The 2002–03 Buffalo Sabres season was the 33rd season of operation for the National Hockey League franchise that was established on May 22, 1970.[1] The Sabres failed to qualify for the playoffs for a second consecutive season. The 72 points accumulated in the regular season was the lowest total for the franchise since the 1986–87 season.
Off-season
Regular season
Final standings
[2]
Note: CR = Conference rank; GP = Games played; W = Wins; L = Losses; T = Ties; OTL = Overtime loss; GF = Goals for; GA = Goals against; Pts = Points
Bolded teams qualified for the playoffs.
Divisions: AT – Atlantic, NE – Northeast, SE – Southeast
P – Clinched Presidents Trophy; Y – Clinched division; X – Clinched playoff spot
Schedule and results
2002–03 regular season[4]
|
October: 3–5–2–0 (home: 2–2–1–0; road: 1–3–1–0)
Game |
Date |
Score |
Opponent |
Record |
Recap
|
1 |
October 10, 2002 |
5–1 |
New York Islanders (2002–03) |
1–0–0–0 |
W
|
2 |
October 12, 2002 |
6–1 |
@ Montreal Canadiens (2002–03) |
2–0–0–0 |
W
|
3 |
October 13, 2002 |
0–3 |
@ Chicago Blackhawks (2002–03) |
2–1–0–0 |
L
|
4 |
October 17, 2002 |
4–4 OT |
New York Rangers (2002–03) |
2–1–1–0 |
T
|
5 |
October 19, 2002 |
2–3 |
Phoenix Coyotes (2002–03) |
2–2–1–0 |
L
|
6 |
October 22, 2002 |
2–1 |
Philadelphia Flyers (2002–03) |
3–2–1–0 |
W
|
7 |
October 25, 2002 |
1–2 |
New Jersey Devils (2002–03) |
3–3–1–0 |
L
|
8 |
October 26, 2002 |
2–5 |
@ Pittsburgh Penguins (2002–03) |
3–4–1–0 |
L
|
9 |
October 29, 2002 |
1–1 OT |
@ Vancouver Canucks (2002–03) |
3–4–2–0 |
T
|
10 |
October 31, 2002 |
0–3 |
@ Calgary Flames (2002–03) |
3–5–2–0 |
L
|
|
November: 1–9–2–1 (home: 1–4–1–0; road: 0–5–1–1)
Game |
Date |
Score |
Opponent |
Record |
Recap
|
11 |
November 1, 2002 |
1–1 OT |
@ Edmonton Oilers (2002–03) |
3–5–3–0 |
T
|
12 |
November 3, 2002 |
2–3 |
@ Columbus Blue Jackets (2002–03) |
3–6–3–0 |
L
|
13 |
November 7, 2002 |
0–2 |
@ Carolina Hurricanes (2002–03) |
3–7–3–0 |
L
|
14 |
November 9, 2002 |
4–6 |
Atlanta Thrashers (2002–03) |
3–8–3–0 |
L
|
15 |
November 12, 2002 |
3–4 |
Boston Bruins (2002–03) |
3–9–3–0 |
L
|
16 |
November 15, 2002 |
2–3 |
Toronto Maple Leafs (2002–03) |
3–10–3–0 |
L
|
17 |
November 16, 2002 |
1–4 |
@ Ottawa Senators (2002–03) |
3–11–3–0 |
L
|
18 |
November 19, 2002 |
3–4 OT |
@ New Jersey Devils (2002–03) |
3–11–3–1 |
OTL
|
19 |
November 22, 2002 |
5–4 |
Columbus Blue Jackets (2002–03) |
4–11–3–1 |
W
|
20 |
November 23, 2002 |
1–4 |
@ Boston Bruins (2002–03) |
4–12–3–1 |
L
|
21 |
November 27, 2002 |
1–1 OT |
Tampa Bay Lightning (2002–03) |
4–12–4–1 |
T
|
22 |
November 29, 2002 |
1–4 |
Pittsburgh Penguins (2002–03) |
