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2003–04 Buffalo Sabres season

{{short description|NHL hockey team season}}

{{Use mdy dates|date=April 2013}}

{{NHLTeamSeason

| League = NHL

| Season = 2003-04

| year = 2003

| Team = Buffalo Sabres

| Conference= Eastern

| ConferenceRank=9th

| Division= Northeast

| DivisionRank =5th

| Record =37–34–7–4

| HomeRecord = 21–16–4–3

| RoadRecord = 16–21–3–1

| GoalsFor = 220

| GoalsAgainst = 221

|GeneralManager=Darcy Regier

|Coach=Lindy Ruff

|Captain= Rotating
Miroslav Satan {{small|(Oct.)}}
Chris Drury {{small|(Nov., Mar.–Apr.)}}
James Patrick {{small|(Dec.)}}
Jean-Pierre Dumont {{small|(Jan.)}}
Daniel Briere {{small|(Feb.)}}

| AltCaptain =

| Arena = HSBC Arena

| Attendance = 15,289

| MinorLeague = Rochester Americans

| GoalsLeader = Miroslav Satan (29)

| AssistsLeader = Daniel Briere and Jochen Hecht (37)

| PointsLeader = Daniel Briere

| PlusMinusLeader = Jochen Hecht

| PIMLeader = Andrew Peters (151)

| WinsLeader = Martin Biron (26)

| GAALeader = Martin Biron (2.52)

}}

The 2003–04 Buffalo Sabres season was the 34th season of operation for the National Hockey League franchise that was established on May 22, 1970.{{cite book |last=National Hockey League|title=The National Hockey League Official Guide & Record Book/2011|year=2010 |publisher= Triumph Books |page= 27|isbn= 978-1-60078-422-4}} The Sabres failed to qualify for the playoffs for the third consecutive season.

Regular season

On March 17, 2004, Derek Roy scored just 15 seconds into the overtime period to give the Sabres a 4–3 road win over the Atlanta Thrashers.{{Cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2004-mar-18-sp-nhl18-story.html|title = Archives}} Roy tied the Blackhawks' Mark Bell, who had also scored 15 seconds into the overtime period in Chicago's 4–3 home win over the Detroit Red Wings on December 11, 2003.{{Cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2003-dec-12-sp-nhl12-story.html|title = Archives}} Both goals would end up being the fastest overtime goals scored during the 2003-04 NHL regular season.{{Cite web|url=https://www.hockey-reference.com/leagues/NHL_2004_games.html|title=2003-04 NHL Schedule and Results}}

=Final standings=

{{2003–04 NHL Northeast Division standings|team=BUF}}

{{2003–04 NHL Eastern Conference standings|team=BUF}}

Schedule and results

{{Game log start|style=background:#fff; border-top:#010101 5px solid; border-bottom:#C8102E 5px solid;|title= 2003–04 regular season{{cite web |title=2003-04 Buffalo Sabres Schedule and Results |url=https://www.hockey-reference.com/teams/BUF/2004_games.html |website=Hockey-Reference.com |access-date=August 10, 2022}}}}

{{Game log section start|hide=y|style=background:#fff; border-top:#010101 2px solid; border-bottom:#C8102E 2px solid;|title=October: 6–5–0–0 (home: 2–2–0–0; road: 4–3–0–0)|Game |Result |Date |Score |Opponent| Record| Recap}}

|- {{Game-lost}}

|1||L||October 9, 2003||0–2 || align="left"| @ Philadelphia Flyers (2003–04) ||0–1–0–0 || {{NHL recap|2003020005}}

|- {{Game-lost}}

|2||L||October 11, 2003||0–6 || align="left"| New York Islanders (2003–04) ||0–2–0–0 || {{NHL recap|2003020018}}

|- {{Game-won}}

|3||W||October 13, 2003||4–3 || align="left"| Dallas Stars (2003–04) ||1–2–0–0 || {{NHL recap|2003020033}}

|- {{Game-lost}}

|4||L||October 16, 2003||1–4 || align="left"| @ Edmonton Oilers (2003–04) ||1–3–0–0 || {{NHL recap|2003020051}}

|- {{Game-won}}

|5||W||October 18, 2003||2–0 || align="left"| @ Calgary Flames (2003–04) ||2–3–0–0 || {{NHL recap|2003020064}}

|- {{Game-lost}}

|6||L||October 20, 2003||1–6 || align="left"| @ Vancouver Canucks (2003–04) ||2–4–0–0 || {{NHL recap|2003020075}}

|- {{Game-won}}

|7||W||October 23, 2003||5–1 || align="left"| @ Los Angeles Kings (2003–04) ||3–4–0–0 || {{NHL recap|2003020095}}

|- {{Game-won}}

|8||W||October 24, 2003||5–2 || align="left"| @ Mighty Ducks of Anaheim (2003–04) ||4–4–0–0 || {{NHL recap|2003020101}}

|- {{Game-won}}

|9||W||October 26, 2003||3–1 || align="left"| @ Colorado Avalanche (2003–04) ||5–4–0–0 || {{NHL recap|2003020116}}

|- {{Game-lost}}

|10||L||October 28, 2003||1–3 || align="left"| Minnesota Wild (2003–04) ||5–5–0–0 || {{NHL recap|2003020120}}

|- {{Game-won}}

|11||W||October 30, 2003||5–3 || align="left"| Toronto Maple Leafs (2003–04) ||6–5–0–0 || {{NHL recap|2003020135}}

|-

{{Game log section end}}

{{Game log section start|hide=y|style=background:#fff; border-top:#010101 2px solid; border-bottom:#C8102E 2px solid;|title=November: 5–6–2–1 (home: 4–1–1–1; road: 1–5–1–0)|Game |Result |Date |Score |Opponent| Record| Recap}}

