Archives for March 2007

'Should the line of Stafford, Derek Roy and Thomas Vanek be broken up once Max Afinogenov returns from the hand injury he suffered against Edmonton on November 17? Where will Ales Kotalik and Tim Connolly fit in once active?' … [Read more...] about Sabres Line Dance?

'For the last couple of NHL amateur drafts, the Buffalo Sabres have relied on video as much as live scouting for their player rankings. If many of the current Sabre prospects pan out, this practice could influence other teams. Though Buffalo has since reversed this practice somewhat, keep an eye on this particular group of prospects. Their success or failure could have … [Read more...] about Sabres Top 20 prospects

'“It’s important because we don’t have that many games left now going into the playoffs,” said Sabres forward Dainius Zubrus, who had the first two assists of his 10-game Buffalo career. “If you win special teams, you have a good chance of winning the game. When the playoffs come, we need to be going at full cylinders.”' … [Read more...] about Sabres cure ailing power play

'“It was awhile since we won here in front of our fans,” Sabres co-captain Daniel Briere said. “The last couple games, they kind of let us know, too, so it’s definitely good. The atmosphere was a little better in the building.”' … [Read more...] about Home losing streak over

'Sure, he’s young. But this is a team that puts young guys in big roles and allows them to evolve in the playoff crucible. It happened with Derek Roy and Jason Pominville last year. They came of age in the closing weeks of the regular season and blossomed in the playoffs. That’s what Stafford can be -- this year’s version of Roy and Pominville.' … [Read more...] about Stafford shows why he belongs

'The biggest first-round matchup for Buffalonians takes place Friday when Drury’s Boston University meets Miller’s Michigan State. The Spartans feature Sabres property and South Buffalo native Tim Kennedy in addition to locals Chris Mueller and Michael Ratchuk.' … [Read more...] about Players keep tabs on their alma maters

'"That's something you screw around with a little bit; it's not something you really want to try in a game," said Stafford with a shy grin. "I kind of got lucky there and got the shot off. If I would have turned that one over, I would have been sitting, so I'm glad it worked out."' … [Read more...] about Stafford’s goal wows crowd in Sabres victory

'Can he step up, become a leader and help take this team to the heights the organization now expects in the playoffs? Or will he watch as guys who started the season in the minors keep taking the limelight.' … [Read more...] about Zubrus yet to make a difference

'This isn’t something new. Roy had just six goals in his first 38 games, then scored in back-to-back games against Boston on Jan. 15 and 17. He later snapped a 10-game scoreless stretch by scoring four goals in five games, including a goal in three straight games.' … [Read more...] about Roy stays streaky in Buffalo win

'"We wanted to come back and handle ourselves a little better at home than the last homestand we had," goaltender Ryan Miller said. "We got a little break after a long trip and then came back to work. I think everybody has gotten that feeling that we have to do what it takes to win."' … [Read more...] about Second period, special teams key for Sabres

Caps Are No Match for Sabres (Washington Post) Caps Defeated by Sabres, 5-2 (WashingtonCaps.com) Postgame Video (WashingtonCaps.com) … [Read more...] about Thursday’s Washington Coverage

'"Last year you learned how much it takes to get to where you need to be," Campbell says. "When you win, there's a lot of happiness in the room. It feels good. Those are the things you try to remember. And you don't want to go through again what you remember from the Carolina series. It's never going to come easy to this hockey club, whether we get 100-some-odd points or not."' … [Read more...] about Sabres won’t let up

'"We have to go in there and prove we belong in the playoffs," winger Darcy Tucker declared yesterday, though he prefaced his comments with a warning to his mates not to look past tomorrow night's opener at HSBC Arena. "We've played better in their building this year (two wins) because we've been hungry going in there. We need to play the same way, with passion and … [Read more...] about Leafs try to avoid falling on swords

'Drew Stafford had two third-period goals and Clarke MacArthur also scored in helping Buffalo snap a season-worst three-game home losing streak. Dainius Zubrus had two assists in his first game against his former team; the Sabres acquired the forward in a deal with the Capitals last month.' … [Read more...] about Buffalo 5, Washington 2

'Stafford scored his 10th goal of the year midway through the final stanza on a rebound putback, then notched No. 11 minutes later with a series of pretty moves. He did it all on his own, flying into the zone along the right side before deeking his defender to create some space. Then, from the right circle, Stafford flicked a wrister that sailed between Kolzig's outstretched … [Read more...] about Buffalo 5, Washington 2