Monday, October 13, 2008
2008 WGR Staff NHL Preview
6:18 AM | 
Posted by
Nick Mendola
The Buffalo Sabres open their season 7:30 p.m. Friday against the Montreal Canadiens at HSBC Arena, and many of WGR's staff weighed in with their picks for the 2008-09 campaign.
Howard Simon, Jeremy White, The Bulldog, Brian Koziol, Dan Hager, Greg Bauch, Dennis Williams and Nick Mendola have their predictions
Northeast Division
Nick Mendola: Montreal "Cristobal Huet was taken for granted, but Carey Price can be that much better. Another year under this team's belt is terrifying, and a captain like Saku Koivu will not let this team lose focus, nor will Guy Carbonneau, who knows a thing or two about winning Stanley Cups."
Howard Simon: Montreal
Jeremy White: Montreal
Dan Hager: Montreal
Bulldog: Montreal
Mike Schopp: Montreal
Greg Bauch: Montreal
Brian Koziol: Montreal
Dennis Williams: Montreal
Paul Hamilton: Montreal
Atlantic Division
Brian Koziol: NY Rangers "It's Drury's team now, while Henrik Lundqvist still doesn't get enough credit."
Howard Simon: Philadelphia
Jeremy White: NY Rangers
Dan Hager: Pittsburgh
Nick Mendola: New Jersey
Mike Schopp: New Jersey
Bulldog: NY Rangers
Greg Bauch: NY Rangers
Dennis Williams: NY Rangers
Paul Hamilton: NY Rangers
Southeast Division
Greg Bauch: Carolina "I'm not buying Caps stock yet... and I hate everyone else in the division."
Howard Simon: Washington
Jeremy White: Washington
Dan Hager: Washington
Nick Mendola: Tampa Bay
Mike Schopp: Washington
Bulldog: Washington
Brian Koziol: Washington
Dennis Williams: Carolina
Paul Hamilton: Washington
Central Division
Dan Hager: Detroit "The Blackhawks will give them a run for a bit."
Howard Simon: Detroit
Jeremy White: Detroit
Nick Mendola: Detroit
Bulldog: Detroit
Mike Schopp: Detroit
Greg Bauch: Nashville
Brian Koziol: Detroit
Dennis Williams: Detroit
Paul Hamilton: Detroit
Howard Simon: Calgary "I'm a little concerned about their offensive capabilities but they have a bruising defense, Kiprusoff in goal and Iginla is still on the team. Plus their arena looks cool when everyone wears red."
Jeremy White: Colorado
Dan Hager: Colorado
Nick Mendola: Vancouver
Bulldog: Calgary
Mike Schopp: Edmonton
Greg Bauch: Calgary
Brian Koziol: Minnesota
Dennis Williams: Colorado
Paul Hamilton: Calgary
Pacific Division
Greg Bauch: Dallas "They're always one of the best defensive teams and having Brad Richards for a whole season will help."
Howard Simon: Anaheim
Jeremy White: San Jose
Dan Hager: San Jose
Nick Mendola: Anaheim
Bulldog: Dallas
Mike Schopp: San Jose
Brian Koziol: San Jose
Dennis Williams: Dallas
Paul Hamilton: San Jose
Sabres rank in Northeast Division
Howard Simon: Second I still don't know how they finished behind Boston last season and I think Ottawa will take another step back this season even though many believe Emery was their only problem last season.
Jeremy White: Second
Dan Hager: Second
Nick Mendola: Third
Bulldog: Third
Mike Schopp: Third
Greg Bauch: Second
Brian Koziol: Third
Dennis Williams: Second
Paul Hamilton: Third
Sabres rank in Eastern Conference
Nick Mendola: Eighth "Even at No. 8, there's a chance I'm being too optimistic. The only non-issues in the entire conference are Atlanta, the Islanders and Toronto. The fact of the matter is that Sabres fans need to hope Ryan Miller really was exhausted. Craig Rivet is a legit captain, even if I thought the honors would go to Jason Pominville. If the team fails to thrive, there are four unrestricted players who will fetch a collective young fortune at the deadline — Spacek, Connolly, Afinogenov and Kotalik."
Howard Simon: Fifth
Jeremy White: Fifth
Dan Hager: Sixth
Bulldog: Eighth
Mike Schopp: Eighth
Greg Bauch: Sixth
Brian Koziol: Seventh
Dennis Williams: Sixth
Paul Hamilton: Ninth
Sabres in playoffs
Dan Hager: Lose in second round "I think they'll lose to Montreal, the team to beat in the East."