|- {{Game-tied}}

|12||T||November 1, 2003||1–1 OT|| align="left"| @ Ottawa Senators (2003–04) ||6–5–1–0 || {{NHL recap|2003020152}}

|- {{Game-lost}}

|13||L||November 5, 2003||4–7 || align="left"| Atlanta Thrashers (2003–04) ||6–6–1–0 || {{NHL recap|2003020175}}

|- {{Game-won}}

|14||W||November 7, 2003||2–1 || align="left"| Montreal Canadiens (2003–04) ||7–6–1–0 || {{NHL recap|2003020190}}

|- {{Game-lost}}

|15||L||November 8, 2003||0–3 || align="left"| @ Montreal Canadiens (2003–04) ||7–7–1–0 || {{NHL recap|2003020196}}

|- {{Game-tied}}

|16||T||November 12, 2003||2–2 OT|| align="left"| New Jersey Devils (2003–04) ||7–7–2–0 || {{NHL recap|2003020220}}

|- {{Game-otl}}

|17||OTL||November 14, 2003||1–2 OT|| align="left"| Pittsburgh Penguins (2003–04) ||7–7–2–1 || {{NHL recap|2003020238}}

|- {{Game-won}}

|18||W||November 17, 2003||2–1 || align="left"| @ Ottawa Senators (2003–04) ||8–7–2–1 || {{NHL recap|2003020257}}

|- {{Game-lost}}

|19||L||November 19, 2003||1–4 || align="left"| @ New Jersey Devils (2003–04) ||8–8–2–1 || {{NHL recap|2003020264}}

|- {{Game-won}}

|20||W||November 21, 2003||5–0 || align="left"| Carolina Hurricanes (2003–04) ||9–8–2–1 || {{NHL recap|2003020283}}

|- {{Game-lost}}

|21||L||November 22, 2003||1–2 || align="left"| @ Tampa Bay Lightning (2003–04) ||9–9–2–1 || {{NHL recap|2003020292}}

|- {{Game-lost}}

|22||L||November 24, 2003||1–2 || align="left"| @ Florida Panthers (2003–04) ||9–10–2–1 || {{NHL recap|2003020303}}

|- {{Game-won}}

|23||W||November 26, 2003||5–2 || align="left"| Washington Capitals (2003–04) ||10–10–2–1 || {{NHL recap|2003020313}}

|- {{Game-won}}

|24||W||November 28, 2003||4–3 || align="left"| Florida Panthers (2003–04) ||11–10–2–1 || {{NHL recap|2003020334}}

|- {{Game-lost}}

|25||L||November 29, 2003||1–4 || align="left"| @ Nashville Predators (2003–04) ||11–11–2–1 || {{NHL recap|2003020345}}

|-

{{Game log section end}}

{{Game log section start|hide=y|style=background:#fff; border-top:#010101 2px solid; border-bottom:#C8102E 2px solid;|title=December: 4–8–1–0 (home: 2–5–1–0; road: 2–3–0–0)|Game |Result |Date |Score |Opponent| Record| Recap}}

|- {{Game-won}}

|26||W||December 3, 2003||3–2 || align="left"| @ Chicago Blackhawks (2003–04) ||12–11–2–1 || {{NHL recap|2003020367}}

|- {{Game-lost}}

|27||L||December 4, 2003||2–3 || align="left"| Phoenix Coyotes (2003–04) ||12–12–2–1 || {{NHL recap|2003020370}}

|- {{Game-lost}}

|28||L||December 6, 2003||1–3 || align="left"| Tampa Bay Lightning (2003–04) ||12–13–2–1 || {{NHL recap|2003020385}}

|- {{Game-lost}}

|29||L||December 10, 2003||2–7 || align="left"| Detroit Red Wings (2003–04) ||12–14–2–1 || {{NHL recap|2003020414}}

|- {{Game-lost}}

|30||L||December 12, 2003||1–3 || align="left"| New York Rangers (2003–04) ||12–15–2–1 || {{NHL recap|2003020429}}

|- {{Game-lost}}

|31||L||December 13, 2003||2–3 || align="left"| @ Minnesota Wild (2003–04) ||12–16–2–1 || {{NHL recap|2003020441}}

|- {{Game-lost}}

|32||L||December 16, 2003||1–2 || align="left"| @ Pittsburgh Penguins (2003–04) ||12–17–2–1 || {{NHL recap|2003020453}}

|- {{Game-lost}}

|33||L||December 19, 2003||2–5 || align="left"| New Jersey Devils (2003–04) ||12–18–2–1 || {{NHL recap|2003020476}}

|- {{Game-tied}}

|34||T||December 23, 2003||2–2 OT|| align="left"| Ottawa Senators (2003–04) ||12–18–3–1 || {{NHL recap|2003020502}}

|- {{Game-won}}

|35||W||December 26, 2003||3–1 || align="left"| Carolina Hurricanes (2003–04) ||13–18–3–1 || {{NHL recap|2003020515}}

|- {{Game-won}}

|36||W||December 27, 2003||3–1 || align="left"| @ Washington Capitals (2003–04) ||14–18–3–1 || {{NHL recap|2003020522}}

|- {{Game-lost}}

|37||L||December 29, 2003||1–2 || align="left"| @ Carolina Hurricanes (2003–04) ||14–19–3–1 || {{NHL recap|2003020537}}

|- {{Game-won}}

|38||W||December 31, 2003||7–1 || align="left"| Washington Capitals (2003–04) ||15–19–3–1 || {{NHL recap|2003020554}}

|-

{{Game log section end}}

{{Game log section start|hide=y|style=background:#fff; border-top:#010101 2px solid; border-bottom:#C8102E 2px solid;|title=January: 8–6–2–0 (home: 5–1–1–0; road: 3–5–1–0)|Game |Result |Date |Score |Opponent| Record| Recap}}

