Thomas Vanek: 2009-2010 Report Card
by Rafal Ladysz on Jun 3, 2010 2:48 PM 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.
It's Thomas Vanek's turn.
Thomas Vanek
#26 / Left Wing / Buffalo Sabres
6-2
207
Jan 19, 1984
Contract Situation: $7.143 million cap hit in 2010; four years left on current contract in which he'll receive $6.4 million each season
2009 Grade: B
Introduction: Thomas Vanek plays on the off-wing - a right-handed shot who earns a living on the left wing - because it's generally an advantage for trigger men. Alexander Ovechkin and Ilya Kovalchuk undertake the same strategy because it creates the bonus of a one-timer option, they can cut through the middle of the ice to the other side on their forehand and will aim for the corners easily. With oddly-timed injuries and inconsistency, Vanek is still working his way up to become a scorer who stands with the very best of them. He's 26-years-old and the heightened stages of his career are full-speed ahead.
Key Stat: The Austrian led the Buffalo Sabres in goals for the fourth straight season, doing it in 71 games and what has to be considered a disappointing campaign, as he scored less than 30 goals and the fewest tallies since his rookie experience. For his standards, that's average. However, when Vanek's on and has 'it' working, he's unrestrainable.
Stimulating Stat: Powerplays are to goal-poachers what penalty shots are to Ryan Miller; the real deal. Vanek has always scored at least ten markers with the extra man during a season and in his five-year livelihood, has banked 75 of his 172 total goals there - over 46 per cent for you math wizards out there. This time around, he grabbed just ten on the powerplay, his worst collection yet. But last year, he led the league in man-advantage goals (20) and two years ago, trailed Ovechkin for first spot with 19.
Famous For: Ruining Daniel Alfredsson's 1,000th game celebration in Ottawa by lighting the lamp four times on the way to a 5-2 win. Four-goal games are special no matter how you cut it, but Vanek's variety was worthy of being included in a DVD collection or a manual for young forwards who want to learn alternate forms of beating a goaltender.
Thumbs Up: Held to two and one-third of a playoff game because of Johnny Boychuk's heinous slash, Vanek was the one forward whose offensive panache could have saved Buffalo from defeat. Look on the bright side; he who laughs last, laughs loudest. Someday, Boychuk will get to tell his grandchildren the experience of letting a 3-0 series lead slide through his team's fingertips. Vanek scored seven goals in his last four full games and even with the disadvantage of returning with a banged-up ankle in Game 6, he danced through defensemen, got himself open and scored a goal. On one healthy leg, the former first-round draft pick was preferred over Derek Roy and Tim Connolly. His plus-minus was below even in the last two years largely because of how much of his production comes on the powerplay, but Vanek earned a firm plus-nine this season. Out of the regular forwards who played upwards of 40 games, Vanek owned the best goals per 60 minutes, fourth-best assists ratio and the top points per hour of on-ice time. The lines he was chosen for scored much more than they conceded in his presence and the club as a whole got far less goals during his absence. Also, his quality of teammates were decent, but not great. Six game-winning goals and a 15.4 shooting rate, both of which were the best or just about, round out his good side.
Thumbs Down: Vanek's quality of competition wasn't the most threatening, making his small but constant dry adventures from scoring a frustration point. He shot the rubber disc to a tune of 182; the first time in his career he took fewer than 200 shots in a season. There were games that Vanek would need numerous opportunities in the offensive zone before finally slotting one in; a sign of a scorer holding the stick too hard due to heavy expectations and struggles to meet them. He's got a power forward's body, and Drew Stafford and Clarke MacArthur throwing more hits than him is an issue. Defensemen dislike marking big guys and Vanek has to teach them to understand the dangers of digging for loose pucks - make them pay the price.
Voting: On a scale of one to ten, one being the lowest and ten being the highest, grade Thomas Vanek 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.
Topics Of Discussion: Is Vanek sufficiently Buffalo's major scorer or should they add more up front? Do you believe he could score 50 goals in a season? Will he bounce back with better statistics in 2011? What does Vanek have to do in order to be a top-of-the-line striker?
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I went with an 8.
I think Vanek kind of stood up to a “leader” role this year. Which I never expected out of him. I mean he started off a goal scoring kid that wouldnt play D and then got benched in his first playoff action. Hes playing defense. Hes killing penalties. He played injured, when he can. And he scored some awesome goals this year.
