The Vanek attack
Be sure to check out our big feature on Thomas Vanek in Tuesday's paper. On pace for 65 goals, this looks like the year Vanek is breaking out to become a superstar. He was first in the NHL to 20 goals, is tops in team goal percentage (29.6) and is on pace to join Alexander Mogilny as the only 60-goal scorers in franchise history.
It's already been a big year for Vanek. He got married over the summer and told me recently that his wife and 15-month-old son make him feel more grounded off the ice.
"They've really helped me learn how to deal with things," he said. "Having a son puts life in perspective. Before him, it was hockey-hockey-hockey. But a child puts family ahead right away. Good or bad day, he makes the day better when you come home."
There haven't been too many bad days in Vanek's season thus far. Imagine where the Sabres would be without him to this point. The comments section is open for any and all thoughts on Vanek and be sure to vote in the accompanying poll.
---Mike Harrington
yeah someone needs to be the Robin to his Batman
Posted by: tim | December 16, 2008 at 12:37 PM
Looking at that poll, I have to say that Vanek has a real chance of breaking 60 this year. But he won't come close to the 76 because he lacks the one thing Mogilny had that season: Pat LaFontaine. Mogilny set the club record for goals, but it was LaFontaine who led the team in points.
Vanek doesn't have someone setting him up on a regular basis. Connolly COULD be that guy if Ruff played him with Vanek AND he stayed healthy enough to play consistently. Hecht certain;y is not the guy Vanek should be playing with, but it's nice seeing him succeed despite this.
Let's see what happens this season. Something may happen, so I'm interested in finding out.
Also, I can see Vanek scoring 60 goals but not even breaking 100 points. This team doesn't finish the chances he creates, part of why Vanek won't break Mogilny's mark.
Posted by: Tim | December 16, 2008 at 11:37 AM
is it time to renegotiate his contract?....LOL
Posted by: boonies | December 16, 2008 at 09:59 AM
Give him The C.
Leads by example.
Plays both ways - lacking on team.
Does what the coach asks.
Talks more about the team than himself.
Can't tell what he's like in the dressing room, but Pomminville and Roy seem to support him.
Posted by: Buffalo Excuses | December 16, 2008 at 06:52 AM
I can't even think about this team without Vanek. Other people seem to finally be waking up now but we'd be dead in the water if Thomas hadn't started the way he did.
(For the record, I am not feeling the blog makeover.)
Posted by: Heather B. | December 15, 2008 at 10:17 PM