HockeyRhetoric

Jason Pominville was recently named the new, full-time captain of the Buffalo Sabres. I have several unimportant, semi-related thoughts on this.

To start, count me amongst what was probably the majority of Sabres fans who, prior to the official announcement, had endorsed Thomas Vanek for the title of team captain. I think the strongest reason for this is also the simplest. Vanek is one of three elite level talents on the Sabres. Myers is probably too young for the captaincy and Miller is of course a goaltender. Vanek is the most talented scorer on the team and by a pretty wide margin too. At this point in his career, Vanek affects every game he is in the line-up for and in a very noticeable, if not measurable, way; but Vanek’s potential impact as captain goes beyond his ability to set up and finish scoring chances. » Read the rest of this entry «

Something noteworthy happened after the Sabres-Rangers game I want to mention. The first players to congratulate Jhonas Enroth were Paul Gaustad and Mike Weber. Next was Thomas Vanek. That’s significant for two reasons: (1) Vanek wasn’t even on the ice to close out the game and (2) the intensity Vanek showed when he reached Enroth. Watching Vanek grab Enroth by the head, pull him in close, and command Enroth’s attention was quite a sight. It was a powerful few seconds in a routine of gentle head-butts and smiles. Vanek was being a leader congratulating the young rookie goaltender on his first career shutout in a critical game for a team fighting for a playoff spot. That’s what real leaders do. » Read the rest of this entry «

After scoring six goals to defeat the Senators 6-4, the Buffalo Sabres moved into a tie with the Tampa Lightning for 7th in goals scored per game average. I really couldn’t believe it when I first glanced at the rankings. The Sabres score on average 2.87 goals each game. Twenty-two teams score goals at a poorer rate than the Sabres.

Who is responsible for this? » Read the rest of this entry «

At about 9:39 PM Saturday evening, Thomas Vanek picked up the puck at center ice, took four powerful strides into the Capitals zone, faked outside then slipped the puck inside, between the stick and skates of John Carlson. Then he rushed full speed towards the net, faked to the right, avoided goaltender Braden Holtby’s attempt at a poke-check, and pushed the puck backhanded, through the blue ice and into the mouth of the goal. » Read the rest of this entry «

Nice game for the Sabres. Goaltending, as usual, was the difference. That has been discussed about ad nauseam , so I’ll leave that alone. Here are my thoughts. » Read the rest of this entry «