2003-04 STATISTICAL REVIEW

Sabres slash prices on selected games

The Sabres, who missed the playoffs for a record third year in a row, won’t look substantially different whenever the 2004-05 season gets underway. They could, however, cost less to see. So far this summer, the Sabres have made no moves in the free-agent market. But they did roll out a new pricing policy, one that raises rates for games the franchise determines are likely to bring in more revenue. They also lowered the price of other tickets and offered deep discounts for season-ticket holders in the lower bowl area, a region of HSBC Arena that was noticeably devoid of patrons for many games last season. The club has yet to name the hiked games, but it’s likely Toronto, a nearby Northeast Division rival will be one of the teams. NEEDS The Sabres have…

2003-04 STATISTICAL REVIEW

Slaney planning for future in coaching

The AHL’s all-time leading goal-scorer among defenseman hopes to secure more on-the-job experience over the next three years before making a full-time move into coaching. Philadelphia Phantoms’ John Slaney is entering the final year of a three-year deal with the parent Philadelphia Flyers, but says he hopes to play until he’s 35 before taking the whistle. “Coaching is something I’ve been thinking about for a while,” said the 32-year-old Slaney, who scored his 125th career AHL goal to surpass Jim Wiemer this past season. “My first year in Wilkes-Barre, I was the older guy at 28 and I was helping out some of the young guys. I was seeing from the other side how things worked and coaching caught my eye. “Here in Philly, the oldest guy next to me is 22. We’ve got…