Archives for 2006

'Picking up Jaroslav Spacek to replace Jay McKee was huge for Buffalo. They will miss Jay in certain situations, certainly his toughness and his ability to block shots. On the other hand, they've picked up mobility with Spacek and also his ability to play power plays, which he has played comfortably throughout training camp. He has also teamed with Brian Campbell, and those two … [Read more...] about What to watch for in Buffalo this season

'Last year, almost everyone picked Buffalo not to make the playoffs, but to be dead last. Now they have gone from that point to where Sports Illustrated is picking them to be in the finals this season. Everybody else is picking them to be at the top of the NHL. I just wonder about the bounce back situatuion, whether they will be able to come back from any adversity and gain … [Read more...] about A strong nucleus will take the Sabres far

Montreal (0-0-0) at Buffalo (1-0-0) (AP) Sabres face Canadiens in home opener (Sportsticker) Montreal Canadiens (0-0-0) at Buffalo Sabres (1-0-0) (The Sports Network) Game # 2: Montreal @ Buffalo (SabresFans.com) … [Read more...] about Friday’s Montreal Coverage (Updated 11:30 a.m.)

Can Amerks build unity? (Rochester D&C) Young Amerks may take time to mesh (Rochester D&C) Rochester Americans 2006-07 season preview (HockeysFuture.com) … [Read more...] about Friday’s Rochester Coverage (Updated 7:00 a.m.)

'The difference in the Sabres recent success in comparison to other organizations is that the Sabres management always errs on the side of caution when it comes to young players.' … [Read more...] about Young Sabres poised for competitiveness

Buffalo Sabres' fans across Western New York and beyond had to brave witnessing the Carolina Hurricanes lift their 2006 Stanley Cup championship banner during their Opening Night pre-game ceremonies. Amongst the varying emotions of anger and frustration, one finally came into focus -- a giant sense of relief. … [Read more...] about Sabres Take First Step Toward Ultimate Goal

Ryan Miller said this week that the Sabres put themselves in the situation of having to play up to lofty expectations. His advice? "Deal with it." In their 3-2 shootout win over the Hurricanes on Wednesday night, the Sabres need some fluky goals -- and one shootout beauty -- to overcome a slow start, a jacked-up opponent and too many mindless penalties. … [Read more...] about Post-Game Power Play: Sabres 3, Hurricanes 2 (SO)

'Yes, there is much to look forward to--the core of the team is intact, Ryan Miller will be that much better, new defenseman Jaroslav Spacek will add an offensive threat on the blue line and the team is still well suited for the new NHL. For now, hold off on those parade plans and let’s just enjoy the ride.' … [Read more...] about Stanley Cub Parade Next June? Not So Fast!

'"We were lucky to escape that first 10 or 11 minutes the way we did," Sabres coach Lindy Ruff said. "Ryan made some good saves. We did a good job of being in shot lanes and blocking shots and not giving up any real good opportunities. But they were a step ahead of us and had us on the run."' … [Read more...] about Sabres ride out the storm

'Buffalo and Carolina look like a grudge matchup in the making. "This is a rivalry now," said Carolina center Kevyn Adams of Clarence. "Playoffs build rivalries, and there's clearly a rivalry, especially between the fans. I'm sure the Sabres weren't overly excited to come down here and be a part of this fun."' … [Read more...] about Rivals pick up right where they left off

'"Hey, it's well-deserved," Drury said. "If you win the Cup, take all the time you want."' … [Read more...] about Sabres not claiming revenge after win

'"We discussed it within our organization and our PR department contacted theirs, and they would rather not have us out there," Ruff said. "They want us to come out when we're given the cue, and that's fine with us. It's their ceremony and their way of capping off a tremendous year."' … [Read more...] about Absence wasn't a snub

Canes rise, then fall (Raleigh News and Observer) Sabres not claiming revenge after win (Raleigh News and Observer) Absence wasn't a snub (Raleigh News and Observer) Canes' energy drains (Raleigh News and Observer) Banner's up, and a new quest begins (Raleigh News and Observer) Hurricanes raise banner (Raleigh News and Observer) Photo Gallery (Raleigh News and … [Read more...] about Thursday’s Carolina Coverage (Updated 9:00 a.m.)

'Carolina rode the emotion of their Stanley Cup banner ceremony in the first period out-shooting Buffalo to start by 11-1. It was Jason Pominville, however, who scored first on a deflection from a shot by Dmitri Kalinin at 9:09 in the first period.' … [Read more...] about Sabres Beat Hurricanes 3-2 In Shootout

'The game also was a reprise of last year's early-season penalty parade. Each team had nine power plays, with Carolina scoring once and Buffalo shut out. In the second period alone, there were 12 minor penalties, but the pace picked up in the third frame, as only three minors were called.' … [Read more...] about Sabres enjoy a measure of revenge over Carolina