For the first time in the past five seasons, Henrik Tallinder finished the year in the red. His plus-minus was a negative two. And going into this year, there is a growing sentiment that the Sabres blue line would better off without the veteran Swede.

But after watching practice Tuesday, Tallinder isn’t acting like a player who believes his job is in jeopardy. His laughs and jokes with teammates were audible from the stands.

“We have two difficult years behind us. You have to look forward now,” said Tallinder. “This is going to be a good season so you have to attitude where you feel relaxed. It’s a good thing when you smiles and people are happy out there. It’s a relaxed atmosphere.”

Tallinder firmly believes that having an austere approach to hockey is what has ruined him. He’s no longer treating his job like a matter of life and death.

“It was a tough break when my shoulder got dislocated. Maybe I was trying a little too hard for the first part of the season. I wasn’t really relaxed. I don’t think you can play at your best when you’re not relaxed. At the end I started to pick it up a little bit.”

Besides his mental state, Tallinder’s ancillary concern should be his health. Last year, it was a separted shoulder. Before that, it was a broken arm. He would be remiss if he didn’t believe that the injuries haven’t made him a different player.

“Every injury is tough. I would like to say that I am the same player, it’s the same me, obviously whether you want it or not, it’s going to affect you. I was brought here for one reason, to play defense. I know what I can do here. I just need to prove it.”

Tallinder’s objectives in 2009-2010 are clear.

“I want to prove everyone I can play better than I have. A couple of seasons were not going so great…. One of my goals is to be a top four defensemen. I want to improve offensively and defensively. I’m looking forward to this season. It’s going to be fun. I have a really more positive attitude than I’ve had in years.”
He’d surprise a lot of Sabres fans if he lived up to that promise.

Practice Notes…The players are still split off into three groups, with one practicing, and the other two scrimmaging. Tuesday’s players who practiced included Tallinder, Toni Lydman, Ryan Miller, Jason Pominville, Tyler Myers, and Mike Grier…Much of today’s practice drills involved 3-on-2s and other odd man rush situations. Also there was a series of breakaway drills.

Pussy. Cut him, cut him hard, and cut him now. Send Hecht packing with him...these two fairies were made for each other.

Easy there big fella

Some athletes just play better loose.

Oh Hank...