Next year: 50. Im calling it. Thomas Vanek scores 50 goals. He get rid of his “streaky” label. Scores 50 goals and adds 30 assists. Thats 80 points from 26. You heard it here first folks.
ATV!
"Ok, its Gudda hoe, all about my Bills like Buffalo."
I loved all the little things I saw from Vanek this year, but overall this was a transition year for him, adopting to a more defensive system and dealing with a couple of very painful injuries. 50 goals would be fantastic, he certainly has it in him. Someone should get him the number for Miller’s Sports Psychologist, though, if you seriously expect that to happen. Being your own worst critic is a detriment in Vanek’s case.
Ta,
You nailed it on the head there… The guys is his biggest critic and needs to get over the mental part of the game. I hate seeing him on the bench after a missed opportunity, yelling at himself… Hes gotta be able to get passed that, and yes I think he’ll score 50 next year. To paraphrase ’Miracle." …
“Thats a pretty lofty goal there isnt it, bflo?”
“Well, Tom, that’s why I want him to pursue it.”
haha
"Ok, its Gudda hoe, all about my Bills like Buffalo."
Good point
He is his own biggest critic, which is saying something in this media market. However, this is what makes him so dangerous at times. I understand that he puts too much pressure on himself, but expecting huge things out of yourself is key to his success. He just needs to learn to put everything out of his mind when he is actually on the ice, and maybe be a better constructive critic of himself, and instead of getting down on his play, try to find an adjustment in his game that will lead to better results.
Fear the Grier!!!!
Yeah im not even saying its a bad thing to be your worst critic… but hes got to learn how to handle or harness it. Pretty much exactly what you said.
"Ok, its Gudda hoe, all about my Bills like Buffalo."
Talk to Miller ...
I’m with you guys 110% on this one … much of Vanek’s problem is the way he handles “bad” games … he tears himself up on the inside when he’s slumping and the team is losing because he’s the one who is supposed to score that goal that turns things around … when it doesn’t happen he gets more and more frustrated as each game goes by. You can see it in his eyes when he’s doing post game interviews … he believes he’s letting the team down.
This very thing was said about Ryan Miller a couple years ago … I think if these two got together a couple times to talk about this during the off season it would be a tremendous help to Vanek’s mindset on things like this. Yes, A LOT is expected of him but the simple truth is that Vanek DOES have the skills to be that guy … he just needs to find a way to believe in himself more and not let “goofs” send him into a tizzy. I think that Miller might be able to help him a lot in that respect … of course what do I know … lol … Just a thought …
by Jedi Dude 28 on Jun 4, 2010 11:44 PM EDT up reply actions
It won't work
If you listen to Miller after a Sabres loss he is quick to blame his teammates (i.e. We need to stick to the system, we need to play as a team instead of individuals, we had to many breakdowns). Miller is basically blaming Vanek and the rest of the team for every loss, I don’t think he can help Vanek at all.
D.O.
www.diebytheblade.com - An SB nation destination for Sabres fans everywhere
4
Injury hampered a more well-rounded and responsible Vanek to the point of not being effective for most of the season. When finally healthy we got a glimpse of what his prime years will look like and those years look excellent. Here’s hoping for a healthy 2010-11 with a motivated centerman. My expectations for him have him at 40 goals every year, period. Anything less than that should be a disappointment.
Ta,
9
He’s still our best scorer by far. And, if ATV sticks around (and not the sad one), the Sabres will be unstoppable!
If everyone else is only going to judge players on their last 10 games of the season, then i will too.
Not even the Toronto Maple Leafs could kill my optimism
Tyler Ennis: Freed from Portland!
by Ubiquitous on Jun 3, 2010 3:47 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
Rec'd
Solely for this:
“If everyone else is only going to judge players on their last 10 games of the season, then I will too”
Fear the Grier!!!!
I voted 6
He was way better defensively then I ever expected him. At least this year when he found himself in scoring droughts, he still played good hockey. He just held the stick too tight for large periods offensively and it showed. However, his defense and hustle on the backcheck was excellent. Not surprised his defensive numbers were up this year with the way he played.
His play in the time before and in the playoffs was outstanding. Too bad for that Boychuck play. It ruined us because he was on the kind of tear that could carry us to the 2nd round until the rest of our scoring caught up, which is the kind of thing you need in the playoffs. Just look at the Blackhawks or Flyers. They had different guys carry their team for periods of time. We needed someone to step up when TV went down, unfortunately that did not happen. However, TV gets a BIG attaboy from me for his play in the playoffs. His effort in game 6 was simply unreal. At times he could hardly skate back to the bench in obvious pain, but he was dancing and grinding and finding ways to help his team.
