Archives for April 2007

'The scene at Borders, where fans took numbers to line up to meet the guys who call the games, is emblematic of how rampant Sabres fever has become. And it shows why so many local businesses are eager to connect with the team and its players, or even its TV crew.' … [Read more...] about Merchants Scoooorrrrrrre!

'The Sabres sleepwalked through all but the last couple minutes of the first period and spent the rest of the game digging themselves out of a two-goal hole.' … [Read more...] about Islanders goalie returns with 32 saves to tie series

'It’s been said many times before, but it bears repeating. The Sabres are the most dangerous team in the NHL when they’re skating hard and playing together, but they become very average very quickly when they rationalize they can win on talent alone. Effort over skill will determine their fate. There are no free rides.' … [Read more...] about Sabres started too late, and it cost them a game

'If anyone is desperate now, it might be the heavily favored Sabres, who started the game as if they expected the Isles to roll over. Now they realize the series isn’t going to be the cakewalk most experts expected. And they must contemplate the fact that New York is suddenly winning the allimportant goalie battle.' … [Read more...] about Nolan and his goalie win this one

'Drew Stafford was promoted to the line featuring center Chris Drury and right wing Dainius Zubrus. Stafford’s arrival bumped Ales Kotalik down to the fourth line with center Tim Connolly and right wing Adam Mair.' … [Read more...] about Kotalik part of Ruff&#8217s line shuffle

'Daniel Paille, Mike Ryan, Patrick Kaleta, Michael Funk, Mark Mancari, Andrej Sekera and Mike Card all spent time in Buffalo. At one point, the Amerks were down to Marek Zagrapan and Dylan Hunter. With so many players shuffling through the door this season, it’s a wonder they didn’t have names taped to their helmets.' … [Read more...] about Cunneyworth works his magic

'But the Islanders are a better team, home and on the road, with DiPietro in goal. The one thing you can never question is his readiness," Islanders coach Ted Nolan said. Then Nolan added, "He has a sense of confidence."' … [Read more...] about Goalie keeps Islanders in series with Sabres

'The sellout crowd of 18,690 booed loudly moments after the Islanders scored the winning goal in the third. Their reaction was in response to Sabres winger Maxim Afinogenov's hooking penalty, which led to the power-play score. But Sabres coach Lindy Ruff did not argue the call. Instead, he said, "Don't put your stick there," referring to Afinogenov's stick in former Sabre … [Read more...] about Sabres report

'"It wasn't the type of hockey we've been playing, that's for sure," Sabres defenseman Toni Lydman said after the Islanders evened the Eastern Conference quarterfinals at 1-1. "There's no easy games, and it's only going to get harder. I hope we've learned our lesson."' … [Read more...] about Reality check for Sabres

'Owner Charles Wang used his private jet to fly goaltender Rick DiPietro in to Buffalo, hoping his franchise goalie would be the difference in a series that still sees the Sabres as an overwhelming favorite. It was the kind of thing a power-hungry technology tycoon might do to impress his buddies in the Hamptons.' … [Read more...] about Islanders give another lesson on not using your head

'The Islanders hadn’t scored in their first six power plays of the postseason, but did so soon after a call on winger Maxim Afinogenov. As he backchecked Miroslav Satan in the neutral zone, Afinogenov appeared to have pulled the puck cleanly from Satan, but as he turned up ice, Afinogenov pulled on Satan’s body lightly with his stick.' … [Read more...] about Isles get winner on power play

With DiPietro Back in the Islanders’ Crease, Buffalo Folds (New York Times) Slick Rick, Isles foil Sabres (New York Daily News) In a Rick of Time! (New York Post) DP's return is great equalizer (New York Newsday) Isles are different with DiPietro (New York Newsday) Getting familiar: Yashin demoted (New York Newsday) Simon can't play, but he can cheer (New York … [Read more...] about Sunday’s New York Coverage

'With the two of the best goalies in the NHL going head-to-head last night, the only way to win is a pile up in front and that's why defencemen have six of the eight goals so far.' … [Read more...] about DiPietro makes a difference

'By winning Game 2, the Islanders stole home-ice advantage from the Presidents' Trophy winner and head home with momentum, and a less nervous, less rusty DiPietro. "You take any No.1 goalie from any team in this league, that's a big loss," said Islanders coach Ted Nolan.' … [Read more...] about DiPietro breathes new life into N.Y.

'But the Sabres let the Islanders regain the lead when they ran into penalty trouble midway through the third period. This was not the way the sellout crowd of 18,690 saw it, though. The fans were enraged when Sabres winger Maxim Afinogenov was called for hooking and apoplectic when Islanders defenceman Marc-Andre Bergeron scored on the power play to put the Islanders ahead.' … [Read more...] about DiPietro returns to lead Islanders past Sabres