Tweaks go a long way for Sabres
The Bufalo Sabres would be quick to say that it's a tad too early for anyone to start preparing Delaware Avenue for its first Stanley Cup parade. No matter how impressive they have looked over the first eight games, they haven't lost sight of the fact that another 74 remain between now and April.
Coach Lindy Ruff has continued to emphasize the positive. He reiterated after another crisp practice Monday how his players are buying into the system.
Their workouts have been more upbeat and productive.
For reasons not entirely clear, their 6-1-1 record this year seems stronger than the 6-0-2 start last season, when they sprinted from the gate and stumbled down the stretch.
The big difference?
It could be that a few moves that appeared to be tweaks going into the season are actually having a major impact.
Mike Grier, Steve Montador, Tyler Myers and Tim Kennedy individually are a role player, a journeyman sixth defenseman and two prospects. Together, they addressed areas of desperate need and helped create a better vibe.
"It's hard to explain," Ruff said. "That group of guys, they deserve a lot of credit. You've got stronger voices, stronger personalities in Grier and Montador. It's always fun to have a couple of young guys. They've been kidded a lot. They've been brought in and been accepted. Winning makes things fun. Let's not kid ourselves."
Grier, of course, is no stranger to Buffalo. He played a key leadership role in his first stint with the Sabres, which ended in their first of two consecutive trips to the conference finals. He left to sign a three-year deal with San Jose and was re-hired to provide a much-needed attitude adjustment.
The 13-year veteran immediately assumed his place among the dressing-room hierarchy and already has scored two critical goals, netting the only one in Nashville and adding the tying tally late in the second period in a win over Tampa.
"He's just awesome," said Kennedy, the South Buffalo native and former Michigan State star. "He's a great guy on the ice, a great guy off the ice, he keeps the locker room laughing, he's a great teammate. ... His approach to the game is the same every day. He comes in and works hard in every drill, every shift we're out there together. He's just a great guy to watch."
Kennedy has played well for his hometown team with Grier and Jochen Hecht on his flank on the third line. Kennedy is still looking for his first NHL goal, which will come if he maintains the consistency he has shown the past three weeks. He has three assists and has created at least a dozen scoring chances in eight games.
His coach and teammates are more impressed with his gritty style and play in the defensive zone. He unexpectedly jumped into a play and shook the puck loose for Grier against Tampa and sacrificed his body for Grier in Nashville. He's been effective in the corners and shown no sign that he's intimidated.
"Timmy has been great," Grier said. "He sees the ice very well, he plays both ends of the rink well and he battles and competes as well as anyone on our team. I don't think that's what people realize. But he sticks his nose in there, has a good edge to him, doesn't take anything from anyone and doesn't back down."
Myers has been at the center of the lovefest for good reason. The 6-foot-8 newbie has played like he's been in the league for eight years rather than eight games while adding size and stability to the blue line. Myers is third among D-men in ice time, has two goals and five points, leads the Sabres with a plus-8 rating and scored the winner in a shootout against Tampa.
Otherwise, he's been horrible.
Ruff adhered to the company line Monday, giving the appearance the Sabres are dithering about Myers' future, but he's not going anywhere. Hiccups are expected this season but the 19-year-old will be among the candidates for rookie of the year if he maintains his current pace.
"The two younger guys are playing outstanding," center Tim Connolly said. "They're doing a lot of little things that maybe you don't notice. Tyler Myers has scored some big goals and made some big plays, but he's also making good plays coming out of the zone. Timmy Kennedy has been doing a great job playing both ends of the arena."
Montador was hired mainly to add toughness, but he also brought experience and intelligence. He spent his first seven seasons with Calgary, Florida, Anaheim and Boston before signing with the Sabres. He has gained respect from his teammates for his worth ethic and ability to adapt to new partners.
Montador played on the third pairing with Andrej Sekera and Toni Lydman before both were sidelined with injuries. He played in Tampa with Nathan Paetsch. He has one assist, but the statistics don't show how many times he's covered up for his partners' mistakes.
Four new faces, a huge difference.
"It makes for a different flavor," Montador said. "I'm not saying anything in the past wasn't working, but Mike Grier is one of the best guys in hockey. The two young kids who came in have great attitudes. I like to see myself fitting right in here. Mix that with guys that were already here, and you have some good stuff going on."
Lydman (groin) skated on his own in the Amherst Pepsi Center and was scheduled to meet with the doctor before making a decision about Wednesday's game against New Jersey. Ruff suggested the defenseman would not be available without making significant improvement today and Wednesday morning.
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