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Entries with the tag: Buffalo+sabres
Hawks-Sabres Hype Was More Bark And Less Bite
by @DaveDavisHockey on 10/17/10 at 10:47 AM ET
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You have to wonder if all of the pundits who trashed Colin Campbell for allowing the suspension of Niklas Hjalmarsson to end in time for the Blackhawks-Sabres rematch are feeling a little silly right now.
The Sabres went into Chicago last night and concentrated more on playing hockey and less on exacting revenge. So much less that they even took a flyer on engaging Hjalmarsson in the typical obligatory early first period now-this-will-settle-things fight. Patrick Kaleta was credited with two hits, and there were no fighting majors in the game, which Chicago won 4-3.
This turn of events comes as no surprise to the many wise hockey fans who have seen these situations too many times before. For all of the hype that precluded the rematch, this game had all the makings of - well, just another hockey game.
For starters, Campbell had sent out a warning to Kaleta and his teammates that the Wheel of Discipline was still in service and that he wouldn’t be afraid to spin it harder. And second, it’s no secret around the league that the Sabres collectively just don’t have the personality for such ugly fisticuff-filled affairs.
Filed in: NHL Teams, Buffalo Sabres | KK Hockey | Permalink
Tags: Buffalo+Sabres, Chicago+Blackhawks, Colin+Campbell, Niklas+Hjalmarsson, Patrick+Kaleta,
Sabres Loss Brings To Mind Another Anniversary
by @DaveDavisHockey on 10/16/10 at 05:00 PM ET
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With the excitement of the 40th anniversary ceremonies only to be followed by the Sabres losing a 2-1 snooze-fest to the Montreal Canadiens, you can see why many folks in Buffalo took the liberty of comparing last night’s game to the 3-0 loss to the Habs on 10/15/70.
But there’s a much more recent anniversary that you could say is more suitable for comparison.
It was six months ago this weekend that the Sabres were in the midst of a futile week-and-a-half-long attempt to scrape together some offense in a first round playoff series against the Boston Bruins - a team that for various reasons was supposed to have major goal scoring problems of their own.
There are some striking similarities between Buffalo’s poor playoff performance and the events of last night’s game - and for that matter of this young season. It’s a scary reminder that nothing in the past six months with this team seems to have really changed.
Filed in: NHL Teams, Buffalo Sabres | KK Hockey | Permalink
Tags: Buffalo+Sabres, Derek+Roy, Jason+Pominville, Lindy+Ruff, Thomas+Vanek, Tim+Connolly, Tyler+Ennis,
Big Hits, Big Misses, and Bad Coverage
by @DaveDavisHockey on 10/12/10 at 11:07 AM ET
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Some Sabres musings compiled while looking at 29 different angles of the big hit last night, and wondering what they really put in those shoulder pads…
• With an extended absence from Jason Pominville likely, courtesy of Chicago defenseman Niklas Hjalmarsson, the opportunity is there for Nathan Gerbe to cement his place in the starting lineup. But with the way Portland Pirates (AHL) forward Luke Adam is playing, it might need to happen sooner for Gerbe rather than later. There is already talk of Portland commandeering an AHL Rookie of the Year three-peat. Gerbe and Tyler Ennis have won the award the past two seasons.
Filed in: NHL Teams, Buffalo Sabres | KK Hockey | Permalink
Tags: Buffalo+Sabres, Jason+Pominville, Niklas+Hjalmarsson, Patrick+Lalime, Thomas+Vanek, Tyler+Myers,
Gleason: After grit and game as GM for a day
by Tony on 06/23/10 at 09:19 AM ET
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From the Buffalo News’ Bucky Gleason:
Anyone can look at the Philadelphia Flyers’ incredible run to the Stanley Cup finals and rationalize about the Sabres being equally capable of doing the same. The Flyers provided evidence that anything can happen if a team comes together at the right time and has everything fall into place.
The Sabres finished four spots ahead of the Flyers in the conference standings. The Sabres had much better goaltending, which is huge in the postseason. They had more depth than the Flyers did. Buffalo, if it had beaten Boston, also would have had home-ice advantage after Washington and New Jersey were knocked out.
So it easily could have been Buffalo in the finals, right? Well, it’s not that simple.
