Now that I’ve split up the long-running bromance between Thomas Vanek and Derek Roy, we need to find new linemates for #9. This line is vitally important to Vanek’s group. While I labeled the Vanek-Leino-Pominville line as 1A and this forthcoming trio 1B, which seems like an equal rank, the focus offensively will always revolve around Vanek. So Roy & his two wingers need to draw away some of that attention, forcing teams to question who to match up against; this will enable line 1A to be freed up a bit. To do this, I’ve put Derek with another one of his former partners from years’ past on one side and someone he briefly played with last season on his other side.
So I proudly present line 1B – Tyler Ennis-Derek Roy-Drew Stafford.
Roy – I like to list the players in positional order when I announcing the line, but for some reason I chose to start at the C position in the analysis. Not sure why – maybe because the C on a line is so important. While not quite at the Tim Connolly bashing levels, Roy has served as a punching bag for Sabres fans for the last 4 seasons or so. Not that he didn’t deserve it. While having talent, Derek had for too long showed immaturity and a lack of motivation to take the profession seriously. He was a diving, whining, petulant brat who didn’t appreciate his opportunity. And while having an excellent cap hit for his production – 4 million a year and averaging 66 points a season (until 2010), he wasn’t the dominant, playmaking #1 center we hoped for and needed.
But last year, something clicked in Roy. He didn’t turn into Steven Stamkos, but he finally showed maturity and was producing at an excellent point a game pace (35 for 35). What a shame that he suffered a season ending injury right when he was “getting it”. A big question facing him this season is if his recovery from the torn quad will slow him down at all and halt this growth. Hopefully not.
Roy’s best attribute is stick handling and smooth skating. In the past, this was a blessing as well as a curse, as Derek would try to perform deke after deke around 4 defenders stacked up on the blue line as opposed to using his teammates. But this too improved last season. With Drew Stafford’s sudden explosion as a goal scorer, Derek’s style of play can make for a dangerous pairing at last with Drew; in an ideal situation, Roy’s skill set will draw opposing players to him, which will allow feeds to Mr. Unibrow. I do have a question of how the puck distribution will work with Ennis on the line, as both like to have it on their stick to make things happen. Ideally I’d like to see Ennis as the one coming down the ice with it and have Derek setting up either in the high slot or behind the net once in the zone. Then Stafford can be the large force right in front of the net.
Ennis – Besides puck carrying and stick handling, Ennis’ incredible speed needs to be utilized on the line. Roy is quick but Ennis is a burner. While I hate when people make the Ennis to Afinogenov comparisons (Tyler isn’t quite as maddening in giving up the puck), Roy does have experience playing with speed demons. He’ll let Tyler do his thing coming through the neutral zone and should play off of him well. And once they’re in the zone, Ennis’ escapability should serve the unit well, especially with slow-footed defensemen.
Ennis is also someone that isn’t afraid to go inot the corners to fight for the puck, no matter how pint-sized he is. He may need to work on his physical strength a bit, but the determination is certainly there. He may be the only one of this threesome that really is willing to get his nose dirty. But Tyler’s true value is his deep skill level. I think Ennis may be the most naturally gifted player on the whole roster. For real. I’ve always cringed at hearing his name in trade rumors, especially ones that don’t involve a actual superstar center. He can very well be the straw that stirs the drink on this combination, as he continues to refine his game and becomes someone the other team has to game play around.
Stafford – Ah, the enigma. Drew and I have a bit of history. After my former favorite player Chris Drury left for the Rangers and broke my man crushed heart, Drew was the guy I locked onto as my new #1. In 06-07, he seriously looked like a big-time force of nature, power forward. Then the next three seasons happened. When Stafford was called for the too many men penalty in game 4 of the 2010 playoffs vs Boston, which cost us the game, I moved on from him. He was a disinterested hipster-doofus whose talent was not enough to cover for his lazy attitude. As my luck had it, as soon as I tucked his jersey in the back corner of my closet, he woke up. Not sure what it was, but something changed in Staffy. He stopped being the cool, ironic guy in his interviews. More importantly as a player, he started driving consistently to the net like never before. And he was productive, topping the 30 goal threshold for the first time in his career. 2010-2011 must have truly been the wake-up year for unmotivated players (see D. Roy above).
It’ll be interesting to see if Stafford will continue on this newfound attitude after being rewarded with his new 4 millon dollar contract or if he’ll return back to lazy guitar hero mode. As I referenced briefly in this post, once upon a time (mostly in 06), Drew and Derek were a very successful combo along with Thomas Vanek. As much as we got sick of seeing those three together in the ensuing years, when they first were a line they shined. Now that Drew and Derek have both seemingly turned the corner in the effort department, they could really click again. Drew needs to do 2 things this season to be effective. Continue to force his way into the paint of the crease. And start showing that willingness to use his size in the corners much more. Long-term, Ennis can’t be the only one to go there or this line will fail. Someone with Stafford’s frame should be a beast on the wall. Time will tell if he will take this next step.
Next up – line 3. No longer a true checking unit on the Sabres.
===========================
Follow Mark on Twitter: @MarkBerm
Previous Forward Line Combo Article:
Line 1A – Vanek-Leino-Pominville
Add The Sports Daily to your Google News Feed!
