Archives for December 2002

'To replace Hecht in the lineup, Buffalo called up forward Jason Botterill from Rochester of the American Hockey League. Botterill leads Rochester with 14 goals and is tied for the team lead with 21 points.' … [Read more...] about Sabres’ Hecht to miss at least one game after losing part of ear

'I’m a positive person, but what is good about going into the third month of the season with only 13 points in the standings?' … [Read more...] about Puckvoice

'Was Hamister was informally given assurances by public officials of the city, county or state that went beyond what other bidders expected? Equally important, was Hamister given financial assurances far beyond what taxpayers would knowingly agree to support in a cash strapped community?' … [Read more...] about Buffalo Sabres Questions Persist!

'The Sabres, with 19 points, have now leaped over the Atlanta Thrashers and out of the NHL basement. Now they just need to find some way back into the Northeast Division race, and it will be a stern task. Fourth-place Montreal is nine points ahead in the standings.' … [Read more...] about Sudden impulse

'Florida Panthers GM Rick Dudley was recently in town for the Sabres game against the Anaheim Mighty Ducks. Talk has it that he is looking at Buffalo right winger Miroslav Satan.' … [Read more...] about Buffalo's baby steps

The recent revelation that Mark Hamister is seeking up to $35 million in governmental aid to assist in his acquisition of the Buffalo Sabres may have been startling to some, but it really should not have been a surprise to anyone who follows the business of sport in the 21st century. … [Read more...] about No surprise: Hamister has his hand in public's pocket

'But there are whispers around the league that Berman and Hamister are only putting up a token amount to buy the team and that the bulk of the $65-million is the assumption of debt. The governors are not expected to approve the sale at this meeting, only to ask a lot of questions.' … [Read more...] about Sabres sale has owners rattled

What a difference a week makes! Last week, the Sabres were a veritable train wreck. They couldn't score, the soft goals were going in, one mistake and the team would unravel like a cheap sweater. In a word, they were terrible. Is it possible... just maybe... dare I say... this team has finally turned the corner? … [Read more...] about After a brutal November, are Sabres turning the page?

'The team that couldn't win is suddenly the team that can't lose.' … [Read more...] about Sabres suddenly on 3-win streak

'"Brian has been very solid for us," Ruff said Saturday. "I think the one thing I've always stressed with Brian is just use your instincts. Brian is a guy that has tremendous speed; he's got good offensive instincts. He's made a lot of nice plays and helped create a lot of nice opportunities for us by using that speed and that instinct.' … [Read more...] about Ruff trusts Campbell's instincts

'Unfortunately, GM Darcy Regier hasn't traded five or six players. It leaves the Sabres with little choice with Ruff, who is running out of time. Maybe somebody else can overcome the Sabres shipping their heart and soul for Tiny Tim Connolly and Taylor Quiet, I mean, Pyatt. Meanwhile, Regier sleeps peacefully knowing the Rigases were satisfied enough to offer him a … [Read more...] about In today's world, Ruff's longevity as Sabres coach is a miracle on ice

'"We are disappointed in the progress to date," said James M. Wadsworth, one of the committee co-chairmen. "We recognize that our goals were more ambitious than realistic. The committee as a whole remains committed to the effort, and we are in the process of trying to redefine our goals and responsibilities in going forward. And we are working closely with … [Read more...] about Ticket drive for Sabres to miss goal, shift tactics

'"They put us back on our heels and we needed to get a few good shifts in there and we didn't," center Jeff Halpern said. "It's very disappointing to give up a lead in the third [period] and lose a game in the last five minutes. Very disappointing."' … [Read more...] about For Caps, Bad Things Come in 3

'The Buffalo Sabres played like they were waiting for the other shoe to drop all night. When it didn't, the Sabres sprang to life and did some shoe dropping of their own.' … [Read more...] about Sabres outwork Capitals

'Among the problems with that is the state's $10 billion budget shortfall over the next 16 months. There is talk of a cutback in services and possible layoffs, and it is feared there will be a taxpayer backlash if a professional team is bailed out while citizens struggle. Additionally, if local help is not available, other groups may offer enough to tempt ownership to … [Read more...] about Caps report