey when put to the wall. Coaching staff deserves a lot of the credit.' … [Read more...] about Sabres 5, Penguins 2

'Johan Hedberg was outplayed by The Dominator, Alex Kovalev gave away a goal in another embarrassing performance, and the defense was once again a sieve.' … [Read more...] about Penguins putrid; Buffalo evens series with 5-2 win

'What is the best seat in the house? "Most people say the club level because of the food service," Gilbert said. "On the other hand, a lot of people like the first row of the 300-level, especially on the turns, because it gives a different perspective to the rink. Other people like to be as close as they can be to the ice."' … [Read more...] about Know goal

Talk about payback. Buffalo's win in Game 3 was only its fourth in the igloo-shaped arena perched on a hill in downtown Pittsburgh since Sabre defenseman Uwe Krupp's overtime goal there in March 1990 knocked the Penguins out of the playoff race. Buffalo's record in the Mellon Arena since is now 4-17-5. … [Read more...] about Sabres finally breaking 'The Curse of Krupp'?

After a solid showing in capturing Game 3, the Sabres have a firmer hold on the rope out of the abyss. In winning its first game of the series, Buffalo managed to dispel some of the anxieties that plagued it in the opening two games at home -- namely, containing Mario Lemieux, eliminating turnovers in front of Dominik Hasek and beating Pens' 27-year-old rookie sensation … [Read more...] about Sabres-Penguins Game 4 "Scouting Report"

Jaromir Jagr will be back, Mario Lemieux will be primed and Johan Hedberg will be fired up to rebound against the Sabres. … [Read more...] about Sabres-Pens Game 4 "Edge Matchups"

'Jaromir Jagr hasn't even played a full game and already he's had a terrible week.' … [Read more...] about Healthier Jagr expected back tonight

'They're still down, two games to one. But the momentum has shifted. Having dominated for large stretches of the second and third games, the Sabres know they can generate scoring chances. They have knocked the antlers off the Johan Hedberg myth and turned the pressure on the host Penguins for tonight's fourth game.' … [Read more...] about Sabres have turned tables on Penguins

'Stevens feels comfortable in this world, but he isn't quite sure how he got here. He is sure that 2000 was the most trying year of his life, and 2001, so far, the most rewarding. Stevens vividly remembers the one night of stomach-turning fear and despair that he thought would cost all the things he loves; he also recalls every detail of the day, exactly 51 weeks … [Read more...] about Second chance man

'"We've got confidence we can score," Sabres coach Lindy Ruff said. "I don't know if we've solved him. The thing about Hedberg is that he still made six or seven great saves in the game in odd-numbered situations and partial breakaways. He's been aggressive. He's taken away some great chances."' … [Read more...] about Hedberg offers a moving target

'Fans and media alike have criticized Jagr for his prolonged absence, demanding he play through the pain. But Jagr, who finally was able to swing a stick Tuesday for the first time since the injury, offered several pleas for compassion, saying he's "not a superman" and he wants to do what's best for the team.' … [Read more...] about Jagr finally comes clean; expects to play

'It's time to cut Jaromir Jagr some slack. No sports figure in recent memory has been criticized as much as Jagr has the past week. And for what? Hurting his shoulder, and trying to cover it up so the Buffalo Sabres wouldn't send out Rob Ray to perform an on-ice amputation when he finally returned?' … [Read more...] about Trading Jagr could be a big mistake