|- {{Game-won}}

|39||W||January 2, 2004||5–2 || align="left"| Mighty Ducks of Anaheim (2003–04) ||16–19–3–1 || {{NHL recap|2003020570}}

|- {{Game-tied}}

|40||T||January 3, 2004||3–3 OT|| align="left"| @ Toronto Maple Leafs (2003–04) ||16–19–4–1 || {{NHL recap|2003020578}}

|- {{Game-lost}}

|41||L||January 6, 2004||1–3 || align="left"| @ Montreal Canadiens (2003–04) ||16–20–4–1 || {{NHL recap|2003020601}}

|- {{Game-tied}}

|42||T||January 7, 2004||1–1 OT|| align="left"| Philadelphia Flyers (2003–04) ||16–20–5–1 || {{NHL recap|2003020604}}

|- {{Game-won}}

|43||W||January 9, 2004||3–2 || align="left"| Ottawa Senators (2003–04) ||17–20–5–1 || {{NHL recap|2003020622}}

|- {{Game-lost}}

|44||L||January 12, 2004||3–4 || align="left"| @ Boston Bruins (2003–04) ||17–21–5–1 || {{NHL recap|2003020642}}

|- {{Game-won}}

|45||W||January 13, 2004||6–2 || align="left"| Philadelphia Flyers (2003–04) ||18–21–5–1 || {{NHL recap|2003020646}}

|- {{Game-lost}}

|46||L||January 15, 2004||0–1 || align="left"| Boston Bruins (2003–04) ||18–22–5–1 || {{NHL recap|2003020661}}

|- {{Game-lost}}

|47||L||January 17, 2004||2–4 || align="left"| @ New York Islanders (2003–04) ||18–23–5–1 || {{NHL recap|2003020679}}

|- {{Game-lost}}

|48||L||January 20, 2004||1–4 || align="left"| @ Atlanta Thrashers (2003–04) ||18–24–5–1 || {{NHL recap|2003020703}}

|- {{Game-won}}

|49||W||January 22, 2004||3–2 || align="left"| @ Boston Bruins (2003–04) ||19–24–5–1 || {{NHL recap|2003020714}}

|- {{Game-lost}}

|50||L||January 24, 2004||1–2 || align="left"| @ Philadelphia Flyers (2003–04) ||19–25–5–1 || {{NHL recap|2003020728}}

|- {{Game-won}}

|51||W||January 25, 2004||4–2 || align="left"| @ Carolina Hurricanes (2003–04) ||20–25–5–1 || {{NHL recap|2003020741}}

|- {{Game-won}}

|52||W||January 27, 2004||4–1 || align="left"| Montreal Canadiens (2003–04) ||21–25–5–1 || {{NHL recap|2003020748}}

|- {{Game-won}}

|53||W||January 30, 2004||3–1 || align="left"| @ New York Rangers (2003–04) ||22–25–5–1 || {{NHL recap|2003020772}}

|- {{Game-won}}

|54||W||January 31, 2004||3–1 || align="left"| New York Rangers (2003–04) ||23–25–5–1 || {{NHL recap|2003020779}}

|-

{{Game log section end}}

{{Game log section start|hide=y|style=background:#fff; border-top:#010101 2px solid; border-bottom:#C8102E 2px solid;|title=February: 5–5–1–0 (home: 4–2–1–0; road: 1–3–0–0)|Game |Result |Date |Score |Opponent| Record| Recap}}

|- {{Game-lost}}

|55||L||February 5, 2004||2–6 || align="left"| Boston Bruins (2003–04) ||23–26–5–1 || {{NHL recap|2003020814}}

|- {{Game-won}}

|56||W||February 10, 2004||2–1 || align="left"| San Jose Sharks (2003–04) ||24–26–5–1 || {{NHL recap|2003020823}}

|- {{Game-won}}

|57||W||February 13, 2004||8–3 || align="left"| Los Angeles Kings (2003–04) ||25–26–5–1 || {{NHL recap|2003020847}}

|- {{Game-won}}

|58||W||February 14, 2004||6–4 || align="left"| @ Toronto Maple Leafs (2003–04) ||26–26–5–1 || {{NHL recap|2003020857}}

|- {{Game-won}}

|59||W||February 16, 2004||7–2 || align="left"| Atlanta Thrashers (2003–04) ||27–26–5–1 || {{NHL recap|2003020870}}

|- {{Game-tied}}

|60||T||February 18, 2004||1–1 OT|| align="left"| Florida Panthers (2003–04) ||27–26–6–1 || {{NHL recap|2003020884}}

|- {{Game-won}}

|61||W||February 20, 2004||4–3 OT|| align="left"| Tampa Bay Lightning (2003–04) ||28–26–6–1 || {{NHL recap|2003020902}}

|- {{Game-lost}}

|62||L||February 21, 2004||1–4 || align="left"| @ New York Islanders (2003–04) ||28–27–6–1 || {{NHL recap|2003020910}}

|- {{Game-lost}}

|63||L||February 25, 2004||2–8 || align="left"| @ New Jersey Devils (2003–04) ||28–28–6–1 || {{NHL recap|2003020936}}

|- {{Game-lost}}

|64||L||February 27, 2004||2–4 || align="left"| New York Islanders (2003–04) ||28–29–6–1 || {{NHL recap|2003020952}}

|- {{Game-lost}}

|65||L||February 28, 2004||1–7 || align="left"| @ Ottawa Senators (2003–04) ||28–30–6–1 || {{NHL recap|2003020962}}

|-

{{Game log section end}}

{{Game log section start|hide=y|style=background:#fff; border-top:#010101 2px solid; border-bottom:#C8102E 2px solid;|title=March: 9–2–1–3 (home: 4–1–0–2; road: 5–1–1–1)|Game |Result |Date |Score |Opponent| Record| Recap}}