4–13–4–1 |
L
|
23 |
November 30, 2002 |
1–3 |
@ Toronto Maple Leafs (2002–03) |
4–14–4–1 |
L
|
|
December: 4–8–1–1 (home: 3–4–1–1; road: 1–4–0–0)
Game |
Date |
Score |
Opponent |
Record |
Recap
|
24 |
December 4, 2002 |
4–0 |
Mighty Ducks of Anaheim (2002–03) |
5–14–4–1 |
W
|
25 |
December 6, 2002 |
4–1 |
@ New York Rangers (2002–03) |
6–14–4–1 |
W
|
26 |
December 7, 2002 |
4–3 |
Washington Capitals (2002–03) |
7–14–4–1 |
W
|
27 |
December 10, 2002 |
2–4 |
Ottawa Senators (2002–03) |
7–15–4–1 |
L
|
28 |
December 13, 2002 |
1–1 OT |
Chicago Blackhawks (2002–03) |
7–15–5–1 |
T
|
29 |
December 14, 2002 |
0–2 |
@ Philadelphia Flyers (2002–03) |
7–16–5–1 |
L
|
30 |
December 18, 2002 |
4–2 |
Boston Bruins (2002–03) |
8–16–5–1 |
W
|
31 |
December 20, 2002 |
0–3 |
Florida Panthers (2002–03) |
8–17–5–1 |
L
|
32 |
December 21, 2002 |
2–6 |
@ Montreal Canadiens (2002–03) |
8–18–5–1 |
L
|
33 |
December 23, 2002 |
2–5 |
@ Pittsburgh Penguins (2002–03) |
8–19–5–1 |
L
|
34 |
December 26, 2002 |
2–3 |
Ottawa Senators (2002–03) |
8–20–5–1 |
L
|
35 |
December 28, 2002 |
3–4 |
Minnesota Wild (2002–03) |
8–21–5–1 |
L
|
36 |
December 30, 2002 |
3–4 |
@ Washington Capitals (2002–03) |
8–22–5–1 |
L
|
37 |
December 31, 2002 |
0–1 OT |
New York Islanders (2002–03) |
8–22–5–2 |
OTL
|
|
January: 7–2–2–2 (home: 3–1–1–0; road: 4–1–1–2)
Game |
Date |
Score |
Opponent |
Record |
Recap
|
38 |
January 3, 2003 |
6–3 |
Carolina Hurricanes (2002–03) |
9–22–5–2 |
W
|
39 |
January 4, 2003 |
2–1 OT |
@ Ottawa Senators (2002–03) |
10–22–5–2 |
W
|
40 |
January 7, 2003 |
2–3 |
@ Philadelphia Flyers (2002–03) |
10–23–5–2 |
L
|
41 |
January 10, 2003 |
4–2 |
Boston Bruins (2002–03) |
11–23–5–2 |
W
|
42 |
January 11, 2003 |
3–2 |
@ Montreal Canadiens (2002–03) |
12–23–5–2 |
W
|
43 |
January 14, 2003 |
1–0 |
@ Minnesota Wild (2002–03) |
13–23–5–2 |
W
|
44 |
January 16, 2003 |
2–2 OT |
@ San Jose Sharks (2002–03) |
13–23–6–2 |
T
|
45 |
January 18, 2003 |
1–0 |
@ Phoenix Coyotes (2002–03) |
14–23–6–2 |
W
|
46 |
January 21, 2003 |
0–0 OT |
Pittsburgh Penguins (2002–03) |
14–23–7–2 |
T
|
47 |
January 24, 2003 |
4–0 |
Toronto Maple Leafs (2002–03) |
15–23–7–2 |
W
|
48 |
January 25, 2003 |
3–4 OT |
@ Ottawa Senators (2002–03) |
15–23–7–3 |
OTL
|
49 |
January 27, 2003 |
1–5 |
Nashville Predators (2002–03) |
15–24–7–3 |
L
|
50 |
January 30, 2003 |
1–2 OT |
@ St. Louis Blues (2002–03) |
15–24–7–4 |
OTL
|
|
February: 4–7–1–1 (home: 3–3–0–0; road: 1–4–1–1)
Game |
Date |
Score |
Opponent |
Record |
Recap
|
51 |
February 4, 2003 |
1–4 |
@ New Jersey Devils (2002–03) |
15–25–7–4 |
L
|
52 |
February 7, 2003 |
2–4 |
