Archives for February 5, 2009

'“It’s been much better the last couple of days,” he said. “I talked to doctors yesterday and everything is okay so I’m ready to jump in and play.”' … [Read more...] about Spacek, Hecht return to the lineup

'When Tim Connolly scored his eighth goal in eight games 2:52 into the contest, the Sabres already had Toronto, which lost Tuesday at home, on its heels.' … [Read more...] about Energetic Sabres rout Maple Leafs

'"Realizing when you have to lock in defensively really has been the key," Ruff said. "It's about making a higher-percentage play instead of going after the low-percentage offensive play when you've got the lead and you're in the last 10 minutes of a game. I think our team is finally starting to catch on that we don't have to get five or six goals -- we can win … [Read more...] about The swagger is back for evolving Sabres

'So what did Sabres viewers get to experience over the course of this road trip? A lot of strange graphics and unfamiliar commercials, some really bad camera work and sophomoric announcers, and a newfound appreciation for having a top-flight video production team and an icon for a play-by-play man.' … [Read more...] about Oh, how we missed Rick Jeanneret and MSG!

'What's surprising isn't the Sabres' five goals, it is the relative ease with which they scored them. Toronto didn't put up any fight, unless you call the 11 penalties the Leafs took "putting up a fight."' … [Read more...] about Raking The Leafs

'"If we can see more games like this, it's going to be good," said Sabres goaltender Ryan Miller, who posted his second straight shutout. "It's the kind of game we're going to have to play to be a playoff team. In the playoffs, you're going to run into teams that are as boring as heck. Tonight, we weren't boring. We were just good."' … [Read more...] about Sabres look the part of a playoff team

'"Craig has meant a lot," coach Lindy Ruff said. "We paired Gragnani with him. I thought he settled him down some. We have a veteran guy who has played with young guys and brought some young players along in San Jose. I thought he did a nice job with Butler, too. Craig has their ear on the bench, and he has their ear in practice. He's been a good example for … [Read more...] about Healthy Rivet gives Sabres an edge

'"When I'm not playing well, I think he likes to sit me down for a few shifts or a period and make me think about it," Vanek said. "Is it something I enjoy? Definitely not. I would like to keep playing through when I'm struggling but that's the way it is."' … [Read more...] about Vanek’s hat trick is a natural wonder

'"We tried to take as much precaution to give ourselves as much as we could by staying overnight (in Anaheim Monday), traveling during the day (on Tuesday) and trying to keep the day normal, spreading out the ice time and giving Millsie some rest," Ruff said. "All that was important and it worked out well."' … [Read more...] about Vanek nets hat trick as Sabres blank Leafs

'It’s obvious, however, that the Sabres hadn’t give up on him. Not by a long shot. And give Stafford credit, he’s hardly let the bit of NHL service he’s had get to his head. He was front and center at the team’s developmental camp when it rolled through Niagara University last summer. And hard work pays off -- it’s taken time for Stafford to … [Read more...] about Stafford&#8217s ecomeback&#8217 finally complete

'The hat trick was the fifth of his career, and marked the fourth straight time he’s done so in natural fashion -- all in a row.' … [Read more...] about Vanek&#8217s trick is natural again

Pogge hung out to dry (Toronto Sun) Grabovski banished to box (Toronto Sun) Toskala not done (Toronto Sun) Leafs get flattened but Pogge impresses (Toronto Star) Pogge hung out to dry (Toronto Globe and Mail) Leafs hang Pogge out to dry, again (National Post) Photo gallery (MapleLeafs.com) Photo gallery (Sabres.com) Photo gallery (Buffalo News) … [Read more...] about Thursday’s Toronto Coverage

'The Maple Leafs were outshot 32-16 while showing no spark. They still appeared stunned after squandering a two-goal third-period lead in a 4-3 overtime loss to Florida on Tuesday.' … [Read more...] about Vanek scores 3, helping Sabres blank Leafs

'The Sabres, meanwhile, had gone to great lengths to be ready for this game and were thrilled with the result. They’ve learned in the past that a return home isn’t always sweet. “Sometimes you come back home and you relax, sit on the couch a little bit longer,” said Miller. “You just breathe a sigh of relief, you’re not travelling hotel to … [Read more...] about Vanek scores three, Miller makes 16 saves as Buffalo hammers Maple Leafs 5-0

'There have been 137 coaching changes in the NHL since Ruff was hired by the Sabres in July 1997, according to the Elias Sports Bureau. While that number alone is staggering, consider the anecdotal evidence - Craig Hartsburg has now lost three NHL head coaching jobs over that period.' … [Read more...] about Sabres coach Lindy Ruff marvels at own longevity in wake of latest NHL firing