Archives for May 26, 2006

'There is speculation in the NHL community that some of the league's veteran referees are still reluctant to call penalties the way their bosses demand.' … [Read more...] about Veteran officials sidelined in semi-finals

'Strength down the middle comes in a variety of forms. In this eastern final alone, you have the twin dynamos of ultra-motivation, Daniel Briere and Chris Drury for the Buffalo Sabres and the intriguing May-December duo of Eric Staal and Rod Brind'Amour for the Carolina Hurricanes.' … [Read more...] about Centres of attention

'All this suggests that the Sabres should bring an oxygen machine to the bench tonight for Jay McKee and Toni Lydman, who are going to be rather busy and rather tired.' … [Read more...] about ‘Capable’ Sabres slough off playoff injury jinx

'"We want to keep playing physical, it's the way to dominate games," said Sabre centre Jochen Hecht. "We want to play aggressive and play in their zone. As long as this series goes we want to set the tone in that department. When we take the body they turn the puck over."' … [Read more...] about Speedy Sabres can ‘Ruff’ it too

'"When you go to war, you're going to lose some guys through battles and we need some other guys to come and step up," forward J.P. Dumont said.' … [Read more...] about Sabres dropping like flies on blue-line

'There are three periods played in every hockey game, but to be victorious in the Eastern Conference final, you only have to be good in one. More specifically, the second.' … [Read more...] about Sabres, Hurricanes series appears to be all about winning the middle frame

'On Wednesday, moments after Roy's gloved fist cracked him flush on the nose, Staal grabbed his opponent and slammed him to the ice. It was an uncharacteristic play coming from a skilled player who scored 100 points during the regular season and racked up just 81 penalty minutes. But according to Stillman, it may be necessary in the 21-year-old Staal's development.' … [Read more...] about Stillman helps Staal’s game grow

'Professional sports in Buffalo teach people about heartbreak long before they start dating. When you root for the Sabres, or the Bills, you learn early the dull ache that fills your stomach after a big loss. But as a Sabres fan you also learn about passion, loyalty and devotion.' … [Read more...] about Buffalo’s passion runs deep

'Quinn did not believe it was fair that a season-ticket holder might be seated next to someone who paid a third of the price for a ticket because of promotions. "We felt that was like the airlines do: the most valued business customer pays the most and the guy who plans a long weekend six months in advance gets the big discount," he said. "To me, that was counter-productive."' … [Read more...] about Rivalry extends to ticket sales

Ward still steady (Raleigh News and Observer) Tonight's Game 4 is pivotal for Hurricanes (Raleigh News and Observer) Cole faces another test (Raleigh News and Observer) Five points (Raleigh News and Observer) Rivalry extends to ticket sales (Raleigh News and Observer) Buffalo's passion runs deep (Raleigh News and Observer) Buffalo fans are tuned in (Raleigh News and … [Read more...] about Friday’s Carolina Coverage (Updated 10:30 a.m.)

'Buffalo is the smallest of the 24 American N.H.L. markets. Raleigh, N.C., home of the Hurricanes, is the second smallest. Edmonton, Alberta, one of six Canadian N.H.L. markets, is the smallest in the league. The playoff survival of their teams represents a be-careful-what-you-wish-for conundrum for the N.H.L.' … [Read more...] about Small Markets. Big Results.

'"Once you have lived in this community, you really understand what (Buffalo) people want and what they expect out of you," said Buffalo defenseman Brian Campbell. "You bring that into the locker room. This is a hardworking city and they love their sports. If you go out and work hard for them, they will respond."' … [Read more...] about Injured Sabres vow to persevere

'Trailing 2-1 in the best-of-seven game, the 'Canes enter Game 4 understanding that it is at a crossroads of the series. There is a mammoth psychological difference between being down 3-1 and being tied 2-2. The 'Canes focused heavily on team bonding in the preseason, and communication is one of the team's strengths. That clearly helps in this situation.' … [Read more...] about Hurricanes goalie Ward’s job seems safe

'When you look at this year's Buffalo club as compared to the one from 1999 that went to the Cup final, you can understand why Ruff is considered one of the best coaches in the business and why he may come away with the Jack Adams Award at the end of this season. This year's team plays a way different style than the Sabres' team that went to the Cup final against the Stars.' … [Read more...] about Sabres have history of success under Ruff

'Regarding the Sabres fan contingent down in Raleigh this past weekend, Demetri said, “People here were actually shocked as to how many Buffalo fans there were and the way they made their presence felt. We have a lot of folks from your area living in this region, but this show of support exceeded anyone’s expectation.”' … [Read more...] about Carolina on My Mind