Archives for April 2007

'"I don't care what anyone says, that was a goal," Isles' coach Ted Nolan stated in his press conference. "They said we pushed the goaltender in, but the puck was in the net before he was pushed."' … [Read more...] about Surviving the Island

'Superhero - Ales Kotalik. Another great game from the man I said should be benched in place of Daniel Paille. He has played terrific in the last two games, and he’s starting to get chances out of strong forechecking and transition.' … [Read more...] about Sabres lead series 3-1 after sweeping on Long Island

Amerks can't fret Bulldogs' blowouts (Rochester D&C) Amerks have surprised before in playoffs (Rochester D&C) Will Price get the start? (Hamilton Spectator) It's hard to be quite so bullish about Hamilton (Hamilton Spectator) Hamilton at Rochester (Hamilton Spectator) Anticipation mounts as Game One draws near (Amerks.com) … [Read more...] about Thursday’s Rochester Coverage

'Paille had three goals and 11 points in 29 games. But Mair's a better option. That's not a knock on Paille, who would be in the lineup of the other 15 playoff teams.' … [Read more...] about Assessing Sabres-Isles for 3 games

'"I hope he can play, but we won't know for sure until later," Ruff said after Wednesday's game-day skate. However, this came as news to Connolly, who said he felt "fresh."' … [Read more...] about Sabres may sit 'sore' Connolly

'The fans are crying about a goal they feel shouldn't have counted. The coach is whining about one team being helped by the refs. Chants of No Goal, charges of favoritism! So this is what it's like to be on the other side? I like it. I think I'll just wiggle my toes in the warm sand and ask for another shot of Tequila.' … [Read more...] about Another shot!

'“Playoff time you have to step up that extra step,” Tallinder said after Tuesday’s practice. “You have to block that shot. You have to do that out-of-character stuff because right now it’s win or die on every shot.”' … [Read more...] about Sabres think outside the box

'“That’s the value and why you have him in there,” Ruff said. “It’s hitting. He’s a really good skater. He had a timely goal for us [Monday] night. He made a great play on the goal in the first game. You’re looking at two goals in the series that he was a big part of. That’s tough to replace. He’s being … [Read more...] about Mair&#8217s grit adds bite to Sabres

'“Certain teams get certain breaks, and that’s life,” Nolan said. “Certain people get breaks in life, and certain people don’t. We’re that group right now. We’re not going to get any breaks.”' … [Read more...] about Call waiting: Nolan whistles unhappy tune

'The special Sabres Bud Light, bottled at the company’s Baldwinsville plant, comes in limited-edition bottles that bear the team’s blue and gold logo with a streaking hockey puck.' … [Read more...] about Bud Light&#8217s on Sabres ice

Isles won't trash calls (New York Daily News) Nolan: Isles Won't 'Get Any Breaks' (New York Post) Nolan: Isles give what they've got (New York Newsday) Bury Yashin with fake praise (New York Newsday) Replay is viewed both ways (New York Newsday) Islanders look to pull even with Sabres in East quarterfinals (Sportsticker) (1) Buffalo Sabres (2-1) at (8) New York Islanders … [Read more...] about Wednesday’s New York Coverage (Updated 1:00 p.m.)

'What Nolan and the Islanders really need to do is figure out how to light a fire under some of their best players. Only the line of centre Mike Sillinger and wingers Ryan Smyth and Trent Hunter is pulling its share of the load.' … [Read more...] about Isles running out of time to find motivation

'Team captain Yashin, who had 18 goals and 50 points in 58 regular season games, was benched for the second-half of Game 2 and demoted to the fourth-line for Game 3. He has no points and only three shots in the series. "Sometimes you point fingers at certain individuals and say, 'Hey, they've got to perform well,' " head coach Ted Nolan said. "Everybody has to perform well and … [Read more...] about Islanders struggling to light the lamp

'But there was another rare element for the grinding forward as head coach Lindy Ruff double-shifted him. "Yes, I was a bit surprised but Lindy is very instinctual as a coach and he felt we brought some energy to the game," Mair said yesterday from Long Island.' … [Read more...] about Mair’s goal sparks Sabres

Amerks' Swanson back from the edge (Rochester D&C) Jacina, Kreps questionable for Thursday (Rochester D&C) Milroy wants to shine (Hamilton Spectator) 'Dogs announce 06-07 Award Winners (HamiltonBulldogs.com) … [Read more...] about Wednesday’s Rochester Coverage (Updated 4:45 a.m.)