Archives for September 2009

'"Besides the goals, there's a lot more that comes with it," Vanek said in HSBC Arena. "What comes with that is taking your team to the next step and getting into the playoffs consistently. That's something I'm disappointed at in myself, that I wasn't [a] good enough leader on the ice to get us there."' … [Read more...] about Vanek poised to become part of NHL’s elite

'"We made some progress [Friday]," Sabres General Manager Darcy Regier said. "I think both sides worked very hard at trying to get a deal done. Unfortunately, we still don't have a deal. But we'll continue working. And in light of that, Drew wanted to be here, and we thought it was best that he is here for the start."' … [Read more...] about Stafford arrives without new deal

'“I think there are a couple of important factors when you look at situations like this,” Regier said of his decision to allow Stafford to skate. “Probably the most important thing is that you really want to keep pressure on the process. There is a lot of pain if you don’t have the player, and there’s a lot of pain if the player isn’t here. I … [Read more...] about Regier, Stafford making progress

'The Sabres have invited Stafford, a three-year veteran, to participate in camp, Neil Sheehy, his agent, said by phone Friday. He wouldn’t say if Stafford would be on the ice without a contract. “Every player wants to play,” Sheehy said.' … [Read more...] about Sabres’ Stafford still not signed

'The key to reaching the playoffs could be the fragile Connolly. The star-crossed center has missed 68 games over the past two seasons with groin, hip and back injuries, and sat out 80 games with concussion issues three years ago. When healthy, Connolly is capable of scoring 30 goals and 80 points.' … [Read more...] about NHL countdown: No. 19 Buffalo Sabres

'For the team the positives of Connolly far outweigh the negatives. He is a point per game scorer with great playmaking ability and solid chemistry with his linemates. A full season of Connolly could be the difference between making the playoffs or a third straight summer of early tee times in Buffalo.' … [Read more...] about Sabres look to be rewarded this season

'"There were games where we were in ... a couple of times and I thought maybe, with a little bit more size, we would've been able to push through," he said. "If you look at where the league has gone, it just seems that some of the grit is getting back into the game again, and I think the bigger guys seem to be pushing ahead of the smaller skilled players."' … [Read more...] about Sabres aim to end playoff drought

'He played sparingly in Buffalo last season even though he was healthy. "I hate to use that term 'the door closed.' I think they're going in a different direction," Peters said. "More skill, faster players with some grit. I guess they're not going to carry an enforcer. The writing was kind of on the wall last year when I only played 28 games."' … [Read more...] about Fighter Andrew Peters gets NJ Devils training camp tryout

'Obviously with Adam Mair going down to start the season, you’re looking up front that there could be a possibility. On the back end we do have - with Nathan Paetsch - seven defensemen, but we do have some interesting looks on the back end that we will certainly take a look at.' … [Read more...] about Lindy Ruff Interview

'“I felt he was an extremely good fit in the organization, not only with what he brings as an individual, but how it seems to rub off on a lot of people,” Dineen said. “Those are the kind of players and people that you want to surround your future with. He is one of those guys that will never be the first to admit that he has the highest talent level. And what … [Read more...] about Home, sweet home for DiPenta

'"We've missed the playoffs two years in a row, and if somebody takes your spot, they take your spot," coach Lindy Ruff said Friday. "I think you have to be ready to make room for them."' … [Read more...] about Battle for Sabre jobs begins today

'"It's always money," Regier said. "Every one of these situations has always come down to money. 'Not enough,' from their side, and, 'Too much,' from our side."' … [Read more...] about Sabres, Stafford stuck in contract stalemate

'"My goal from Day One when I was 18 years old and came here was to make this team," Weber said Thursday. "I feel like I'm finally in a position where it's my spot. I'm 21 years old now. I'm a little bit older, a little bit more mature. This is my season."' … [Read more...] about Weber says he shouldn’t be overlooked

'“I don’t expect anybody (to make the team),” Sabres coach Lindy Ruff said. “I would expect them to make a push to make the team. I can’t say that Iwould expect them.”' … [Read more...] about Sabres&#8217 camp has focus on youth

'“You talk to other coaches, and the first player they ask about is, `Is that Myers kid going to make the team?”’ Ruff said. “That is something special when a player isn’t on your team and you’ve got other teams or coaches asking about him. He’s been noticed.”' … [Read more...] about Sabres have high hopes for tall rookie Myers