|- {{Game-won}}

|66||W||March 3, 2004||4–3 || align="left"| Ottawa Senators (2003–04) ||29–30–6–1 || {{NHL recap|2003020986}}

|- {{Game-won}}

|67||W||March 6, 2004||5–1 || align="left"| @ Toronto Maple Leafs (2003–04) ||30–30–6–1 || {{NHL recap|2003021010}}

|- {{Game-lost}}

|68||L||March 7, 2004||1–5 || align="left"| St. Louis Blues (2003–04) ||30–31–6–1 || {{NHL recap|2003021023}}

|- {{Game-won}}

|69||W||March 10, 2004||6–0 || align="left"| @ Washington Capitals (2003–04) ||31–31–6–1 || {{NHL recap|2003021039}}

|- {{Game-otl}}

|70||OTL||March 11, 2004||2–3 OT|| align="left"| Boston Bruins (2003–04) ||31–31–6–2 || {{NHL recap|2003021044}}

|- {{Game-otl}}

|71||OTL||March 13, 2004||2–3 OT|| align="left"| @ Boston Bruins (2003–04) ||31–31–6–3 || {{NHL recap|2003021059}}

|- {{Game-otl}}

|72||OTL||March 15, 2004||5–6 OT|| align="left"| Toronto Maple Leafs (2003–04) ||31–31–6–4 || {{NHL recap|2003021078}}

|- {{Game-won}}

|73||W||March 17, 2004||4–3 OT|| align="left"| @ Atlanta Thrashers (2003–04) ||32–31–6–4 || {{NHL recap|2003021093}}

|- {{Game-lost}}

|74||L||March 18, 2004||1–3 || align="left"| @ Tampa Bay Lightning (2003–04) ||32–32–6–4 || {{NHL recap|2003021098}}

|- {{Game-won}}

|75||W||March 20, 2004||2–1 || align="left"| @ Florida Panthers (2003–04) ||33–32–6–4 || {{NHL recap|2003021120}}

|- {{Game-won}}

|76||W||March 24, 2004||2–1 || align="left"| Montreal Canadiens (2003–04) ||34–32–6–4 || {{NHL recap|2003021142}}

|- {{Game-won}}

|77||W||March 26, 2004||5–1 || align="left"| Pittsburgh Penguins (2003–04) ||35–32–6–4 || {{NHL recap|2003021159}}

|- {{Game-tied}}

|78||T||March 27, 2004||2–2 OT|| align="left"| @ Pittsburgh Penguins (2003–04) ||35–32–7–4 || {{NHL recap|2003021169}}

|- {{Game-won}}

|79||W||March 29, 2004||6–0 || align="left"| Columbus Blue Jackets (2003–04) ||36–32–7–4 || {{NHL recap|2003021179}}

|- {{Game-won}}

|80||W||March 31, 2004||4–3 || align="left"| @ New York Rangers (2003–04) ||37–32–7–4 || {{NHL recap|2003021193}}

|-

{{Game log section end}}

{{Game log section start|hide=y|style=background:#fff; border-top:#010101 2px solid; border-bottom:#C8102E 2px solid;|title=April: 0–2–0–0 (home: 0–1–0–0; road: 0–1–0–0)|Game |Result |Date |Score |Opponent| Record| Recap}}

|- {{Game-lost}}

|81||L||April 2, 2004||0–2 || align="left"| Toronto Maple Leafs (2003–04) ||37–33–7–4 || {{NHL recap|2003021209}}

|- {{Game-lost}}

|82||L||April 3, 2004||3–6 || align="left"| @ Montreal Canadiens (2003–04) ||37–34–7–4 || {{NHL recap|2003021217}}

|-

{{Game log section end}}

|-

|

Legend:

{{legend2|#cfc|Win (2 points)|border=1px solid black}}

{{legend2|#fcc|Loss (0 points)|border=1px solid black}}

{{legend2|#ffc|Tie (1 point)|border=1px solid black}}

{{legend2|#fff|Overtime loss (1 point)|border=1px solid black}}

{{Game log end}}

Player statistics

=Scoring=

  • Position abbreviations: C = Center; D = Defense; G = Goaltender; LW = Left wing; RW = Right wing
  • {{dagger}} = Joined team via a transaction (e.g., trade, waivers, signing) during the season. Stats reflect time with the Sabres only.
  • {{double-dagger}} = Left team via a transaction (e.g., trade, waivers, release) during the season. Stats reflect time with the Sabres only.

class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;"
scope="col" data-sort-type="number" rowspan="2"| {{abbr|No.|Jersey number}}

