Archives for December 2002

'The Sabres have not won in Pittsburgh since Dec. 2, 2000.' … [Read more...] about Penguins rally to beat Sabres, win second in a row

'Despite the Steelers' appearance on Monday Night Football, attendance at last night’s game was 16,569. It was the team's third-largest crowd of the season, thanks at least in part to Martin Straka Bobble-head Doll night. It was also the largest crowd since 16,385 watched the Philadelphia Flyers play the night before Thanksgiving.' … [Read more...] about Keep everything the same

'``We could have put the game away,'' said Buffalo coach Lindy Ruff, whose team allowed the Penguins only three shots in the second period. ``We did not finish. We had three great opportunities to put them away. We missed those chances, and the first good opportunities they got, they put us away.''' … [Read more...] about Penguins 5, Sabres 2

'Pittsburgh won when trailing after two periods for the first time since March 31 against St. Louis. It is 1-10-1-2 when trailing after 40 minutes.' … [Read more...] about Pittsburgh 5, Buffalo 2

'Without an answer from the public sector by mid-January, Hamister reiterated he will withdraw his offer to buy the franchise, a move that could spell the end of the Buffalo Sabres, not only in Buffalo but entirely.' … [Read more...] about Hamister: No arena aid, no Sabres bid

'Meanwhile, Adam Mair had this to say: "It wasn't that they weren't calls - some of them were questionable at best - but when we're out there getting (mugged) you gotta call it the other way, too, you know?" Mair used a much harsher word than "mugged," and the interview was taped by multiple Canadian radio and TV stations.' … [Read more...] about Sabres vent about refs whistling while they work

'In a sense, he's trying to clean up the mess the Rigases made. If the clan had spent more time marketing the team and managing the building instead of making withdrawals at the Coudersport ATM, we wouldn't wonder where the money went.' … [Read more...] about Sabres, arena would be a lot to lose

'"What I meant was the players don't dwell on it or worry about it," Ray told The Buffalo News on Sunday. "(Player apathy) was not what I was implying.' … [Read more...] about Ray: Players don't dwell on team's future

'At minus-20, RW Alexei Kovalev is tied for worst in league.' … [Read more...] about Sabres vs. Penguins

'Buffalo needs more than a pro hockey team, though. It needs jobs, and it needs a larger and more stable tax base. Any help from Albany should be of the appropriate nature.' … [Read more...] about Sabre rattling

'The Buffalo Sabres are a microcosm of what has happened in the pro sports industry.' … [Read more...] about The business of sports

'A few days ago, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman warned that unless state and local officials ante up $20 million or so for upgrades at HSBC Arena, Buffalo could lose its NHL team. If he really wanted to scare folks on the Niagara Frontier, though, he should have threatened that the Sabres would stay. Forever. Which, considering how things have gone for the Sabres the past 2 … [Read more...] about Penguins feeling little sympathy

'Sabres Coach Lindy Ruff has started G Martin Biron in 13 consecutive games but is expected to use rookie backup Mika Noronen tonight.' … [Read more...] about Penguins Report: 12/23/02

'As many problems as the Penguins have had lately, the team that rolls into town tonight has them beat by a mile.' … [Read more...] about Sabres face uncertain future

If Mark Hamister wants the people of Western New York to rally behind his demand (it's not really a request, is it?) for taxpayer money to assist in his purchase of the Buffalo Sabres, he might try a new tactic -- being straight and up front with those people about the details of the purchase. And that means being very specific, number-wise, about two basic issues -- the … [Read more...] about The City of No Illusions deserves straight answers