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NHL hockey team season
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 .
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(July 2010 )
[ 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 [ edit ]
2002–03 regular season[ 4]
October: 3–5–2–0 (home: 2–2–1–0; road: 1–3–1–0)
Game
Result
Date
Score
Opponent
Record
Recap
1
W
October 10, 2002
5–1
New York Islanders (2002–03 )
1–0–0–0
Recap
2
W
October 12, 2002
6–1
@ Montreal Canadiens (2002–03 )
2–0–0–0
Recap
3
L
October 13, 2002
0–3
@ Chicago Blackhawks (2002–03 )
2–1–0–0
Recap
4
T
October 17, 2002
4–4 OT
New York Rangers (2002–03 )
2–1–1–0
Recap
5
L
October 19, 2002
2–3
Phoenix Coyotes (2002–03 )
2–2–1–0
Recap
6
W
October 22, 2002
2–1
Philadelphia Flyers (2002–03 )
3–2–1–0
Recap
7
L
October 25, 2002
1–2
New Jersey Devils (2002–03 )
3–3–1–0
Recap
8
L
October 26, 2002
2–5
@ Pittsburgh Penguins (2002–03 )
3–4–1–0
Recap
9
T
October 29, 2002
1–1 OT
@ Vancouver Canucks (2002–03 )
3–4–2–0
Recap
10
L
October 31, 2002
0–3
@ Calgary Flames (2002–03 )
3–5–2–0
Recap
November: 1–9–2–1 (home: 1–4–1–0; road: 0–5–1–1)
Game
Result
Date
Score
Opponent
Record
Recap
11
T
November 1, 2002
1–1 OT
@ Edmonton Oilers (2002–03 )
3–5–3–0
Recap
12
L
November 3, 2002
2–3
@ Columbus Blue Jackets (2002–03 )
3–6–3–0
Recap
13
L
November 7, 2002
0–2
@ Carolina Hurricanes (2002–03 )
3–7–3–0
Recap
14
L
November 9, 2002
4–6
Atlanta Thrashers (2002–03 )
3–8–3–0
Recap
15
L
November 12, 2002
3–4
Boston Bruins (2002–03 )
3–9–3–0
Recap
16
L
November 15, 2002
2–3
Toronto Maple Leafs (2002–03 )
3–10–3–0
Recap
17
L
November 16, 2002
1–4
@ Ottawa Senators (2002–03 )
3–11–3–0
Recap
18
OTL
November 19, 2002
3–4 OT
@ New Jersey Devils (2002–03 )
3–11–3–1
Recap
19
W
November 22, 2002
5–4
Columbus Blue Jackets (2002–03 )
4–11–3–1
Recap
20
L
November 23, 2002
1–4
@ Boston Bruins (2002–03 )
4–12–3–1
Recap
21
T
November 27, 2002
1–1 OT
Tampa Bay Lightning (2002–03 )
4–12–4–1
Recap
22
L
November 29, 2002
1–4
Pittsburgh Penguins (2002–03 )
4–13–4–1
Recap
23
L
November 30, 2002
1–3
@ Toronto Maple Leafs (2002–03 )
4–14–4–1
Recap
December: 4–8–1–1 (home: 3–4–1–1; road: 1–4–0–0)
Game
Result
Date
Score
Opponent
Record
Recap
24
W
December 4, 2002
4–0
Mighty Ducks of Anaheim (2002–03 )
5–14–4–1
Recap
25
W
December 6, 2002
4–1
@ New York Rangers (2002–03 )
6–14–4–1
Recap
26
W
December 7, 2002
4–3
Washington Capitals (2002–03 )
7–14–4–1
Recap
27
L
December 10, 2002
2–4
Ottawa Senators (2002–03 )
7–15–4–1
Recap
28
T
December 13, 2002
1–1 OT
Chicago Blackhawks (2002–03 )
7–15–5–1
Recap
29
L
December 14, 2002
0–2
@ Philadelphia Flyers (2002–03 )
7–16–5–1
Recap
30
W
December 18, 2002
4–2
Boston Bruins (2002–03 )
8–16–5–1
Recap
31
L
December 20, 2002
0–3
Florida Panthers (2002–03 )
8–17–5–1
Recap
32
L
December 21, 2002
2–6
@ Montreal Canadiens (2002–03 )
8–18–5–1
Recap
33
L
December 23, 2002
2–5
@ Pittsburgh Penguins (2002–03 )
8–19–5–1
Recap
34
L
December 26, 2002
2–3
Ottawa Senators (2002–03 )
8–20–5–1
Recap
35
L
December 28, 2002
3–4
Minnesota Wild (2002–03 )
8–21–5–1
Recap
36
L
December 30, 2002
3–4
@ Washington Capitals (2002–03 )
8–22–5–1
Recap
37
OTL
December 31, 2002
0–1 OT
New York Islanders (2002–03 )
8–22–5–2
Recap
January: 7–2–2–2 (home: 3–1–1–0; road: 4–1–1–2)
Game
Result
Date
Score
Opponent
Record
Recap
38
W
January 3, 2003
6–3
Carolina Hurricanes (2002–03 )
9–22–5–2
Recap
39
W
January 4, 2003
2–1 OT
@ Ottawa Senators (2002–03 )
10–22–5–2
Recap
40
L
January 7, 2003
2–3
@ Philadelphia Flyers (2002–03 )