Filed in: NHL Teams, Buffalo Sabres, NHL Talk | KK Hockey | Permalink
Tags: Buffalo+Sabres, NHL-Hockey,
Sabres’ Myers Reflects on Rookie Season
by Tony on 06/22/10 at 09:33 AM ET
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From the Buffalo News’ John Vogl:
Tyler Myers never really had time to relax during the season. His rapid jump from junior hockey to the NHL — and all the games, travel and learning that came along with it — didn’t allow for many moments of reflection.
That finally changed during the past couple of months. The Buffalo Sabres’ defenseman has spent much of his offseason back home in Kelowna, British Columbia, chatting with family and catching up with friends. It’s helped him realize his first professional season really was impressive.
“It was a long season,” Myers said by phone. “I had a lot of fun with it. It was definitely an adjustment. I think when the season ended I took a little time to actually start to realize what actually just happened, and it was definitely a year I won’t forget.”
Filed in: NHL Teams, Buffalo Sabres, NHL Talk | KK Hockey | Permalink
Tags: Buffalo+Sabres, NHL-Hockey,
TSN Reporting Brian Campbell To The Sharks
by Paul on 02/26/08 at 11:25 AM ET
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TSN believes Campbell has been dealt to San Jose. No details yet.
Update 11:31am ET: From TSN,
Unable to sign their potential unrestricted free agent to a long-term deal, the Buffalo Sabres have traded defenceman Brian Campbell to the San Jose Sharks.
There are no details yet on who comes to Buffalo in return.
Update 11:35 ET: TSN link above now states trade is for Steve Bernier and a first-round draft pick.
Filed in: | KK Hockey | Permalink
Tags: buffalo+sabres, san+jose+sharks,
Denis Potvin on Richard Zednik
by Alanah McGinley on 02/11/08 at 11:19 AM ET
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Earlier today, Denis Potvin was on “Hockey This Morning” (NHL Home Ice XM 204) describing the scene last night in Buffalo regarding the horrific injury to Richard Zednik. Denis was doing color for FSN Florida last night.
Our thanks to Hockey This Morning on NHL Home Ice XM 204 for the providing the audio for KK readers.
Note: details of last night’s events were previously posted here on KK (including video).
Update 2:04pm ET: An update from the Panthers states that Zednik is still in stable condition, but remains in the intensive care unit.
Filed in: NHL Teams, Buffalo Sabres, Florida Panthers, NHL Talk | KK Hockey | Permalink
Tags: buffalo+sabres, denis+potvin, florida+panthers, media, neck+injury, nhl+today, olli+jokinen, richard+zednik, xm+radio,
Pat Hannigan Passes Away
by Alanah McGinley on 12/13/07 at 01:31 AM ET
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From TSN,
Pat Hannigan, who played his first National Hockey League game for the Toronto Maple Leafs during the 1959-60 season and then enjoyed a second career broadcasting Buffalo Sabres games, has died. He was 71.
But in Fort Erie, he was better known for his social justice efforts, helping refugees new to Canada through Casa el Norte, a safe house for newcomers.
More on Pat Hannigan’s life and career at Legends of Hockey
Filed in: NHL Teams, Buffalo Sabres, Toronto Maple Leafs, NHL Media | KK Hockey | Permalink
Tags: buffalo+sabres, pat+hannigan, toronto+maple+leafs,
More Money Doesn’t Mean More Ice Time
by Paul on 12/01/07 at 08:25 AM ET
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from the Buffalo News,
No one in the NHL is getting a bigger paycheck this season than Vanek. His $10 million salary ties him with Philadelphia’s Daniel Briere and the New York Rangers’ Scott Gomez. Yet of the 10 highest-paid forwards, Vanek lags way behind in time on ice.
Gomez (19:58) and Briere (19:13) are much busier. Tampa Bay’s Brad Richards, fifth on the pay scale, leads forwards at 24:56 per game — eight minutes more than Vanek. The only player in the top 10 of pay who’s relatively close to Vanek is New Jersey’s Patrik Elias, and he still gets 1:14 more per game at 18:02.
Vanek’s total ice time of 386:27 is tied for 139th among NHL forwards.
