When the Buffalo Sabres let Miro Satan walk away, they did have a plan
on a successor. While the Sabres won?t come right out and say it, I
will. Thomas Vanek, is going to make Sabres fans forget about Miroslav
Satan THIS YEAR.
That?s not to say that he?s going to match Miro?s productivity right
off the bat?but rather to say that he has so much talent, that fans
will want to go to the HSBC Arena because he?s one of those players
that?s worth watching.
Vanek was the Sabres 1st round selection (5th) overall two years ago.
After spending a year in college, and another in the AHL (eclipsing the
40-goal mark), Vanek appears ready to burst onto the NHL scene.
The Sabres opened the preseason Saturday night against the Washington
Capitals. Buffalo won the game 3-2, with Vanek scoring two goals.
The first two periods of the game, were very similar to the old NHL.
There were some penalties, and some power plays, and the Caps first
goal came directly as a result of the new goaltender puckhandling
rules?but all in all, it was the same old NHL. The "new NHL" and the
"new Sabres" only had one thing that actually looked new?Vanek.
In the first two periods, the Sabres weren?t able to score, and they
had a few chances. Seemingly, Vanek was in on every one. He made one
Caps defenseman look like his feet were in cement, and just missed the
net when sliding the puck under Olaf Kolzig. He tied the game at
2 in the third period?and then scored the gamewinner in overtime (both
assisted by Daniel Briere).
On top of that, Vanek was the only player to score in the exhibition
shootout. He made some crazy, sick, circle-the-stick-on-the-ice-snap
shot to the top shelf. 17,000+ fans at the arena for the game fell in
love (if they weren?t already).
Buffalo has good, young team that started to come together last year.
Sabres fans saw that on Saturday night, and then again Sunday in
Columbus. Ryan Miller started in net, and racked up 41 saves on the way
to a 3-2 win. I know it?s only preseason, and it?s only two games, but
there are definite signs of life on Buffalo?s roster.
If you watch the Sabres this year, look for #26?and don?t look away. I
learned that lesson the hard way. Buffalo scored VERY early in
overtime, and I didn?t make it back from the men?s room in time to see
Vanek?s gamewinner. Oh well?lesson learned. Don?t even blink.
*****
Other notes:
Sabres forward Daniel Paille is fighting for a roster spot, and showing
a little toughness. The former first round pick (2002) stuck his nose
in and didn?t back away from any situation.
**
Rumors are swirling that Tim Connolly might have a career re-birth.
Connolly hasn?t played hockey for two seasons. He missed the 2003
season with a concussion. He?s healthy now, bigger, stronger, and by
all accounts, playing like it as well. Connolly was third on the team
in scoring in his first season with the club?but fell out of favor of
fans due to his style. Suffice to say, he?s been accused of being soft.
However, with a wide-open game that?s geared toward skill players,
Connolly could be one of the beneficiaries.
**
There are some that think that Max Afineganov will experience the same
improvement, because defenders won?t be able to grab him. I don?t. Max
is fast?REALLY fast?but he doesn?t have the hands for it. He might get
more scoring chances, but I just don?t see more than 20 goals for him?
**
If you get inspired?.drop me an email:
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