Roy and Vanek

Derek Roy's mind-set is simple: If there's a two-on-one with Thomas Vanek, the left winger is likely to find a way to score. So Roy is passing him the puck nearly every time.

Problem is, it's not working. The odd-man rushes are often fading away without a shot by anyone.

"Thomas is a 40-goal scorer," Roy said. "It's hard not to pass because he's always in position. He's all ready to one-time it or get in position to score a goal, and that's why he's so good at what he does."

Roy, a 30-goal scorer, has yet to find the net. Prediction: He will Wednesday; he seems to respond every time someone brings up one of his droughts to him. Not sure if it will be on an odd-man rush, though. Vanek is a very tempting target.

"That’s a great excuse [for not shooting]," coach Lindy Ruff admitted.

---John Vogl

poll by twiigs.com

Comments

[Chris]

Nice prediction!

[jan]

I think the two of them need to mix it up a bit. If everyone expects that Roy will pass to Vanek on a two-on-one, they'll defend that way and deflect or pick off the pass. There shouldn't be any "cute" passes or plays-- just go to the net. Maybe Roy should take the shot sometimes and let Vanek get the rebound. and Vanek should shoot and Roy should be there to control a rebound. What they currently try to do isn't working.

[Amy]

Agree with TJ, Greg B and Puppa on this one. I think Vanek is better at cashing in on the rebound than when he gets the pass on a 2-on-1. Plus the way the defensive style is now a days, you're just better off to shoot and if there's a miss, we almost always have someone right there to cash in on the rebound if it doesnt go to Vanek. How many times has Stafford been right there for the rebound? I've noticed he's there a lot, which gives a better chance as well. Beside, Roy is hurting for a goal, I think he's going to try a lot harder in the situation now to get a good shot so I think we're more than likely to see him get the goal. He'll get it going, and when he does, he will be a great all around player as he defense has been pretty good lately.

[TJ]

I think Greg B. and Puppa nailed the two most salient points right on: 1) Vanek does tend to pass up far too many shots with some cutesy-type of pass that his teammates are rarely ready for; and 2) the reverse psychology plan does seem more logical if I were Roy - teams scout the Sabres expecting to concentrate on Vanek because of his past goal totals so a shot on a 2-on-1 by Roy would seem to have better odds of catching the goalie off-guard. Even if Roy's shot is stopped, Vanek is better at picking up rebounds than Roy is.

[Bill]

Roy has played solid hockey so far. His defense has been good and he's leading all forwards with 7 blocked shots. The goals will come, and when they do, he'll be a better all around player than he has been the last two seasons.

[Ken E]

Anyone who has ever played hockey knows that the percentage play on a 2-1 is to shoot. The potential to score from the shot and the potential for a rebound/second chance are the reasons why. In passing, there are too many potential pitfalls....you can flub the pass, the d-man can pick it off, the shooter can fan, the puck can bounce, the goalie can make a great save. Just shoot.

[Greg B.]

The problem is that Vanek is just as likely to try passing back to him. I've never seen a 40-goal scorer so reluctant to shoot on odd-man rushes. I really think Vanek is sensitive about his assist totals being so low. Nobody will remember his assist totals if he pots 50. Shoot, Thomas!!

[Daren Puppa]

I'd shoot... everyone would be expecting me to pass to Vanek. The Old Reverse Psychology play.

Plus, Vanek gets enough goals, and Roy needs to score a bunch... he's capable.

[Rich]

Obviously the charity Roy picked to receive $1,000 per goal donated by Cellino & Barnes
will amount to very little if anything. Maybe Roy will donate the 30k to 40k of his own money!!!!!