SabreSpace

Lindy Ruff, himself once a 23-year-old trying to make his way in the National Hockey League, pulled Denis Hamel aside after a practice earlier this season and gave him the best advice he could come up with: Be patient. … [Read more...] about Denis Hamel’s time is coming

'As for Peca, he could be pursued by the San Jose Sharks, now that Vince Damphousse is out until the spring and another negotiating deadline with the Sabres has passed. But the Sabres, who've thus far rebuffed all trade overtures, might hang on to him right until the March 13 deadline.' … [Read more...] about Pivotal game tonight against Sabres

'With a 23-15-5-1 record heading into last night, Buffalo was already 12 points ahead of its 1999-2000 pace, and 10 of the Sabres' next 14 games are against teams with losing records.' … [Read more...] about Leafs Game Day

'This goal was similar to Hamel's others in that hustle was a main ingredient.' … [Read more...] about Hamel’s slap shot sinks Panthers

'Hasek recorded his 51st career shutout, tying Patrick Roy for second among active goalies behind Eddie Belfour's 56.' … [Read more...] about Hasek his old frustrating self

Three shutouts in his last eight starts -- sound like The Dominator of old? You bet. He may not have seen as much rubber as his counterpart of Florida, but he was looking like the Hasek of MVP days when he stuffed any Panther attempt, including six shots by Pavel Bure. … [Read more...] about Dominator of old is on a serious roll

'"Seven seconds left," said Luongo, who was still so upset he could barely form sentences. "We were there, the whole game and then...that's the way it's been since the beginning. Always the tough break, then we lose the game."' … [Read more...] about Panthers beaten 1-0 on last-second goal

'In the end they were simply shellshocked.' … [Read more...] about Blast shocks Panthers in final seconds

'"What is there to say? There's seven seconds left, it's 0-0, and I give up a goal," said Luongo, the first player out of the Panthers' locker room after the game. "We were there the whole game. That's the way this year has been since the beginning."' … [Read more...] about Panthers beaten in final 8 seconds

'"It's a great feeling," said Hamel, who scored his seventh goal of the season. "I knew we had a 2-on-1, but I didn't want to wait for the guy who came with me because I saw the backchecker right behind him."' … [Read more...] about Sabres 1, Panthers 0

'However, Rigas - who has not talked to Peca personally - said that the talks have not yet become heated to the point that he thinks all hope has been lost.' … [Read more...] about Buffalo owner thinks Peca contract can be worked

'Dominik Hasek always haunts the Panthers but Friday's loss is sure to cause a few sleepless nights for Florida.' … [Read more...] about Buffalo 1, Florida 0

'"It would be different if we didn't think we were treating our players fairly. And we think our offers have been fair. We realize what Michael Peca means to this team, and we believe we have acted fairly."' … [Read more...] about League-wide battle is Buffalo specific

No one in the NHL can figure out how the Panthers suddenly were de-clawed this year after finishing fifth in the Eastern Conference last season. From the start, it's been a huge struggle for Florida this campaign, and rarely have they exited from the basement of the Southeast Division where they presently reside with a 9-23-8-6 record. … [Read more...] about Sabres must defuse Rocket to de-claw Cats

'The Sabres have a good team, perhaps better than the one that went to the Cup finals in 1999.' … [Read more...] about Lindy unruffled