SabreSpace

'Buffalo doesn't have a forward like Lemieux or Jagr -- although Stu Barnes and Donald Audette and Miroslav Satan, among others, are some big-time talents -- but does have a goaltender fully capable of winning Game 7 almost single-handedly.' … [Read more...] about Game 7s create unforgettable elation, anguish in NHL playoffs

'Now, each man has a record of 3-3 in the series. Hedberg has allowed 15 goals, Hasek 13. Hedberg has stopped 90.2 percent of the shots he has faced, Hasek 90.9 percent. Each goaltender has held the other team to two goals or less three times and, in doing so, won the game each time.' … [Read more...] about Hedberg keeps his cool under playoff fire

'"All these games have been so close, any of them could have gone either way," Penguins Radio Network color commentator Bob Errey added. "I just don't think you can put a lot of stock into what happened before." In short, they color this series gray.' … [Read more...] about Penguins-Sabres still a close call for broadcasters

'Ruff had been leaning toward inserting LW Erik Rasmussen, the Sabres' most potent hitter, into the lineup tonight. But Rasmussen, who has missed the entire series because of a separated shoulder, had back spasms during the informal workout. "We sent him off the ice as a precaution to see the chiropractor," Ruff said. "Hopefully, we can get him back for … [Read more...] about Penguins Report

'It's not that Buffalo teams haven't won big games, it's just that every time a big one arrives, people prepare for the worst. They wonder what new form of torture they'll be subjected to.' … [Read more...] about Penguins aim to add to Buffalo's misery

'The reactions ranged from somber to optimistic to philosophical.' … [Read more...] about Emotions run rampid in Sabres locker room

'"It's a game of luck," Penguins center Wayne Primeau said. "But you have to work for your luck."' … [Read more...] about Just our luck – a Game 7

'Penguins goaltender Johan Hedberg continues to negate the Dominik Hasek factor by making his share of big saves. And even if Hasek isn't treating the goaltending matchup as a personal battle, Hedberg is.' … [Read more...] about Hedberg holds own in battle vs. Hasek

'Was Mario Lemieux's miraculous game-tying goal Tuesday night in the final 1:18 of Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals between the Sabres and Pittsburgh Penguins a sign that the sky is falling on Buffalo yet again?' … [Read more...] about Momentum wearing black & gold for Game 7

'"It seems like with Mario, the puck just sometimes falls on his stick, just because he's 66," longtime teammate Kevin Stevens said. "He always gets the bounces. I suppose it comes with a little bit of talent, too."' … [Read more...] about Pens seek magic in Game 7

'It could be time for The Dominator to steal one for the Sabres.' … [Read more...] about Angry Hasek gives Sabres Game 7 edge

'There has rarely, if ever, been a more perfect illustration of hockey's most ephemeral quality. The bounce.' … [Read more...] about Forget the stats, it's the bounces that count most

'The Buffalo Sabres enter Game 7 tonight knowing that to beat the Pittsburgh Penguins they must trample the hard-to-shake sentiment that the Mario Lemieux comeback story is deserving of a heart-tugging climax.' … [Read more...] about Next chapter of Lemieux comeback awaits Game 7

'It's always nice to have the hockey gods on your side, especially when you're playing Buffalo Sabres goaltender Dominik Hasek -- a bit of a goaltending god himself -- but it might be more important to have a second line that's finally come to life.' … [Read more...] about Hockey gods smiling on Lemieux

'A Game 6 at home, a series nearly lost -- then, a late goal from their big star and, suddenly, a season is saved. If it all sounds familiar to the Pittsburgh Penguins, it should, as it's happened for the second time in three years. Now, they get to play a Game 7 in Buffalo on Thursday they were very close to not playing.' … [Read more...] about Sounds familiar — Game 6 reprieve keeps Penguins season alive