Paul Gaustad Earning His Appreciation

Hockey fans can admire a player for dozens of purposes; that's the beauty of it all. Despite newspapers and magazines throwing constant recognition on scorers or goaltenders, a win has as much to do with the men that have a lesser known but particular role.

Blocking a shot for instance requires courage and integrity similar to fighting. While it's second nature to the participants because they've done it repeatedly, we know all about the passion and heart they unquestionably carry plunging into daring moments.

Lindy Ruff's Buffalo Sabres present the depth a team needs for a long postseason stretch. Seeing as how many months remain before the playoffs arrive, it's a little early to get excited with their fifth place Eastern Conference position. Habits like laziness have obliterated this group causing let-downs historically.

Getting cute instead of making the simple play is a recipe for disaster every so often. If you want proof, take a peak at the 6-2 thrashing Florida handed the Sabres Wednesday. I realize confidence rises after a string of wins and you want to give the home crowd a great showing but at some point enough is enough.

Paul Gaustad is someone who isn't keen on bringing fanciness to the arena. What he does on a nightly basis boosts the possibility of success. For starters, he's a hell of a face-off man owning a 66.9 per cent surpassing all others who have attempted their mastery in over 200 draws this year.

With possession of the puck earned, Gaustad hurries to the front of the net becoming an enormous screen for the goaltenders and banging away at loose rebounds or searching for a tip-in. No different than Tomas Holmstrom or Ryan Smyth, this makes him a strong fitting on the powerplay.

Adept at both the center and wing position, the fifth-year professional is a presence on the penalty kill using his large build along the boards pressuring his target and taking away shooting lanes. Gaustad's willingness to tussle is noble but ultimately it's the hesitation or lack thereof which presents his leadership.

As a favorite of the audience, the 27-year-old is sudden in everything he does garnering Goose chants for his determination.

Paul Gaustad

#28 / Center / Buffalo Sabres

Height: 6-4

Weight: 229

Born: Feb 03, 1982

A relatively solid offensive contributor, Gaustad's career high in points is 36 from 2008. Glancing at his production through 16 games, could 20 goals and 20-plus assists be his total come April? I don't see why not; the effort certainly qualifies him to be rewarded.

And it will be just another example explaining why Paul Gaustad is so valued in Buffalo.