'"His numbers speak for themselves," Ruff said of Essensa, who is now No. 3 in the Buffalo goaltending rotation. "I guess lack of confidence is what you'd have to call it in Bob. There's numbers there that are cause for concern."' … [Read more...] about End of the road for Essensa?
Sabres mid-season report
'With 40 games remaining, the Sabres have 37 points. Getting 90 points in a season usually assures a team will make the playoffs. That means the Sabres have to get 53 more points out of a possible 80. That's a big order.' … [Read more...] about Sabres mid-season report
Biron comes through as Sabres tame Wild
'The Sabres scored twice on the power play, successfully killed all six short-handed situations they faced against one of the NHL's best power plays and showed the kind of stifling defense they have played in seasons past.' … [Read more...] about Biron comes through as Sabres tame Wild
Sabres skate past Wild 4-1
'Ah, the penalties. That's where this game turned bizarre. Wild enforcer Matt Johnson was called for five -- five! -- minor penalties and was sitting in the penalty box when the Sabres scored two of their goals. "I was trying to be physical ... and bring some energy to the team," Johnson said. "And I tried to do it without taking penalties."' … [Read more...] about Sabres skate past Wild 4-1
Wild notebook
'Wild forward Stacy Roest was a healthy scratch for the fifth time in the past six games Sunday. Forward Andy Sutton was scratched for the sixth time in the past nine games.' … [Read more...] about Wild notebook
Good start fizzles
'"After the first 10 minutes, we seemed to get demoralized. I don't know why."' … [Read more...] about Good start fizzles
NHL's enforcers have lost their punch
'Meanwhile, Ray kept tapping on the glass between the two benches and taunting the Wild coaches. He yapped most of the game. Then on the ice, he'd cover up. But his team won 4-1, so I guess he gets the last laugh.' … [Read more...] about NHL's enforcers have lost their punch
Wiser Schultz returns
'Sunday's game was the only meeting between the Wild and Buffalo, but there was a chippy edge with enforcer Matt Johnson being agitated by the Sabres' Rob Ray.' … [Read more...] about Wiser Schultz returns
Sabres 4, Wild 1
'Rob Ray takes his job of enforcer seriously, and the Buffalo Sabres are a better team because of it. Ray goaded Minnesota's Matt Johnson into five minor penalties Sunday, and Buffalo scored a pair of power-play goals in a 4-1 victory over the Wild.' … [Read more...] about Sabres 4, Wild 1
Buffalo 4, Minnesota 1
'The teams combined for only 34 shots, including eight in the third period.' … [Read more...] about Buffalo 4, Minnesota 1
Sabres begin New Year on a low note
The Buffalo Sabres ended one year and opened a new one the same way... losing. Buffalo lost to the Carolina Hurricanes on New Year's Eve 5-4 and then proceeded to lose to the Calgary Flames 3-1 four nights later. Things are not getting any better for the men in red and black. … [Read more...] about Sabres begin New Year on a low note
Tight play needed against Wild
'Buffalo entered Saturday ranked near the bottom of the NHL in an array of categories ranging from road record (5-12-1-1, 27th out of 30), to power-play success rate (12.9 percent, 27th), to team goals-against average (2.73, 23rd).' … [Read more...] about Tight play needed against Wild
Ruff, Ramsey hope joke won't be on them tonight
'"I feel bad," Ramsey said Saturday of the Sabres' recent struggles, adding, "I won't feel bad (tonight)."' … [Read more...] about Ruff, Ramsey hope joke won't be on them tonight
Why are the Sabres struggling? Let us count the ways
'They're closer to the Thrashers in the standings than they are the Maple Leafs.' … [Read more...] about Why are the Sabres struggling? Let us count the ways
Sabres vs. Wild
'With 35 points in 41 games, the Sabres rank 26th out of 30 NHL teams.' … [Read more...] about Sabres vs. Wild