SabreSpace

'According to sources, Adelphia, which owns Empire, already had one rights fee bid turned down by the NHL and is awaiting response from its second offer. MSG and YES, two cable channels carried on Adelphia systems, also reportedly are interested in the games. But only the NHL knows how interested they are.' … [Read more...] about Empire revives Bills postgame; Sabres await TV deal

'The Buffalo Sabres, of all things, took center stage Thursday in the governor's race, following telephone calls to voters in the Buffalo area by unidentified people claiming that Gov. George E. Pataki has hatched a deal to move the team to Long Island.' … [Read more...] about Candidates clash over calls about Sabres

'Connolly had what he called an "average" season - 45 points, third on the team - but at times looked too deferential and by his own admission needs to shoot more. "I know I can do a lot better," Connolly said. "I set high standards for myself. Each year, I'm getting better and better. I just want to keep that progress going."' … [Read more...] about Sabres' Connolly carries responsibility

The Buffalo Sabres have become a pawn in the campaign of New York Governor George Pataki and billionaire businessman B. Thomas Golisano, who accused each other on Thursday of spreading rumours about a secret plan to move the NHL team to Long Island. … [Read more...] about Politicians accuse each other in Sabres-move rumour

'In the two weeks since the Sabres went public with their new ticket-selling and image-raising campaign - "It's Our Team, Let's Keep It That Way" - the team has sold only 240 full season tickets.' … [Read more...] about After sluggish start, Sabres' ticket blitz will get some help

'Maxim Afinogenov turned 23 on Wednesday. He also turned into a multimillionaire. Happy birthday.' … [Read more...] about Afinogenov agrees to Sabres contract

'A quick check of the numbers for Ruff's five seasons behind the Sabres' bench make it nothing short of mystifying to me how his job can be so lightly tossed about by critics who blame Ruff for the club's failure to make the playoffs last season.' … [Read more...] about Ruffing it out

'He has 51 goals and 110 points in three seasons with the Sabres.' … [Read more...] about Afinogenov agrees to multiyear deal with Sabres

'Financial terms of the deal were undisclosed. Afinogenov, celebrating his 23rd birthday, collected $800,000 last season.' … [Read more...] about Sabres agree to terms with RW Afinogenov

'"Max has established himself as one of the most exciting, young players in the league," Sabres General Manger Darcy Regier said in a press release. "His development over the past three seasons has been a tremendous asset to our organization as he has improved each season."' … [Read more...] about Sabres Re-Sign Right Wing Afinogenov to Multiyear Contract

'The Buffalo Sabres and Oxygen Sports will team up to offer the Icebreakers Program, for girls between 7 and 12 years old, which provides hockey instruction from some of the area's best coaches.' … [Read more...] about Sabres, Oxygen Sports to help young players

'Coming into this season, the Sabres have at least eight defensemen, including Woolley, that could make the team. Besides Woolley they include Alexei Zhitnik, James Patrick, Dmitri Kalinin, Jay McKee, Rhett Warrener, Brian Campbell and Henrik Tallinder. It is no hidden secret that Ruff will keep seven defensemen. That could make somebody expendable.' … [Read more...] about Woolley not sure why he's in the doghouse

'"He deserves credit for exerting a calming influence on a volatile situation," said Gary Bettman, National Hockey League commissioner.' … [Read more...] about Crisis thrusts Sabres' Regier into leadership role

'Imagine that: Cities such as Nashville, Atlanta and Columbus can sell more season tickets than a hockey hotbed like Buffalo, a league member for 32 years. Given the economic state of this area, however, that's reality. So, too, is the fact that the Rigas downfall has, at least partially, stripped away the trust many fans had in the organization.' … [Read more...] about Sabres need partners to buy into ticket goals

'But Ruff's saga hasn't reached a conclusion yet. The Sabres remain in limbo as the NHL looks for prospective buyers. No one has placed a bid. It's a tenuous situation for Ruff, who is entering the final season of his contract. He has no idea who his future boss will be, or whether he will be wanted.' … [Read more...] about After surreal offseason, Ruff is ready for anything