Archives for October 2002

'The Rangers don't need Messier's goals as much as they need his guidance.' … [Read more...] about In 24th season, Messier skates against time

'Former Sabres defenseman Jim Schoenfeld returned to Buffalo as an assistant coach with the Rangers.' … [Read more...] about McKee enjoys NHL's seamless transition

'The Rangers got little help from goalie Dan Blackburn, who made his season debut -- delayed from last Saturday because of a dislocated finger. Blackburn, who also battled a groin injury during the preseason, was a tad off, allowing a long-range goal to his usually speedy glove side, and the long-distance Connolly one-timer, although he was stellar late in the third and in … [Read more...] about Four goals not enough as New York settles for a tie

'The Sabres exploited their penalty killing for two power-play goals of their own and took advantage of some sloppy play around Blackburn's net. Several coverage assignments were blown in the dangerous areas there, and Blackburn, making his first start of the season, spent too much time flopping around in his crease on what was clearly an off-night for the teen-age … [Read more...] about Holik blames careless play for tie

'The Rangers arrived in Buffalo yesterday with no problem after mechanical problems with their chartered plane forced a cancellation of their flight on Wednesday afternoon. Normally, the team flies to games on the road the day before to guarantee availability for the next day's event and to give themselves a chance to go about their practice routine the morning of the … [Read more...] about Roller-coaster ride continues for Lindros

'Those leads evaporated easily, with help from the Rangers' pathetic penalty killing. When Tim Connolly tied the game at 3-3 on a Buffalo power play, the Rangers had allowed five goals on their last nine penalty-kill attempts.' … [Read more...] about Rangers can't shake bad habits

'"We keep shooting ourselves in the foot and pretty soon we're not going to have feet left to shoot at," Holik, the former Devils player, said tonight after his new team, the Rangers, scrambled to gain a 4-4 tie with the Buffalo Sabres.' … [Read more...] about Rangers Tie as Lindros Scores Two

'"I don't think there's anybody in here that's happy with getting a single point out of this game," Lindros said.' … [Read more...] about Rangers can't defend tie

'It's difficult to gauge the team's performance last night, given the shaky work in nets by Dan Blackburn, who made his first appearance since the Oct. 5 preseason finale.' … [Read more...] about Rangers point at themselves

'The 4-4 tie with Buffalo last night was a point earned by a 3-for-9 night on the power play, with two five-on-three goals by Lindros and Bure's wrist shot with 8:51 to play. But it was a point lost on two power-play goals against in a four-goal Sabres second period, when the Rangers struggled to complete simple assignments in their own zone.' … [Read more...] about Strong Start Fizzles

'Holik was impressed with what he saw from the Sabres. "They're playing well, and they're playing together," he said. "They use all four lines very well."' … [Read more...] about Rangers 4, Sabres 4

'Special teams dominated this wide-open affair as the Rangers scored three power-play goals and the Sabres netted two. Both teams continued to get excellent chances in overtime with four shots apiece.' … [Read more...] about NY Rangers 4, Buffalo 4 (ot)

'Held without a shot in his first three games of the season, Eric Lindros had a pair of power-play goals 26 seconds apart late in the first period to give New York a 2-0 lead. Both goals came while the Sabres were down two men after Rob Ray was assessed a double-minor for elbowing and picked up an additional penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct.' … [Read more...] about Buffalo 4, NY Rangers 4 (OT)

'"I know what the Sabres are expecting of me," said Kalinin, following his return to Buffalo. "I just hope it's good enough to get into the lineup."' … [Read more...] about Kalinin waits his turn

Home-ice advantage can be overblown sometimes. Of course everyone knows it's important to win most of the home games because road games are tougher in many ways, but what happens when winning at home is the difference between keeping the franchise or having it relocated? In that way, this year is going to be like no other for the Sabres. … [Read more...] about Road to winning back fans starts, ends at home