SabreSpace

'In discussing what's gone wrong with the Penguins, Kevin Stevens pointed to that time-honored hockey excuse of not enough hard work.' … [Read more...] about Plenty of players for blame game

'Despite having won three in a row, the Sabres are being extra careful not to light a fire under the Penguins by showing any disrespect. D Rhett Warrener, who has been matched against the Penguins' top line for most of the series, was asked if his team is getting the better of Lemieux and RW Jaromir Jagr. "Are you trying to stir the pot here?" Warrener … [Read more...] about Penguins Report

'"I thought we played pretty solid last game," Lemieux said. "Their first two goals were kind of flunky goals. I thought overall we had a good effort. We could have won the game. We just have to keep plugging."' … [Read more...] about Pens in tough spot, and they know it

'Hlinka has been strongly criticized in the wake of his five-forwards decision, but no one in the Penguins' locker room was criticizing his call yesterday.' … [Read more...] about Hlinka rethinking use of forwards

'Yes, the Penguins have once again been reduced to muttering some of the game's worst cliches, to say nothing of having to play the game one shift at a time. "Every shift could be your last," Kevin Stevens reminded us, as if we needed it.' … [Read more...] about Once again, the Penguins need support

'By the way: Did you know that the Sabres have played and won more playoff games than other team in the Eastern Conference since 1998?' … [Read more...] about Sabres know how to win in playoffs

'The question of whether to use forwards or defensemen, and how many of each at the point on the power play remains a significant issue for the Penguins, heading into Game 6 of the Eastern Conference semifinals.' … [Read more...] about Power point problem still troubles Pens

'The Penguins took out New Jersey after trailing 3-2 in the Patrick Division Semifinals in 1991 and overcame a 3-1 deficit the following year against Washington in the Patrick semis. They also overcame a 3-1 Capitals' lead in the 1995 Eastern Conference Quarterfinals. They know the drill, and all three said they plan to leave everything they have on the ice … [Read more...] about Penguins have come back before

'The Penguins have now lost three games in a row to trail Buffalo 3-2, and they have been outscored from the third period on in those three games by a total score of 8-0. This, from the team that boasts Jaromir Jagr, No. 1 in NHL scoring during the regular season; Martin Straka and Alexei Kovalev, tied for No. 4 in scoring; and Mario Lemieux, who might have challenged for … [Read more...] about Penguins, Lemieux facing the heat as season unravels

'After going without a goal in four games, Lemieux was asked if he should be accountable, too. "Next question," he said. You would have thought Lemieux had said Pittsburgh, and not Buffalo, was the real home of the chicken wing.' … [Read more...] about Time for Lemieux to step it up

'If the Pittsburgh Penguins lose their Eastern Conference semifinal series against Buffalo in Mario Lemieux's comeback season, Lemieux knows who should be blamed. Mario Lemieux.' … [Read more...] about Lemieux: Blame me if Penguins lose

'They're tried adopting a Sabres-like system, one in which the defense creates offensive opportunities, but it hasn't entirely fit well with a team built around creative offensive players.' … [Read more...] about Penguins say changes needed to save their season

'Much has been made of the big changes coming in the off-season for the Penguins, especially the possible trade of Jaromir Jagr. The first change to be made, however, should be behind the bench. The grand experiment of bringing in a European coach is a flop. Even if the Pens somehow find a way to right their sinking ship and win this series, a new captain should be on the … [Read more...] about Pens' Woes Start Behind the Bench

'"We've been sticking to our system," center Curtis Brown said. "We got down early, but we didn't stray away from that. We would have been in trouble if all of a sudden we started panicking and started trying to make things up. There's a system in place for a reason. We stuck to it."' … [Read more...] about Keeping the faith in system pays off for Sabres

'"What, I'm not allowed to change my mind?" Rex said. "I'm supposed to punish myself because the league stuck it to us in '99?"' … [Read more...] about Rex getting another case of fan fever