Link: Buffalo News - Sabres' depth seems bottomless.
Despite a lack of effort last night against the pick-happy Devils (not to mention the egregious non-call on the Devils 2nd goal when Jamie Langenbrunner looked like he still played for Ken Hitchcock and hauled Jay McKee to the ice along the boards) the Buffalo Sabres have been a team that lives up the the oft-desired-but-rarely-attained moniker of "The Hardest Working Team in the NHL." In so small way that moniker can be applied because of the contributions of a near staggering number of players who spent time last season playing in Rochester for the Sabres farm club there.
Collectively they are the reason why we hit the mid-point turn with a mark of 26-13-2, just 3 points off the Division Lead and 4 points off the Conference Title (currently held by the hated Philadelphia Flyers and the NHL's version of Fat Bastard Ken Hitchcock -- I know, that's low... but I hold a grudge longer then Hitch's D-men hold onto their checks.). The list is long, and getting longer seemingly by the day, so here they are, in no particular order:
- Ryan Miller: In 90% of his starts this year Miller has been unbeatable, the other 10% he's merely been ordinary. I think the injury and subsequent competition with Martin Biron may be the best thing to ever happen to his game... he's been almost too good since his return.
- Derek Roy: His 17 points in 30 games may not be the stuff of legends but his chemistry with Thomas Vanek and Max Afinogenov has created much havoc for the opposing teams and with Briere out has kept the pressure off of Tim Connolly's line allowing them more space 5 on 5.
- Paul Gaustad: "GOOOSE!" Jim Lorentz, Sabres TV/Radio Color man, said earlier in the year during the Sabres only slump of note said, "Can you imagine where this team would be without the play of Paul Gaustad?" No, Jim, I shudder to think how bad things could have gotten without his work ethic, grit and determination. My pick for the next outright Captain of this franchise when Drury/Briere eventually leave.
- Thomas Vanek: "TV" is beginning to bring to the table the kind of play that can flat out dominate a hockey game. Inconsistency is still an issue, and I would wish for a stronger presence on the fore-check, but he's in a good situation to become the 'go-to guy' at a pace that is healthy for his age.
- Jason Pominville: JPom has been a guy that a lot of us thought would never really make it in the NHL because he's not fleet enough of foot. He's proven to be a very good compliment to Goose and Scud (Adam Mair) on the '4th' line, bringing a threat off the RW that makes their hard work down low pay off. His monster shot on the Power Play and smart puck distribution have been invaluable.
- Daniel Paille: He was drafted as the next "Michael Peca," and that's definitely apt. There's a look in his eye (much like Goose) that is wise beyond his years, hard... focused. Noticed it in the game against Tampa when I was 15 feet from the bench. He's been tough along the board and along with Scud and Goose are capable of creating a lot of chaos. 7 NHL games and he's averaging just under 10 minutes and is a +1. The loss of Pyatt doesn't hurt as much thanks to this kind of kid.
Both Chris Thorburn and Nathan Paetsch have had short call ups with the big club, each has their first NHL point. Paetsch was very good (after a shaky opening shift or two) last night against the Devils... He led the rush well, pinched from the point and was stronger in his own zone than Rory Fitzpatrick normally is. Logged 15:38 in his NHL debut... talk about having the confidence of the coaches.
The other mid-season awards are as follows:
Norris: Toni Lydman. Without Lydman in the lineup we are 1-6. With him we are 25-7-2 Do the math.
Selke: Jochen Hecht. Our best penalty killer and and, while his line mates are a -5 and -9 he's a +1. Not only is he one of the fastest skaters on the team he's one of the smartest. Never seems to make a stupid play with the puck.
Vezina: Miller. Sorry Marty, but damn, the kids has the wins and the stats. Both are great goalies... Miller is beginning to stretch his wings a bit.
Calder: .... *shakes head at how tough this is..." But, honestly, Gaustad is the revelation here. A guy no one thought would ever make the show is now a vital part of one of the top teams in the league. Miller was always a star-in-waiting... without Goose this team would be a lot less dangerous.
Lady Byng: Adam Mair. :) He's the best ambassador for Sabres Hockey I can think of. Well, that, and I love the guy...
Ta,
p.s. Look for the Carnival of the NHL #17 soon, hosted by the great and terrible D-Lee over at redblackhockey. I'll post the actual link once it goes live.
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