Howard Simon: Lose in first round
Jeremy White: Lose in second round
Nick Mendola: Lose in first round
Bulldog: Lose in first round
Mike Schopp: Lose in first round
Greg Bauch: Lose in second round
Brian Koziol: Lose in first round
Dennis Williams: Lose in second round
Paul Hamilton: Out
Final Four
Nick Mendola: Montreal, Washington, Detroit, Anaheim
"How can I pick Washington to make the final four, but not win the Southeast? It's easy, actually, Ted Leonsis opens his wallet at the deadline again, and plugs in that missing defensive piece or two that will have them behind the loaded Lightning for most of the year."
Howard Simon: Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Anaheim, San Jose
Jeremy White: Montreal, NY Rangers, Detroit, Dallas
Dan Hager: Montreal, Pittsburgh, Detroit, San Jose
Bulldog: Montreal, NY Rangers, Detroit, Dallas
Mike Schopp: Montreal, New Jersey, Detroit, San Jose
Greg Bauch: NY Rangers, Montreal, Calgary, Nashville
Brian Koziol: NY Rangers, Montreal, Detroit, San Jose
Dennis Williams: Montreal, NY Rangers, Chicago, Detroit
Paul Hamilton: NY Rangers, Washington, Detroit, Calgary
Stanley Cup
Howard Simon: Anaheim over Philadelphia "I think the Ducks had a Cup hangover issue last season. They were a much better team over the second half of the season and I think they'll have an edge back to their game. I think Philly has enough weapons on offense and has improved their mobility on defense plus Marty answered the 'Can he win in the playoffs?' question last season."
Jeremy White: NY Rangers over Detroit
Dan Hager: Montreal over Detroit
Nick Mendola: Montreal over Detroit
Bulldog: Detroit over Montreal
Mike Schopp: New Jersey over Detroit
Greg Bauch: Nashville over Montreal
Brian Koziol: Montreal over San Jose
Dennis Williams: NY Rangers over Detroit
Paul Hamilton: NY Rangers over Detroit
Most goals in the NHL
Nick Mendola: Alexander Ovechkin "But I want to say Jarome Iginla so very badly."
Howard Simon: Alexander Ovechkin
Jeremy White: Alexander Ovechkin
Dan Hager: Alexander Ovechkin
Bulldog: Alexander Ovechkin
Mike Schopp: Alexander Ovechkin
Greg Bauch: Alexander Ovechkin
Brian Koziol: Alexander Ovechkin
Dennis Williams: Alexander Ovechkin
Paul Hamilton: Alexander Ovechkin
Most goals by a Sabre
Brian Koziol: Derek Roy "He really matured last year, and will continue to stay hot."
Howard Simon: Thomas Vanek
Jeremy White: Thomas Vanek
Dan Hager: Thomas Vanek
Nick Mendola: Thomas Vanek
Bulldog: Thomas Vanek
Mike Schopp: Thomas Vanek
Greg Bauch: Thomas Vanek
Dennis Williams: Thomas Vanek
Paul Hamilton: Thomas Vanek
Most points in the NHL
Howard Simon: Alexander Ovechkin "Even though there are less in division games this season, he can still fatten up vs the Southeast. Keep an eye on him, he's really good. You heard it here first."
Jeremy White: Sidney Crosby
Dan Hager: Sidney Crosby
Nick Mendola: Alexander Ovechkin
Bulldog: Sidney Crosby
Mike Schopp: Alexander Ovechkin
Greg Bauch: Joe Thornton
Brian Koziol: Alexander Ovechkin
Dennis Williams: Alexander Ovechkin
Paul Hamilton: Sidney Crosby
Most points by a Sabre
Jeremy White: "Derek Roy, but I want to say Connolly if he stays healthy... hahaha... nevermind."
Howard Simon: Derek Roy
Dan Hager: Derek Roy
Nick Mendola: Jason Pominville
Bulldog: Derek Roy
Mike Schopp: Derek Roy
Greg Bauch: Derek Roy
Brian Koziol: Jason Pominville
Dennis Williams: Derek Roy
Paul Hamilton: Derek Roy
Worst record
Nick Mendola: Atlanta "Rick DiPietro is better than Lehtonen/Hedberg."
