Archives for January 2004

'Atlanta built its first lead of the night two minutes before the break on a giveaway by Ales Kotalik. The Sabres winger was carrying the puck out of his zone, and when he neared the blue line he tried to send a pass to Rory Fitzpatrick. Patrik Stefan intercepted, skated in alone on goal and beat Noronen. "That's bad timing," Kotalik said. "It's a … [Read more...] about Thrashers fan the flames of Sabres' frustrations

'"We're going to market the Poor Man's Aud Club to the blue-collar crowd that loves hockey, wants a good seat but doesn't want to pay an arm and a leg for it," DiPofi said. "They want to talk about hockey, have a beer or two and maybe a roast beef."' … [Read more...] about Sabres adding features of old venue in bid to attract more sold-out games

'Never mind passion, how about the players simply earning their huge salaries. Let me be clear, there are a number of Sabres who do show a solid work ethic every night, but they are overshadowed by the half a dozen players who don't. As I write this I'm watching the team get smoked by Atlanta, and realizing even if a trade is made tomorrow it's probably too late. Something … [Read more...] about Same Old Song and Dance

'Kozlov erased the Sabres’ 1-0 lead at 13:31 of the second period, capitalizing on two slick passes to tip in an easy power-play goal. He finished off Buffalo with 3:28 remaining, knocking in a rebound with goalie Mika Noronen sprawled face down on the ice.' … [Read more...] about Thrashers win second straight

'In allowing three goals in two games, he appears to have accomplished that. He looked sharp on some poke-checks, knocking the puck off Buffalo forwards behind the net before they had the chance to assume a more dangerous posture, and smothering other Sabres chances.' … [Read more...] about Two for Nurminen

'``Halfway into the game, we had it going for us,'' Noronen said. ``But we started to take penalties, and suddenly things turned around.'' Indeed, the Sabres were short-handed much of the final two periods. The Thrashers had seven power plays in that span, converting only one but preventing Buffalo from mounting much offense.' … [Read more...] about Atlanta 4, Buffalo 1

'"Tough calls tonight," Ruff said. "We were controlling the game and tried to battle through that, but it caught up to us. I'd like to see the same calls called on them that were called on us. It was a game where we consumed a lot of time and a lot of effort killing penalties."' … [Read more...] about Atlanta 4, Buffalo 1

'It was a different town, a different team, but it appeared to be the same game. The Buffalo Sabres continued their downward spiral in the second game of the five game road trip, this time in Atlanta, losing 4-1. The effort was remarkably similar to Saturday's game against the Islanders when the Sabres lost 4-2.' … [Read more...] about Atlanta Surges Past Sabres

'"We're certainly not in any position not to have a 100 percent effort every night. Until we consistently find that, we're going to be battling close to .500, eighth, ninth, 10th, 11th spot (in the standings). That's not where we want to be."' … [Read more...] about Sabres looking for more passion

'The hip injury that kept Afinogenov out of the last four games has healed. The right winger showed no problems during or after the Sabres' workouts Sunday and Monday at the Thrashers' practice facility. "I'm ready," Afinogenov said. "It's healthy. It doesn't bother me anymore. It feels good."' … [Read more...] about Kovalchuk emerging as Thrashers' top gun

'The Thrashers snapped a nine-game winless skid (0-7-1-1) with Sunday's 5-2 victory over Carolina.' … [Read more...] about Sabres vs. Thrashers

'Paille said he was unaware that the Buffalo brass -- including Director of Player Personnel Don Luce -- were in the stands. The Welland native was a first-round pick of the Sabres in the 2002 NHL entry draft but remains unsigned...Paille had hoped to have signed an NHL contract before the OHL playoffs started. The Sabres and his agent have had some discussions, but … [Read more...] about Paille sparkles in victory

'The Thrashers are 9-7-1-0 all-time against the Sabres, including 5-2-1-0 at home.' … [Read more...] about Scouting report: Thrashers vs. Sabres

'"At first I was just wearing a loose sweater with the idea that I could get my arm out of it and then the guy I was going against couldn't grab my arm and hold it down," Ray said. "After awhile the sweater started coming off all together, and then it was my shoulder pads and it kind of went on from there."' … [Read more...] about Ray: It's not something I planned

'"He earned a spot on this team," stated Sabres head coach Lindy Ruff. "He worked hard last season. He did everything that was asked of him. Rory is not flashy. He plays a stay-at-home style defense. He takes care of his end.'' … [Read more...] about Local boy makes good in Buffalo