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 began with Luke Adam and will conclude in a month with Mike Weber. Thanks to Japers Rink and Mile High Hockey for the inspiration.
Vanek’s production hasn’t been the same since that 2006-07 season and he hasn’t even sniffed 40 50 goals since that season. Vanek seems to be growing into his new role as one of the leaders on this team. Many feel that he is the next in line to wear the captain’s C, when a few years ago the thought was giving the captaincy to Ryan Miller. Vanek is a player that wears his heart on his sleeve and the fans can tell when he is struggling as he starts to tighten the stick and try and force the puck. My major question is that if the team starts to struggle and Vanek is the captain, how much of that will weigh on his game.
Key Stat: While Vanek did have 32 goals this season, he had five stretches of five games or more during the season in where he didn’t score a goal.
Thumbs Up: Vanek is unquestionably the team’s go to scorer with his 32 goals in the regular season and 5 in the postseason. He has the potential to score 50 goals and with the additions this season, don’t be surprised if he comes close to reaching that plateau this season.
Thumbs Down: Vanek is a streaky player throughout the season. It’s something that consistently plagues Vanek and once he gets into a scoring drought, he starts to grip the stick a little tighter and he starts to react to every shot missed on net.
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. At this point, putting a poll in is pointless so leave your vote in the comments.