Howard Simon: NY Islanders
Jeremy White: NY Islanders
Dan Hager: NY Islanders
Bulldog: NY Islanders
Mike Schopp: Toronto
Greg Bauch: Florida
Brian Koziol: NY Islanders
Dennis Williams: Florida
Paul Hamilton: Los Angeles
Presidents' Trophy
Howard Simon: Philadelphia "I think the West is top heavy and it will be tough for one team to have the overall points lead."
Jeremy White: Detroit
Dan Hager: Detroit
Nick Mendola: Montreal
Bulldog: Detroit
Mike Schopp: Detroit
Greg Bauch: Obama
Brian Koziol: Montreal
Dennis Williams: NY Rangers
Paul Hamilton: Detroit
Email: nick@wgr550.com
Howard Simon, Jeremy White, The Bulldog, Brian Koziol, Dan Hager, Greg Bauch, Dennis Williams and Nick Mendola have their predictions
Northeast Division
Nick Mendola: Montreal "Cristobal Huet was taken for granted, but Carey Price can be that much better. Another year under this team's belt is terrifying, and a captain like Saku Koivu will not let this team lose focus, nor will Guy Carbonneau, who knows a thing or two about winning Stanley Cups."
Howard Simon: Montreal
Jeremy White: Montreal
Dan Hager: Montreal
Bulldog: Montreal
Mike Schopp: Montreal
Greg Bauch: Montreal
Brian Koziol: Montreal
Dennis Williams: Montreal
Paul Hamilton: Montreal
Atlantic Division
Brian Koziol: NY Rangers "It's Drury's team now, while Henrik Lundqvist still doesn't get enough credit."
Howard Simon: Philadelphia
Jeremy White: NY Rangers
Dan Hager: Pittsburgh
Nick Mendola: New Jersey
Mike Schopp: New Jersey
Bulldog: NY Rangers
Greg Bauch: NY Rangers
Dennis Williams: NY Rangers
Paul Hamilton: NY Rangers
Southeast Division
Greg Bauch: Carolina "I'm not buying Caps stock yet... and I hate everyone else in the division."
Howard Simon: Washington
Jeremy White: Washington
Dan Hager: Washington
Nick Mendola: Tampa Bay
Mike Schopp: Washington
Bulldog: Washington
Brian Koziol: Washington
Dennis Williams: Carolina
Paul Hamilton: Washington
Central Division
Dan Hager: Detroit "The Blackhawks will give them a run for a bit."
Howard Simon: Detroit
Jeremy White: Detroit
Nick Mendola: Detroit
Bulldog: Detroit
Mike Schopp: Detroit
Greg Bauch: Nashville
Brian Koziol: Detroit
Dennis Williams: Detroit
Paul Hamilton: Detroit
Howard Simon: Calgary "I'm a little concerned about their offensive capabilities but they have a bruising defense, Kiprusoff in goal and Iginla is still on the team. Plus their arena looks cool when everyone wears red."
Jeremy White: Colorado
Dan Hager: Colorado
Nick Mendola: Vancouver
Bulldog: Calgary
Mike Schopp: Edmonton
Greg Bauch: Calgary
Brian Koziol: Minnesota
Dennis Williams: Colorado
Paul Hamilton: Calgary
Pacific Division
Greg Bauch: Dallas "They're always one of the best defensive teams and having Brad Richards for a whole season will help."
Howard Simon: Anaheim
Jeremy White: San Jose
Dan Hager: San Jose
Nick Mendola: Anaheim
Bulldog: Dallas
Mike Schopp: San Jose
Brian Koziol: San Jose
Dennis Williams: Dallas
Paul Hamilton: San Jose
Sabres rank in Northeast Division
Howard Simon: Second I still don't know how they finished behind Boston last season and I think Ottawa will take another step back this season even though many believe Emery was their only problem last season.
Jeremy White: Second
Dan Hager: Second
Nick Mendola: Third
Bulldog: Third
Mike Schopp: Third
Greg Bauch: Second
Brian Koziol: Third
Dennis Williams: Second
Paul Hamilton: Third
Sabres rank in Eastern Conference
Nick Mendola: Eighth "Even at No. 8, there's a chance I'm being too optimistic. The only non-issues in the entire conference are Atlanta, the Islanders and Toronto. The fact of the matter is that Sabres fans need to hope Ryan Miller really was exhausted. Craig Rivet is a legit captain, even if I thought the honors would go to Jason Pominville. If the team fails to thrive, there are four unrestricted players who will fetch a collective young fortune at the deadline — Spacek, Connolly, Afinogenov and Kotalik."
