It's time to put the finishing touches on the 2008-2009 season for the Buffalo Sabres. Here is a complete report card of every single player that played a significant amount of time with the Sabres this season. Thanks to Japers Rink and Mile High Hockey for the inspiration.
Key Stat: Jochen Hecht made a name or himself as a defensive forward that was able to contribute offensively. Hecht was a minus nine this season but that doesn't tell the entire story. Behind the net figures stats based on a team rating and Hecht was worst on the team amongst regulars with a -1.42 rating.
Interesting Stats: 12 goals - 15 assists - 27 points. Since he broke into the league in 1999, Hecht has never had season totals as low as he did this season (save one season when he played in only 49 games because of injury).
Fun Fact: Jochen Hecht is not as a fighter but on December 6 he fought Vincent Lecavalier and he was voted the winner of the fight at hockeyfights.com
Line Combos:
- Jason Pominville - Thomas Vanek (571 shifts - 3 points)
- Tim Connolly - Jason Pominville (404 shifts - 3 points)
- Paul Gaustad - Jason Pominville (371 shifts - 2 points)
- Derek Roy - Drew Stafford (355 shifts - 2 points)
- Jason Pominville - Derek Roy (346 shifts -2 points)
Report: It's not a secret that Jochen Hecht had a bad season. It was the worst statistical season of his career and watching him play was painful at best. Despite struggling for most of the season he often found himself on the top two lines, playing with guys like Jason Pominville, Thomas Vanek, Derek Roy and Drew Stafford.
Despite his poor season, Hecht was eighth on the team in goals scored. He had ample opportunity to score because he was fourth on the team in shots-on-goal. Unfortunately I couldn't dig up any stats on scoring chances because I'm guessing he would be much lower in that category.
2008-2009 Salary: $3,800,000
2009-2010 Status: Signed for $3,800,000
Vote: It's time to grade Hecht for his play in the 2008-2009 season. Every player has expectations so vote based on those expectations. If a player played to their potential they should receive a "C" if they exceeded expectations they would receive a "B" or an "A".
Discuss: What should the Sabres do with Jochn Hecht? Were you surprised that Hecht was often found on the top two lines despite is low point totals? Can Hecht regain the form that earned him a big contract from the Sabres before last season? If Hecht is still on the team next season, what do you think his role will be?
Up Next: Patrick Kaleta