from Ken Warren of Senators Extra,

- MONEY TALKS IN BUFFALO: The following quote from Sabres owner Terry Pegula, uttered on Feb. 22, 2011, is etched on the wall outside the dressing room: “Starting today, the Buffalo Sabres reason for existence will be to win the Stanley Cup.”

Here’s a guarantee: The $172 million hotel and practice rink complex now being constructed outside the Niagara First Center, near the site of the old Buffalo Aud, will be built before the Sabres are rebuilt into a Stanley Cup contender.

- IF YOU LIKE UNDERDOGS.: It’s hard not to cheer for the Columbus Blue Jackets to make the playoffs. From bad draft picks to bad trades to bad luck, Blue Jackets fans have had little to get excited about – one four-game playoff sweep at the hands of Detroit – during their existence. Now, they’re knocking on the door, two points behind St. Louis for eighth spot in the West before Friday’s games. “I’m happy for them, they deserve it. I guess they didn’t need me and Rick Nash,” joked Senators defenceman Marc Methot, traded from Columbus for Nick Foligno last summer.

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