SabreSpace

'"It seemed like we couldn't hold the lead," Hasek said. "They've done the job. ... Something's wrong. We try hard, but you don't deserve to win in OT if you give up a goal (in the third period)."' … [Read more...] about Pittsburgh 3, Buffalo 2 (OT)

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'If not for the play of Straka, Lang and Kovalev, there would be no Game 7. The trio combined for seven points in a 3-2 win in Game 6 at Mellon Arena, including Straka's game-winner in overtime.' … [Read more...] about Penguins' No. 2 Line Set for Game 7 in Buffalo

'For 20 guys on one side, they'll remember it as the game that sent them one step closer to the Stanley Cup. For the other 20, it will be the game that saw a promising playoff run come to an end. It's beautiful, it's cruel, it's game seven. And there's nothing like it.' … [Read more...] about Game 7 — There's Nothing Like It

All the eyes of the hockey world will be riveted to the drama ready to unfold in Western New York. As the third and final Game 7 of the Conference Semifinals, the deciding game of the Penguins-Sabres series is chock-full of intrigue and anxiety for each squad. … [Read more...] about Sabres-Penguins Game 7 "Scouting Report"

This Sabres team will tell us a lot about itself tonight. Are they a team that will be able to look past this setup with a quiet confidence and come out and win at home? Are they a team that is like that girl or guy who builds you up, makes you feel close to them and then leaves you feeling empty? … [Read more...] about Sabres-Penguins Game 7 "Edge Matchups"

'The Sabres will be playing the fifth Game Seven in their history. The previous four have been decided by one goal. Two ended in overtime, as have the last two games in this series.' … [Read more...] about It's Game Seven . . . when dreams come true

'"Deep down inside, it just wouldn't have been right if it went the other way," he said after Wednesday's optional practice at Mellon Arena. "With our team . . . like, we have to win."' … [Read more...] about Pens hope destiny is on their side

'Forget about Game Six. If the Sabres lose this series, it won't be because a puck took a weird bounce in Game Six. It'll be because they couldn't measure up to the game's ultimate test - a Game Seven. If they're a real Stanley Cup contender, they'll win tonight.' … [Read more...] about Slate is clean for final act of ice epic

'April 29, 1997 - Sabres 3, Senators 2 (OT) Derek Plante ties it in regulation and wins it in overtime as the Sabres win a Game Seven for the first time ever.' … [Read more...] about The ultimate

'Buffalo doesn't have a forward like Lemieux or Jagr -- although Stu Barnes and Donald Audette and Miroslav Satan, among others, are some big-time talents -- but does have a goaltender fully capable of winning Game 7 almost single-handedly.' … [Read more...] about Game 7s create unforgettable elation, anguish in NHL playoffs

'Now, each man has a record of 3-3 in the series. Hedberg has allowed 15 goals, Hasek 13. Hedberg has stopped 90.2 percent of the shots he has faced, Hasek 90.9 percent. Each goaltender has held the other team to two goals or less three times and, in doing so, won the game each time.' … [Read more...] about Hedberg keeps his cool under playoff fire

'"All these games have been so close, any of them could have gone either way," Penguins Radio Network color commentator Bob Errey added. "I just don't think you can put a lot of stock into what happened before." In short, they color this series gray.' … [Read more...] about Penguins-Sabres still a close call for broadcasters

'Ruff had been leaning toward inserting LW Erik Rasmussen, the Sabres' most potent hitter, into the lineup tonight. But Rasmussen, who has missed the entire series because of a separated shoulder, had back spasms during the informal workout. "We sent him off the ice as a precaution to see the chiropractor," Ruff said. "Hopefully, we can get him back for … [Read more...] about Penguins Report

'It's not that Buffalo teams haven't won big games, it's just that every time a big one arrives, people prepare for the worst. They wonder what new form of torture they'll be subjected to.' … [Read more...] about Penguins aim to add to Buffalo's misery