'Ruff made Barber look like an amateur. Changing lines on the fly, he got most of the matchups he desired. He assembled a true checking line (Curtis Brown, Vaclav Varada and Erik Rasmussen or Vladimir Tsyplakov) after spreading those duties around during the season. They kept the Flyers' stars in check. Brown scored an OT winner and Rasmussen set up another.' … [Read more...] about Come playoff time, Ruff is more than ready for the challenge
The Sabres Report - Apr 26, 2001
Ticket shock
'There's one huge reason for the available tickets for the first three home games: Hefty ticket prices, which range from $39 to $154 per seat. So a pair of nose-bleed tickets goes for $78, a pair of 200 Club seats for $308. Those prices represent almost a doubling from the regular-season prices, an increase of between 86 and 89 percent for the various ticket … [Read more...] about Ticket shock
Pens not a two-man gang, but can they match Sabres' depth?
'Buffalo will find a way to limit Pittsburgh's offense and create enough turnovers to win in six games.' … [Read more...] about Pens not a two-man gang, but can they match Sabres' depth?
Penguins weren't rooting for Sabres
'"When I was in college, I roadtripped to a Buffalo Bills-New England Patriots game. So I was in the back of a Ryder truck for three hours with a bunch of Bills backers, and all I heard for three hours was 'Let's go Buffalo.' When I get bored, I guess I chant that."' … [Read more...] about Penguins weren't rooting for Sabres
Lemieux: We need to play all four lines
'"They've got four good lines, and we're going to have to use four lines if we want to beat those guys," Lemieux said. "You can't play three lines because you'll get worn down as the series progresses."' … [Read more...] about Lemieux: We need to play all four lines
And Then There Were Three
'The most intriguing candidate, Ted Nolan, was on Long Island yesterday and visited with Islanders general manager Mike Milbury at the team offices at Nassau Coliseum. Milbury refused comment and Nolan, who was staying at the Garden City Hotel, could not be reached for comment.' … [Read more...] about And Then There Were Three
Hasek, Mario a super match-up
'While there are many subplots to this series, the crucial match-up is sniper Lemieux against goalie Hasek, two of the NHL's all-time greats. Super Mario vs. The Dominator could be the individual feature of the playoffs.' … [Read more...] about Hasek, Mario a super match-up
NHL's best vs. best: Hasek, Lemieux face off
'Is Mario Lemieux vs. Dominik Hasek in an NHL playoff series akin to Mickey Mantle facing Sandy Koufax in the 1963 World Series?' … [Read more...] about NHL's best vs. best: Hasek, Lemieux face off
The 'Moose' that saved Pittsburgh
'When the Pittsburgh Penguins acquired minor league goalie Johan Hedberg at the trade deadline, fans reacted with the incredulity of a starving man who had just been given a packet of seeds.' … [Read more...] about The 'Moose' that saved Pittsburgh
Penguins ask Jagr to step up his scoring output vs. Sabres
'"But I don't think that should affect the way he's playing in the playoffs. He's here right now. He's a part of this franchise, and he has to give 100% when he's playing now and not be thinking about this summer."' … [Read more...] about Penguins ask Jagr to step up his scoring output vs. Sabres
Pens have had success against Hasek
'He's respectfully called the Dominator, but Dominik Hasek has been anything but dominant in goal against the Pittsburgh Penguins.' … [Read more...] about Pens have had success against Hasek
Ex-Sabres awaiting old squad
'"The fans are great in Buffalo; they're very hockey-oriented," Primeau said. "They love to see their teams win. And if they see that you're working hard, they can be a very loud crowd."' … [Read more...] about Ex-Sabres awaiting old squad
Spotlight on Lemieux, Hasek
'This series should be similar to the last one. Buffalo is a lot like Washington, i.e. Great goalie, strong defense. Expect tight, close-checking games. Also, expect the same outcome: Penguins in six.' … [Read more...] about Spotlight on Lemieux, Hasek
Lemieux wants to see more out of Jagr
'The last thing players want to do is say something critical or pointed to fire somebody up on the eve of a playoff series. But that's exactly what Mario Lemieux, the owner/conscience/superstar of the Pittsburgh Penguins did Wednesday as the Pens prepared to take on the Buffalo Sabres in their second-round playoff series which starts Thursday night.' … [Read more...] about Lemieux wants to see more out of Jagr
For Jagr it's 'best time of his life,' Lemieux says
'"Hopefully, he's happy. This is the best time of his life. He's a young guy that's had a great career so far. He's making $10-million a year. He's single. This has to be the best time of his life -- and I'm not so sure he realizes that."' … [Read more...] about For Jagr it's 'best time of his life,' Lemieux says