Archives for May 10, 2007

'Their future has been a question all season but somehow it hasn't become a distraction. Both Briere and Drury are unrestricted free agents July 1 and will be among the top centres on the market this summer. Like many Sabres fans, Mair is hoping something can be done to keep them in Buffalo. "At the end of the day, there is that salary cap structure in place where one, you … [Read more...] about Sabres’ co-captains mean everything to Buffalo. But will they stay?

'You can still tell Ray Emery where to go in Buffalo by logging on to our web site, WIVB.com. Look for the Ray Emery's Day Off link and please keep your suggestions clean.' … [Read more...] about Sabres Fans Still Buzzing About Emery Quote

'"Our first priority is to shut down Heatley, Alfredsson, and Spezza," said winger Jochen Hecht. "Not give them any momentum, just play them hard, and be in their face like we did against Jagr's line. We want to finish our checks against them and be tough to play against. If you take their offense away, they're going to get frustrated."' … [Read more...] about Operation: Shut Down Top Line

'"Miller is a picture of calm, poise and confidence," Button said. "His focus is strong and he reads situations well. When things get tough, he always seems to keep his team in the game." Against Miller, you have to try to undermine his calm demeanor. "You have to find a way to break that," Button added. "If you get a lead, you have to … [Read more...] about Conference finals: A look at the goalies

'“These are the types of games you want to play in as a hockey player,” Sabres defenseman Toni Lydman said Wednesday. “These are the games you want to be at. There’s going to be a lot of desperation on both teams.”' … [Read more...] about Sabres, Senators glad for a second chance

'“Then everybody remembers,” Spacek said. “Then it’s all pumped up and it’s war like before. You don’t really focus on it, but if it happens, it happens. Might be a little thing, like a crosscheck or a little slash, and everything’s fired up again.”' … [Read more...] about No cloaking these daggers

'“If he could possibly have any more motivation -- not that he would need any, but if you do -- that would give him a little extra motivation to perform even better, a little fire in his belly,” Sabres forward Adam Mair said. “He probably wants to go in there and play great and exact a little bit of recognition for himself and just continue to build off what … [Read more...] about Connolly climbs from sidelines to top line

'Bryan Murray and Ruff had one of the all-time arguments following the 12-man brawl earlier this season, but they actually have deep respect for each other. Murray was one of Ruff’s coaching mentors when both were with Florida. Murray became the fifth coach in NHL history to win 600 games, but this is the first time in his career that he has coached past the second round. … [Read more...] about Sabres, Sens strike a balance

'“I am,” Alfredsson said. “Not only because of what happened last year but they were the best team in the league this year. To go all the way you’re going to have to beat some good teams and Buffalo’s definitely one of them. I think we’re looking forward to this challenge. It’s different than the Pittsburgh and New Jersey series … [Read more...] about Alfie letting his play heal old playoff wounds

'“I’ve spent a lot of years building myself into what I am,” Miller said. “Basically, I’m a goaltender on and off the ice. There’s a noticeable difference in my personality between hockey time and summer time. There’s nothing hanging over your head, when there’s no game coming up, no real pressure. During the hockey season, I … [Read more...] about Miller learns to harness the fire inside

'“Nothing has changed. I like Bryan,” Ruff said. “We had a great relationship when I worked for him, and he actually does have a pretty good sense of humor.”' … [Read more...] about Ruff, Murray both seeking the last laugh

'“I think [Sabres] fever is hot when I drive by the Catholic church near my house, and it doesn’t list the Mass times or the inspirational message,” Sabres public relations director Michael M. Gilbert said. “It says, ‘Go Sabres.’ ”' … [Read more...] about Playoff tickets are a pricy pursuit

'New York Gov. Eliot L. Spitzer is putting up a supply of four dozen chicken wings from Buffalo’s Anchor Bar if the Sabres lose. If the Senators win, Spitzer is in line for a month’s worth of coffee from Tim Hortons, courtesy of Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty.' … [Read more...] about Spitzer winging it on playoff bet

'With 185 years between then, Goodman and Dunn have done a good deal of living. The two greatgrandmothers have plenty in common, but it’s Sabres hockey that has cemented their bond.' … [Read more...] about No age limit on Sabres fever

'"They were the team everybody was gunning for last year; they were the team everybody thought would go all the way," Pominville said. "I'm sure they kind of left with an empty feeling, just like we did (after losing in seven games to the Carolina Hurricanes in the conference finals)."' … [Read more...] about Sabres face new hunter