Howard Simon: Fifth
Jeremy White: Fifth
Dan Hager: Sixth
Bulldog: Eighth
Mike Schopp: Eighth
Greg Bauch: Sixth
Brian Koziol: Seventh
Dennis Williams: Sixth
Paul Hamilton: Ninth
Sabres in playoffs
Dan Hager: Lose in second round "I think they'll lose to Montreal, the team to beat in the East."
Howard Simon: Lose in first round
Jeremy White: Lose in second round
Nick Mendola: Lose in first round
Bulldog: Lose in first round
Mike Schopp: Lose in first round
Greg Bauch: Lose in second round
Brian Koziol: Lose in first round
Dennis Williams: Lose in second round
Paul Hamilton: Out
Final Four
Nick Mendola: Montreal, Washington, Detroit, Anaheim
"How can I pick Washington to make the final four, but not win the Southeast? It's easy, actually, Ted Leonsis opens his wallet at the deadline again, and plugs in that missing defensive piece or two that will have them behind the loaded Lightning for most of the year."
Howard Simon: Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Anaheim, San Jose
Jeremy White: Montreal, NY Rangers, Detroit, Dallas
Dan Hager: Montreal, Pittsburgh, Detroit, San Jose
Bulldog: Montreal, NY Rangers, Detroit, Dallas
Mike Schopp: Montreal, New Jersey, Detroit, San Jose
Greg Bauch: NY Rangers, Montreal, Calgary, Nashville
Brian Koziol: NY Rangers, Montreal, Detroit, San Jose
Dennis Williams: Montreal, NY Rangers, Chicago, Detroit
Paul Hamilton: NY Rangers, Washington, Detroit, Calgary
Stanley Cup
Howard Simon: Anaheim over Philadelphia "I think the Ducks had a Cup hangover issue last season. They were a much better team over the second half of the season and I think they'll have an edge back to their game. I think Philly has enough weapons on offense and has improved their mobility on defense plus Marty answered the 'Can he win in the playoffs?' question last season."
Jeremy White: NY Rangers over Detroit
Dan Hager: Montreal over Detroit
Nick Mendola: Montreal over Detroit
Bulldog: Detroit over Montreal
Mike Schopp: New Jersey over Detroit
Greg Bauch: Nashville over Montreal
Brian Koziol: Montreal over San Jose
Dennis Williams: NY Rangers over Detroit
Paul Hamilton: NY Rangers over Detroit
Most goals in the NHL
Nick Mendola: Alexander Ovechkin "But I want to say Jarome Iginla so very badly."
Howard Simon: Alexander Ovechkin
Jeremy White: Alexander Ovechkin
Dan Hager: Alexander Ovechkin
Bulldog: Alexander Ovechkin
Mike Schopp: Alexander Ovechkin
Greg Bauch: Alexander Ovechkin
Brian Koziol: Alexander Ovechkin
Dennis Williams: Alexander Ovechkin
Paul Hamilton: Alexander Ovechkin
Most goals by a Sabre
Brian Koziol: Derek Roy "He really matured last year, and will continue to stay hot."
Howard Simon: Thomas Vanek
Jeremy White: Thomas Vanek
Dan Hager: Thomas Vanek
Nick Mendola: Thomas Vanek
Bulldog: Thomas Vanek
Mike Schopp: Thomas Vanek
Greg Bauch: Thomas Vanek
Dennis Williams: Thomas Vanek
Paul Hamilton: Thomas Vanek
Most points in the NHL
Howard Simon: Alexander Ovechkin "Even though there are less in division games this season, he can still fatten up vs the Southeast. Keep an eye on him, he's really good. You heard it here first."
Jeremy White: Sidney Crosby
Dan Hager: Sidney Crosby
Nick Mendola: Alexander Ovechkin
Bulldog: Sidney Crosby
Mike Schopp: Alexander Ovechkin
Greg Bauch: Joe Thornton
Brian Koziol: Alexander Ovechkin
Dennis Williams: Alexander Ovechkin
Paul Hamilton: Sidney Crosby
Most points by a Sabre
Jeremy White: "Derek Roy, but I want to say Connolly if he stays healthy... hahaha... nevermind."