Vancouver Canucks (2002–03) |
15–26–7–4 |
L
|
53 |
February 8, 2003 |
1–3 |
@ New York Islanders (2002–03) |
15–27–7–4 |
L
|
54 |
February 11, 2003 |
2–3 |
St. Louis Blues (2002–03) |
15–28–7–4 |
L
|
55 |
February 13, 2003 |
2–4 |
@ Detroit Red Wings (2002–03) |
15–29–7–4 |
L
|
56 |
February 15, 2003 |
5–4 |
New York Rangers (2002–03) |
16–29–7–4 |
W
|
57 |
February 17, 2003 |
3–4 OT |
@ Atlanta Thrashers (2002–03) |
16–29–7–5 |
OTL
|
58 |
February 19, 2003 |
2–1 OT |
Montreal Canadiens (2002–03) |
17–29–7–5 |
W
|
59 |
February 21, 2003 |
1–4 |
Los Angeles Kings (2002–03) |
17–30–7–5 |
L
|
60 |
February 23, 2003 |
4–1 |
@ Tampa Bay Lightning (2002–03) |
18–30–7–5 |
W
|
61 |
February 24, 2003 |
2–2 OT |
@ Florida Panthers (2002–03) |
18–30–8–5 |
T
|
62 |
February 26, 2003 |
2–3 |
@ Washington Capitals (2002–03) |
18–31–8–5 |
L
|
63 |
February 28, 2003 |
5–3 |
Dallas Stars (2002–03) |
19–31–8–5 |
W
|
|
March: 7–5–1–3 (home: 5–2–0–1; road: 2–3–1–2)
Game |
Date |
Score |
Opponent |
Record |
Recap
|
64 |
March 1, 2003 |
1–2 OT |
@ New York Islanders (2002–03) |
19–31–8–6 |
OTL
|
65 |
March 4, 2003 |
1–2 |
Washington Capitals (2002–03) |
19–32–8–6 |
L
|
66 |
March 6, 2003 |
4–2 |
Toronto Maple Leafs (2002–03) |
20–32–8–6 |
W
|
67 |
March 8, 2003 |
4–0 |
@ Florida Panthers (2002–03) |
21–32–8–6 |
W
|
68 |
March 9, 2003 |
1–1 OT |
@ Tampa Bay Lightning (2002–03) |
21–32–9–6 |
T
|
69 |
March 12, 2003 |
2–3 OT |
Carolina Hurricanes (2002–03) |
21–32–9–7 |
OTL
|
70 |
March 14, 2003 |
2–4 |
Tampa Bay Lightning (2002–03) |
21–33–9–7 |
L
|
71 |
March 15, 2003 |
3–5 |
@ Atlanta Thrashers (2002–03) |
21–34–9–7 |
L
|
72 |
March 18, 2003 |
5–2 |
Philadelphia Flyers (2002–03) |
22–34–9–7 |
W
|
73 |
March 19, 2003 |
0–3 |
@ New York Rangers (2002–03) |
22–35–9–7 |
L
|
74 |
March 22, 2003 |
2–3 OT |
@ Toronto Maple Leafs (2002–03) |
22–35–9–8 |
OTL
|
75 |
March 24, 2003 |
4–3 OT |
Colorado Avalanche (2002–03) |
23–35–9–8 |
W
|
76 |
March 26, 2003 |
2–1 |
Florida Panthers (2002–03) |
24–35–9–8 |
W
|
77 |
March 28, 2003 |
4–1 |
Montreal Canadiens (2002–03) |
25–35–9–8 |
W
|
78 |
March 29, 2003 |
3–1 |
@ Carolina Hurricanes (2002–03) |
26–35–9–8 |
W
|
79 |
March 31, 2003 |
0–3 |
@ Dallas Stars (2002–03) |
26–36–9–8 |
L
|
|
April: 1–1–1–0 (home: 1–0–1–0; road: 0–1–0–0)
|
Legend:
W Win (2 points)
L Loss (0 points)
T Tie (1 point)
OTL Overtime loss (1 point)
|
Player statistics
Scoring
- Position abbreviations: C = Center; D = Defense; G = Goaltender; LW = Left wing; RW = Right wing
- † = Joined team via a transaction (e.g., trade, waivers, signing) during the season. Stats reflect time with the Sabres only.