!scope="col" rowspan="2"| Player

!scope="col" rowspan="2"| {{abbr|Pos|Position}}

!scope=colgroup colspan=6 | Regular season

scope="col" data-sort-type="number" | {{abbr|GP|Games played}}

!scope="col" data-sort-type="number" | {{abbr|G|Goals}}

!scope="col" data-sort-type="number" | {{abbr|A|Assists}}

!scope="col" data-sort-type="number" | {{abbr|Pts|Points}}

!scope="col" data-sort-type="number" | {{abbr|+/-|Plus/minus}}

!scope="col" data-sort-type="number" | {{abbr|PIM|Penalties in minutes}}

scope="row"| 48align="left" | {{Sortname|Daniel|Briere|Daniel Brière}}C82283765−770
scope="row"| 81align="left" | {{Sortname|Miroslav|Satan|Miroslav Šatan}}LW82292857−1530
scope="row"| 17align="left" | {{Sortname|Jean-Pierre|Dumont}}RW77223153−940
scope="row"| 23align="left" | {{Sortname|Chris|Drury}}C76183553868
scope="row"| 55align="left" | {{Sortname|Jochen|Hecht}}LW641537521749
scope="row"| 45align="left" | {{Sortname|Dmitri|Kalinin}}D77102434042
scope="row"| 61align="left" | {{Sortname|Maxim|Afinogenov}}RW73171431−457
scope="row"| 44align="left" | {{Sortname|Alexei|Zhitnik}}D6842428−13102
scope="row"| 12align="left" | {{Sortname|Ales|Kotalik|Aleš Kotalík}}RW62151126−141
scope="row"| 37align="left" | {{Sortname|Curtis|Brown|dab=ice hockey}}{{double-dagger}}C6891221230
scope="row"| 24align="left" | {{Sortname|Taylor|Pyatt}}LW6381220−725
scope="row"| 22align="left" | {{Sortname|Adam|Mair}}C8161420−3146
scope="row"| 9align="left" | {{Sortname|Derek|Roy}}C4991019−812
scope="row"| 16align="left" | {{Sortname|Chris|Taylor|dab=ice hockey}}C546612−222
scope="row"| 8align="left" | {{Sortname|Rory|Fitzpatrick}}D604711−544
scope="row"| 3align="left" | {{Sortname|James|Patrick|dab=ice hockey}}D5547111112
scope="row"| 51align="left" | {{Sortname|Brian|Campbell}}D533811−812
scope="row"| 10align="left" | {{Sortname|Henrik|Tallinder}}D721910526
scope="row"| 15align="left" | {{Sortname|Milan|Bartovic|Milan Bartovič}}RW23189118
scope="row"| 25align="left" | {{Sortname|Mike|Grier}}{{dagger}}RW14189104
scope="row"| 5align="left" | {{Sortname|Andy|Delmore}}{{double-dagger}}D37257−529
scope="row"| 74align="left" | {{Sortname|Jay|McKee}}D43235641
scope="row"| 28align="left" | {{Sortname|Jason|Botterill}}LW19213014
scope="row"| 26align="left" | {{Sortname|Eric|Boulton}}LW44123−2110
scope="row"| 34{{efn|Jillson wore number 5 in his Sabres debut.}}align="left" | {{Sortname|Jeff|Jillson}}{{dagger}}D14033−319
scope="row"| 76align="left" | {{Sortname|Andrew|Peters}}LW42202−3151
scope="row"| 43align="left" | {{Sortname|Martin|Biron}}G52022style="background:#ccc|10
scope="row"| 4align="left" | {{Sortname|Brad|Brown}}{{dagger}}D13022312
scope="row"| 35align="left" | {{Sortname|Mika|Noronen}}G35101style="background:#ccc|0
scope="row"| 33align="left" | {{Sortname|Doug|Janik}}D4000019
scope="row"| 30align="left" | {{Sortname|Ryan|Miller}}G3000style="background:#ccc|0
scope="row"| 19align="left" | {{Sortname|Norm|Milley}}RW200002
scope="row"| 38align="left" | {{Sortname|Domenic|Pittis}}C4000−14
scope="row"| 29align="left" | {{Sortname|Jason|Pominville}}RW100000

=Goaltending=

class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;"
scope="col" rowspan="2"| {{abbr|No.|Jersey number}}

!scope="col" rowspan="2"| Player

!scope=colgroup colspan=10 | Regular season

scope="col" | {{abbr|GP|Games played}}

!scope="col" | {{abbr|W|Wins}}

!scope="col" | {{abbr|L|Losses}}

!scope="col" | {{abbr|T|Ties}}

!scope="col" | {{abbr|SA|Shots against}}

!scope="col" | {{abbr|GA|Goals against}}

!scope="col" | {{abbr|GAA|Goals against average}}

!scope="col" | {{abbr|SV%|Save percentage}}

!scope="col" | {{abbr|SO|Shutouts}}

!scope="col" | {{abbr|TOI|Time on ice}}

scope="row"| 43align="left" | Martin Biron522618514421252.52.91322972
scope="row"| 35align="left" | Mika Noronen3511172821772.57.90621796
scope="row"| 30align="left" | Ryan Miller303073155.06.7950178

Awards and records

=Awards=

class="wikitable"
scope="col" |Type

! scope="col" |Award/honor

! scope="col" |Recipient

! scope="col" |Ref

scope="row" rowspan="2"| League
(in-season)

| NHL Defensive Player of the Week

| Martin Biron (October 27)

|{{cite web |title=BIRON HONORED AS NHL'S DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK |url=http://sabres.com/pressbox/index.php?nID=26&bA=1 |website=Buffalo Sabres |access-date=August 8, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040506190115/http://sabres.com/pressbox/index.php?nID=26&bA=1 |archive-date=May 6, 2004 |date=October 27, 2003}}

NHL YoungStars Game selection

| Derek Roy

|{{cite web |title=2004 YoungStars Game rosters |url=https://www.espn.com/nhl/news/story?id=1717334 |website=ESPN.com |access-date=August 10, 2022 |date=January 24, 2004}}

=Milestones=

class="wikitable"
scope="col" |Milestone

! scope="col" |Player

! scope="col" |Date

! scope="col" |Ref

rowspan=3| First game

| Andrew Peters

| October 9, 2003

| rowspan=3|{{cite web |title=2003-04 NHL Debuts |url=https://www.hockey-reference.com/leagues/NHL_2004_debut.html |website=Hockey-Reference.com |access-date=October 13, 2024}}

Derek Roy

| December 13, 2003

Jason Pominville

| December 27, 2003

Transactions

The Sabres were involved in the following transactions from June 10, 2003, the day after the deciding game of the 2003 Stanley Cup Finals, through June 7, 2004, the day of the deciding game of the 2004 Stanley Cup Finals.{{cite web |title=Hockey Transactions Search Results |url=http://www.prosportstransactions.com/hockey/Search/SearchResults.php?Player=&Team=Sabres&BeginDate=2003-06-10&EndDate=2004-06-07&PlayerMovementChkBx=yes&submit=Search&start=0 |website=Pro Sports Transactions |access-date=May 8, 2022}}

