Archives for April 2011

'The Connolly line is a major reason why Buffalo begins the playoffs on a 16-4-4 run. Connolly, Vanek, and Pominville, all veterans, have combined for 47 points (19 goals, 28 assists) in the last 16 games.' … [Read more...] about For Flyers, shutting down Sabres team leader Thomas Vanek is imperative

For Flyers, shutting down Sabres team leader Thomas Vanek is imperative (Philadelphia Inquirer) Pronger misses practice as Flyers gear up to begin playoffs against Sabres (Philadelphia Inquirer) Blair Betts says he's healthy enough to play (Philadelphia Inquirer) Traveler Meszaros focused on Flyers' road to a Stanley Cup championship (Philadelphia Daily News) A powerful … [Read more...] about Tuesday’s Philadelphia Coverage

Turnbull adds toughness to playoff hopes (Portland Press Herald) … [Read more...] about Tuesday’s Portland Coverage

"With rookie Sergei Bobrovsky and his sweet new mask going up against American hero Ryan Miller in goal, there certainly will be some intrigue there to see if either goalie can carry them to victory. As for how we’re viewing this series, we’re expecting things to be especially fun if you like dramatic playoff series." … [Read more...] about Flyers vs. Sabres o Who do you have?

''If Connolly can play like a No. 2 center -- let alone a No. 1 -- the Sabres will win the series against Philadelphia. It really feels that simple. The Flyers’ 2010 run to the Cup Finals occurred against poor offensive teams and the Blackhawks were far too much for Philly’s beleaguered backstops to handle." … [Read more...] about The Gulf Between Golf and Round Two Wears No. 19

'“I think last year we were losing traction and this year we’ve had to gain ground to make the playoffs,” said Miller. “Last year, we were sliding and we managed to hold on to our division but I don’t think we finished with all that impressive of a record. This year, I think we did a better job of working our way into the playoffs because we had … [Read more...] about Sabres excited for second season

'On defenseman Jordan Leopold’s broken left thumb, Ruff claimed he didn’t know whether Leopold could play against Philadelphia. Leopold has missed eight games. Defenseman Andrej Sekera didn’t practice Monday because of an upper-body injury, but he worked out on his own and might be able to skate Tuesday. Ruff said forward Jochen Hecht was “not … [Read more...] about Surging Sabres prepare for Flyers

'The Anaheim Ducks and Buffalo Sabres will play Oct. 7 in Helsinki. The New York Rangers and Los Angeles Kings meet in Stockholm. The Sabres and Kings will play the following day in Berlin, with the Rangers taking on the Ducks in Stockholm.' … [Read more...] about NHL to play regular-season games in Europe again

'“That’s agood hockey club. We know that if you go down that lineup, they’re asdangerous as any team.”' … [Read more...] about Sabres know Flyers are still to be feared

'"They've got a tremendous lineup, a lot of guys offensively," Connolly said. "We're going to have to be playing our best defensively and just stick to the system. We can have a chance against anybody if we just stick to the system and work hard."' … [Read more...] about Sabres’ Connolly looking forward to series against Flyers

'"It's been great considering the way that we started the year," said Buffalo right winger Drew Stafford, who finished with 31 goals, one behind team leader Thomas Vanek, despite playing in just 62 games. "There might be a lot of people that might have doubted us considering the start we had. It's pretty cool to see that really none of that matters now."' … [Read more...] about Unlike Flyers, Buffalo finished strong

'Here are 10 things past and present about the Sabres to get you ready for the postseason...'. … [Read more...] about 10 things to ponder about the Sabres

Flyers pitting youth vs. maturity in goalie matchup with Buffalo (Philadelphia Inquirer) Flyers' Cup hopes ride on a fit Pronger (Philadelphia Inquirer) Will the bored Flyers wake up in time to go on a run for the Stanley Cup? (Philadelphia Inquirer) Unlike Flyers, Buffalo finished strong (Philadelphia Inquirer) Oddly, Flyers' goalie situation resembles Sabres' … [Read more...] about Monday’s Philadelphia Coverage

'Columnist Helene Elliot tweets that the Sabres will play the Anaheim Ducks on Oct. 7 in Helsinki, Finland, and on Oct. 8 against the Los Angeles Kings in Berlin, Germany. An official announcement is expected on Monday.' … [Read more...] about Report: Sabres to start 2011-12 season in Europe

'"I was more mentally worn down last year," said Myers, who added five pounds of muscle during the offseason. "I think during my first year in the League, I knew it was going to be a physical battle, but I thought mentally it was pretty draining by the end of the year. I thought I did a pretty good job of handling it, but it just gave me more experience coming into this year, … [Read more...] about After struggles in first playoff, Myers ready for Rd. 2