Craig Rivet: 2009-10 Report Card
by Zachary Zielonka on May 28, 2010 10:00 AM EDT
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PrintIt's time to put the finishing touches on the 2009-2010 season for the Buffalo Sabres. Here is a complete report card of every single player that played any amount of time with the Sabres this season. The journey will begin with Chris Butler and conclude in almost a month with Thomas Vanek. Thanks to Japers Rink and Mile High Hockey for the inspiration.
Introduction: Craig Rivet had one of the quietest seasons since he has be apart of the NHL. His 15 points, were the second least in eight seasons and his lowest point total since being a Buffalo Sabre. Many of us wondered what was wrong with Rivet for most of the season and we were remembered at the end of the season that his shoulder was severely injured. Rivet will now head under the knife and possibly miss the start of the 2010-11 season.
Voting: On a scale of one to ten, one being the lowest and ten being the highest, grade Craig Rivet on his season according to the expectations you had for him. If he met them, give him a five or a six. If he eclipsed them, aim for a seven or beyond. If he failed to meet them, give him a lower number relating to how poorly he missed the target.
Key Stat: Rivet had one of the Sabres worst relative +/-, which is the plus/minus statistic adjusted by goal differential and goaltending, for the Sabres at -9.7. Only Clarke MacArthur (-14) and Chris Butler (-15) were worse.
Thumbs Up: Rivet brings a sense of leadership to this team and can still mentor some of the young defensemen that the Sabres have in Myers, Sekera, and Butler. Rivet is a sound defensive player and can continue to help this team. Rivet is under contract until 2011 and will count $3.5 million against the cap.
Thumbs Down: Rivet's shoulder injury hopefully explains most of the issues that he had with his game this season. If Rivet can come back to his level of play a few years ago, it will be a pleasant surprise for the Sabres and a blue line that may be much younger than it was last season. Unfortunately for Rivet, his captaincy may come to an end though. It was one thing that was keeping him in the lineup this past season and it may keep him in the lineup next season.
Points of Interest: How will Rivet's injury affect the Sabres offseason decisions? Will Rivet still be the captain again next season?
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Where is the rating matrix? I really don’t need it; I would rate him a four. His performance last season was below my expectations. That said, my expectations were not all that high to begin with. I have been disappointed with Rivet’s performance since the Sabres signed him. My sixth sense tells me that he really is not happy playing for the Sabres and for that reason he has not given his all. I was appaulled when it was revealed that he played the entire season with a protective devise to shield his injured shoulder. He knew before the season began that an operation could correct the injury, but he opted for the bandaide approach which he admits limited his effectiveness.
He was supposed to be a leader on this team. Instead, he demonstrates very poor leadship and bad judgment by playing when he is handicapped by and injury.
I blame management for the leadership issue. They had the opportunity last off season to pick up a qualified free agent. Instead they steadfastly clung to the status quo. The embarrassing loss to banged-up Boston team in the playoffs was at least partially the result of their obstinance and objurate mindset.
D’oh, fixed that now. Thanks
Die By The Blade - An SB nation destination for Sabres fans everywhere
by Zachary Zielonka on May 28, 2010 12:19 PM EDT up reply actions
I kind of agree you.
I didnt have high expectations for him… so its not that it was unexpected by his play, just still disappointed. Im really not a big fan of his, but hes one of us so I give him a chance. But like you said… I dont really think he is a “Buffalo” player. Take that however you want… but he just doesnt seem to fit in.
Honestly the best leadership he has shown was game two of the season 2 years ago… when there was a giant brawl vs the Islanders on Columbus Day.
"Ok, its Gudda hoe, all about my Bills like Buffalo."
I think injuries derailed him more than anything. Those first 10 games he played were great. Bulldozing guys in front of the net, punching dudes, remember how awesome that was? Hopefully he can get back to that after recovering from this surgery.
Shutdown Pair
"I'm betting that I'm just abnormal enough to survive. "
the only thing i dont like about captain rivet is is cap #…3.5 is alot for what he brings on the ice…solid depth defender and im glad hes in buffalo because this soon to be even younger blue line needs his veteran leadership…just my opinion…but i like craig, im glad hes here…
4
He didn’t live up to my expectations but because of the injury I cut him some slack. Hopefully with the surgery he’ll come back just as strong as when he played in SJ because I think Rivet and Montador are be pretty important to the young D-corps especially with Weber (a guy who fits the same profile) likely to be fighting for a spot in training camp.
Save Jenrry Mejia!
I like Rivet
The fact that he was willing to play hurt should tell you something about the man. Given the choice, I think I would have done the same. He’s a warrior. Was he the defender we expected? No. He is invaluable with this many young “d” on the roster. He still outplayed Butler and Sekera with one good shoulder. Is there any other captain materiel on this roster besides Grier ? Hopefully he comes back soon and can lay people out like he used to.
6
I think Rivet was put into a really awkward position when he first got here. To be traded to a team that was so desperate for veteran leadership that they voted him captain without really knowing him has got to be a bit weird. I think Rivet has tried hard to be that leader even if it may not come naturally to him. He’s one of the few guys who will stand up for his teammates. Hopefully he comes back from surgery strong and has best year with Sabres.
On the down side, he’s really slow and probably shouldn’t be pinching as much as the other Dmen because he can’t get back if misjudges things.
6
played hurt and thats a plus in my book. Also played better than our defensive “depth” hurt with means to me there isn’t much in portland. Getting old and slow but still takes good angles and is still tough enough to tussle once in a while. Another guy who’s contract determines whether the fans like him or not.
Rookies are like teabags...you don't know what you're gonna get until you put them in hot water. -Harry Neale
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