- ‡ = Left team via a transaction (e.g., trade, waivers, release) during the season. Stats reflect time with the Sabres only.
Goaltending
Awards and records
Awards
Milestones
Transactions
The Sabres were involved in the following transactions from June 14, 2002, the day after the deciding game of the 2002 Stanley Cup Finals, through June 9, 2003, the day of the deciding game of the 2003 Stanley Cup Finals.[11]
Trades
Players acquired
Players lost
Signings
Draft picks
Buffalo's draft picks at the 2002 NHL entry draft held at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto, Ontario.[44]
See also
Notes
References
- ^ National Hockey League (2010). The National Hockey League Official Guide & Record Book/2011. Triumph Books. p. 27. ISBN 978-1-60078-422-4.
- ^ Dinger, Ralph, ed. (2009). The National Hockey League Official Guide & Record Book/2010. Dan Diamond & Associates. p. 163.
- ^ "2002–2003 Standings by Conference". National Hockey League. Archived from the original on March 28, 2012. Retrieved March 26, 2012.
- ^ "2002-03 Buffalo Sabres Schedule". Hockey-Reference.com. Retrieved November 21, 2022.
- ^ "Sabres Going to the All Star Game". Buffalo Sabres. January 28, 2003. Archived from the original on October 10, 2003. Retrieved December 22, 2022.
- ^ "2003 NHL All-Star Game Rosters". Hockey-Reference.com. Retrieved August 29, 2024.
- ^ "Sabres Satan Named Player of the Week". Buffalo Sabres. December 9, 2002. Archived from the original on October 10, 2003. Retrieved December 22, 2022.
- ^ "Sabres Kotalik Named Rookie of the Month". Buffalo Sabres. January 31, 2003. Archived from the original on August 11, 2003. Retrieved December 22, 2022.
- ^ "NHL - 2003 YoungStars Rosters". ESPN.com. January 18, 2003. Retrieved December 21, 2022.
- ^ "2002-03 NHL Debuts". Hockey-Reference.com. Retrieved October 13, 2024.
- ^ "Hockey Transactions Search Results". www.prosportstransactions.com. Retrieved November 25, 2022.
- ^ a b c d Schultz, Janet (June 22, 2002). "Sabres Trade Kozlov Acquire Jochen Hecht". Buffalo Sabres. Archived from the original on August 19, 2003. Retrieved November 28, 2022.
- ^ "Sabres Acquire Adam Mair From The LA Kings For Erik Rasmussen". Buffalo Sabres. July 24, 2002. Archived from the original on October 14, 2003. Retrieved November 28, 2022.
- ^ "Sabres Trade Jason Woolley to Detroit". Buffalo Sabres. November 16, 2002. Archived from the original on October 10, 2003. Retrieved November 28, 2022.
- ^ "Sabres Acquire Jakub Klepis from Ottawa Senators for Vaclav Varada". Buffalo Sabres. February 25, 2003. Archived from the original on October 10, 2003. Retrieved November 28, 2022.
- ^ "Sabres Trade Rob Ray to the Ottawa Senators". Buffalo Sabres. March 10, 2003. Archived from the original on October 10, 2003. Retrieved November 28, 2022.
- ^ "Sabres Acquire Mike Ryan and Second Round Selection from Dallas in Exchange for Stu Barnes". Buffalo Sabres. March 10, 2003. Archived from the original on October 10, 2003. Retrieved November 28, 2022.
- ^ "Sabres Acquire Daniel Briere From Phoenix in Exchange for Chris Gratton". Buffalo Sabres. March 11, 2003. Archived from the original on October 10, 2003. Retrieved November 28, 2022.
- ^ a b "Sabres Sign Fitzpatrick and Ratchuk". Buffalo Sabres. August 7, 2002. Archived from the original on October 14, 2003. Retrieved November 28, 2022.
- ^ a b "Sabres Sign Jason Botterill and Francois Methot". Buffalo Sabres. August 8, 2002. Archived from the original on October 14, 2003. Retrieved November 28, 2022.
- ^ "NHL FREE-AGENT LIST". Daily Herald. July 2, 2002. Retrieved November 25, 2022.
