Vanek is leading by pure example right now. He is using hard work, skill, talent and a "never quit" work ethic that has not been seen on this team in quite some time.

It is his team now in my opinion. Give him the "C" and let him do more than just lead by example.

He's earned it.

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Lord Stanley's Cup is what its all about.
Mr. Pegula, your destiny awaits you sir.

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FIGHTER OF THE NIGHTMAN

"on the ice now for buffalo, looking for the pass, and gets it, afinogenov, couldnt get the shot away, now HE DOES, HE SCORES!!!! HOLY MACKEREL ROLE THE HIGH LIGHT FILM, MAXIM AFINOGENOV, WHAT A MOVE!!!!.... thats not fair... that was unbelievable"
-R.J. and Lorenz

Might as well, especially with his salary

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"...they came down into the stands and asked if I knew how to do play by play. I said...No. But. I'll take a shot at it if you want".- Rick Jeanneret

Um, no. He scored an OT goal, and like a man on fire yesterday. That's about the sum of his existence this entire SEASON so far. You say he's leading by example "right now".

You want to give it to someone working their ass off? Derek Roy. He's been leading by example "all season".

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Good point.

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Wheelhouse

Actually, Vanek has been working his tail off all season, its just paying off now.
I've seen maybe a game or 2 this season where he hasn't been noticable, the rest of them I see him busting his ass.

_________________
Lord Stanley's Cup is what its all about.
Mr. Pegula, your destiny awaits you sir.

I'll admit, I'm coming around on Roy. I no longer think of him as a squirmy, whining bitch anymore. That thought is reserved for Connolly.

I would be fine with giving it to Roy. Vanek..... I don't know. Too many confidence issues to be a captain, IMHO. Give Roy the C, and Vanek an A.

I think his mental breakdowns are what make me wary to give him the C. There are too many times I've seen him tip a puck just wide and see him look at the rafters instead of getting right back in the play (not the same Vanek we saw last night, I know).

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IMO Vanek just needs the puck, not a letter.
He's never exhibited leadership qualities to me...that's not necessarily a bad thing, I just don't think it's his personality type.

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Hold my beer and watch this...

I will say this though; these past 2 games, Vanek has picked this team up, placed it on his back, and ran to the finish line.

That Ennis goal doesn't happen last night without Vanek sweeping the puck to Roy after he got taken out.

And that Myers goal doesn't happen without Vanek giving Hamhuis a stick lift before he could clear the puck.

And we all saw what he did against Washington.

When Vanek takes things into his own hands and throws on the mean face, he's straight up scary to play against.

If he could do that on a regular basis, I'd be all for making him captain. His backcheck was great last night too.

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Wheelhouse

maybe vanek and roy should be dual captains, ala briere and dru. both are obviously deserving of it.

what i wonder if though, what kind of flu exactly does rivet have? almost 3 weeks of being out? cmon. i don't buy it anymore. then again, i've also thought the same thing about stafford's injury since hes been refusing to talk to the media..

DO NOT WANT.

Rivet also did not have the flu. He had food poisoning and lost 10-15 pounds.

True dat

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Hold my beer and watch this...

I wouldn't mind it going to Roy. He's definitely proven this year that he's not the problem, Connolly is.

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Driver of the Tyler Ennis Bandwagon, Ridin' shotgun on the Tyler Myers Bandwagon, chillin' on the Luke Adam Bandwagon


Eh

I don't think Vanek is captain material. There is no doubt that he's one of the most talented and important players on this team, but I don't think the added pressures of being the team's captain would be good for him. He already has a lot on his plate and very high expectations, let him focus on that.

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"Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail." - Ralph Waldo Emerson

Hockey Night in Buffalo

When the Sabres had the rotating captaincy, didn't Vanek tear it up during his turn?

I think Pominville did as well.

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Wheelhouse

They tore up the "C"? Can't say that I blame them.

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Lord Stanley's Cup is what its all about.
Mr. Pegula, your destiny awaits you sir.

what's so bad with dual captaincy? its better than rotating it, and it's sure better that rivet having it.



also did it start out getting reported as a flu, though? i really don't remember. flu just sounded right to me. anyways, just came across this..

"I've been good to go for a while," Rivet said. "I think any time you're not in the lineup you're disappointed, but it gives me an opportunity to work on some things.

"You know what? I don't disagree with what he's doing. When a team's hot and they're playing well and things are clicking, you need to stick with them. I think our team has played very well. We've played some very tough teams in the last couple games and played some good hockey, so we need to continue with the lineup that's winning games."

Yes, it was initially reported as the flu. You're not crazy.

I just can't stand dual captaincy. It doesn't jive with me. I'm a proponent of one captain. One message. Not something different every other night.

And lets be honest here. Rivet is showing a great deal of leadership by not grumbling about being benched. I think that's being significantly overlooked.