Filed in: NHL Teams, Buffalo Sabres | KK Hockey | Permalink
Tags: buffalo+sabres, Thomas+Vanek,
Sabres Need Afinogenov
by Paul on 11/24/07 at 09:02 AM ET
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from Bucky Gleason of the Buffalo News,
He spent the first 19 games this year floating around the perimeter, drawing his linemates offside, giving away the puck and generally wasting space. Edmonton’s Jarret Stoll was the only forward in the league who had a worse plus-minus than Afinogenov’s minus-9 going into the game Friday night.
Afinogenov has three goals and eight points, putting him on pace for 12 goals and 32 points. How does a man blessed with so much give so little? It’s a question the Sabres need to ask in the coming months. Opposing defenses have effectively negated their speed this season, taking away his effectiveness.
Filed in: NHL Teams, Buffalo Sabres | KK Hockey | Permalink
Tags: buffalo+sabres, Maxim+Afinogenov,
More Scoring Needed
by Paul on 11/16/07 at 06:56 AM ET
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from the Buffalo News,
“Goalies have to get smaller or the nets have to get larger,” Regier said. “That goalie has to get significantly smaller for the likelihood of an outside shot to go in. If we can’t make the goalies smaller, then I don’t know what other options we have but to consider making the nets larger.”
He added that if the nets get bigger, it must be a significant increase. He argued that just a small bump would put teams into a bigger defensive shell. That’s the leading cause of the scoring dip. Coaches have begun crowding their five skaters near the net, which rids the shooters of their open lanes.
“Most goals are probably scored within 30 feet,” Regier said. “So it argues that if you can defend that area and protect that area, then you’re less likely to get scored against.”
Filed in: NHL Teams, Buffalo Sabres | KK Hockey | Permalink
Tags: buffalo+sabres, Darcy+Regier, goalies, scoring,
All Ryan Miller
by Paul on 11/15/07 at 04:59 PM ET
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from David Amber at ESPN,
In this week’s Facing Off, the All-Star goalie tells us why he’s sick of talking about the departures of Chris Drury and Daniel Briere, what it was like watching his brother win the Stanley Cup last season and how he’s trying to make life better for cancer victims in his community.
Q: Is it hard to deal with (losing Drury & Briere)?
A: As a team, I’ve been trying to get rid of this built-in excuse that is kind of lingering over us. It can be a crutch to explain why we are losing. What it really comes down to is the guys in the locker room. We as a group need to step up and play. When I talk about those guys leaving, I think we need to move on. I still have a lot of respect for both of them. I learned a lot from them, even little things in practice. They are great leaders and have competitive spirits. I think having played with them will help me out in my career.
Filed in: NHL Teams, Buffalo Sabres | KK Hockey | Permalink
Tags: buffalo+sabres, goalies, Ryan+Miller,
Can Sabres Adapt
by Paul on 11/14/07 at 08:08 AM ET
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from the Buffalo News,
Is the Sabres personnel that was so successful in the wideopen NHL still suitable in a league that features tighter games?
“We ask ourselves that question,” Sabres General Manager Darcy Regier said Tuesday. “I think it is.
“We can [adapt]. That doesn’t mean we don’t learn as we go and maybe make some minor personnel changes down the road or stay the way we are, but yeah, we can be all right. We’re heading in the right direction now. We’re not getting the results, but we’re moving in the right direction.”
Filed in: NHL Teams, Buffalo Sabres | KK Hockey | Permalink
Tags: buffalo+sabres, darcy+regier,
Ruff Has Seen Enough Turnovers
by Paul on 11/11/07 at 09:25 AM ET
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from the Buffalo News,
Maxim Afinogenov has just three goals on the season, none in the last five games. He keeps giving away the puck, as his team-worst minus-9 rating shows.
When yet another giveaway led to the Boston Bruins’ first goal Saturday night, Afinogenov found a seat on the bench for most of the third period of the Buffalo Sabres’ 2-1 loss at TD Banknorth Garden.
