Tim Kennedy Living the Dream

by Rafal Ladysz on Dec 15, 2009 5:59 PM EST Comment 7 comments

Buffalo Sabres' Tim Kennedy, right, reacts after a goal by teammate Tyler Ennis, not shown, against Philadelphia Flyers' Ray Emery, left, in the second period of an NHL hockey game, Saturday, Nov. 14, 2009, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

4 months ago: Buffalo Sabres' Tim Kennedy, right, reacts after a goal by teammate Tyler Ennis, not shown, against Philadelphia Flyers' Ray Emery, left, in the second period of an NHL hockey game, Saturday, Nov. 14, 2009, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

Browse more photos »

Tim Kennedy has had a knack for being in the right place at the right time. First, he was drafted as a sixth-round selection of the Washington Capitals in 2005. Almost immediately, Kennedy was then exported to his hometown of Buffalo to one day dress for the Sabres. Before such a development, he would have to work vigorously and pay his dues similarly as most smaller players must.

The active forward developed through the USHL ranks with the Sioux City Musketeers avoiding OHL offers in order to preserve NCAA eligibility. Two years later, he joined Michigan State of the CCHA where he enjoyed a Championship triumph in 2007. When the time came for an entry-level contract with the Sabres, Kennedy assured himself that the stay in the AHL wouldn't be a long encounter.

While he played in one match for Buffalo last year, the 23-year-old is staring at a full season under Lindy Ruff's tutelage and hasn't let stardom slow him down. Kennedy's first NHL goal didn't arrive until the end of October but it was well worth the wait. Coming out from behind the net, he garnered the puck and beat the goaltender five-hole. That the goalie was Martin Brodeur made it extra special for the youngster.

Four goals and ten points are just a fraction of Kennedy's success. In plus-minus, he is at plus-3 which is in a four-way tie for fifth best on the team. Administering 27 hits, he's seventh on the team in that field and has sent 50 shots on their way to a cage. With just over 13 minutes of ice time typically being his fortuity, Kennedy is making every second count.

Understanding the game very well, his play making is obviously there as is his heart and drive. Kennedy doesn't panic and can be approved as either a center or winger giving Ruff options. Special teams are a promotion he deserves, hopefully sooner rather than later. Taking the hit for the sake of the play, grappling for loose rebounds, moving the feet and creating chances; Kennedy is suitable and capable to come through with every single demand there.

The trio of Thomas Vanek, Mike Grier and Kennedy brings a bit of everything: toughness, speed, courage, passing and goal-scoring. Lately, he's been matched with Patrick Kaleta and Jochen Hecht which has brought encouraging results from all. Is it my imagination or does Kennedy seem to flourish with which ever line-mates are presented to him?

As one of a select few (the others being Tyler Myers, Grier and Steve Montador) who have come to make this a much more balanced squad, he has genuinely earned his spot on the roster.

Here's to hoping Tim Kennedy's last NHL shift replicates his first one: in a Buffalo Sabres uniform.

0 recs | Comment 7 comments | Share

Story-email Email Printer Print

Comments

the title says it all.

What an opportunity for him… And hes making the most of it. Keep it up Timmy.

"I don't know how to explain it but we seem to find eachother on the ice and make things happen... Yeah. Pass, shoot, score... Yeah. Pass.. Shoot.. And score."

by bflo on Dec 15, 2009 6:26 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

I am quickly becoming a Kennedy fan

I think the kid is very talented, but it’s his hard work and grit that I admire the most. I talked to someone that was close to the Pirates last season and he thought Kennedy would be very good NHL player.

I thought it would be at least one more year before he would make an impact in the NHL but I am happy to say I was wrong. He is a very good player right now.

D.O.
www.diebytheblade.com - An SB nation destination for Sabres fans everywhere

by David Oleksy on Dec 15, 2009 6:27 PM EST via mobile reply actions 0 recs

He is every talented. What he lacks in size he makes up for in effort. I’m still not convinced he’s strong enough to be a #2 center in this league. He’s 23, so, this is about as big as he gets. His shot looks weak and I think that’s what will limit his upside, as he really won’t be a threat to score off the rush, which would give him that little bit of extra space he’d need to be truly dangerous. But, that said, it’s my opinion that the path to success in the NHL is having balanced, deep scoring throughout at least 3 lines, so as a 3rd line center on a good team, he’s in the perfect role. He’s brought puck possession and the deep cycle to our 3rd line and rejuvenated Vanek’s game all at the same time.

How does that draft day deal to acquire him from the Caps look now?

Ta,

by Tom Luongo on Dec 16, 2009 9:08 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Gotta love the hometown connection

Playing for your hometown team has got to be the dream every boy has. That said when I look at this roster Kennedy seems to me one of the most expendable guys here. Sure he is a grit guy and i would love to see him develop and flourish here but lets not get ahead of ourselves here. Not that i don’t like his game but he seems to be a young Hecht to me. Good player but not a game changer. If he keeps up his good defensive play over the next couple of years he can win me over but until then….

Rookies are like teabags...you don't know what you're gonna get until you put them in hot water. -Harry Neale

by weswed51 on Dec 15, 2009 9:32 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

I liked this kid from the day he put the sabres jersey on, I knew this kid would have a great impact on this team. So basically, now the top six have to take notes from kaleta and kennedy? that seems pretty sad except for maybe macarthur.

by manic hispanic on Dec 15, 2009 9:46 PM EST reply actions 0 recs