Archives for April 2007

'Resilience, chemistry, veteran leadership, firepower on offense, a capable defense, depth and great goaltending are the necessary components for playoff success. Buffalo has them all. And that will turn Miller and his Sabres into Stanley Cup champions.' … [Read more...] about Playoff preview: Sabres will raise the Cup

'It’s not often you can debate whether a 40-plus goal scorer in the National Hockey League is too unselfish, but Vanek’s tendency to pass while deep in the zone has sparked that discussion.' … [Read more...] about Vanek scores, but does he shoot enough?

'"This community has stepped up big for us," said Sabres goalie Ryan Miller. "It means a lot to come the rink every night and be greeted by loyal fans."' … [Read more...] about Sabres wrap up sold-out season

Buffalo (52-21-7) at Washington (28-39-14) (AP) Vanek, Sabres continue march towards Presidents' Trophy (Sportsticker) Buffalo Sabres (52-21-7) at Washington Capitals (28-39-14) (The Sports Network) Caps Close Out Campaign Against Sabres (WashingtonCaps.com) Game notes (WashingtonCaps.com) Game # 81: Buffalo @ Washington (SabresFans.com) Sabres optimistic for Connolly, … [Read more...] about Saturday’s Washington Coverage (Updated 12:00 p.m.)

Amerks clinch playoff berth (Rochester D&C) Kaleta's check angers Bulldogs coach Lever (Rochester D&C) Amerks extend Bulldogs' skid (Hamilton Spectator) Rochester 2, Hamilton 1 (AP) Playoff Bound (RNews.com) Amerks earn playoff bid with 2-1 win over 'Dogs (Amerks.com) 'Dogs fall to Amerks (HamiltonBulldogs.com) … [Read more...] about Saturday’s Rochester Coverage

'"We'll see how he feels tomorrow and then make a decision," Ruff said. "If we do get him in and he feels well enough to play, the opportunity is there to look at him in both games. The plan is to get a read on whether he can be an asset to our team."' … [Read more...] about Ruff hopeful about Connolly’s return

'Buffalo tied the franchise mark it set last year by winning its 52nd game and did so in front of another packed house. HSBC Arena sold out its entire, 41-game home schedule for the first time since 1979-80, coach Lindy Ruff’s rookie season.' … [Read more...] about No place like home

'“A doctor can clear him to play, but let’s be realistic,” Ruff said Thursday before the Sabres played the Boston Bruins in HSBC Arena. “The conditioning part could be an issue.”' … [Read more...] about Ruff not sure if Connolly&#8217s ready

'"The postseason is another level," Ruff said. "The regular season is one, the postseason is another one. You've got to kick it up another gear for the playoffs. There's no hiding from that."' … [Read more...] about Vanek’s two goals help Sabres rally past Bruins

'Cunneyworth doesn’t break the ice the way Ruff does -- the latter was regarded as the ultimate prankster during his time as a player -- but he balances intense workouts with the fun that young guys crave. The result has been six winning seasons in seven years, an incredible record considering the fluctuation at the NHL level.' … [Read more...] about Is Cunneyworth next to make NHL?

'Afinogenov finished with 14:27 of playing time, and assisted on Derek Roy’s goal.' … [Read more...] about Afinogenov back in action, finished with assist

'"It's not about putting on a show," forward Thomas Vanek said. "We played sloppy for the first 20 minutes and I think we played playoff hockey for the last 40. I think for five out of the last six periods, we've played like we should. We've got two more games to go before we start playoff hockey again."' … [Read more...] about Sabres&#8217 highlight-reel offense wins out this time

'“They’ve obviously done a great job of drafting, but they’ve also left guys in the minors for quite a while,” Houda said. “And when I look at the lockout year, I think that was a huge year for the organization because a lot of the guys that are here right now played down there. You have (Thomas) Vanek, Roy, Pominville, Gaustad, Paetsch. Some of … [Read more...] about Grow up, Bruins

Things are looking up (Boston Globe) Just another loss in Buffalo (Boston Herald) Grow up, Bruins (Boston Herald) Buffalo Beats Bruins, 4-2 (BostonBruins.com) … [Read more...] about Friday’s Boston Coverage

'The Sabres welcomed back Maxim Afinogenov, who played his first game after missing 21 with a broken left wrist. Afinogenov showed he hadn't lost a step midway through the second period when he got around Ference and cut to the front of the net before having his sharp backhander stopped by Toivonen.' … [Read more...] about Buffalo 4, Boston 2