Howard Simon: Derek Roy
Dan Hager: Derek Roy
Nick Mendola: Jason Pominville
Bulldog: Derek Roy
Mike Schopp: Derek Roy
Greg Bauch: Derek Roy
Brian Koziol: Jason Pominville
Dennis Williams: Derek Roy
Paul Hamilton: Derek Roy
Worst record
Nick Mendola: Atlanta "Rick DiPietro is better than Lehtonen/Hedberg."
Howard Simon: NY Islanders
Jeremy White: NY Islanders
Dan Hager: NY Islanders
Bulldog: NY Islanders
Mike Schopp: Toronto
Greg Bauch: Florida
Brian Koziol: NY Islanders
Dennis Williams: Florida
Paul Hamilton: Los Angeles
Presidents' Trophy
Howard Simon: Philadelphia "I think the West is top heavy and it will be tough for one team to have the overall points lead."
Jeremy White: Detroit
Dan Hager: Detroit
Nick Mendola: Montreal
Bulldog: Detroit
Mike Schopp: Detroit
Greg Bauch: Obama
Brian Koziol: Montreal
Dennis Williams: NY Rangers
Paul Hamilton: Detroit
Email: nick@wgr550.com
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Thursday, October 9, 2008
Ranking the Sabres' skippers
The Buffalo Sabres have had between 15 and 23 captains in their history, depending on if you feel the rotating captains should be counted, which I won't for our purposes. For the record, if people spoke of Sabres captains like they do of popes, I'd be on my 11th captain, as I didn't ever see the 'C' on Danny Gare's sweater.
So here is my fairly-educated ranking of Sabre skippers:
14. Floyd Smith (1970-71) -- What else can be said about Floyd Smith, the first captain of the team? Well, he was born on May 16, 1935 in Perth, Ontario. Good on you, Floyd.
13. Alexander Mogilny (1993-94) -- Extortion attempts, aviatophobia and a 76-goal campaign doesn't make him any more of a resounding leader in my book, just a fun Sabre.
12. Gerry Meehan (1971-74) -- I have to admit my only knowledge of Meehan is as a general manager. He came to Buffalo from the Seattle Totems, and had the best years of his career with the Sabres, with more than 46 points in all four season in Buffalo.
11. Daniel Briere (2005-2007) -- There may be a lot of email hate for slotting Briere this low, and he was an awesome guy in the community, as well as vocal with the media, but there was a little too much unsteadiness in both his exit and playoffs for me to move him ahead of anyone in front of him. Great times, though.
10. Stu Barnes (2001-2003) -- Quiet, steady, confident. He took over after a captain-less year, and played hard every night. Maybe he should be a little lower, but I have a fondness for Stu Barnes.
Is it just me, or did Stu Barnes have either a tiny head, or a really big helmet?
9. Lindy Ruff (1987-89) -- Lindy was traded for the pick that became Richard Smehlik. He plays golf right- and left-handed.
8. Danny Gare (1977-82) -- Tied for the longest-tenured captain with Gilbert Perreault and Pat LaFontaine. Was dynamite, notching over 50 goals twice and 40 goals thrice. Tough, smallish forward who never registered less than 70 penalty minutes.
7. Michael Peca (1997-2000) -- Will his reputation stand the test of time? I hope so. I remember the offensive highlights, like a legitimately wonderful goal against Hartford, as well as the bone-crushing open-ice hits. Hopefully, I'll forget the off-ice acrimony in time. I have to admit that I wondered what became of him when hearing about the Peca/Smith/Pronger camps in Edmonton a few years back, but they went to the Cup.
Mike Peca needed a chainsaw to shave, or like a Mach-15-blade razor.
6. Jim Schoenfeld (1974-77) -- Skippered the squad to its first Stanley Cup Finals appearance, and has one of the most memorable checks in team history. Also would fight and, like Ruff, became a pretty good head coach, even if I seem to recall him being behind the bench when a Devils goalie scored in his own net.
5. Chris Drury (2005-2007) -- Whether it be fabled or fact, Drury will always hold a special place in the hearts of Sabres fans, whether they view his exit as shady or justified. The guy blocked shots with his face, played hurt and saved Canaima, California from a deadly species of Venezuelan spider. Oh, wait, that last part was Jeff Daniels in "Arachnophobia."
4. Mike Ramsey (1991-92) -- Respected, tough as nails defenseman who would've worn the 'C' much longer had he not been on a team with Perreault and Foligno. Olympic hero was extremely well-respected around the league.
