With the 2011-12 Buffalo Sabres ending in disappointment and after a few weeks for us to gather our thoughts, it’s time for us to issue our report cards on the season. Over the next few weeks, we’ll grade every player that wore a Buffalo Sabres uniform in 2011 and 2012, from Luke Adam to Mike Weber.
Introduction:When Jason Pominville was named captain of the Buffalo Sabres in the days leading up to the 2011-12 season, many fans had questions. Was he vocal enough to be the captain? Would a different player be a better choice? And most importantly, how would he respond on the ice?
At the end of his first full year as captain, we can say without a doubt, that Pominville excelled, at least statistically, with the C on his sweater. He was the most consistent offensive threat on Buffalo’s squad on his way to his highest point total since 2007-08. Let’s dig a little deeper into the captain’s season after the break.
Key Stat: Unlike the team in general, Pominville thrived while playing at the FNC – he ranked 5th in the NHL with 46 points in 41 home games.
Key Stat #2: During an injury-filled season for Buffalo, it should be noted that Pominville was the only player to appear in all 82 games for the blue and gold this season.
Thumbs Up: Pominville thrived as captain – his 73 points led the team and was the second most of his career – he also led the team in power play points (26), shorthanded points (3), and game winners (5). Pominville is the model of consistency – not only is he rarely injured (last season was the first one in four years in which he did not play all 82 games) but this season he became the 11th player in Sabres history to score 50 or more points in six or more seasons.
He was once again a model of good behavior, taking only 12 penalty minutes all season, the lowest of his career, and was effective on the penalty kill, blocking 52 shots this season. Led all forwards in time on ice, plays big minutes in all areas of the game, and played against some of the toughest competition possible. Had more takeaways than giveaways.
Thumbs Down: With great home stats often come dismal road stats – #29 had just 27 points on the road in 41 games and was a -10. Pominville will never be a hitter, managing only 30 this year. When called upon to take faceoffs, he was not very good at just 47.7%. Finished with the worst plus/minus of his career at -7, and was an abysmal -13 on Saturdays: I guess everybody’s not working for the weekend. ZING! He’s more of the quiet captain, lead by example type, and that rankles some people.
Voting: On a scale of one to ten, one being the lowest and ten being the highest, grade Jason Pominville 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.
On a scale of 1-10, with 1 being the lowest and 10 being the highest, how would you rate Jason Pominville for his 2011-12 season?
| 1 | 0 |
| 2 | 0 |
| 3 | 0 |
| 4 | 4 |
| 5 | 2 |
| 6 | 14 |
| 7 | 23 |
| 8 | 74 |
| 9 | 76 |
| 10 | 27 |