Archives for March 2, 2014

'Theories circulating Saturday ranged from Pegula’s cronies ganging up on LaFontaine and getting in the owner’s ear to LaFontaine feeling overwhelmed and buckling under stress from the job. One source said Pegula was furious with LaFontaine while another said he was in tears over his departure.' … [Read more...] about Dysfunction returns to the Sabres’ front office

'“That’s never happened to me in pro hockey,” added defenseman Mike Weber. “You go from everyone getting ready to getting dressed, to going out for warm-ups, to a little bit of mass chaos.”' … [Read more...] about Players still trying to process trade of Miller, Ott

'“I was in full-on panic mode to be honest,” Vinz said. “I was not expecting it or ready for it. I’m just glad I was able to be part of it. I was working on a presentation I have to give on Monday for HarborCenter and I was really focused on that. I skipped dinner with a co-worker, too. It probably was a good thing I stayed in the office.”' … [Read more...] about Vinz gets his 60 minutes of fame

'While I've gotten to know other players better – I can tell you how Toni Lydman prepares his Christmas dinner and what Matt Ellis watches on TV – I've talked with Miller more than anyone. The goaltender is certainly the most cerebral athlete I've covered, and the 1,000 or so conversations have been great.' … [Read more...] about Top Miller moment a misunderstanding

'LaFontaine, whose No. 16 hangs from the First Niagara Center rafters, brought credibility and hope to the Sabres after the team became a laughingstock amid one of the worst starts in NHL history.' … [Read more...] about Stunner: Pat LaFontaine resigns from Sabres

'“If you don’t call this a chance, then I don’t know what a chance is,” Enroth said Friday after making 36 saves in the Sabres’ 4-2 win against the San Jose Sharks. “I’m not going to try to put too much pressure on this moment. I’ll just try to be myself and stay professional.”' … [Read more...] about Sabres goalie Jhonas Enroth ready to seize starting job with Ryan Miller gone

'“Obviously, boys were asking a lot of questions and not a lot of info was getting kicked to us. Obviously, we didn’t even know they were traded. We heard that they were getting held out because something was close.”' … [Read more...] about Sabres’ blockbuster trade rocked dressing room before game

'The last tangible tie to the Golisano era — to Darcy Regier and Lindy Ruff — is no longer a Buffalo Sabre.' … [Read more...] about Miller’s departure marks a Sabres low point

Blues move all-in with Miller deal (Saint Louis Post Dispatch) Miller is looking forward to a new era with Blues (Saint Louis Post Dispatch) Time to win is now for Blues, who go all-in on Miller (Belleville News Democrat) … [Read more...] about Sunday’s Saint Louis Coverage

'“The last straw was the Ryan Miller trade,” Lavoie reported on Twitter. “Pat LaFontaine was pushing to give Miller an extension. Tim Murray was pushing for a trade.”' … [Read more...] about Pat LaFontaine resigns from his post as president of hockey operations for Sabres

'''Terry Pegula hired me in November, and my primary objective was to lead the Sabres organization through a time of transition,'' LaFontaine said in the Sabres' release. ''I'm proud of what we've been able to accomplish in a short period of time, and want to thank Terry and Kim Pegula for the opportunity and their support during my time with the Sabres.''' … [Read more...] about LaFontaine resigns as Buffalo Sabres president

'''There's no untouchables,'' Murray said before the Miller trade. ''It's a rebuild.''' … [Read more...] about After deal, Sabres look ahead as more changes loom

'LaFontaine will return to his job with the NHL, the Sabres said, after an apparent disagreement over the trade. Miller and Ott were dealt to the Blues in exchange for Jaroslav Halak, Chris Stewart, prospect William Carrier, a first-round draft pick in 2015 and a third-round draft pick in 2016.' … [Read more...] about LaFontaine leaves Sabres after trade

'The Buffalo Sabres have announced Pat LaFontaine has resigned as President of Hockey Operations. Both Sabres Owner Terry Pegula and Pat LaFontaine have issued statments through the team.' … [Read more...] about Pat LaFontaine Resigns as President of Hockey Operations

'Murray seems unafraid which is just what the Sabres need. The need aggressiveness in that post and it seems like Murray got very good value in his first effort. There of course is a long ways to go even to get to 3:00 on Wednesday.' … [Read more...] about Fans had to know the Miller trade needed to happen