Archives for October 2008

'"I was happy to help," said Miller. "I felt good coming to the game. My focus has been to increase my awareness, my energy level, (and I've been) trying to do that during the course of the week during practice."' … [Read more...] about Buffalo 3, Boston 2 (SO)

'He scores goals, plain and simple. Vanek is a home-run hitter, and in a league where only 10 guys had 40 or more last year, and players who pop 27 like Ryan Malone get $4.5 million a season in free agency, he's unique.' … [Read more...] about Sabres getting their money’s worth out of rising star Vanek

'Paille has impressed his coach, the fans at the mall and anybody who appreciates Joe the Plumber with his two-way style that works on any level. It has become increasingly effective in the ever-evolving NHL, where parity has become so strong that many games this season will be determined by the team best completing the dirty jobs.' … [Read more...] about Extra effort paying off for Paille

'What did it all mean to the high-scoring winger? “Not much,” Vanek said. “It’s nice. It shows you that you had a good start, obviously, but at the same time I’m a lot more happy with where the team is at five games into the season. That’s the main focus.”' … [Read more...] about Hot start nets Vanek league honors

'"We missed the right-hand shot back there without Teppo last year," says Buffalo centre Adam Mair, a Hamilton resident, who's a right-hand shot himself. "We had six left shots on defence. Which made it difficult, if your defencemen were coming around on the backhand. Now we have the two righthanded shots and it's huge for us. As an organization they knew it, and … [Read more...] about Right-handed defencemen

Sabres thumbnails (Boston Globe) Boston (2-1-2) at Buffalo (4-0-1) (AP) Sabres look to keep rolling against Bruins (Sportsticker) Boston Bruins (2-1-2) at Buffalo Sabres (4-0-1) (The Sports Network) Game Day: Bruins @ Buffalo (BostonBruins.com) … [Read more...] about Tuesday’s Boston Coverage

'"The people that know me know that it has never been about the money," he said. "I left at an early age from back home to chase my dream of playing in the NHL and win a Stanley Cup. The money is not going to change the work I do in the offseason."' … [Read more...] about Torrid start helps Vanek, Sabres in USA Today Power Rankings

Dineen on WBLM This Thursday (PortlandPirates.com) Pirates Coaches on WJAB This Week (PortlandPirates.com) … [Read more...] about Tuesday’s Portland Coverage

'Vanek has nine points (7-2) in his first five games and is off to the best start of his four-year career.' … [Read more...] about Buffalo Sabres left-winger Thomas Vanek named NHL first star of week

'Proudly displayed, with a Sabres logo on each wing, is a stuffed turquoise bird that currently serves as a unique incentive for the team.' … [Read more...] about The pigeon of the game

'"No, no one talked to me. I put the same pressure on myself this year than I did last year. And this year it's working out. Like I said, I think it's just my personality. I don't think anyone's going to tell me to settle down or something. I have high expectations of myself. I think until I lose those expectations, I don't have 'em any more, I think I'm taking a step … [Read more...] about Thomas Vanek conference call

'"It's never been about the money, from the time I left Austria when I was 14 to come to North America to see if I could make a career for myself in hockey," said Vanek, now 24. "I can honestly look you straight in the eyes and say that I'm the same player whether I'm making $600,000 or $10 million."' … [Read more...] about Vanek makes you believe he’s too good to be true

'Hockey Canada put together its management team for the 2010 Olympics over the weekend, and its next step is selecting a coaching staff. Though that likely won’t happen until summer, several reports say Ruff is on a short list to be behind the bench.' … [Read more...] about Ruff in line for shot at Olympics

Pirates fail to derail Bruins' opening run (Portland Press Herald) Portland nets first goal, but P-Bruins storm back for 4-1 victory (Providence Journal) Bruins Claw Past Pirates, 4-1 (PortlandPirates.com) P-Bruins defeat Pirates 4-1 (ProvidenceBruins.com) … [Read more...] about Monday’s Portland Coverage

Springfield Falcons lose home opener (Springfield Republican) Pirates Hang on for 3-2 Win over Springfield (PortlandPirates.com) Falcons fall to Pirates 3-2 (FalconsAHL.com) … [Read more...] about Sunday’s Portland Coverage