Archives for November 2003

'``They executed the little things in the game well,'' Sabres coach Lindy Ruff said. ``They don't turn over a lot of pucks. They don't give up any odd-numbered situations. They've got a goaltender that's playing extremely well. We knew it was going to be tough. We really helped them out with it.''' … [Read more...] about New Jersey 4, Buffalo 1

'Biron was chased after allowing all four goals on 19 shots and had a personal five-game road unbeaten streak stopped. "We're not the kind of team that's built to come from behind," Biron said. "I need to be the best player on the ice each game I'm out there, but today, I wasn't."' … [Read more...] about New Jersey 4, Buffalo 1

'Sabres left wing Jason Botterill cleared waivers Wednesday and was assigned to Buffalo's minor league affiliate, the Rochester Americans.' … [Read more...] about Sabres LW Botterill clears waivers

'"Everyone's supposed to be on the same page," Zhitnik said. "You have to know what your partner's doing, you have to know what the forwards are doing, you have to know if somebody's in front of the net the whole time, and that kind of little stuff can play a big role in the power play."' … [Read more...] about Sabres' power-play unit searches for lost advantage

'The hardball stance is all about holding players accountable, which is why nobody should feel comfortable. Ruff has no plans to back off, either. He's scouring his lineup more than ever. He's scrutinizing every performance. He's challenging players. He believes 20 plumbers can win most nights, and he wants to know who will be with him come April. Anybody … [Read more...] about Ruff's whip aims in all directions

'He iced his arm a bit after Tuesday's practice but said it wasn't a factor Monday. "I felt good. The hand was fine," Hecht said. "At the beginning, I felt hesitant a little bit, but in the second and third (periods) I was comfortable. First period, it felt like training camp. You're always two steps late. I knew that was going to … [Read more...] about Hecht hits the ice running in first game

'G Martin Biron is 4-0-1 in his last five road starts with a .961 save percentage.' … [Read more...] about Sabres vs. Devils

'"We did some things right but really prevented them from really getting going," Sabres coach Lindy Ruff said. "I thought our lines generated some offense."' … [Read more...] about Sabres waste no time in edging Senators

'"He's got more (talent) than he even knows," Ray said over the weekend in Buffalo. "The way he can control the puck in tight is totally amazing."' … [Read more...] about Spezza delivers for Ray

'Buffalo scored first in this one, but it took more than two periods to crack through Martin Prusek as J.P. Dumont slipped in his fourth goal of the season. Just 14 seconds later, defenceman James Patrick put the visitors up 2-0. "We're at our best when we have all five of our guys joining the attack," said Buffalo coach Lindy Ruff.' … [Read more...] about What is wrong?

'Against Buffalo, like they have on so many nights this year, the Senators didn't come out with any sense of urgency. They have talked many times about getting off to a good start and then haven't put the plan into action.' … [Read more...] about Slumping Senators: 'We can't panic'

'Nothing like an early tilt like the one between Ottawa's Chris Neil and Buffalo's Eric Boulton to get things going in a game. Have to score it a draw, but Neil wins on style points for whipping off his helmet and throwing it away.' … [Read more...] about Heading the wrong way

'Sabres D James Patrick has two goals this season, including the one he scored last night, both against the Sens.' … [Read more...] about Game Story

'"You look at (Dumont's) goal. We killed a penalty and were back 5-on-5. There was a battle along the boards, one guy loses the battle, the puck goes out front and it's in our net."' … [Read more...] about Senators feeling heat

'The players themselves have had enough. As the Sabres packed up their equipment, the Senators held a players-only meeting to talk about working themselves out of this mess.' … [Read more...] about Senators toy with mediocrity