Filed in: NHL Teams, Buffalo Sabres | KK Hockey | Permalink
Tags: buffalo+sabres, lindy+ruff, Maxim+Afinogenov,
Winter Classic News
by Alanah McGinley on 11/09/07 at 11:59 AM ET
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The Sabres announced today that more tickets will be made available:
Larry Quinn, Managing Partner of the Buffalo Sabres today announced the organization has secured 4,500 obstructed-view seats from the NHL for the AMP Energy NHL Winter Classic that will be sold for $10 each through a random selection process at Sabres.com.
Also, info on the retro jerseys to be worn at the game:
Buffalo will wear the white version of the jersey worn by the club from 1978-79 through 1995-96, which features the familiar circular logo of the charging buffalo over crossed sabers. Pittsburgh will return to the powder blue version worn from 1968-69 through 1972-73. This marks the first time the Penguins will wear powder blue since switching to black and gold in 1980.
Filed in: NHL Teams, Buffalo Sabres, Pittsburgh Penguins | KK Hockey | Permalink
Tags: buffalo+sabres, jerseys, pittsburgh+penguins, tickets, winter+classic,
Too Much Zone Defense
by Paul on 11/09/07 at 08:22 AM ET
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from the Buffalo News,
This isn’t the NHL. It’s the English Premier League.
The upgraded style of play that resulted from the lockout has been victimized by strategy. Coaches adjusted to the rule changes intended to promote skill and skating. Defense reemerged as the great equalizer for offensively challenged franchises. Nowadays NHL players are always in the zone, be it a 2-3, a 1-4 or variations thereof. The game can’t breathe.
“Zone defense right now, I would put it under the label of killing the game,” Buffalo Sabres coach Lindy Ruff said Thursday. And he plays it.
Filed in: NHL Teams, Buffalo Sabres, NHL Talk | KK Hockey | Permalink
Tags: buffalo+sabres, lindy+ruff,
Vanek Feeling Pressure
by Paul on 11/09/07 at 08:09 AM ET
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from the Buffalo News,
With the Sabres’ record at 6-7-1, it’s clearly become bothersome for Vanek. His coach has noticed, his teammates have noticed and so has anyone who’s been watching.
“Sometimes, his emotions are right out there for everyone to see how frustrated he is,” Sabres goaltender Ryan Miller said. “It’s going to be part of his maturing process. You can’t let the other team see that. There’s little talks with him, but I think that’s part of his personality. I’m kind of OK with him doing it. I think he plays his best hockey when he’s holding himself accountable. It’s just you don’t want to get to the point where you’re beating yourself up.”
Filed in: NHL Teams, Buffalo Sabres | KK Hockey | Permalink
Tags: buffalo+sabres, goalies, ryan+miller, Thomas+Vanek,
A Developing Trend
by Paul on 11/07/07 at 07:32 AM ET
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from the Buffalo News,
The Sabres still have talent but five of a kind has become genuinely unkind this season. They have been stifled by their own play and not-so-subtle changes in a league that has returned to tight checking and close quarters. Teams are intent on buckling down on defense and exploiting teams relying too much on skating alone.
“The message is there,” Ruff said after practice Tuesday. “You watched the playoffs. You saw how tight it got, and the scoring chances got fewer and fewer. Coaches are pretty good at looking at video and wondering what’s going on and [experimenting]. There is a little bit of a trend developing.”
Filed in: NHL Teams, Buffalo Sabres | KK Hockey | Permalink
Tags: buffalo+sabres, lindy+ruff,
Danger Ahead For Buffalo
by Paul on 11/06/07 at 07:15 PM ET
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from Stan Fischler at the Hockey Journal,
Thomas Vanek has yet to show signs that he can live up to his big payday, while second-year man Drew Stafford, who played so well in his rookie season, has been a disappointment as a sophomore.
When you add the depleted blue line missing regulars Teppo Numminen, Dimitri Kalinin and the previously rejuvenated Jaro Spacek, it’s evident that head coach Lindy Ruff hasn’t faced this level of trouble since the pre-lockout days – and those battles were fought with Drury and Briere.
much more on the NHL and one bit we covered yesterday…
Filed in: NHL Teams, Buffalo Sabres, NHL Talk | KK Hockey | Permalink
Tags: buffalo+sabres,
Sabres Take An Injury Hit
by Paul on 11/06/07 at 05:56 PM ET
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from WGR 550,
Plenty of veterans missed practice this morning at HSBC Arena. Adam Mair has an ankle injury that Lindy Ruff said would keep him out weeks. Tim Connolly has a strained oblique will be out for an undetermined amount of time. Ruff insisted that his injury has nothing to do with his head.