=Trades=

class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="width: 50em;"
scope="col"| Date

! scope="col" colspan="2"| Details

! scope="col"| Ref

scope="row"| {{start date|2003|06|27}}

| valign="top"| To Nashville Predators

{{blist |3rd-round pick in 2004}}

| valign="top"| To Buffalo Sabres

{{blist |Andy Delmore}}

|{{cite web |title=BUFFALO SABRES ACQUIRE DEFENSEMAN ANDY DELMORE |url=http://www.sabres.com/news/archives/6.27.03.html |website=Buffalo Sabres |access-date=May 11, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20031010215005/http://www.sabres.com/news/archives/6.27.03.html |archive-date=October 10, 2003 |date=June 27, 2003}}

bgcolor="#eeeeee"

! scope="row" rowspan=2| {{start date|2003|07|03}}

| valign="top"| To Colorado Avalanche

{{blist |Rights to Keith Ballard}}

| valign="top"| To Buffalo Sabres

{{blist |Steven Reinprecht}}

|{{cite web |title=SABRES ACQUIRE CHRIS DRURY FROM CALGARY FLAMES |url=http://www.sabres.com/news/archives03/drury_begin_6303.html |website=Buffalo Sabres |access-date=May 11, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20031010233619/http://www.sabres.com/news/archives03/drury_begin_6303.html |archive-date=October 10, 2003 |date=July 3, 2003}}

valign="top"| To Calgary Flames
{{blist |Steven Reinprecht |Rhett Warrener}}

| valign="top"| To Buffalo Sabres

{{blist |Steve Begin |Chris Drury}}

|

bgcolor="#eeeeee"

! scope="row"| {{start date|2004|03|08}}

| valign="top"| To Minnesota Wild

{{blist |4th-round pick in 2005}}

| valign="top"| To Buffalo Sabres

{{blist |Brad Brown |6th-round pick in 2005}}

|{{cite web |title=Sabres Trade for Tough Defender |url=http://sabres.com/pressbox/index.php?nID=170&bA=0 |website=Buffalo Sabres |access-date=May 11, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040413235849/http://sabres.com/pressbox/index.php?nID=170&bA=0 |archive-date=April 13, 2004 |date=March 8, 2004}}

scope="row" rowspan=2| {{start date|2004|03|09}}

| valign="top"| To San Jose Sharks

{{blist |Curtis Brown |Andy Delmore}}

| valign="top"| To Buffalo Sabres

{{blist |Jeff Jillson |9th-round pick in 2005}}

|{{cite web |title=Sabres Trade for Jillson |url=http://sabres.com/pressbox/index.php?nID=172&bA=0 |website=Buffalo Sabres |access-date=May 11, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040414000754/http://sabres.com/pressbox/index.php?nID=172&bA=0 |archive-date=April 14, 2004 |date=March 9, 2004}}

bgcolor="#eeeeee"

| valign="top"| To Washington Capitals

{{blist |Rights to Jakub Klepis}}

| valign="top"| To Buffalo Sabres

{{blist |Mike Grier}}

|{{cite web |title=Sabres Obtain Grier |url=http://sabres.com/pressbox/index.php?nID=173&bA=0 |website=Buffalo Sabres |access-date=May 11, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040414001705/http://sabres.com/pressbox/index.php?nID=173&bA=0 |archive-date=April 14, 2004 |date=March 9, 2004}}

=Players acquired=

class="wikitable plainrowheaders"
style="background:#ddd; text-align:center;"

! Date

PlayerFormer teamTermViaRef
scope="row"| {{start date|2003|07|12}}

| Joel Bouchard || Pittsburgh Penguins || 1-year || Free agency||{{cite web |title=SABRES SIGN FREE AGENT DEFENSEMAN JOEL BOUCHARD |url=http://www.sabres.com/news/archives03/bouchard_61403.html |website=Buffalo Sabres |access-date=May 11, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20031010233118/http://www.sabres.com/news/archives03/bouchard_61403.html |archive-date=October 10, 2003 |date=July 12, 2003}}

scope="row"| {{start date|2003|07|14}}

| Domenic Pittis || Nashville Predators || 1-year || Free agency||{{cite web |title=Former AHL scoring champion Domenic Pittis to return to the Rochester Americans |url=https://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/former-ahl-scoring-champion-domenic-pittis-to-return-to-the-rochester-americans/n-2336054 |website=OurSports Central |access-date=May 11, 2022 |date=July 14, 2003}}

scope="row"| {{start date|2003|07|15}}

| David Cullen || Minnesota Wild || 1-year || Free agency||{{cite web |title=Buffalo Sabres Sign Defenseman David Cullen |url=https://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/buffalo-sabres-sign-defenseman-david-cullen/n-2336169 |website=OurSports Central |access-date=May 11, 2022 |date=July 15, 2003}}

scope="row" rowspan=2| {{start date|2003|08|22}}

| Brian Chapman || Manitoba Moose (AHL) || 1-year || Free agency||{{cite web |title=Brian Chapman and Rick Mrozik Sign with Sabres |url=https://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/brian-chapman-and-rick-mrozik-sign-with-sabres/n-2340682 |website=OurSports Central |access-date=May 11, 2022 |date=August 22, 2003}}

Rick MrozikCalgary Flames1-yearFree agency
scope="row"| {{start date|2003|10|17}}

| Scott Ricci || Milwaukee Admirals (AHL) || || Free agency||{{cite web |title=TRANSACTIONS |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/news/bs-xpm-2003-10-18-0310180137-story.html |website=Baltimore Sun |access-date=May 11, 2022 |date=October 18, 2003 |quote=SABRES: Signed D Scott Ricci and D Nathan Paetsch}}

