Hi Sabres Fans! The first part of this season has been full of ups and downs; but mostly downs. After going to the Cup finals last year, the Sabres have not managed to play well. The problem with the struggles is the effort or lackthereof. Guys who have carried us in the past have all but disappeared. It seems as If no one is willing to pay a price to win. This is a great chance for some younger guys to come up and make a name. Guys like Sarich, Maxim, Rassmussen, Primeau and a few others are getting this golden opportunity, some will waste it, others will take it and run. We'll see who we really have in the next half of the year. Oh yea, Hasek is injured. Ok I will break it down with grades...I love to hear from your emails!
Forwards
Mike Peca-(center)Hello.....anyone home? I am sure thats what many are say. Peca has not played up to par for himself or for a captain. He seems to be totally out of it. When was the last time he laid I thundering open ice hit? Not once this year that I can remember. He is showing signs of waking up but still has a ways to go. Let's not critise him to much, instead lets back him until he breaks out of the slump...maybe something happened to him after his fight with Darcy Tucker. "Honey, I need some tuna" god thats very annoying. C-
Curtis Brown-(center,right winger) Curtis was on fire in the start but has cooled off. He was recently put on a line with Peca and it looks as if it is benefitting both of them. Curtis really is a good pro. It is fun to see him improve over the years. I dont think he has reached his potential yet, he could be a legit 1st liner. Good Leader also. Class act off the ice. Effort Guy. B+
Brian Holzinger-(center) I think it is time for this guy to move on. He has good speed and is a good pentaly killer but I think he has worn out his welcome. He's just not consistant and gritty enough. He will not get much better either. Has he ever scored on a breakaway? Still he's ok defensively and isnt a BAD player. Very average start. C
Wayne Primeau-(center) This kid is finally putting it all together. The caoch has given him more ice and he has responded. Not afraid of the rough going but I doubt he has a high offensive ceiling. I think he can be a good power center with faceoff ability with a good 40 points. If he keeps playing like he is now, he will always have a job. But we have seen this before; he will show up than disappear, he needs to keep it up. But lets just call him Wayne "I'llneverbemybrother" Primeau. B
Stu Barnes-(center,winger) Ya gotta love this guy. He has proved to be a valuable member to this team, he plays any position/role given to him and you never hear him gripping. He really brings the bacon. Put in a more offensive role and he could score 30 goals. Always consistant, I think he should get more quality ice time. Good first half. B+
Miro Satan-(RW) What? A Euro who follows up his contract year with another good year? Yep, thats what Miro has done. He has played great so far and is on pace for 40 goals even without a great playmaking center. He has fulfiled my expectations. A
Michal Grosek-(LW) Michal has played well this year. He is showing up alot more than in the past. He has dominated a few games this year. But, he can still step it up more. Really has all the tools. Call him Michal "Neely" Grosek. And yes, I am making a mockery of him. B-
Geoff Sanderson-(Lw) Ok, while we are on nicknames, you can basically sum him up as Geoff "uselessspeed" Sanderson. He's a real burner. Maybe he works hard but he was acquired to score goals. His hands are gone and he has little confidence. He is not worth the 1.5 mill. I respect him for trying though. C+
Vaclav Varada-(Rw) Oh where have you gone Vac-lav Vara-da?? He just hasnt even been here this year. He never scores. Has scored something like 2 goals in 82 games...that hurts. What else can I say? D-
Dixon Ward-(Lw) I am disappointed with one of my ex-favorite players. I guess this could happen after you get the big contract. He's like Varada, just not doing anything out there. Oh and If you read the Buffalo News you may have seen the article on Dixon. It said how much he wanted a trade. While this maybe true, I didnt see one quote in that article...you be the judge. D
Erik Rassmussen-(C-Lw) Has had an up and down first half. Was put on a line with Peca and Brown and has played extremly well. He has a great opportunity right now, lets hope he doesnt waste it. One of the best hitters on the team and I think he has some offensive potential. Great Attitude and Rough. A-