Filed in: NHL Teams, Buffalo Sabres | KK Hockey | Permalink
Tags: Adam+Mair, buffalo+sabres, injuries, Tim+Connolly,
Buffalo Backup Not Happy With His Play
by Paul on 11/03/07 at 09:52 AM ET
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from the Buffalo News,
Sabres coach Lindy Ruff absolved backup goalie Jocelyn Thibault of any blame on the Florida Panthers’ four goals Friday night. Thibault wasn’t as quick to pass the buck.
“When you haven’t played in a while, you don’t want to do anything fancy,” Thibault said after his second appearance of the season in relief of Ryan Miller ended in a 4-2 loss at HSBC Arena. “You want to play a solid game, an honest game. I have to find ways to win games. I don’t play a lot and I have to make a difference every time I play.”
Filed in: NHL Teams, Buffalo Sabres | KK Hockey | Permalink
Tags: Buffalo+sabres, Jocelyn+Thibault,
A Different Year For The Sabres
by Paul on 10/28/07 at 10:42 AM ET
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from Bucky Gleason of the Buffalo News,
The first 10 games have shown Buffalo’s flaws run deeper than the departures of the former co-captains, starting with these half-dozen:
1. Underachieving stars. Fair or not, Thomas Vanek is getting paid $10 million this season. He had five points, same as fourth-liner Daniel Paille, and 17 shots on goal entering the weekend. Maxim Afinogenov scored one goal for Buffalo, matching Leafs defenseman Bryan McCabe.
read on and some NHL talk…
Filed in: NHL Teams, Buffalo Sabres | KK Hockey | Permalink
Tags: buffalo+sabres,
Causing A Stir In Sabre Land
by Paul on 10/18/07 at 04:26 PM ET
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Check out the video at Sportsnet, then go to Sabres Edge for the story…
Update 4:33pm ET:
In case you’re having problems viewing the video at Sportsnet, the YouTube version is now included below:
Filed in: NHL Teams, Buffalo Sabres | KK Hockey | Permalink
Tags: buffalo+sabres, media,
The Sabres Streak Ends
by Paul on 10/16/07 at 09:15 AM ET
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from the Buffalo News,
Not even a game with their nearest rival could keep the Buffalo Sabres’ sellout streak alive.
The Sabres failed to fill HSBC Arena for the first time in more than a year and half Monday, drawing 18,217 for their game with the Toronto Maple Leafs. The Sabres had sold out 45 straight regular-season games dating to the finale of 2005-06. They had packed the 18,690-seat arena for 62 games in row including the playoffs.
Filed in: NHL Teams, Buffalo Sabres | KK Hockey | Permalink
Tags: arenas, buffalo+sabres,
Goals & Points Lost
by Paul on 10/15/07 at 08:47 AM ET
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from STATS NHL Blog,
How big were Buffalo’s offseason losses? If we isolate all players who changed teams and scored either 15 goals or 30 points in 2006-07, the Sabres lost more goals and points than all other teams. The totals reflect not only goals and points lost from a year ago, but those gained by new acquisitions with 15 goals or 30 points last season.
The Sabres lost a total of 73 goals and 172 points without adding a single player who netted 15 goals or 30 points a year ago. At least the Islanders signed a few players to make up for most of their lost production, including Bill Guerin, Mike Comrie, Jon Sim and Ruslan Fedotenko.
Filed in: NHL Teams, Buffalo Sabres, NHL Talk | KK Hockey | Permalink
Tags: buffalo+sabres,
Sabres Need To Improve Defense & Play Smarter
by Paul on 10/07/07 at 10:30 AM ET
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from Bucky Gleason of the Buffalo News,
The Sabres were outworked by the Islanders, just as they were in the postseason last year. New York outshot Buffalo, 34-26. The Sabres were sloppy defensively, which led to goalie Ryan Miller having a tough night. Toni Lydman had no excuse for taking a breather on Mike Comrie’s second goal, but he was hardly alone….
