SabreSpace

'``We played a hard game, a little taxed on defense, but I thought we battled to the bitter end. It was a big effort for us,'' Buffalo coach Lindy Ruff said. ``They made a mistake ... and I look down [at the Lightning bench] and you could see that [Tortorella] is just livid. It wasn't the start they wanted. It's tough when you get behind. The road team … [Read more...] about Lightning Let Golden Opportunity Slip Past

'``It's old-time hockey,'' Sabres coach Lindy Ruff said. ``That's good for the game ... their goalie is in it, our goalie's in it. That builds team character.''' … [Read more...] about Grahame-Varada Bout: `Old-Time Hockey'

'"Everyone wants to believe our team has quit," Ruff said. "We want to play the role of spoiler. We're going to lose our share of games, but we're going to keep coming."' … [Read more...] about Sabres hold Lightning back

'"Johnny is standing in the crease and the puck is outside the blue line. What is (Varada) doing in the crease?" Lukowich said. "The league has gotten to the point where there is no respect between players anymore. It's an unwritten rule you don't go after the goalie. A guy goes out and does something like that, it's completely … [Read more...] about 'Gutless play' makes Grahame fighting mad

'Zhitnik, Sabres, 30: He averages 25:42 and is minus-3 on a team that has been outscored 132-162. The Sabres likely would have to pick up part of his contract. Salary: $3.75-million (one more season). Interest: high.' … [Read more...] about Team seeking perfect fit in a defenseman

Afinogenovs first goal of the season came in his 13th game. He returned on Jan. 24 after missing the first 46 games with post-concussion syndrome. … [Read more...] about Sabres 4, Lightning 1

Buffalo has won just three of its last 13 games overall. … [Read more...] about Buffalo 4, Tampa Bay 1

'"He has to be willing to engage physically in today's game," Ruff said. "His play will get a lot better when he gets the confidence to put himself in those situations where he's going to get hit, get leaned on."' … [Read more...] about Afinogenov can't find his 'max'

'"In my mind," Noronen said, "I was planning to be here the whole year and really challenge Marty to take that No. 1 spot. But it never really happened. Right now I have 11/2 months to prove something for myself that I can do it here."' … [Read more...] about Noronen happy to get skate in the NHL door again

'Winger Ales Kotalik was a minus-3 on Friday but still leads Buffalo with a plus-4 rating.' … [Read more...] about Sabres vs. Lightning

'Well, there's interest in Satan and Zhitnik, and teams would entertain the price tag for Chris Gratton. The Flyers want Satan or Zhitnik or both and have high draft picks and prospects available for departure. Satan might already be gone if he had an agent who could help broker a deal. Gratton's size and skill are seductive, and he has shown up for the Sabres in … [Read more...] about Playoff contenders show interest in Satan, Zhitnik, Gratton

'Tampa Bay is 0-5-2 in seven meetings since Feb. 1, 2001.' … [Read more...] about Sabres vs. Lightning

'Noronen started the year as the Sabres' backup and went 0-6-1 with a 3.54 goals-against average. In 19 games with Rochester, Noronen was 5-9-5 with a 2.82 goals-against average.' … [Read more...] about Sabres demote Miller, recall Noronen

The Buffalo Sabres still haven't found an identity this year. This past week epitomized the entire season in a nutshell. The Sabres split their four this past week and once again could not get any momentum going. Friday night, they lost to the Los Angeles Kings 4-1. … [Read more...] about Sabres still floundering on the bottom

'The night was roughest for Miller, and the agony didn't end after the final horn. The rookie was demoted to the minors. He declined to comment as he left the arena.' … [Read more...] about 'Killer' goals by Kings doom Sabres