'The biggest positive surprises for the Sabres almost all involved young players who are nowhere near as good as they will be, and probably sooner rather than later. Rookie defenseman Marc Andre Gragnani had a goal and six assists and made us wonder why he wasn't with the big club earlier.' … [Read more...] about Flyers Were Better But Sabres Have Upside
Archives for April 27, 2011
Sabres season ends; new owner’s job just beginning
'That leaves the Sabres preparing for an offseason under a new owner with deep pockets, a willingness to spend and an objective to deliver Buffalo a championship.' … [Read more...] about Sabres season ends; new owner’s job just beginning
Flyers finish off Sabres' season
'"It's not a good a feeling to have to chase the final few minutes of your season," defenseman Chris Butler said. "It's disappointing to know that we had a good chance to win this series, and to be where we are now just sucks."' … [Read more...] about Flyers finish off Sabres’ season
Fortune turns against Miller
'"We almost got away with that first period and maybe it would have been a different game," Miller said. "I thought we were going to get away with it and it was a tough bounce. ... It changed direction on me a bit. I was reaching to play it to the corner and it ended up diving down off Mike."' … [Read more...] about Fortune turns against Miller
Classy Grier disconsolate at end of a good run
'"You know, the guys battled hard all year," said Grier, his voice cracking. "I gotta block that shot on the first goal. I tried to catch it. It went off my glove and went in. It gave them some momentum. It's just disappointing. I don't know how much longer I have to play."' … [Read more...] about Classy Grier disconsolate at end of a good run
Serious injuries would have carried over to next round
'Ruff revealed the leg gash suffered by Jason Pominville in Game Five was serious, and that a tendon had been sliced. The winger needs surgery and the injury would have kept him sidelined 4-6 months had the injury happened during the regular season. Ruff also said center Tim Connolly would have been out six weeks with an undisclosed injury after taking Mike Richards' hit … [Read more...] about Serious injuries would have carried over to next round
Breaking down Game Seven
'Turning point: Danny Briere worked ex-teammate Paul Gaustad on a faceoff in the Buffalo zone, the draw going to defenseman Braydon Coburn. His shot found the net with just 18.5 seconds left in the first period, giving the Flyers a well-deserved 1-0 lead and a springboard to a blowout.' … [Read more...] about Breaking down Game Seven
Future softens blow of first round exit
'But when it came down to it, the Flyers’ skill and experience overcame Buffalo’s mettle.' … [Read more...] about Future softens blow of first round exit
Replacements provided little reinforcement
'“We threw in two bodies that hadn’t played,” Ruff said. “That’s not easy, and you’re asking them to play a major role in a Game 7. Jochen Hecht hasn’t even had a practice with the team and Derek’s been out for four months. I know he’s been doing conditioning and everything, but there’s nothing like playing … [Read more...] about Replacements provided little reinforcement
Wednesday's Philadelphia Coverage
Flyers eliminate Sabres with 5-2 win in Game 7 (Philadelphia Inquirer) Invisible man Coburn makes a big showing (Philadelphia Inquirer) Calm Boucher steady between the pipes (Philadelphia Inquirer) Flyers get it done (Philadelphia Inquirer) Return of Pronger gives the power play a big jolt (Philadelphia Inquirer) Photo gallery (Philadelphia Inquirer) Flyers rattle Sabres … [Read more...] about Wednesday’s Philadelphia Coverage
Flyers roll over Sabres to advance
'And, when all was said and done, the most talented team won.' … [Read more...] about Flyers roll over Sabres to advance
Sabres' Pominville out 4-6 months
'"It was the worst cut I have ever seen," Ruff told the QMI Agency, moments after finishing his post-game press conference. "I didn't even want to look at it."' … [Read more...] about Sabres’ Pominville out 4-6 months
Briere Helps Flyers Oust the Sabres
'Afterward, he talked about what it was like to face his former team: “Honestly, it was one of the toughest series I’ve had to go through. When you’re facing a lot of friends -- it’s no secret that in the playoffs there are no friends. You’re out there, it doesn’t matter who has the puck, you’re going through them.”' … [Read more...] about Briere Helps Flyers Oust the Sabres
Flyers advance with 5-2 win over Sabres in Game 7
'“They got the pucks in the net, they got the bounces, and we couldn’t get anything going and couldn’t cash in until the third,” Miller said.' … [Read more...] about Flyers advance with 5-2 win over Sabres in Game 7
Sabres to play preseason game at Mannheim
'The preseason game will be played on Oct. 4 at Mannheim, the NHL and the NHL Players’ Association announced Tuesday. It will be a homecoming for Sabres forward Jochen Hecht, who is from Mannheim and played five seasons with Adler.' … [Read more...] about Sabres to play preseason game at Mannheim