=Players lost=

class="wikitable plainrowheaders"
style="background:#ddd; text-align:center;"

! Date

PlayerNew teamVia{{efn|In parentheses is the player's free agency group on July 1 if applicable.{{cite web |title=2003 NHL free agent list |url=http://a.espncdn.com/nhl/news/2003/0701/1575272.html |website=ESPN.com |access-date=May 8, 2022 |date=July 1, 2003}}}}Ref
scope="row"| {{start date|2003|07|02}}

| Radoslav Hecl || HC Slovan Bratislava (SVK) || Free agency (UFA) ||{{hockey-reference|h/heclra01|Radoslav Hecl}}, retrieved May 11, 2022

scope="row"| {{start date|2003|07|05}}

| Denis Hamel || Ottawa Senators || Free agency (UFA) ||{{cite web |title=Saturday roundup: Sens sign winger Hamel |url=https://www.espn.com.sg/nhl/news/2003/0705/1576990.html |website=ESPN.com |access-date=May 11, 2022 |date=July 5, 2003}}

scope="row"| {{start date|2003|08|11}}

| Peter Ratchuk || Frankfurt Lions (DEL) || Free agency (VI) ||{{hockey-reference|r/ratchpe01|Peter Ratchuk}}, retrieved May 11, 2022

scope="row"| {{start date|2003|08|18}}

| Francois Methot || Washington Capitals || Free agency (VI) ||{{cite web |title=TRANSACTION |url=https://www.courant.com/news/connecticut/hc-xpm-2003-08-19-0308191095-story.html |website=Hartford Courant |access-date=May 11, 2022 |date=August 19, 2003 |quote=WASHINGTON CAPITALS--Signed C Francois Methot.}}

scope="row"| {{start date|2003|08|27}}

| Doug Houda || style="background:#ccc| || Retirement (III) ||{{hockey-reference|h/houdado01|Doug Houda}}, retrieved May 11, 2022

scope="row" rowspan=2| {{start date|2003|10|03}}

| Steve Begin || Montreal Canadiens || Waiver draft ||{{cite web |last1=Graham |first1=Tim |title=SABRES WAIVE GOODBYE TO BEGIN, BOUCHARD |url=https://buffalonews.com/news/sabres-waive-goodbye-to-begin-bouchard/article_f93f139c-af7f-51f6-a583-3bf50b899431.html |website=Buffalo News |access-date=May 11, 2022 |date=October 4, 2003}}

Joel BouchardNew York RangersWaiver draft
scope="row"| {{start date|2004|04|05}}

| Domenic Pittis || Kloten Flyers (NLA) || Free agency||{{cite web |title=Zwei Kanadier für die Kloten Flyers |url=http://www.kloten-flyers.ch/page/content/view.asp?MenuID=23&ID=7&Menu=46&Item=4 |website=Kloten Flyers |access-date=May 11, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040409004548/http://www.kloten-flyers.ch/page/content/view.asp?MenuID=23&ID=7&Menu=46&Item=4 |archive-date=April 9, 2004 |language=German |date=April 5, 2004}}

=Signings=

class="wikitable plainrowheaders"
style="background:#ddd; text-align:center;"

! Date

PlayerTermContract typeRef
scope="row"| {{start date|2003|06|30}}

| Brian Campbell || 1-year || Option exercised ||{{cite web |title=SABRES EXTEND QUALIFYING OFFERS TO 14 PLAYERS |url=http://www.sabres.com/news/archives/06.30.03.html |website=Buffalo Sabres |access-date=May 11, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030811083419/http://www.sabres.com/news/archives/06.30.03.html |archive-date=August 11, 2003 |date=June 30, 2003}}

scope="row"| {{start date|2003|07|03}}

| Rory Fitzpatrick || || Re-signing ||{{cite web |title=Buffalo-bound: Drury goes to Sabres in three-way deal |url=http://a.espncdn.com/nhl/news/2003/0703/1576549.html |website=ESPN.com |access-date=May 11, 2022 |date=July 3, 2003}}

scope="row" rowspan=2| {{start date|2003|07|10}}

| Jason Botterill || 1-year || Re-signing ||{{cite web |title=Taylor and Botterill re-sign with Buffalo |url=https://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/taylor-and-botterill-re-sign-with-buffalo/n-2335620 |website=OurSports Central |access-date=May 11, 2022 |date=July 10, 2003}}

Chris Taylor1-yearRe-signing
scope="row" rowspan=5| {{start date|2003|07|31}}

| Steve Begin || 1-year || Re-signing ||{{cite web |title=THREE SABRES ACCEPT QUALIFYING OFFERS |url=http://www.sabres.com/news/archives03/three_settle_63103.htm |website=Buffalo Sabres |access-date=May 11, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20031010032312/http://www.sabres.com/news/archives03/three_settle_63103.htm |archive-date=October 10, 2003 |date=July 31, 2003}}

Tim Connolly1-yearRe-signing
Dmitri Kalinin1-yearRe-signing
Adam Mair3-yearRe-signing{{cite web |title=SABRES SIGN ADAM MAIR TO MULTI-YEAR CONTRACT |url=http://www.sabres.com/news/archives03/mair_63103.html |website=Buffalo Sabres |access-date=May 11, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20031010024613/http://www.sabres.com/news/archives03/mair_63103.html |archive-date=October 10, 2003 |date=July 31, 2003}}
Taylor Pyatt1-yearRe-signing
scope="row" rowspan=2| {{start date|2003|08|01}}

| Eric Boulton || 2-year || Re-signing ||{{cite web |title=SABRES SIGN ERIC BOULTON TO MULTI-YEAR CONTRACT |url=http://www.sabres.com/news/boulton_8103.htm |website=Buffalo Sabres |access-date=May 11, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030805045015/http://www.sabres.com/news/boulton_8103.htm |archive-date=August 5, 2003 |date=August 1, 2003}}

