Can the Sabres Survive Without Vanek

by Zachary Zielonka on Feb 9, 2009 7:55 AM EST

Kneejerk reaction, we are screwed. Leading scorer on the team, scores most of the goals this season, can't make up that kind of performance to make the playoffs. Or can we?

The Sabres are 12-15-4 in games that Vanek doesn't score a goal. That isn't a good record, but it also isn't bad either. The Sabres need to maintain in the next few weeks and they should be in a good position to continue to make a run at the playoffs when Vanek gets back. In the next three weeks, there aren't many teams that really scare me, we play Carolina, Toronto, and Ottawa all again; the Islanders; the Rangers at home. We also have no back-to-back situations in the next three weeks, which always seem to kill the Sabres.

We also have Tim Connolly. The Sabres are 8-5-1 since Connolly has returned to the lineup. He has provided a spark in himself and to his linemates to up their game and play that much better. Stafford has shown that scoring spark since Connolly has come back and with Vanek out, Pominville could step up into that empty wing slot. Playing with Connolly could most likely increase his massive scoring slump this year.

This also gives another forward a chance in Portland. Gerbe could very well be called up and play really, really well for this team in Vanek's absence. Another farm player playing above and beyond his expectations could continue this spark that the team has right now.

There are more important things to worry about. I honestly can't think of one, but when I do I will let you know.

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Gerbe brings a nice energy level with him so calling him up wouldn’t be that bad. he’s small but he makes up for it in effort and tenacity.

obviously this isn’t great news – but we’ll have to see how we handle adversary. time for a few of players who haven’t quite helped out lately to step it up and contribute for our run to the playoffs

Maybe now you'll never slime a guy with a positron collider

by J2 on Feb 9, 2009 9:44 AM EST reply actions

I half wonder if the Sabres would opt for calling up Mark Mancari, instead. He provides the size and grit that we lost already in Gaustad, but also is capable of putting the puck in the net.

Bit I agree with you—we’re screwed, but only if guys like Roy, Pominville, Hecht, and Paille don’t step up and bear more of the brunt. We can’t survive if Connolly and Stafford are the only ones converting regularly.

by ckmisener on Feb 9, 2009 10:13 AM EST reply actions

I never said we were screwed, far from that actually. Roy has been playing well and if Pominville, Hecht and Paille were to step up that would be icing on the cake. This team can play well with Vanek not scoring or contributing.

by Zachary Zielonka on Feb 9, 2009 10:59 AM EST up reply actions

Until last week Vanek was in a goal scoring slump.

Truth is, Connolly and Stafford were already picking up the slack.

Add in that the defense looks to be getting healthier and that quite a few teams (Rangers, Canadians, Penguins, Philadelphia) have been playing very mediocre hockey over the last 5-6 weeks and I guess I’m not panicking.

Mostly I’m glad it’s a broken jaw. That’s a cruel thing to say, but a few inches higher and it would have meant eye problems or concussion aftereffects.

by dfderie on Feb 9, 2009 6:55 PM EST reply actions