Can the Sabres Win Without Vanek?
Tuesday, February 17th, 2009 7:30 pm by Mike
After watching the Sabres play the last three games without Thomas Vanek, I’ve begun to wonder how many games they can win without their All-star forward. In that stretch, the Sabres have gone 1-2 with a loss to the Ottawa Senators, a shout out win over the San Jose Sharks, and a shutout loss to the Carolina Hurricanes.
So, the short answer is YES, the Sabres can win without Thomas Vanek. However, if they continue to play as they have, they run a huge risk of dropping out of the playoff picture. As of this post, the Sabres are seated in 8th place, but are in still in the thick of things as they are only two points behind the 5th place Montreal Canadiens.
But how can the Sabres win without their best goal scorer?
- Slacking players need to step it up. With the return of Tim Connolly to the lineup and the recent success of Drew Stafford, the Sabres should have ample talent to score enough goals to win games. However, they can’t carry the full load. Players like Jason Pominville, Jochen Hecht, Clark MacArthur, Ales Kotalik, and Danny Paille need to put their scoring hats on and remember how to light the lamp.
- Big bodies in front of the net. You don’t need to be the most talented player in the league to screen a goalie, you just need to be big. Despite missing Paul Gaustad as well, the Sabres have many players large enough and talented enough to stand in front of the net on the Power Play and during regular shifts. Drew Stafford, Matt Ellis, Ales Kotalik, and Adam Mair should all be more than capable.
- Pucks to the net. With Vanek out of the lineup, the Sabres should expect to need more shots in a game. The defense needs to find lanes and get shots to the net, whether they be big time slappers or simple wrist shots. With a decent screen, any shot can be dangerous.
- Power lines. When the chips are down or the team looks sluggish, the Sabres should try putting their top players together and on the ice often. Derek Roy, Tim Connolly, and Drew Stafford will score goals if they get a few shifts together.
- Send Gerbe back to Portland. Gerbe has been in the lineup for a few games and it is obvious that he just isn’t ready for the NHL. He isn’t a factor on the ice and he isn’t cashing in on his quality chances. Swap Gerber with another player like Mark Mancari or Tim Kennedy and see if a new face can spark the team. Mark Mancari has a great shot and big body and could make good fill-in for Vanek on the Power Play.
- Make a trade. The trade deadline is fast approaching anyways and the Sabres will need some help in the playoffs anyways, so why not make a trade now and bring in a player that can help now? I think a Bill Guerin type would be perfect.
It sounds like Paul Gaustad should be back in the lineup soon, so that should help somewhat, but I think the Sabres need to step it up seriously or bring in a new player if they are going to make a splash in the playoffs, assuming they make it at all.