Four Sabres on All-Star Ballot
Wednesday, November 5th, 2008 10:02 pm by Mike
The NHL announced the ballots for fan voting for the All-Star game yesterday. A total of 104 players were selected for the ballot including four Buffalo Sabres players. Sabres players chosen included Ryan Miller, Thomas Vanek, Derek Roy, and Teppo Numminen. Voting opens on November 12 at NHL.com.
Miller was an obvious choice since he is a fan favorite, was selected to the 2007 All-Star team, and has fantastic numbers so far this season. I’m sure Miller will make the roster, but make sure you vote nonetheless.
I was also not surprised seeing Thomas Vanek on the ballot considering his blazing finish to last season (only having been outscored by Ovechkin after the All-Star break) and his equally impressive start this season.
I also liked the ballot selection of Derek Roy, who had an excellent season last year. He would be deserving of the honor of making the roster. However, I find it interesting that Jason Pominville, who had very similar numbers to Roy last season and who may have been the Sabres best overall player, did not make his way onto the ballot. You are allowed to write-in players when you vote, so I think it might be time to start the “Vote for Pominville” campaign.
The biggest surprise was Teppo Numminen. I made Matt guess all of the four Sabres selected and let’s just say it took him over a dozen guesses to say Numminen. To be fair, I think Teppo has been a solid defenseman for the Sabres and a leader, but I’m not sure how he ended up on the ballot. I would have thought Spacek or Rivet would have been more obvious choices, especially because Numminen only played one game last season. Numminen, however, has been to the All-Star game four times in the past.
The 57th Annual All-Star Game will be held January 25, 2009 in Montreal, Quebec.
Make sure you visit NHL.com to vote for all four Sabres (and write in Pominville) after November 12. Voting closes January 2, 2009. Visit Sabres.com for more information.
November 18th, 2008 at 5:34 pm
Come and meet Daniel Paille at the Niagra Falls Kmart on 11/23/08 from 1-4PM! Everybody’s favorite Buffalo based professional hockey player will be signing autographs, meeting, and taking pictures with fans. Don’t miss this rare and exclusive opportunity to meet one of professional hockey’s favorite sons. Come early for special offers, chances to win great prizes and more….
All at your local Kmart!
Sunday 11/23/08 1-4PM
Kmart
2590 Military Rd
Niagara Falls NY