If that continues, it’s going to be a long season. Ruff can address such issues with a dryerase board or a few bag skates. They should be fine, but we’ll see. Quick question: Was “fine” ever acceptable for Chris Drury or Daniel Briere?
Filed in: NHL Teams, Buffalo Sabres | KK Hockey | Permalink
Tags: buffalo+sabres,
Trying To Get To Know Max
by Paul on 10/04/07 at 07:35 AM ET
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from the Buffalo News,
Afinogenov is entering his eighth season with Buffalo, making him the team’s longest-tenured player. Yet most people, including his teammates, know next to nothing about him.
“Max is a bit of an enigma,” said Philadelphia Flyers goalie Martin Biron, who had been with the Sabres longer than anyone else at the time he was traded in February, leaving Afinogenov as the elder statesman. “He keeps things private. He doesn’t like to talk about his personal life.”
Filed in: NHL Teams, Buffalo Sabres | KK Hockey | Permalink
Tags: buffalo+sabres, Maxim+Afinogenov,
Rotating Captain In Buffalo
by Paul on 10/02/07 at 01:40 PM ET
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from the Buffalo News,
Buffalo Sabres coach Lindy Ruff has opted to go with a monthly captain rotation, and the players voted winger Jochen Hecht to wear it first.
“Jochen does everything,” Ruff said this afternoon in HSBC Arena. “He plays in every situation. He’s got a strong voice in the room, and he’s been through all the battles with us. He’s been there. I think he’ll be good with the younger players. I think it’s well-deserved.”
Filed in: NHL Teams, Buffalo Sabres | KK Hockey | Permalink
Tags: buffalo+sabres,
Sabres Looking For Consistent Vanek
by Paul on 10/02/07 at 10:13 AM ET
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from Sabres Edge at the Buffalo News,
“I need Thomas to play like he’s a $900,000 player because it seemed to do pretty good last year,” Ruff said with a laugh after this morning’s practice in HSBC Arena. “That’s my analogy. Just because you’re making more money doesn’t mean you have to change as a player. My expectations of him don’t change.”...
“If he can be consistent with last year, that would be a darn good year for Thomas,” Ruff said. “Is it realistic to think he can go from 25 [goals] to 44 to 70-something? I don’t think so. But if we can keep him in that consistent area and have him be that 40- to 50-goal scorer, that would be pretty good.”
Filed in: NHL Teams, Buffalo Sabres | KK Hockey | Permalink
Tags: buffalo+sabres, Thomas+Vanek,
Who Wears The “C” In Bufalo
by Paul on 10/01/07 at 07:55 AM ET
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from the Buffalo News,
At some point this week, perhaps as soon as this morning, Buffalo Sabres coach Lindy Ruff will address his captain.
Ruff rotated the “C” throughout the team’s six preseason games, but only one player wore it twice, underscoring Ruff’s long-held affinity for the underappreciated Jochen Hecht. O kapitan, mein kapitan?
When the Sabres open the regular season Friday against the New York Islanders in HSBC Arena, the versatile German forward could be just the third captain in club history from the Eastern Hemisphere (after Alexander Mogilny and Miroslav Satan).
Filed in: NHL Teams, Buffalo Sabres | KK Hockey | Permalink
Tags: buffalo+sabres, Jochen+Hecht,
Neale To Replace Lorentz In Buffalo
by Paul on 10/01/07 at 07:44 AM ET
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from the Toronto Star,
According to sources, the Buffalo Sabres will announce today that analyst Harry Neale is leaving the Toronto Maple Leafs’ regional broadcasts to join them.
Neale’s spot on the Leafs’ regional broadcasts, seen on Rogers Sportsnet, TSN and Leafs TV, will be taken by Greg Millen….
Though the 70-year-old analyst will continue to work for Hockey Night In Canada, he won’t be calling as many Toronto games as he has in the past.
Filed in: NHL Teams, Buffalo Sabres, NHL Media, Hockey Broadcasting | KK Hockey | Permalink
Tags: Buffalo+Sabres,
Enough Travelling
by Paul on 09/26/07 at 07:35 AM ET
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from the Buffalo News,
Buffalo Sabres managing partner Larry Quinn said he wasn’t the only one surprised when TV and radio analyst Jim Lorentz decided to retire Tuesday.
