Archives for January 2008

'“Sometimes when you split people up, you get production,” Ruff said. “We’re looking for that little bit of a spark. It hasn’t been that we’ve played real poorly. . . . Maybe a tweak here or a tweak there can get us back on the right track.”' … [Read more...] about Ruff hoping switch gets Sabres in line

'“They spelled it out phonetically and it took me about 20 times staggering over it,” Miller said. “It’s just ingrained in my head now. You just keep going and going and going. I probably said it 30 or 40 times in a row. Then finally there was a few where I could stare [Aubin] in the eye and get it out. It was funny.”' … [Read more...] about Miller able to master Chinese line

Sens Gameday (Ottawa Sun) Sabres, Senators aim to end losing streaks (Sportsticker) … [Read more...] about Friday’s Ottawa Coverage

Stewart receives sixth promotion of season (Amerks.com) … [Read more...] about Friday’s Rochester Coverage

'"It's been two pretty demanding days," Ruff said. "The practice day was a pretty demanding day. (The game) took a lot out of everybody. (Wednesday) I thought we were sluggish, but we're going to push it as hard as we can with the on-ice and the off-ice to try to be ready for a real good practice (today)."' … [Read more...] about Sabres look to refocus

'I have one major criticism. NBC's coverage of the game was atrocious.' … [Read more...] about Reflections on the Winter Classic

'The great joy of the Buffalo game was that it presented hockey as we know and love it. The great danger of the Buffalo game is waxing nostalgia into disinterest.' … [Read more...] about NHL must build carefully on success of outdoor game

'The NHL has looked at its TV numbers for years and knows what they got. The outdoor game drew some viewers because it was different, a novelty or a curiosity or -- if you're a cruel person -- a freak show, but the league knows that a regular-season game involving any two of its best teams never gets a number like it got on New Year's Day, and that's not … [Read more...] about Sobering thoughts

'"I don't know. Still on the same schedule, day by day, week by week," said Numminen, catching his breath after a 90-minute practice. "But things are getting closer. We're moving in the right direction. ... They checked things out and things are like they should be."' … [Read more...] about Sabres D Numminen's heart checks out, timing for return uncertain

'The Sabres can’t afford to let Tuesday’s loss send them into an Edmonton- like tailspin. Not with a January schedule that includes just three home games. “We have to come back pretty fast,” said winger Ales Kotalik, who opened the shootout with Buffalo’s lone goal. “We have a really tough month coming up. Any hangover from this kind of game … [Read more...] about Sabres come out of the cold

'One year after scoring 43 goals, Vanek is on pace for 22 goals and 47 points. He has one goal and no assists in his last seven. Forget the huge contract (if such a thing is possible). He would be a colossal disappointment at last year’s money.' … [Read more...] about Sabres&#8217 woes reflection of Vanek&#8217s play

'“He’s doing a lot better,” said coach Lindy Ruff. “I’m hoping we can get him cleared for a normal practice the next couple days.”' … [Read more...] about Stafford close to being cleared for full practice

'Sabres officials were pleased when they looked at newspaper and Web site clippings. “I think, with the setting, the snow falling, the close game and the 83,000 people in one town watching hockey, I think that says a lot about this area and the passion we have for hockey,” Sabres public relations director Michael Gilbert said Wednesday.' … [Read more...] about Fans get warm review for Ice Bowl fervor

'Maybe the New Year's Day game in Orchard Park won't rejuvenate the NHL's fortunes in the United States. But it sure made more Americans pay attention to hockey than any game has in years.' … [Read more...] about Sabres-Penguins outdoor hockey thrills audience

'But cynicism has been hip checked. Watching the game in person or on television was a rare New Year's treat that thousands of families won't forget. And for the players, who play 82 games a year in one homogenized indoor arena after the next, it won't be an experience they forget. As the wind blew and flurries fell and these elite players pushed mini … [Read more...] about 'Classic' brings hockey back to its roots