Ramsey was so well-respected that the Russians let him use them as a couch on his way to ending the Cold War.
3. Pat LaFontaine (1992-97) -- Classy with the media, LaFontaine will always go down as a player who was cut down by concussions when plenty of good hockey left to play. His arrival instantly transformed the image of the club, and Mogilny doesn't score 76 without his almost-absurd 95 helpers in 1992-93.
2. Mike Foligno (1989-91) -- My favorite hockey player of all-time for the grit and goals. His only downfall was a penalty shot on my birthday against the Red Wings. Sitting in my seat, I was ready for my hero to light up Glen Hanlon. Hanlon stopped him, and did the celebrated Foligno goal jump. Pretty awesome in retrospect, even if it ruined my day, just as it did the time Esa Tikkanen sat on him at center ice during an Oilers/Sabres game I attended. Thanks, Dad and Uncle Larry.
Mike Foligno's nose defines hockey. He's also the only professional athlete I'm actually intimidated around. Pretty weird, huh?
1. Gilbert Perreault (1982-97) -- There's no debate. The franchise's leader in almost everything was here from its inception until 1986. Plus, I fell down the stairs of the gold section with right before he scored his 500th goal, meaning my parents missed the milestone. I've heard about it every time the replay's been televised since then. For goodness' sake, Mom, I was four.
And he could sing.
I didn't take forever to make these rankings, so cut me a little slack, cause that's how I see it. I'm ready for hockey season, and I'll get some predictions your way soon. Leafs/Red Wings tonight on television!
Email: nick@wgr550.com
P.S. Send me your rankings if you'd like.
So here is my fairly-educated ranking of Sabre skippers:
14. Floyd Smith (1970-71) -- What else can be said about Floyd Smith, the first captain of the team? Well, he was born on May 16, 1935 in Perth, Ontario. Good on you, Floyd.
13. Alexander Mogilny (1993-94) -- Extortion attempts, aviatophobia and a 76-goal campaign doesn't make him any more of a resounding leader in my book, just a fun Sabre.
12. Gerry Meehan (1971-74) -- I have to admit my only knowledge of Meehan is as a general manager. He came to Buffalo from the Seattle Totems, and had the best years of his career with the Sabres, with more than 46 points in all four season in Buffalo.
11. Daniel Briere (2005-2007) -- There may be a lot of email hate for slotting Briere this low, and he was an awesome guy in the community, as well as vocal with the media, but there was a little too much unsteadiness in both his exit and playoffs for me to move him ahead of anyone in front of him. Great times, though.
10. Stu Barnes (2001-2003) -- Quiet, steady, confident. He took over after a captain-less year, and played hard every night. Maybe he should be a little lower, but I have a fondness for Stu Barnes.
Is it just me, or did Stu Barnes have either a tiny head, or a really big helmet?
9. Lindy Ruff (1987-89) -- Lindy was traded for the pick that became Richard Smehlik. He plays golf right- and left-handed.
8. Danny Gare (1977-82) -- Tied for the longest-tenured captain with Gilbert Perreault and Pat LaFontaine. Was dynamite, notching over 50 goals twice and 40 goals thrice. Tough, smallish forward who never registered less than 70 penalty minutes.
7. Michael Peca (1997-2000) -- Will his reputation stand the test of time? I hope so. I remember the offensive highlights, like a legitimately wonderful goal against Hartford, as well as the bone-crushing open-ice hits. Hopefully, I'll forget the off-ice acrimony in time. I have to admit that I wondered what became of him when hearing about the Peca/Smith/Pronger camps in Edmonton a few years back, but they went to the Cup.
Mike Peca needed a chainsaw to shave, or like a Mach-15-blade razor.
6. Jim Schoenfeld (1974-77) -- Skippered the squad to its first Stanley Cup Finals appearance, and has one of the most memorable checks in team history. Also would fight and, like Ruff, became a pretty good head coach, even if I seem to recall him being behind the bench when a Devils goalie scored in his own net.
5. Chris Drury (2005-2007) -- Whether it be fabled or fact, Drury will always hold a special place in the hearts of Sabres fans, whether they view his exit as shady or justified. The guy blocked shots with his face, played hurt and saved Canaima, California from a deadly species of Venezuelan spider. Oh, wait, that last part was Jeff Daniels in "Arachnophobia."
