Hockey Talk for the Intelligent Fan

Totally appropriate subtitle: A Case Study in (Slightly) Not Meeting Expectations

The internet and newspapers are filled with “season wrap-ups” decrying the various ways in which this Sabre team disappointed and failed to meet the fans expectations for the season.

Yet, prior to the season, everything I read was how the Sabres would maybe contend for one of the last two spots……but not many people talking or writing were standing up and saying they expected the Sabres to absolutely be a playoff team.

Oddly enough, this team that “failed to meet expectations” did exactly what many predicted - contended for one of the last couple of spots, but ultimately fell short.

That said, the Sabres WERE disappointing.  And I think the reason for much of the disappointment is that throughout the season, we saw glimpses of just how good this team could be.  But, when the results were all counted, a few disappointing trends emerged from the dust.

However, before getting to the meat-and-potatoes of this wrap-up, I’d like to take a few moments to point out some of the positives that emerged in 2008-2009 for the Buffalo Sabres - perhaps some of these positives can carry over into next season, helping us fans out in the hope department.

- Chris Butler……Prior to the season, the fans (and I expect the Sabres as well) felt they had one top notch stay-at-home D prospect in Portland, ready to make the jump if neccessary.  That, of course, was Mike Weber, who impressed considerably during his stint with the Sabres in 2007-2008.  However, since Weber was injured in Portland when injuries beset the big club’s defense corps, Chris Butler got the call.  And he never went back down - and isn’t likely to.  Butler stepped right in and looked like he belonged, leading the Sabres’ defensemen in plus/minus in the process, and providing extremely steady play - far from what you’d typically expect from a rookie defenseman who’s only played 27 games at the AHL level.  He’ll go back to Portland for their playoff run to get some experience, but expect him to be a major contributor next season, likely helping make players like Henrik Tallinder and Toni Lydman expendable.

- Ryan Miller……Prior to the 2007-2008 season, Lindy Ruff informed Ryan Miller that he needed to take a more active role in leadership among the team due to the departures of co-captains Danny Briere and Chris Drury.  Miller did as he was asked, taking a more vocal role.  I personally think it affected his play, as it sometimes seemed to me like he was putting far too much pressure on himself.  This season, his numbers were very strong - the best of his career for a complete season.  And he obviously was the leader of this team, as evidenced by the complete funk the Sabres went into while he was injured.  And yet, he didn’t make himself the vocal centerpoint of the team - and it seems his focus benefitted from it.  I’ll be watching intently in the hopes that this trend carries on.

- Paul Gaustad……It is a travesty as far as I’m concerned that Paul Gaustad does not have a letter on his shoulder.  What he said several days before the season ended about the team needing to look in the mirror for who to blame was the kind of talk this team needs from their leader.  His somewhat inconsistent season showed me that he can still grow as an offensive player, but his value to this team is far greater than the goals and assists he brings to the ice.  Put a letter on this guy’s jersey and make his message resonate even stronger in the room - let’s see what this team can do with a real leader in charge.

- Drew Stafford……Sabres fans are still looking for more consistency out of Mr. Stafford, but throughout the season, he proved he’s capable of scoring big goals, along with providing a somewhat physical presence up front.  He’ll never be confused with Brendan Shanahan, but he’ll take a hit to make a play, and deliver some fairly strong hits as well.  Look for a more consistent Stafford next season now that he is comfortable and settled in to his role as a top 6 forward for this team.

- the Portland crew……Plenty of good news from down on the farm, as prospects like Nathan Gerbe, Tim Kennedy, and Marc-Andre Gragnani made large strides forward.  Expect to see some of the Portland crew make a strong push for spots with the big club next season.

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Image from www.sabresfans.com

So, now we take a look back at the season that was.  As everyone tries to figure out where they failed, point out the team’s deficiencies and assign blame to the proper sources, a thought occurred to me.  How would I sum up this season if I were forced to do it in a single sentence?

I’ll do better than a single sentence.  How about two words?

Derek Roy.

I’ll wait a moment for the rumblings to settle down (and for WGR’s “The Bulldog” to stop yelling YES!).

Derek Roy has been a tremendously productive player for the Buffalo Sabres.  28 goals and 42 assists this season, despite a constant shuffling of linemates.  Certainly a terrific value for his contract, right?  $4 million per year.  More points than Vinny Lecavalier at his $6.9 million cap number.  More goals and points than Ales Hemsky for $4.1 million.  Only 1 point less than the $7.5 million Marian Hossa.

But Derek Roy is the perfect proof for the fact that it’s not just about the numbers.

Think for a moment about the “failures” that most have voiced about this team.  Soft.  Not enough grit/heart.  Tends to be too “cute”, always looking for the fancy play or easy goal.  Doesn’t show up at key moments, or in big games.

Derek Roy embodies every one of those “failures”, with the possible exception of heart.  I won’t accuse him of not caring about the team, or not showing determination.  But aside from that, Derek Roy is the poster child for this team over the last two seasons.

I cringe when he forechecks along the half-wall or in the corner, because I know what’s going to happen.  An opposing defender is going to move in for a body check.  Not a crushing, take-your-head-off type hit.  Just a normal, everyday hockey check.

And Roy’s going to dodge the hit.  Every single time.  And when he dodges said hit, he loses the battle.

Every single time.

How many times did we as fans, or Lindy Ruff as the coach, lament the fact that “we needed to win more of the “one-on-one battles”?

Too many times.

Don’t get me wrong.  Derek Roy is not alone.  Jason Pominville can sometimes be found doing the same things.  Same goes for Jochen Hecht this past season, although not to the same extent. 

But Derek Roy is the constant offender.  And for a player who holds the key role he does on this Sabres team, it’s inexcusable.

For all the criticism Tim Connolly has received for his injury problems over the last several seasons, how many times has he taken a hit to make a play?  Tons.  Sometimes he’ll even take that take-your-head-off type check if it means he can make an offensive play.

I’ve spoken several times of the fact that this team needs a “heart transplant”.  And when that topic comes up, it often heads right to the defense corps, where a top pair of Lydman and Tallinder isn’t putting the fear of God into opponents.  And while improvements need to be made there, the Sabres could go a long way toward changing their identity by making the big, surprising move - trade Derek Roy.

Darcy Regier’s inability to cut the cord on the players that have come up through the system (like Roy, Max, Tallinder) has cost this team - and according to recent rumors, it may cost the Sabres the best coach they’ve ever seen.  It’s time to let go, Darcy, and make the right move for the future of this team.  Show the team, and the league, that mediocrity won’t be the standard in Buffalo, and that you’ll do whatever it takes to create a winner.

Unfortunately, I won’t be holding my breath………….

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