SabreSpace

'I still believe the best [Michael Peca trade] possibility comes from Long Island, in part because Isles GM Mike Milbury is in a desperate situation. Sources said last year the Isles were willing to part with center Tim Connolly, a future impact player, in a package for Peca. The Isles have the second pick overall. Connolly and the pick in a package for Peca and someone … [Read more...] about In hindsight, calling Lemieux ordinary in playoffs was kind

'Any season is draining but losing from ahead, three games to two and failing to hold up a pair of one-goal, third period leads won't be forgotten easily, if at all.' … [Read more...] about Bills, Sabres rest little in hectic off season

'"I think they've been vindictive enough," he said of Sabres management. "They've made their point. Now it's time to move on."' … [Read more...] about Plenty would like to pick up Peca

'Not every broadcaster in town disagreed with Doug Gilmour's diatribe Saturday against "Hockey Hotline" hosts Mike Robitaille and Brian Blessing. Sabres broadcast analyst Jim Lorentz:..."Doug is right."' … [Read more...] about Bits and bytes

'"The Sabres won't be short of suitors who come calling," Fletcher said.' … [Read more...] about Roenick thinks he's gone if Peca comes

'Teams known to be interested in him include Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Toronto, Dallas and the New York Islanders. The Blackhawks might also try to lure him back. Will the Coyotes?' … [Read more...] about Coyotes want to acquire Peca

'The Tampa Bay Lightning no longer expect to stock the Rochester Americans with their prospects, meaning the 22-year marriage between the Amerks and Buffalo Sabres will very likely be extended for five more seasons.' … [Read more...] about Amerks cool on Lightning

'While introducing Peter Laviolette as his team's coach yesterday, Islanders general manager Mike Milbury believed it was necessary to acknowledge runner-up Ted Nolan and emphasize the positive impression he made on Milbury during the interview process.' … [Read more...] about Nolan Passed Over But Praised

Ted Nolan overstated his own value and found himself out on his can. He was offered the head coach job in Tampa and turned it down because he wanted more money. Are you kidding me? He was offered a job to coach in the OHL; feeling it would be a major step down, he turned that down. It's been NHL or nothing for Teddy. So far, it's been nothing. … [Read more...] about Ted Nolan: His own worst enemy

'He was driving home Monday evening feeling good about himself when his cell phone rang. It was a reporter with an update, confirming the worst. Nolan wasn't getting the job. He should have known. He thought he could bear the news, but the truth is he was devastated. He turned off the cell phone and pulled over. And he cried.' … [Read more...] about Nolan left blindsided by rejection

'Nolan said in an earlier interview that he knew he made mistakes in his relationships with management in Buffalo but that he never intentionally tried to undermine anyone there, including Muckler. He also received support from Jean Knox, the wife of the former Sabres founder and team president and from Pat LaFontaine, a former Islanders and Sabres player who played for … [Read more...] about No one wants Nolan

'Hockey's Thruway marriage - the longest between an NHL club and its top minor league affiliate - is at a crossroads. Their nuptials expire after this season, and while the teams aren't necessarily estranged, they've started playing the field.' … [Read more...] about Sabres talk, are Amerks listening?

'Hasek played well in the playoffs, but not well enough to reach the third round. He's no longer the best in the world, but he's among the best in the league. He hasn't proven he can win the Cup, but almost every Cup contender needs a great goalie. He wants the Sabres to give him another crack.' … [Read more...] about It's over: Time to let Hasek leave

'He thought he deserved more respect. Instead, he still is waiting for his next opportunity to come. If it ever does. "I proved I can win," he said, "and that's the bottom line." Apparently, it's not enough in Nolan's case.' … [Read more...] about Bitter Nolan: 'I'm Very Angry'

'Ted Nolan could have done that. He would have been a galvanizing presence. He would have become the face of the Islanders, a confident and smiling face. It would have been interesting to talk about his rise from a modest upbringing-he and his brother couldn't play on the same shift when they were in youth leagues because they had to share a pair of gloves-to the NHL's coach … [Read more...] about Uninspiring choice good fit for Milbury