Unfortunately for the second-year Thrashers, the NHL season isn't 40 games long. After a rousing first half that saw them at .500 before their loss to Washington on New Year's Day, Atlanta has spiraled downward with a 7-26-6-1 mark. Their dream of playoff contention has since evaporated. … [Read more...] about Sabres-Thrashers "In the Buffalo Wings"
SabresBeat
Sabres-Thrashers Edge Matchups
If the Sabres do anything less than blow the Thrashers' defense out of the arena, then they deserve to be knocked out of the first round of the playoffs. … [Read more...] about Sabres-Thrashers Edge Matchups
A case for the defense
'The Sabres have tightened up their defense to playoff standards, leaving Hasek with little to do on some nights. The lack of activity has led to victories, and the Sabres will be playing for their 15th in 21 games when they face the Atlanta Thrashers tonight at 7 in HSBC Arena.' … [Read more...] about A case for the defense
Any little point will do, but the sooner, the better
'Buffalo has played well enough this season to put itself in a far more comfortable position for the homestretch. Buffalo is in fifth place, three points behind Philadelphia and one point ahead of Pittsburgh. The Sabres have a game in hand on both teams.' … [Read more...] about Any little point will do, but the sooner, the better
Again, a hero
'Dominik Hasek proved once more this week he's no ordinary goalie.' … [Read more...] about Again, a hero
Sabres finish series with Atlanta Friday
'The Sabres will head to Florida following the contest to play their final two road games of the regular season against Tampa Bay and Florida, and then wrap up the season with home games against the Bruins, Capitals and Flyers, with Buffalo almost definitley playing one of the last two in the first round of the post-season.' … [Read more...] about Sabres finish series with Atlanta Friday
Travelin' man
'[Steve] Heinze, who spent his first 30 years living and playing in the greater Boston area, is now with his third team in 10 months. Heinze was claimed from the Bruins by the Columbus Blue Jackets in last June's expansion draft, then shipped to the Sabres at the March 13 trade deadline. At the end of this season he becomes an unrestricted free agent, so another move … [Read more...] about Travelin' man
Hasek's big gift champions the young
'Someday soon, Dominik Hasek will retire and move back to the Czech Republic. But his hockey legacy in Western New York will last a lot longer than that - thanks to a $1 million gift he is making to a new inner-city youth hockey program.' … [Read more...] about Hasek's big gift champions the young
Will Mike Smith eat his words?
'There are horses for courses in the hockey world and it could be argued that Nolan might not be a perfect fit for the Blackhawks, but its hard to imagine he couldn't help them.' … [Read more...] about Will Mike Smith eat his words?
Hasek donates $1 million to establish Buffalo youth hockey program
'Wednesday, the Sabres' goaltender provided $1 million -- the largest single donation ever by a Buffalo athlete -- to establish his own charitable foundation called Hasek's Heroes. The money will be used to create a hockey and skating program for underprivileged Buffalo youth.' … [Read more...] about Hasek donates $1 million to establish Buffalo youth hockey program
Biron, Sabres come apart in Pittsburgh o again
Maybe it's all the in-bred locals who say “y'uns” and call their shopping carts “buggies,” maybe it's the memories of getting car-sick in Trois Rivieres, Quebec when he was seven or maybe it's just that the movie “Sudden Death” -- set in the Igloo -- scares the bejesus out of him, but Martin Biron does not like this place. … [Read more...] about Biron, Sabres come apart in Pittsburgh o again
Penguins' quick start KOs Sabres
'It was over in 59 seconds.' … [Read more...] about Penguins' quick start KOs Sabres
Nolan Takes Turn At-Bat With Isles
'Known as a players' coach, he directed the Sabres during the 1995-96 and '96-97 seasons and posted a 73-72-19 record. His tenure there included a constant battle of wills with former general manager John Muckler, who was eventually fired. In his second year, Nolan led the Sabres to a Northeast Division title and reached the second round of the playoffs that … [Read more...] about Nolan Takes Turn At-Bat With Isles
Penguins continue their stellar play under Hlinka's new game plan
'Penguins right winger Jaromir Jagr had a goal and an assist to tie Colorado center Joe Sakic for the NHL scoring lead with 108 points, but the story of this game was not offense. The Penguins generated plenty of that, but it was their defensive effort that was most striking.' … [Read more...] about Penguins continue their stellar play under Hlinka's new game plan
Biron no puzzle to Penguins
'In a surprise move, Coach Lindy Ruff elected to start Martin Biron, a bright, young goaltender in his own right, but one seldom confused with one of the most decorated players in NHL history at the position. That marked only his 17th appearance of the season and second in 11 games, and he showed his rust by stopping just 14 of 18 shots.' … [Read more...] about Biron no puzzle to Penguins