SabreSpace

'Buffalo Sabres coach Lindy Ruff on Tuesday appeared to be leaning toward inserting defenseman Jason Woolley back in the lineup for Game One. Woolley was a healthy scratch the last two games of the regular season, but he has played well in the playoffs in his career.' … [Read more...] about Woolley could return to duty in opener

'Expectations have always run high with the Flyers in the postseason. Not this time.' … [Read more...] about Great expectations? Not with the Flyers

'Barber moved on to the Kitchener Rangers of the Ontario (Junior) Hockey Association. The Flyers made him their No. 1 pick, seventh overall, in the 1972 draft. Two years later, on a line with Bobby Clarke, he was leading the Flyers to the first of two Stanley Cups. "Made us proud," said Bob. "Maybe he'll do it again."' … [Read more...] about Time for Flyers to Light the Fire

'Tonight, Philadelphia should and will salute the Flyers not only for having used the third-best record in the East to secure the home-ice advantage over the Buffalo Sabres in the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs, but also for having persevered.' … [Read more...] about Battered bunch deserves more appreciation in city

'If there is one thing that makes Cechmanek even a little uncomfortable, it is the unavoidable comparison with his countryman, Buffalo's Dominik Hasek, whom Cechmanek yesterday noted has been for several years "the best goalie in hockey."' … [Read more...] about Czech-mate

'Cechmanek appears to be the only doubt in the Sabres' minds heading into the series. "We know we can skate with them. Special-teams wise, we can definitely play with them," Buffalo coach Lindy Ruff said. "The one thing we have to do is get to that goaltender." And if they can solve Cechmanek, watch out.' … [Read more...] about From Dominator to dominated

'As a franchise that is thoroughly experienced in the business of the Stanley Cup playoffs, the Philadelphia Flyers know it's all about the preparation. And so, they made their final lists yesterday as they waited for the arrival of the Buffalo Sabres. Torn nets. . .check. Quick whistles. . .check.' … [Read more...] about Sabres don't want to wear out welcome

'Told of rival goalie Dominik Hasek's comments - "I see many places to score (on Cechmanek). . .I don't see any reason why we shouldn't score two, three, maybe four goals a game'' - Cechmanek basically stifled a yawn and responded, "I think it will be an interesting first game.'' Interesting, indeed.' … [Read more...] about Czech mates

'Keep in mind, Dominik Hasek may have lost all four games to the Flyers this year, but he has a way of standing on his head in the playoffs.' … [Read more...] about Flyers should shuffle Buffalo in 6

'In fact, after getting whacked in the side of the head by a cup full of beer following Game 5 of last year's playoff series at the First Union Center, Ruff isn't about to spend any idle time here at all.' … [Read more...] about Ruff plans short stay in Philly

'Lately, the Flyers' offense has come close to falling off the table. In their past nine games and with top center Keith Primeau sidelined with a knee injury, the Flyers have scored 18 times.' … [Read more...] about Upending Sabres is no pipe dream

'Barber replaced Craig Ramsay Dec. 10, with the Flyers 12-12-4 and literally retreating, as per their coach's passive philosophy. Under Barber, they won 31 games and lost 13, finished with 100 points and earned at least one postseason round of home-ice edge. To do that, Barber had to keep his side stable through a trade-deadline circus involving the unsigned Eric … [Read more...] about At just the right time, Bill arrived for Flyers

'They have it all figured out over in the Czech Republic. "I get e-mails and I read the newspapers on the Internet every day," Philadelphia Flyers goaltender Roman Cechmanek said. "The Czech newspapers write, 'Who is going to be better? Dominik [Hasek] or me?' Same thing you write." Well? "See you in two weeks," Cechmanek said.' … [Read more...] about Czech and balanced

'The first thing to know about the masked men for the Flyers and the Buffalo Sabres is they are great goaltenders. The second thing to know is they aren't from around here. Not geographically. Not stylistically, either.' … [Read more...] about Goalie styles are same, but different

'"I might be foolish in saying this to the players, but you have to pay the price at all costs. If you take a shot off the foot, guess what? Your foot might be broken. That's how it has to be."' … [Read more...] about Barber's tone has playoff ring