Archives for November 2002

Alexei Zhitnik has a twin named Dimitri who, for all I know, is bumping around the Ukraine parlaying his brother's fame into discounted shovel service. If you're looking for Zhitnik's twin on the National Hockey League ice, look closely at ex-Panther Dmitry Yushkevich, who was traded Wednesday to the Los Angeles Kings in exchange for forward Jaroslav Bednar and … [Read more...] about Yushkevich deal may set the bar if Sabres trade Zhitnik

'Biron's record versus the Penguins is 1-8-1 with a 3.74 goals-against average.' … [Read more...] about Biron hopes to own Pens for a change

'Barry Williams (Greg Brady from "The Brady Bunch") will sing the national anthem and be joined throughout the game by Chris Knight (Peter Brady) and Mike Lookinland (Bobby Brady) for in-game promotions. Music from the disco decade will be played during breaks in the action. Right on!' … [Read more...] about Lengthy injured list at least isn't growing

'C Mario Lemieux has three goals and 12 assists in his past six games.' … [Read more...] about Sabres vs. Penguins

'The Sabres opened the season with back-to-back wins with a combined score of 11-2. They’ve won only two games since.' … [Read more...] about Penguins-Sabres scouting report

"In Buffalo, he thought he was bigger than anyone in the organization," a current NHL GM says. "Bigger than the GM, bigger than his star player, Dominik Hasek. "That's what he's done everywhere he's been. He ruined his reputation. Nobody trusts him because of his track record. At least 20 GMs, including myself, would never consider hiring him, … [Read more...] about NHL coach in exile

'"I feel that Marty is at a higher level right now at his age than the norm. And he's maintaining that higher level."' … [Read more...] about Global goalies

Off the bench and down the hallway to the lockerroom, here come the Buffalo Sabres, a 1-0 lead on the board and the fans for once actually cheering after 40 minutes. Over the railing above the walkway spill four arms covered to practically their fingertips in the bright red sleeves of their oversized third jerseys. Arms swing, hands wave, fingers wiggle, anything to get the … [Read more...] about Be thankful n at least two Sabres have heart

'The Tampa Bay Lightning spent three days in Atlantic City, N.J., before it arrived in Buffalo. Then the Lightning sat its All-World goalie to start a backup who hadn't won a game in three years and had been activated off injured reserve Saturday. But the Buffalo Sabres still couldn't win.' … [Read more...] about Lightning makes its own luck against Sabres

'Tampa Bay continues to find ways to earn points on the road.' … [Read more...] about Bolts, Sabres Deadlock

'``Confidence is always a big thing and in my case it has certainly helped this year,'' Gratton said. ``Last year I was kind of caught up in a numbers game with all the centers we had, so I was placed into a different role. This year I feel like I have got off to a good start, and hopefully it will continue.''' … [Read more...] about Modin Returns, Is Eager To Play

'The Lightning snapped a six-game losing streak at Buffalo dating to 1999 and, by earning one point for the tie, held onto first place in the Southeast. Tampa Bay tied it on a goal by Fredrik Modin, marking the eighth point it has earned when trailing after two periods and the 10th time it has rallied to earn points this season.' … [Read more...] about Lightning laments lost opportunities

'"It's exciting to play," said Holzinger, a 5-foot-11, 185-pound native of Parma, Ohio. "When you're hurt, you're excluded from the team a little bit, and it was tough to be on the outside looking in. I wanted to try to get back as soon as possible and be a part of the success."' … [Read more...] about Holzinger remains patient

'In only his second start of the season, Hodson stopped 22 shots to record his first standings point in more than three years, allowing the Lightning to rally for a 1-1 tie against the Buffalo Sabres on Wednesday.' … [Read more...] about Lightning 1, Sabres 1

'"We would have loved to have two points," Ruff added. "It's baby steps for us. ... In our situation now, we're only happy if we win."' … [Read more...] about Tampa Bay 1, Buffalo 1 (ot)