Henrik Tallinder1-yearRe-signing{{cite web |title=SABRES DEFENSEMAN HENRIK TALLINDER ACCEPTS QUALIFYING OFFER |url=http://www.sabres.com/news/tallinder_8103.html |website=Buffalo Sabres |access-date=May 11, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030805045031/http://www.sabres.com/news/tallinder_8103.html |archive-date=August 5, 2003 |date=August 1, 2003}}
scope="row" rowspan=2| {{start date|2003|08|07}}

| Tom Askey || 2-year || Re-signing ||{{cite web |title=Sabres Sign Askey and Peters |url=https://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/sabres-sign-askey-and-peters/n-2338944 |website=OurSports Central |access-date=May 11, 2022 |date=August 7, 2003}}

Andrew PetersRe-signing
scope="row" rowspan=2| {{start date|2003|08|08}}

| Curtis Brown || 1-year || Re-signing ||{{cite web |title=Sabres Sign Curtis Brown |url=http://www.sabres.com/news/pr_brown_88032.html |website=Buffalo Sabres |access-date=May 11, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20031010032924/http://www.sabres.com/news/pr_brown_88032.html |archive-date=October 10, 2003 |date=August 8, 2003}}

Ales Kotalik1-year{{efn|Club option for a second year.}}Re-signing{{cite web |title=Sabres Sign Ales Kotalik |url=http://www.sabres.com/news/pr_kotalik_8803.htm |website=Buffalo Sabres |access-date=May 11, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030819210855/http://www.sabres.com/news/pr_kotalik_8803.htm |archive-date=August 19, 2003 |date=August 8, 2003}}
scope="row"| {{start date|2003|08|25}}

| Chris Drury || 4-year || Re-signing ||{{cite web |title=Sabres Ink Chris Drury |url=http://www.sabres.com/news/pr_drury_82503.html |website=Buffalo Sabres |access-date=May 11, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20031010033541/http://www.sabres.com/news/pr_drury_82503.html |archive-date=October 10, 2003 |date=August 25, 2003}}

scope="row"| {{start date|2003|09|15}}

| Norm Milley || 1-year || Re-signing ||{{cite web |title=NORM MILLEY |url=http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/teams/player_bio.asp?player_id=1144&hubName=BUF |website=TSN.ca |access-date=May 11, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040128214159/http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/teams/player_bio.asp?player_id=1144&hubName=BUF |archive-date=January 28, 2004 |quote=15-Sep-03: Re-signed by the Buffalo Sabres.}}

scope="row"| {{start date|2003|09|24}}

| Jay McKee || multi-year || Re-signing ||{{cite web |title=SABRES AGREE TO TERMS WITH JAY McKEE ON MULTI-YEAR CONTRACT |url=http://www.sabres.com/news/pr_mckeesigns.html |website=Buffalo Sabres |access-date=May 11, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20031010034643/http://www.sabres.com/news/pr_mckeesigns.html |archive-date=October 10, 2003 |date=September 24, 2003}}

scope="row"| {{start date|2003|09|29}}

| Miroslav Satan || 2-year || Re-signing ||{{cite web |title=Sabres sign Miroslav Satan to two-year contract |url=http://www.espn.com/espn/wire/_/id/1626331 |website=ESPN.com |access-date=May 11, 2022 |date=September 29, 2003}}

scope="row"| {{start date|2003|10|17}}

| Nathan Paetsch || || Entry-level ||

Draft picks

Buffalo's draft picks at the 2003 NHL entry draft held at the Gaylord Entertainment Center in Nashville, Tennessee.{{cite web |title=2003 NHL Entry Draft Picks at hockeydb.com |url=https://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/draft/nhl2003e.html |website=www.hockeydb.com |access-date=August 8, 2022}}

class="wikitable"
align="center"

! bgcolor="#DDDDFF" width="4.0%" | Round

! bgcolor="#DDDDFF" width="4.0%" | #

! bgcolor="#DDDDFF" width="21.0%" | Player

! bgcolor="#DDDDFF" width="14.5%" | Nationality

! bgcolor="#DDDDFF" width="50.0%" | College/Junior/Club team (League)

15Thomas Vanek{{AUT}}University of Minnesota (NCAA)
265Branislav Fabry{{SVK}}Slovan Bratislava (Slovakia)
374Clarke MacArthur{{CAN}}Medicine Hat Tigers (WHL)
4106Jan Hejda{{CZE}}Slavia Praha (Czech Republic)
4114Denis Ezhov{{RUS}}Lada Togliatti (Russia)
5150Thomas Morrow{{USA}}Des Moines Buccaneers (USHL)
6172Pavel Voroshnin{{RUS}}Mississauga IceDogs (OHL)
7202Nathan Paetsch{{CAN}}Moose Jaw Warriors (WHL)
8235Jeff Weber{{CAN}}Plymouth Whalers (OHL)
9266Louis-Philippe Martin{{CAN}}Baie-Comeau Drakkar (QMJHL)

See also

Notes

{{notelist}}

References

{{refbegin}}

  • {{cite web |url= https://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/leagues/seasons/teams/0000332004.html |title=Buffalo Sabres 2003–04 roster and statistics |publisher=The Internet Hockey Database |access-date=August 8, 2022}}
  • {{cite web |url=https://www.hockey-reference.com/teams/BUF/2004.html |title=2003–04 Buffalo Sabres Roster and Statistics |publisher=Sports Reference LLC |work=Hockey-Reference.com |access-date=August 8, 2022}}

{{refend}}

{{reflist}}

{{Buffalo Sabres}}

{{Buffalo Sabres seasons}}

{{2003–04 NHL season by team}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:2003-04 Buffalo Sabres season}}

Buff

Category:Buffalo Sabres seasons

Buffalo

Buffalo