Archives for October 2008

'“My initial thoughts would be to rotate it again,” Ruff said after Saturday’s practice in HSBC Arena. “We’ve discussed it as a staff but still haven’t come to a conclusion. I think the guys liked it. Each month when I awarded the captaincy, guys gave a little speech and it was something they looked forward to."' … [Read more...] about Captain situation unsettled

'“[It’s] 100 percent. Absolutely,” Connolly said after practice when asked if he hoped to play in the opener. “I played one preseason game last year and got off to the best start of my career [seven points in the first five games]. If you can play, you can play. I feel great. I’m ready to go out there and compete.”' … [Read more...] about Connolly expects to be ready for opener

'"You're always disappointed, especially when you spent a full year in the NHL, but that's the way it is," said Darche, who has played in 102 games for four NHL teams during his nine-year professional career. "Right now, I couldn't care less about the Buffalo Sabres. When I'm down here, it's this team. I'm going to do everything in my power to help this team … [Read more...] about Darche brings NHL skill to Portland

'“This is the team we kind of expected it was going to be,” the forward said. “It was tough for young guys. Some of them had a really good training camp, and it’s good to know for the organization that they have guys playing in Portland that can immediately step in, and as well it’s a good feeling for the future of the organization."' … [Read more...] about Sabres send out 8, get close to limit

'Enroth, selected by the Sabres in the second round of the 2006 NHL draft, could have spent one more season playing in his native Sweden, but he decided to sign with Buffalo and play in North America. "I wanted to learn to play over here on the smaller ice surfaces and get use to it," he said.' … [Read more...] about Young netminders sharing a common goal

'“I grew up in the same hometown as Danny Paille and Andrew Peters was right around the corner [St. Catharines, Ont.]. Coming in I know those two guys personally and there are a lot of faces there that I played against and competed with either in Junior or the AHL... in Rochester that are now graduated here.”' … [Read more...] about Ellis happy to be home

'Gerbe, Buffalo's fifth-round draft pick in 2005, signed a three-year deal potentially worth $2.55 million in May after he led Boston College to the national title. The 5-foot-5 forward tied an NCAA tournament record with seven goals. He led the nation in scoring with 68 points (35 goals, 33 assists) in 43 games. Kennedy, a sixth-round pick in 2005, signed a two-year deal … [Read more...] about Sabres trim Gerbe and Kennedy from roster

'Heading to Portland are: forwards Mathieu Darche (pending waivers), Mark Mancari (pending waivers), Nathan Gerbe, Tim Kennedy, Dylan Hunter and Marek Zagrapan; and defensemen Chris Butler and Michael Funk.' … [Read more...] about Sabres assign eight players to Portland

'“We forechecked good. We were really patient,” Jochen Hecht said. “I think it was really good teamwork. Every line got a goal and everyone contributed.”' … [Read more...] about Balancing act leads Sabres to victory

Blue Jackets come up loser in snoozer (Columbus Dispatch) Hockey-loving bishop tends goal against Jackets (Columbus Dispatch) Russian prospects awaiting approval to play in Canada (Columbus Dispatch) Post Game Quotes (BlueJackets.com) … [Read more...] about Friday’s Columbus Coverage

From small beginnings, Pirates season starts (Portland Press Herald) … [Read more...] about Friday’s Portland Coverage

'Jochen Hecht and Ales Kotalik had a goal and an assist each to lead the Buffalo Sabres past the Columbus Blue Jackets 5-2 in a preseason game Thursday night.' … [Read more...] about Sabres Beat Columbus 5-2 behind Hecht and Kotalik

'Thomas Vanek, Teppo Numminen and Nathan Gerbe also scored for the Sabres, while Patrick Lalime stopped 27 shots.' … [Read more...] about Buffalo 5, Columbus 2

'Ryan Miller finished with 21 saves for the Sabres, who are 1-3-1 in the preseason. The franchise has not had a losing preseason since 2003-04.' … [Read more...] about Sabres drop second in row to Minnesota

'In what may be a ground-breaking collaboration between sports and culture, the Sabres are providing office space for the Theatre Alliance in HSBC Arena as well as software to develop a Web site. In addition, the hockey club will give the theater group access to Sabres Insider subscribers for online ticket and special events promotions.' … [Read more...] about Sabres give boost to prospects for a vibrant Theatre Alliance here