4. Mike Ramsey (1991-92) -- Respected, tough as nails defenseman who would've worn the 'C' much longer had he not been on a team with Perreault and Foligno. Olympic hero was extremely well-respected around the league.
Ramsey was so well-respected that the Russians let him use them as a couch on his way to ending the Cold War.
3. Pat LaFontaine (1992-97) -- Classy with the media, LaFontaine will always go down as a player who was cut down by concussions when plenty of good hockey left to play. His arrival instantly transformed the image of the club, and Mogilny doesn't score 76 without his almost-absurd 95 helpers in 1992-93.
2. Mike Foligno (1989-91) -- My favorite hockey player of all-time for the grit and goals. His only downfall was a penalty shot on my birthday against the Red Wings. Sitting in my seat, I was ready for my hero to light up Glen Hanlon. Hanlon stopped him, and did the celebrated Foligno goal jump. Pretty awesome in retrospect, even if it ruined my day, just as it did the time Esa Tikkanen sat on him at center ice during an Oilers/Sabres game I attended. Thanks, Dad and Uncle Larry.
Mike Foligno's nose defines hockey. He's also the only professional athlete I'm actually intimidated around. Pretty weird, huh?
1. Gilbert Perreault (1982-97) -- There's no debate. The franchise's leader in almost everything was here from its inception until 1986. Plus, I fell down the stairs of the gold section with right before he scored his 500th goal, meaning my parents missed the milestone. I've heard about it every time the replay's been televised since then. For goodness' sake, Mom, I was four.
And he could sing.
I didn't take forever to make these rankings, so cut me a little slack, cause that's how I see it. I'm ready for hockey season, and I'll get some predictions your way soon. Leafs/Red Wings tonight on television!
Email: nick@wgr550.com
P.S. Send me your rankings if you'd like.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Pominville at practice
This is just a short, little note from Tuesday's Sabre practice, but it's been on my mind for a bit.
The enduring image of practice was Jason Pominville letting loose on a snap shot down the right wing that beat Patrick Lalime high, glove-side. It was just one of several slick plays that stood out for the fourth-year player (he did play one game in 2003-04, but come on) who may or may not be named captain Wednesday. My hope is that he receives the honor and I wouldn't be surprised to see his numbers improve again.
After .53 points-per-game in his rookie year, his ratio improved to .83 in 2006-07 and then .98 last season. Pominville ripped a resounding 232 shots on net in 2007-08, many of which were gobbled up on the rebound to contribute to his 53 assists, while the Lady Byng finalist took just 20 minutes in penalties.
Look for Pominville to at least quintuple his power play goals this season. After two last year, count at least 10 on the way to a 30-35 goal, 50-55 assist campaign, which would put him over a point-per-game, assuming he puts up his third-straight 82-game season.
Indulge me -- my picks for assistant/alternate captains -- Teppo Numminen and Derek Roy. That way, when Numminen takes a night off, you can reward the hardest-working Sabre with an 'A' for an evening or two, and Roy's maturity evolved so much last season that asking for more in the next logical step. Regardless, I think you'll see Jochen Hecht get an 'A,' but those were my picks, and I like Hecht a ton as well.
The enduring image of practice was Jason Pominville letting loose on a snap shot down the right wing that beat Patrick Lalime high, glove-side. It was just one of several slick plays that stood out for the fourth-year player (he did play one game in 2003-04, but come on) who may or may not be named captain Wednesday. My hope is that he receives the honor and I wouldn't be surprised to see his numbers improve again.
After .53 points-per-game in his rookie year, his ratio improved to .83 in 2006-07 and then .98 last season. Pominville ripped a resounding 232 shots on net in 2007-08, many of which were gobbled up on the rebound to contribute to his 53 assists, while the Lady Byng finalist took just 20 minutes in penalties.
Look for Pominville to at least quintuple his power play goals this season. After two last year, count at least 10 on the way to a 30-35 goal, 50-55 assist campaign, which would put him over a point-per-game, assuming he puts up his third-straight 82-game season.
Indulge me -- my picks for assistant/alternate captains -- Teppo Numminen and Derek Roy. That way, when Numminen takes a night off, you can reward the hardest-working Sabre with an 'A' for an evening or two, and Roy's maturity evolved so much last season that asking for more in the next logical step. Regardless, I think you'll see Jochen Hecht get an 'A,' but those were my picks, and I like Hecht a ton as well.
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