Jhonas Enroth: 2010-2011 Report Card

It's time to put the finishing touches on the 2010-2011 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 Luke Adam and conclude in a month with Mike Weber. Thanks to Japers Rink and Mile High Hockey for the inspiration.

Step right up Jhonas Enroth.

Lowdown: The days of Ryan Miller's resting turning into a death sentence for the Buffalo Sabres are over, as their reliable second goaltender has arrived. Apologies in advance for the missing picture on the widget, which is because of Enroth's name being lost on the list of roster players. Illogically, Dennis Persson is included instead; wrap your head around that. Don't worry, we'll make it up to him. Back to our Swedish ally. Simply put, you don't see too much stories of secondary goalies basking in the hero glow for a season's finale. Scott Clemmensen did it two years ago in New Jersey and as the games got increasingly valuable and filled with pressure this season, Enroth looked like a marvel in relief of Miller.

Key Stat: Did not lose a game in regulation through his last nine contests, living on a 7-0-1 thrill ride. Was pulled from the Apr.9 match with Philadelphia in the second intermission, as Lindy Ruff wanted Miller to move around in the crease before the postseason. That explains why Enroth is accredited with the seven wins, as Miller closed that one out and grabbed an overtime victory.

Did You Know? Martin Biron's move to Philadelphia in 2007 had to happen, but finding a replacement was stressful. Before Enroth's introduction, the back-up netminders combined for a 15-33-7 record with the Sabres, and you can see where this is going for the save percentage and goals against average statistics. Ty Conklin, Jocelyn Thibault, Patrick Lalime, and Mikael Tellqvist deteriorated as fast as they came up.

Moment Of Fame: Safeguarding the net from the New York Rangers with poise, turning in his first career National Hockey League shutout, and defeating boyhood idol Henrik Lundqvist. With his parents in attendance, Enroth couldn't have asked for more perfection, except a congratulatory handshake from Mr. Lundqvist perhaps. Honorable mention is awarded towards the 22-year-old's reflexes days later in Carolina, stopping everything in his sights. It shows how relaxed Enroth was in probably the biggest game of the year for the Buffalo Sabres. And he refused to ask officials for a stoppage in play when his mask came unbuckled, unlike Brian Boucher who threw it off and pleaded his case.

Moment Of Shame: Having his window shut in early November, conceding three goals to the Boston Bruins in 20 minutes. Hardly his fault, – two shorthanded strikes made a mockery of Buffalo's powerplay – but it was an ugly sight for those who had the displeasure of watching. In other absolutely pointless news, Patrick Lalime stepped in for the second and third periods, posting his best single-game numbers by stopping 12 of 13 shots. We wish we were kidding.

Thumbs Up: Felt right at home as a starting goaltender and we request that he wears a heart monitor for one game, as his behavior conveys the impression that there is no rise in blood pressure, ever. Expanded to the occasion; the bigger the moment, the more comfortable he appeared. Ask Carey Price, Jose Theodore, Cam Ward, Dwayne Roloson, and Lundqvist for proof. Listed as the league's third star of the week on Apr.4, backstopping the team with a 1.94 GAA and .936 save percentage in three contests. Was unbeatable in shootouts, as his technique and agility stifled scorers who thought they were about to outshine a rookie. Owns an educated glove-hand; we're talking Harvard graduate kind of knowledge.

Thumbs Down: Had a few rough outings in the winning streak late on, but was let off the hook because of high-scoring from the offense. It's human nature to be fatigued with a considerable workload and Enroth was a little gassed, allowing six goals on 34 shots in his last two regular season performances. Won't be confused for the Monster, Jonas Gustavsson, as he isn't equipped with the height of an everyday goalkeeper, but he covers his area admirably.

Voting: On a scale of one to ten, one being the lowest and ten being the highest, grade Jhonas Enroth 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: Should Darcy Regier re-sign Enroth or test the trading market with him? Did he gain your trust as a secondary goaltender or do you wish to see more of him before making up your mind? What was your favorite memory of his campaign? How poorly would the results be for the Buffalo Sabres if Lalime played those latter matches in March and April?

As promised. I told you we'd make it up to him.