19) Who needs to have a great season? Thomas Vanek. I know some would put Miller here, but I think with the defense in front of him, he should be fine. As for Vanek, are there any offensive players on this team that NHL defenses fear? I know Stafford is good, but feared? Eh. Derek Roy? No dice. Vanek is the guy who has all the talent in the world, however, I still think he hasn’t shown us his “A” game. I’ve always felt that fans have tried too many times to anoint Vanek as a franchise player. He’s a good player, but he hasn’t shown that he can be great on a consistent level. I still don’t get how a lot of fans thought he was coming out of his shell last year when he scored 35 goals or more, three different times. I kind of liked his 45-goal season a tad bit better.
I look at the stats and they are fine by comparison to other scorers (4-way tie for 13th in goals and 17th in points). However, I need that major moment for him when he scores a playoff winning goal. In all honestly, I want the guy to become Danny Briere. I know Vanek and Briere had almost the same amount of goals in the playoff series (5 to 6), but you just saw Briere go crazy all over the ice. He was a constant threat, which is something I don’t always see with Vanek. The Sabres are still lacking “The Guy” offensively, the guy who can take over a game. Vanek needs to be that guy.
18) What am I worried about? Hype. As of right now, everything is great in Sabres land. Hockey heaven, bloggers in limos, Terry Pegula is awesome. The world is great! However, are we maybe overhyping these guys? Better yet, our are expectations too high? It’s funny, but when was the last time you read or heard someone give a negative thought about this team? I’m not saying kill them, but no one is mentioning the lack of center depth or chemistry. I don’t know, maybe I’m use to red flags popping up with our sports teams. Anyways, I get worried how this team will handle expectations. Last year, they had none. Everyone thought they were dead in January. However, they stormed back and had a nice comeback season. Now, things are different. Expectations are through the roof. Everyone is telling them how great they are and that we should make it to the ECF. How will this team react if they lose a couple games in a row. This is hockey heaven, right? There’s no losing in heaven!
17) Who will be better, Ennis or Gerbe? Ennis. I think Ennis is a star in the making. He’s got the total package when it comes to his skills set. Speed, a shot, grittiness and a ton of hair. I know some people compare him to Max because he tends to do his little curl move, but I think he’s just a young player who is figuring out what he can or can’t do. Plus, Max never seemed like a guy who would get dirty in the corner, while Ennis does. I like Gerbe, but he’s not a big guy and I see more skills with Ennis. In all honestly, I think both will be fine, but Ennis is the better player. Gerbe may have the better all-around game, because he has a nasty streak to him and can play well in his own zone, but goals count more on this space.
16) Who will be on the 4th line? I have no clue! Well, there are three slots and four players available: McCormick, Adam, Hecht and Boyes. I wouldn’t mind seeing a Hecht-Adam-Boyes line. I always hated when the Sabres would bring up a kid from Portland and have him play with Kaleta and Matt Ellis. Say what you will about Boyes and Hecht, but they wouldn’t be a bad duo on the 4th line in the NHL. Now, the question becomes, what do you do with McCormick? Well, he’s not going anywhere. Now if Kaleta gets hurt, then you can move him down to the Goose and Gerbe line. In all honestly, I think Adam will goto Rochester and once someone gets hurt or plays like crap, he’s up. In the meantime, maybe McCormick centers a line with Hecht and Boyes? How about leaving Hecht in Germany? That works for me.
15) Who is my favorite gritty Sabres player? Cody McCormick. So, what exactly is a gritty hockey player? Well, Pierre McGuire says the following about being a grit player: “Grit is winning the races. Grit is competing for your rights in front of the opposition net. Grit is clearing out in front of your own net. Grit is blocking a shot fearlessly. But the ultimate definition is sacrificing to do whatever it takes to win.” I would normally go with Grier, but alas, he’s kind of retired. Goose, Gerbe and Kaleta would be decent choices, but I’m going with McCormick. He’s a tough SOB and can definitely clear the front of the net. Remember when he was like the 5th call-up in the Boston playoff series? Can you believe how he’s stuck around?
14) What should the next Sabres program be? Repeat Sabres games w/additional commentary. You know how the Sabres would always repeat telecasts during the summer? Why not do it with Kevin Sylvester and Lindy Ruff or a player, watch the game and give the viewer commentary during it. In way, you would have them be the announcers. If you think about it, It would only be about 60 minutes worth of time for the player/coach. They can go over strategies, game-changing moments, a questionable call, a hit and a scoring moment. The possibilities are endless. You could even re-air an old game from the 80’s and have someone like Gilbert give their two cents about the game. I also have about 30 more Sabres TV ideas, including a scavenger hunt and more, but as the Joker said in Dark Knight, “If you’re good at something, never do it for free.” 😛
13) Which Sabres player will be exploited the most for MSG Commercials? Stafford. Last year, I went with Goose because he had helpful hints on trying to save trees and the ozone layer with the “Blue and gold makes green” campaign. However, he’s old news. I think this is the year of Drew Stafford promos. He did the Fu-man workout videos and shows a sense of humor. He can also do a commercial for Record Theater because of the guitar connection.
12) What needs to change? NO MORE CELLINO AND BARNES HALOGRAMS! Please, Ted Black and Mr. Pegula, three commercials a period is doable, but I don’t want Cellino and Barnes popping out of my TV while wearing Christmas ties and gloating about how they are lawyer heaven. No more.
11) Which Sabres player represents a make it or break it year? Patrick Kaleta. Last year, it was Drew Stafford, and he definitely made it. This year, I think with Kassian in Rochester and Goose and McCormick being tough guys, it will add pressure to Kaleta. The problem with Kaleta is that he’s constantly hurt. He’s never played more than 55 games for a season and with the NHL always trying to crack down on physicality, you have to wonder how it will effect Kaleta’s game. I think if he has another 50-game season, he’s gone. I’d put #22 or #55 on here, but I think whether they make it or not, they will be gone next year.
10) Who is my favorite Sabres player? I honestly have no clue. I’ve been mulling it over for a while now. I don’t know the problem…Honestly…A part of me wonders if I love hockey that much to have a favorite player. Maybe when you get older, you start not having as many favorites. I loved the co-captains. I own a Myers and Vanek jersey. However, I wouldn’t say they are my favorites. I have them because I want to support the team. I like the Sabres a lot, but no one jumps at me right now. I like Ennis. He’s a fiery dude. Maybe, he’ll grow into it.
In case you missed, here are the questions I’ve already answered about the Sabres this season.
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