By Mark Wozniak
Buffalo, NY – The Buffalo Sabres' impressive 2005-2006 season came to a close Thursday night, with a 4-2 Game Seven playoff loss to the Carolina Hurricanes.
Forward Chris Drury says the team played hard to the very end.
"We thought we had a chance. It stings right now, and it should," Drury said. "When the dust settles and a few days go by, you'll look back at a lot to be proud of this year."
About a thousand people were on hand at the airport overnight to greet the Sabres as they returned to Buffalo with chants of "Thank you Sabres." Team owner Tom Golisano expressed his gratitude for the fan support.
"The people of Buffalo have been so great to this organization," Golisano said. "I think our team has really responded to that. Listen to them. They're great fans. They're great friends."
Carolina advances to the Stanley Cup Finals, and will host the Edmonton Oilers starting Monday.