Archives for April 2011

'"For four months we asked them to go above and beyond, and they have done everything we have asked," coach Lindy Ruff said. "They haven't used an excuse in the book. We lost a lot of good players and we lost our goalie, and we found a way to get to this point. The disappointment was that we didn't find a way of getting by Game Six."' … [Read more...] about Turning point? Sabres have sixth sense

'It is possible that Zack Kassian will be wearing a Sabres uniform next season, and that adds not only talent but a boatload of meanness to this team.' … [Read more...] about Thank You Sabres

Pirates lose edge at home (Portland Press Herald) Sabres' series loss brings Pirates help (Portland Press Herald) Pirates feel they gave the game away (Maine Hockey Journal) Sizzlin' B-Sens win opener vs. Pirates (Binghamton Press and Sun Bulletin) Photo gallery (Binghamton Press and Sun Bulletin) Senators Grab Game One Win (PortlandPirates.com) B-Sens take Game 1 with … [Read more...] about Thursday’s Portland Coverage

'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

'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&#8217s job just beginning

'"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

'"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

'"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

'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

'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

'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

'“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

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

'And, when all was said and done, the most talented team won.' … [Read more...] about Flyers roll over Sabres to advance

'"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