Vanek

[CrazzyLegs10]

So he had a big goal in the Philly game, doesn't mean he had a good game. Especially in a game like last night, we needed someone to step up and make a play. Afinogenov skated hard, made some good passes, Roy and Connolly made some good pushes to the net, Vanek? do anything? I don't understand how the highest and supposed best player on the team can game in and game out be invisible, except for taking penalties. I've said it before and I'll say it again, the Roy-Vanek-Stafford line isn't working/getting it done. I like Vanek, but come on, if hes not playing up to potential, you can only blame it on facing other teams best lines for so long. This is the NHL, and hes making 10 mill this year, HE DOESN'T GET 82 games to freaking figure it out.

[Carl J. Ironsides]

Here's the problem in a nutshell: Vanek is too passive, perhaps because he's afraid to make a mistake. Unfortunately, this huge contract has put too much pressure on a 23-year-old kid who was forced to transform from fantastic secondary player into franchise winger during the course of one offseason, all because of Kevin Lowe. The losses of Drury and Briere coupled with Vanek's contract have obviously made fans say, "OK, Vanek, it's on your shoulders."

What he needs to do is loosen up -- whether it's see a sports psychologist (seriously) or have a long sitdown with Ruff -- and just start playing his game, which means shooting more and trying to take games over in the offensive zone. You can't be afraid of failure, because most of the time in this game, you will fail; it's like baseball -- if you come up to the plate 10 times and get three hits, you're a success.

In hockey, Ovechkin has 205 shots this year in 37 games, and he's scored 25 times. That mean he's failed 155 more times than he's succeeded, yet it doesn't faze him. TV only has 89 shots in 35 games, and he's scored 11 times; his shooting percentage is actually .002 higher than AO's. He just needs to keep on shooting and relish the thought of success more than fearing failure.

Vanek has passed up a lot of shots near the opposition's net this year; it's high time he started being far more selfish. Then, if the pucks start going in (which they presumably would), fans would lay off, and Vanek would have his confidence back.

[TRIPLE P]

Hes waiting for the play to come to him rather than taking the play to the goal.

[CrazzyLegs10]

its not even the goals that bother me, its the point that the only time i notice him is when hes headed to the box.

[Carl J. Ironsides]

its not even the goals that bother me, its the point that the only time i notice him is when hes headed to the box.

Yeah, but if Vanek asserted himself in the offensive zone -- which means actually shooting -- pucks would start going in and then you'd notice him.

[buffalofan19]

I agree, except I don't necessarily think that the losses of Drury and Briere had as much to do with expectations for him as most people think. The guy is making $10 million this year, and about $56 million+ over the course of 8 years or whatever it is. With that type of money, he's going to have very high expectations no matter who is on his team. I do agree he needs to stop being afraid to fail, and start shooting the puck, because that's what he is getting paid to do.

I have heard the defense of Vanek that he is putting for the effort, and the results just haven't shown it this year. I won't disagree, but he's in a salary bracket where that's just not good enough. The Sabres aren't paying him $10 million this year to "try very hard"...they're paying him to score goals. I understand that he's only 23, but, in signing that offer sheet (which I doubt anyone would turn down), he had to know that the expectations for him would increase in proportion with his salary. Therefore, all the criticism that he is receiving is well-deserved. I really don't feel sorry for him, especially when he is making $10 million. For that much money, he doesn't need anyone to feel sorry for him.

[JMNY83]

Sounds like Vanek could use a full warm oil body massage with an aroma therapy candle lit backround from Teh C.

[Carl J. Ironsides]

Sounds like Vanek could use a full warm oil body massage with an aroma therapy candle lit backround from Teh C.

Don't forget teh body chocolates.

[C Darwin]

Vanek pwns URI
http://cache.viewimages.com/xc/1927306.jpg?v=1&c=ViewImages&k=2&d=17A4AD9FDB9CF1939057D9939C83F106C3FC0B11ED6EDF43 5A5397277B4DC33E

[TheAnswer74]

its not even the goals that bother me, its the point that the only time i notice him is when hes headed to the box.

Thats my main problem, he just isnt a presence out on the ice.

I have noticed Peters on the ice more lately.

The scariest thing happened yesterday, I thought Peters was Vanek one shift. That should never happen.

[ricogarion]

Actually Peters got off a nice shot last night.Wicked wrister.

[theratt17]

Vanek with the game on his shoulders, could have been the hero, but cant score in the shootout. so annoying to watch this guy. yea he back-checks well, but some situations you gotta score and on the shootout, you gotta score. no excuses

[Carl J. Ironsides]

Vanek with the game on his shoulders, could have been the hero, but cant score in the shootout. so annoying to watch this guy. yea he back-checks well, but some situations you gotta score and on the shootout, you gotta score. no excuses

Vanek and shootouts simply don't mesh. Ruff should have known better. TV, like a lot of stars in this league, is horrible in that kind of situation.

[TheAnswer74]

Vanek and shootouts simply don't mesh. Ruff should have known better. TV, like a lot of stars in this league, is horrible in that kind of situation.

I think Ruff was trying to get Vanek some confidence.

[sukie]

All I know is that 3 guys are gonna owe me chips on the 70 pts they said this bust was gonna hit.

[CrazzyLegs10]

um, what the crap is this slapshot sh** all of a sudden? Vanek was like what, 3/11 last year in SOs? He played poorly all game, and when he had a chance to finally do something, decides a slapshot from 2 ft out is the best plan.......knucklehead.

[CrazzyLegs10]

I think Ruff was trying to get Vanek some confidence.

I've seen some of my friends muster more confidence with talking to pregnant, 40 yr old ugly broads before. Watching Vanek is like watching an animal get tortured.

[CrazzyLegs10]

if he keeps this up, i'd really wish we had another Gaustad or Paille in his place, they would contribute more. He looks like a frustrated skater out there who can't even get a shot on net. (ps. sorry for all the posts, im not trying to get my posts up, just passed 1k!)

[Carl J. Ironsides]

Sorry, but it's still too hard for me to really come down on a guy who's giving everything he has. Ideally, you'd like to see Vanek light up the scoreboard, but that isn't happening. Luckily, the kid isn't moping; his backchecking is sound, and he's an important presence in front of the net. Convenient how nobody mentioned Vanek's great effort when he caught up to Sergei Brylin in either the third period or OT and stopped him from breaking in on Miller.

Vanek is playing his guts out, but sadly, there are no real results to show for it. Nevertheless, he's certainly not some kind of overpaid loser who loafs through every game. I feel sorry for him, to be honest, and everyone else who puts forth 100 percent effort but can't seem to get it done. Snakebitten is the word.

[Scary Good]

Its not that bad. 1pt tonight, 2 in pit tomorrow.

[SabreBill30]

I hoping he will come around. New Baby, New Wife, new contract all at a young age, a little overwhelming for some.

[theratt17]

could he show less of an effort on offense. he hussles on the back-check and does nothing on offense. Anyone else confused????