Maxim Afinogenov-(Rw) Everyones favorite Russian has played well for a rookie. Actually well is an understatement, he has brought us as much excitement as, well ummm, (cough) Alex Mogilny. Has a shot at ROY if he keeps it up. Has been surprisingly consistent in my opinion. Go Mad Max! A
Paul Kruse-(Lw) This Irishmen hasnt played much and it doesnt seem like he fits in. He isnt bad to have around and is a decent fighter. C
Robby Ray-(Rw) Same Ray as always. He comes to work and sticks up for his team....gotta like it. Stonehander. B
Defenseman
Alexi Zhitnik-This Kat has to be the top dawg on the blueline...play good D,score on PP,move the puck all while logging 23-24 minutes a game. Is he doing that? No! He is not playing terrible but he has all the tools to be a top 5 defenseman but it just doesnt happen. I think he aims for the glass on his point shots; he couldnt hit the net if his life depended on it. Needs a big second half to justify the 2.5 we are paying him. C
Richard Smehlik-Note to Smehlik bashers: Look at our goals against before this guy got injured now look at it. Looks like the Sabres D is falling apart without him. Am I right?? Bottom line is even though he has a tendancy to fall asleep on the ice and his helmet is always crooked, he really is a valuable vet. He logs alot of ice. SOLID THIS YEAR! B+
Jay McKee-Has been the most consistant backliner this year. Is still hitting and playing well defensively. He has also improved his play with the puck and it shows with his improvement in stats. He has all the skills to be a top d-man, I would just like to see him fight more. He plays with maturity beyond his age; he's only 22! Ya gotta respect the leadership by example. Nice guy off the ice. A-
Rhett Warrener-Has missed a fair share of games but has played solid when in there. Has played it tough and takes care of his own end. Needs to stay healthy. Gives his all and thats all every hockey fan cares about. Low grade due to the injuries. C
Jason Woolley-This is a case of what happens when a player gets pissed off. He isnt playing well and i have a feeling its because of his crappy contract. Needs to lead the PP and he's not. D+
Cory Sarich-What a player! Iam impressed with the rookie. With the injuries, he has to play around 20 min. and he really has done a respectable job. Is a good hitter put still needs to hit more. Shows some nice puck skills that will develop. Once we get healtier, he will get steadier because he will only have to play like 15 mins a game. Great Future! B
Brian Campbell- has only played a few games but I dont think he is ready quite yet. Is sometimes caught out of position. Has good skills and should be really good in a year or two. "Soupy" get a..C+
James Patrick-Solid. Comes to play. Veteran. Leader. Cant say much more execpt he has been very valuable so far. A
Goalies
Dom Hasek- Well, he struggled early and then got injured. Should be back in a few weeks. Incomplete
Marty Biron-Has handled the load surprisingly well. Has struggled lately and this shouldnt be a surprise. Hes only a rookie goalie, not many rookie goalies can handle the load. Needs to work on his 5-hole. Looks Good for the future. B
Dwayne Roloson-You shouldnt expect much from his career backup. Has done a respectable job and he is filled with character. What a gritty working class hero. C+
Front Office
Darcy Regier-Time to make a trade. I have sat stagnate long enough. At this rate we wont even make the playoffs. We are on the Titanic. C-
John "Tools" Regas-I will just say this: Hey Johhny, Wherez my tools at? Do you really care about me?
Like I said before, We are on the Titanic right now. Coach has tried everything to jumpstart the team and it has not worked. Now, pull the trigger! I dont want the big scoreing forward like everyone else(that would be nice though). I want guys who show up every night and give e-f-f-o-r-t. Thats all i want, I am sick of watching the "motions". If I am shelling out 60$ a game for 1 seat, all I want to see is a good,hard fought game. I dont care If they win just as long as they show up. I think the leadership should be addressed also, somethings obvisely not right in the lockerroom. I guess you can say the sabres are suffering from "Stanley Cup Hangover" Unfortunatley, Its a common tale....
Worst Player-Vaclav Varada
Best Player-Miro Satan
Consistant-Jay Mckee,Rhett Warrener
Most Frustrating-Everyone, but Zhitnik takes the cake.
Surprising-Rassmussen,Sarich,Afinogenov
Stupidest-Alex Zhitnik
Exciting-Afinogenov
Biggest Disappointment-Peca,Ward,Varada
Never Heard From Again-JL GP
Unsung-Patrick
Toughest-Rayzor
