Archives for May 4, 2007

'With the best-of-seven series against New York tied at 2, Buffalo also welcomed back forward Maxim Afinogenov, who returned after being a healthy scratch in a 2-1 loss in Game 4 at New York on Tuesday. The additions led the Sabres to sit out rookie forward Drew Stafford, who had two goals and two assists in nine playoff games, and Daniel Paille, who played his first game … [Read more...] about Sabres C Gaustad back for Game 5 after missing 3 months

'“They've been making sure they’re in shot lanes, giving us the outside and not making the entries easy on us,” he said. “That’s a big part of the power play when you’re able to get in under control and get the power play set up. We’ve been doing a good job moving the puck around,” he said. “We’ve just got to … [Read more...] about Sabres hoping to henerate positive power play energy

'Drury's theory is this: if you're mentally and physically ready for a game, your performance is almost predetermined. You're going to be fine. If you're not, don't sweat the small stuff or pet the sweaty stuff or something. You're going down.' … [Read more...] about What’s inside?

'After what happened Tuesday night in New York City, the Buffalo Sabres and their fans have every right to be furious. They've simply worked too hard and come too far to have their Stanley Cup dreams put in jeopardy because of one play.' … [Read more...] about Now or never

'"We still watch for sure and there's always little jabs going around the room with all the different countries represented in our dressing room," said centre Daniel Briere, a two-time gold medallist with Canada at the tournament. "Guys are watching and it's fun to keep an eye on."' … [Read more...] about NHL players keep tabs on world championship and even trade shots over it

'"As long as I don't have any proof that it was him who said that, I have a hard time believing that story, I can't believe it," Briere said in a media scrum conducted in French. "Shane is one of my best friends. He's never said anything racist towards anybody since I've known him. I've never even heard him swear."' … [Read more...] about Sabres star Daniel Briere: No way Shane Doan ever said what he's accused of

'Hamilton said Drew Stafford will likely be the line-up casualty, and that Jason Pominville should drop down to the fourth line, with Adam Mair and Gaustad. Daniel Paille is out of the line-up with the return of Maxim Afinogenov, a healthy scratch in Game Four.' … [Read more...] about Gaustad In; Stafford Likely Out

'That’s superstar money. It would be nice if he played like one.' … [Read more...] about Put-up time arrives for Briere

'“It’s tough to create anything,” said right wing Ales Kotalik, one of the few to have offensive flashes against Rangers with two goals on 16 shots. “We still believe in ourselves, and we have a good group of guys who can make things happen.”' … [Read more...] about No negative vibes from Ruff

'Fans are pulling their hair out wondering what’s wrong with the lovable and supposedly unbeatable Swords, the so-called darlings of the new NHL. Granted, Buffalo didn’t play well in Madison Square Garden, but folks around here have been slow to recognize there’s another team on the ice in the Rangers.' … [Read more...] about Rangers have formula for whipping cream

'“That’s how things go,” Numminen said. “There’s ups and downs in games. You just have to keep going, keep focusing on your next shift and move on. Things happen, both good and bad. It’s part of the game. It’s what you get used to.”' … [Read more...] about Numminen hoping for better

'Buffalo has won just three of 14 series that have been even at 2-2.' … [Read more...] about Game Fives frighten fans of Sabres history

'“He brings a lot to the table,” goaltender Ryan Miller said. “He’s great on faceoffs, he’s a hard-working guy, he sets the tone when he’s on the ice.”' … [Read more...] about Stafford ready to yield spot if Gaustad returns

'The Sabres double overtime loss in Game Three averaged a 30 local rating. Local advertisers haven’t seen a number like that since the NFL season ended. It was the highest-rated program of the week, even topping “American Idol” by a substantial margin.' … [Read more...] about Sabres mania is good business for Channel 2

'"There's going to be tough battles throughout a seven-game series. I think the feeling is it's got to be 4 and 1 or 4 and 0 -- we shouldn't lose. My approach is going to be: Stay real aggressive. We're not going to play from the heels; we're going to play from the toes, and the message is having fun doing it."' … [Read more...] about Ruff wants Sabres to take risks, be positive