10–23–5–2
Recap
41
W
January 10, 2003
4–2
Boston Bruins (2002–03 )
11–23–5–2
Recap
42
W
January 11, 2003
3–2
@ Montreal Canadiens (2002–03 )
12–23–5–2
Recap
43
W
January 14, 2003
1–0
@ Minnesota Wild (2002–03 )
13–23–5–2
Recap
44
T
January 16, 2003
2–2 OT
@ San Jose Sharks (2002–03 )
13–23–6–2
Recap
45
W
January 18, 2003
1–0
@ Phoenix Coyotes (2002–03 )
14–23–6–2
Recap
46
T
January 21, 2003
0–0 OT
Pittsburgh Penguins (2002–03 )
14–23–7–2
Recap
47
W
January 24, 2003
4–0
Toronto Maple Leafs (2002–03 )
15–23–7–2
Recap
48
OTL
January 25, 2003
3–4 OT
@ Ottawa Senators (2002–03 )
15–23–7–3
Recap
49
L
January 27, 2003
1–5
Nashville Predators (2002–03 )
15–24–7–3
Recap
50
OTL
January 30, 2003
1–2 OT
@ St. Louis Blues (2002–03 )
15–24–7–4
Recap
February: 4–7–1–1 (home: 3–3–0–0; road: 1–4–1–1)
Game
Result
Date
Score
Opponent
Record
Recap
51
L
February 4, 2003
1–4
@ New Jersey Devils (2002–03 )
15–25–7–4
Recap
52
L
February 7, 2003
2–4
Vancouver Canucks (2002–03 )
15–26–7–4
Recap
53
L
February 8, 2003
1–3
@ New York Islanders (2002–03 )
15–27–7–4
Recap
54
L
February 11, 2003
2–3
St. Louis Blues (2002–03 )
15–28–7–4
Recap
55
L
February 13, 2003
2–4
@ Detroit Red Wings (2002–03 )
15–29–7–4
Recap
56
W
February 15, 2003
5–4
New York Rangers (2002–03 )
16–29–7–4
Recap
57
OTL
February 17, 2003
3–4 OT
@ Atlanta Thrashers (2002–03 )
16–29–7–5
Recap
58
W
February 19, 2003
2–1 OT
Montreal Canadiens (2002–03 )
17–29–7–5
Recap
59
L
February 21, 2003
1–4
Los Angeles Kings (2002–03 )
17–30–7–5
Recap
60
W
February 23, 2003
4–1
@ Tampa Bay Lightning (2002–03 )
18–30–7–5
Recap
61
T
February 24, 2003
2–2 OT
@ Florida Panthers (2002–03 )
18–30–8–5
Recap
62
L
February 26, 2003
2–3
@ Washington Capitals (2002–03 )
18–31–8–5
Recap
63
W
February 28, 2003
5–3
Dallas Stars (2002–03 )
19–31–8–5
Recap
March: 7–5–1–3 (home: 5–2–0–1; road: 2–3–1–2)
Game
Result
Date
Score
Opponent
Record
Recap
64
OTL
March 1, 2003
1–2 OT
@ New York Islanders (2002–03 )
19–31–8–6
Recap
65
L
March 4, 2003
1–2
Washington Capitals (2002–03 )
19–32–8–6
Recap
66
W
March 6, 2003
4–2
Toronto Maple Leafs (2002–03 )
20–32–8–6
Recap
67
W
March 8, 2003
4–0
@ Florida Panthers (2002–03 )
21–32–8–6
Recap
68
T
March 9, 2003
1–1 OT
@ Tampa Bay Lightning (2002–03 )
21–32–9–6
Recap
69
OTL
March 12, 2003
2–3 OT
Carolina Hurricanes (2002–03 )
21–32–9–7
Recap
70
L
March 14, 2003
2–4
Tampa Bay Lightning (2002–03 )
21–33–9–7
Recap
71
L
March 15, 2003
3–5
@ Atlanta Thrashers (2002–03 )
21–34–9–7
Recap
72
W
March 18, 2003
5–2
Philadelphia Flyers (2002–03 )
22–34–9–7
Recap
73
L
March 19, 2003
0–3
@ New York Rangers (2002–03 )
22–35–9–7
Recap
74
OTL
March 22, 2003
2–3 OT
@ Toronto Maple Leafs (2002–03 )
22–35–9–8
Recap
75
W
March 24, 2003
4–3 OT
Colorado Avalanche (2002–03 )
23–35–9–8
Recap
76
W
March 26, 2003
2–1
Florida Panthers (2002–03 )
24–35–9–8
Recap
77
W
March 28, 2003
4–1
Montreal Canadiens (2002–03 )
25–35–9–8
Recap
78
W
March 29, 2003
3–1
@ Carolina Hurricanes (2002–03 )
26–35–9–8
Recap
79
L
March 31, 2003
0–3
@ Dallas Stars (2002–03 )
26–36–9–8
Recap
April: 1–1–1–0 (home: 1–0–1–0; road: 0–1–0–0)
Legend :
Win (2 points)
Loss (0 points)
Tie (1 point)
Overtime loss (1 point)
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.
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]
Buffalo's draft picks at the 2002 NHL entry draft held at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto , Ontario .[ 44]
^ 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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