“It sounds like he was, too,” Quinn said Tuesday night from New York City. “It happens to a lot of athletes before the start of a season. You look in the mirror and say, ‘I can’t go anymore.’ It happened to Jim. I don’t think Jim knew really until it was time to get on a plane back to Buffalo.”
Quinn said he believed Lorentz remains at his summer home in Newfoundland, where he enjoys fishing after the season ends. Quinn added that Lorentz telephoned before the preseason games began to say he wouldn’t be there at the start. He called again Monday to say he was retiring because he had enough of the traveling after 43 years as a player and broadcaster.
Filed in: NHL Teams, Buffalo Sabres, NHL Media, Hockey Broadcasting | KK Hockey | Permalink
Tags: buffalo+sabres, media,
Keep Numminen In Your Thoughts
by Paul on 09/20/07 at 07:40 AM ET
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from the Buffalo News,
Twelve hours before he was to check in at the Cleveland Clinic for open-heart surgery, Teppo Numminen was quite afraid.
“There’s fear, that’s for sure,” the Buffalo Sabres defenseman said Wednesday from his Cleveland hotel room. He was to report to the internationally renowned cardiac hospital at 5 this morning to have a valve repaired….
The operation isn’t being done so that he can keep playing hockey. The 39-year-old Finn admitted his condition could be fatal if not addressed quickly.
“Whether I played again or not, the odds turn against you at one point, and I guess they would have turned soon,” Numminen said. “They can’t say if it’s going to be two months or two years, but something happens and then you’re in trouble. Then it’s too late.”
Don Baizley, Numminen’s agent and friend of 20 years, said, “This has been pretty traumatic. It is open-heart surgery. It’s serious business.”
update 6:28pm, from the AP via TSN,
“Teppo Numminen’s surgery was a success and there were no complications,” Sabres doctor William Hartrich said after speaking to the doctor who performed the surgery at The Cleveland Clinic. “Teppo is resting comfortably and will remain in the hospital for the next several days.”
Filed in: NHL Teams, Buffalo Sabres | KK Hockey | Permalink
Tags: buffalo+sabres, injuries, Teppo+Numminen,
Afinogenov Suffered Head Injury In Round 1
by Paul on 09/19/07 at 08:28 AM ET
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from the Buffalo News,
Maxim Afinogenov is a terrible liar. The Buffalo Sabres winger was asked about the secret injury he suffered last spring in the playoffs.
“What do you mean in the playoffs?” Afinogenov replied with the awkward indignation of a nervous child standing next to a broken vase. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
Unbeknownst to the devious Russian, his coach already had told the tale….
“Max, while warming up playing soccer in the playoffs, flipped over backwards and hit his head on the concrete before Game Three in Long Island,” Ruff said, “and I don’t think he was right for a little while after that.”
Afinogenov bonked his head early in the first round, and, in Ruff’s opinion, the injury hampered the speedster’s play well into the second round.
Filed in: NHL Teams, Buffalo Sabres | KK Hockey | Permalink
Tags: buffalo+sabres, injuries, Maxim+Afinogenov,
The Winter Classic Sells Out in 40 Minutes
by Alanah McGinley on 09/18/07 at 11:37 AM ET
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From WBEN in Buffalo,
The Buffalo Sabres outdoor game at Ralph Wilson Stadium—officially called AMP Energy NHL Winter Classic New Year’s Day- sold out 74,000 tickets in under 1 hour Tuesday morning.
The game, against the Pittsburgh Penguins, began offering tickets at 10:00 am at the Bills Ticket Office outside the stadium and online at Ticketmaster.com. None were available by 10:40 am
It is not known how many tickets went to individual buyers and how many went to brokers, but there are indications that the secondary market is already skyrocketing. There were no limits on the number of tickets any individual could buy, and immediately after the sell out tickets were being offered on E-bay, at typical prices of $2,000 for six, or roughly $300 each.
continued… (*you can also read more details about the game here)
Filed in: NHL Teams, Buffalo Sabres, Pittsburgh Penguins, NHL Talk, NHL Business of Hockey | KK Hockey | Permalink
Tags: buffalo+sabres, pittsburgh+penguins, winter+classic,
All Ryan Miller
by Paul on 09/17/07 at 06:42 PM ET
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Ryan Miller particpated in an NHL tele-conference today…
Q. Obviously you went through this before, and what advice will you give to your teammates about playing an outdoor game, particularly with regard to how do you prepare for the cold?