- ^ Christian Matte at Hockey-Reference.com, retrieved November 28, 2022
- ^ "+SPORTS TRANSACTIONS FOR WEDNESDAY, JULY 10+". UPI. July 10, 2002. Retrieved November 28, 2022.
Atlanta Thrashers -- Signed free agent defenseman Richard Smehlik.
- ^ "Bruins Re-Sign P.J. Axelsson and Sign Darren Van Oene". Boston Bruins. July 29, 2002. Archived from the original on March 14, 2004. Retrieved November 28, 2022.
- ^ Bob Corkum at Hockey-Reference.com, retrieved November 28, 2022
- ^ Mike Hurlbut at Hockey-Reference.com, retrieved November 28, 2022
- ^ Bob Essensa at Hockey-Reference.com, retrieved November 28, 2022
- ^ "PENGUINS OPEN TRAINING CAMP TOMORROW AT THE FIRST UNION ARENA AT CASEY PLAZA". Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins. September 22, 2002. Archived from the original on February 17, 2003. Retrieved November 28, 2022.
- ^ "Mudbugs Announce Affiliation with AHL's Rochester Americans". OurSports Central. October 2, 2002. Retrieved November 28, 2022.
- ^ "Sound Tigers Sign Adduono". OurSports Central. December 3, 2002. Retrieved November 28, 2022.
- ^ a b "Sabres Pick Up Contract Options and Extend Qualifying Offers". Buffalo Sabres. June 27, 2002. Archived from the original on October 14, 2003. Retrieved November 28, 2022.
- ^ "Sabres Agree To Terms With Rob Ray". Buffalo Sabres. July 3, 2002. Archived from the original on October 14, 2003. Retrieved November 28, 2022.
- ^ "Sabres Agree To Terms With Goaltender Mika Noronen". Buffalo Sabres. July 12, 2002. Archived from the original on October 14, 2003. Retrieved November 28, 2022.
- ^ "Sabres Agree to Terms with James Patrick". Buffalo Sabres. July 25, 2002. Archived from the original on August 19, 2003. Retrieved November 28, 2022.
- ^ "Sabres Agree to Terms with Tim Connolly". Buffalo Sabres. July 30, 2002. Archived from the original on October 14, 2003. Retrieved November 28, 2022.
- ^ a b c "Sabres Sign Warrener, Gratton, Campbell". Buffalo Sabres. July 31, 2002. Archived from the original on August 19, 2003. Retrieved November 28, 2022.
- ^ "Sabres Sign Goaltender Martin Biron". Buffalo Sabres. August 8, 2002. Archived from the original on October 14, 2003. Retrieved November 28, 2022.
- ^ a b "Sabres Sign Jason Pominville And Radoslav Hecl". Buffalo Sabres. August 7, 2002. Archived from the original on October 14, 2003. Retrieved November 28, 2022.
- ^ "Sabres Sign Ryan Miller". Buffalo Sabers. August 26, 2002. Archived from the original on October 10, 2003. Retrieved November 28, 2022.
- ^ "Sabres Agree To Terms with Maxim Afinogenov". Buffalo Sabres. September 4, 2002. Archived from the original on July 21, 2003. Retrieved November 28, 2022.
- ^ "Sabres Sign 2001 1st Round Draft Pick". Buffalo Sabres. September 18, 2002. Archived from the original on October 10, 2003. Retrieved November 28, 2022.
- ^ "Sabres Agree To Terms With Vaclav Varada". Buffalo Sabres. October 4, 2002. Archived from the original on October 10, 2003. Retrieved November 28, 2022.
- ^ a b "BUFFALO SABRES SIGN MEMORIAL CUP MVP DEREK ROY". Buffalo Sabres. May 28, 2003. Archived from the original on August 11, 2003. Retrieved November 28, 2022.
- ^ "2002 NHL Entry Draft Picks at hockeydb.com". hockeyDB.com. Retrieved December 23, 2022.
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Franchise | |
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History | |
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Personnel | |
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Arenas | |
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Affiliates | |
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Media | |
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Culture and lore | |
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1970s | |
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1980s | |
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1990s | |
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2000s | |
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2010s | |
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2020s | |
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Atlantic | |
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Northeast | |
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Southeast | |
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Central | |
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Northwest | |
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Pacific | |
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See also | |
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