Fear the Grier!!!!
I gave him a three; he performed far below my expectations. I expected him to score at least 50 goals to finally live up to his exhorbitant salary. If it were not for his salary, I would be inclined to be a little more tolerant of his lack of aggressiveness and unwillingness to dig the pucks out of the corners. Please note, my judgment is based on his performance throughout the entire season not just the last few games of the season.
The Sabres clearly need to acquire a true power forward to take some of the pressure off of Vanek. He simply cannot live up to the expectations of management and many of the Sabres’ fans – myself included.
Agree and disagree, if that's possible
Not sure 50 goals was a fair expectation, but understandable. I too was hoping he would break out this year. As far as his salary goes, it is high, but that is the fault of that jackass in Edmonton for throwing that ridiculous offer sheet at him, and the pressure Regier felt after losing out on Drury and Briere.
It would be nice to add another scorer to the mix, but also a better winger opposite him to make some plays for him. Vanek is a shooter and a finisher. He cannot be expected to dig the pucks out the corner every time and finish at the net also. Drew Stafford has been holding Vanek back for 2 seasons now, and it is time Darcy, or Lindy addressed that.
Fear the Grier!!!!
Never thought of it
Drew Stafford has been holding Vanek back for 2 seasons now, and it is time Darcy, or Lindy addressed that.
But you might be on to something here willgarr.
"Ok, its Gudda hoe, all about my Bills like Buffalo."
Voted a 4
I’m surprised 85% felt that Vanek met or exceeded their expectations this year with such a decline in production. Vanek was the 13th highest played player in the NHL his year, yet his 53 points aren’t even good enough to break the top 50. He may not have the most talented linemates, but he still managed to pull off 40 last year with similar company. In addition, such a large decline in power play production was definitely disappointing. Hopefully next year he will be able to bounce back and produce on a level that matches his salary.
You failed to mention his improved defensive play.
In my opinion, it improved so much so that I wouldn’t hesitate to call him the best all-around player on the team and on the cusp of joining the best in the league.
Save Jenrry Mejia!
6
This season I believe Atlas’ defensive play improved to a level on par with his offensive game – which is to say “very, very good”. Yes, he didn’t have the offensive numbers we’d all like to see but I think his defensive improvement made up for it (and his stats would support that assertion).
And I’m all for jumping aboard bflo’s 50-goal boat for 2010-2011.
Save Jenrry Mejia!
I went 10 because of the heart and desire he showed in the playoffs…It killed thomas not being in the line up, he wants to be the best player on the big stages, he wants to make the big plays for this team…Id love to see a C or an A get thrown this mans jersey.
Can Darcy please make some moves to get this guy some top line help…PLEASE!
Move drew, move timmy, move whoever hes got to, to get thomas some help up front line in this line up…
IM ALL FOR THIS MAN LIGHTIN THE LAMP 50 TIMES….
There is a big difference between what one wants to do and what one does. That is problem with Vanek. He wants to score 50 goals, but he doesn’t want to play like Ovechkin or Crosby.
If Vanek played like Crosby and AO he'd probably only score 20.
His bread and butter is planting his but in front of the net and going to work, not sniping from the sideboards and faceoff dots. Yes, he has a great shot, but that’s not his game. 75% of his tallies probably come from within 5-10 feet of the crease. AO’s money move is using the D-man as a screen from the RW faceoff dot with a little toe drag move. Crosby does the brunt of his work along the boards dishing it off only to get it back around the slot. They’re all very different players and only comparable when talking about raw creative talent.
Save Jenrry Mejia!
i think thats being a little harsh on the man…thomas battles, maybe not quite as much as sid or OV, maybe not in the corners, but he takes far more shots in front of the net then they will…
i think thomas has matured at far as attitude goes…in previous post seasons it wasnt pretty…his desire and heart shown this year makes me (maybe me alone) highly optimistic for the coming years of his career….
You said it in an earlier post, he needs better compliments, a power forward type (kassian may be the guy in a couple years, or as soon as next year lets hope) and just over all better quality talent to play with….im praying for a trade of stafford and connolly
i gave him a 4
i woulda given him higher, but he didnt meet my expectations so there ya go.
So, Philly has elimanated my two least favorite teams. WHAT NOW, BOSTON!!!!!!!
Martin Broduer doesn't look so great now huh?
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