RYAN MILLER: The hype, you just kind of focus on playing the hockey game. What I experienced at Michigan State was how everyone went out there and no matter if they were a veteran, everyone was kind of acting like a rookie, just try and go out and go a million miles an hour.
I think that the best thing to do is just play your game and take in the experience, because it is a great chance to showcase hockey, and looking forward to it.
Filed in: NHL Teams, Buffalo Sabres | KK Hockey | Permalink
Tags: buffalo+sabres, Ryan+Miller,
NHL Officially Announces The Winter Classic
by Alanah McGinley on 09/17/07 at 01:56 PM ET
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The worst-kept secret in hockey is finally coming out in the open as the NHL makes its announcement about the January 1st, 2008 outdoor game to be played between the Buffalo Sabres and the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Press conference is scheduled for 2pm ET today. This link will open up your WMP to watch a live feed of the conference. (Or go to the NHL.com home page to pick up the broadcast there).
Update 2:09pm ET:
Filed in: NHL Teams, Buffalo Sabres, Pittsburgh Penguins, NHL Talk, NHL Business of Hockey | KK Hockey | Permalink
Tags: buffalo+sabres, pittsburgh+penguins, winter+classic,
The Outdoor Game
by Paul on 09/17/07 at 08:09 AM ET
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from the Buffalo News,
League executives will gather at Ralph Wilson Stadium this afternoon to trumpet the first NHL game to be played outdoors in the United States, one that should shatter the league’s attendance record. The Sabres will host the Pittsburgh Penguins at 1 p.m. Jan. 1 in the home of the Bills.
NBC, one of the league’s television partners, has been pushing for a marquee New Year’s Day event, Collins said. The holiday is one of the busiest days of the year for television use. It traditionally has been an afternoon of college football bowl games for sports fans, but since the advent of the Bowl Championship Series to determine a national champion, most of the top games are on other days.
The league views that as an ideal time to attract fans.
“It will really build a national and North American platform for the league,” Collins (NHL Sr. VP) said. “There’s a lot of interest in the game.”
more including ticket information…
added 9:19am, more on the game from Kevin Allen at USA TODAY.
added 9:29am, NHL.com will be streaming the press conference today beginning at 2pm ET.
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Tags: buffalo+sabres, media, outdoor+hockey, pittsburgh+penguins,
Wrong Move By Buffalo
by Paul on 09/16/07 at 05:37 AM ET
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Larry Brooks on the Teppo Numminen suspension,
There were, as well, no considerations of human decency involved here either, and the whole world now knows that. It’s quite the partnership this owner has his with players, this owner who may or not believe that charity begins at home but most assuredly does not believe that charity begins with the home team.
Filed in: NHL Teams, Buffalo Sabres | KK Hockey | Permalink
Tags: Buffalo+Sabres, Teppo+Numminen, Tom+Golisano,
The Next Outdoor Game
by Alanah McGinley on 09/13/07 at 01:30 PM ET
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From Eric Duhatchek at the Globe & Mail,
This time around, the Pittsburgh Penguins visit the Buffalo Sabres and that too represents an intriguing match-up - although with a 1 p.m. Eastern starting time, it is hard to imagine them fitting in what could be a great legends game beforehand, what with Mario Lemieux and Paul Coffey available on the Penguins’ side and a reunited French Connection leading the way for Buffalo. Nor can anyone underestimate the value of getting Sidney Crosby involved in the project, along with the rest of his exciting, emerging Penguins’ team. Even if the event doesn’t strike a chord, the presence of Sid The Kid will
more… (*the date of the game is Jan 1, 2008)
Filed in: NHL Teams, Buffalo Sabres, Pittsburgh Penguins, NHL Talk | KK Hockey | Permalink
Tags: buffalo+sabres, pittsburgh+penguins, sidney+crosby,
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