Suffice to say, Luke Adam has done a great job of converting doubters to believers in the past 30+ days.
The St. John's , NFLD native captained the Sabres rooks to a Traverse City Tourney championship. He then performed like a bat outta Hell for his squad in the preseason games. This past weekend, he scored twice and assisted on two others. The fans in Pegulaville are intoxicated with Adam's Family: Thomas Vanek-Luke Adam- Jason Pominville. Rightfully so. If it ain't broke, why break it?
The offseason departure of veteran pivot, Tim Connolly, left a gaping hole for Adam to skate through. He played 19 games in Buffalo last season, to mixed reviews. First-time jitters and inconsistency are common symptoms of kids who get their first bump from the AHL to the NHL. Adam handled the process as well as could be expected.
All Summer long, Lindy Ruff and Darcy Regier had questions as to which player would play the top line centre postion once camp broke. Ladies and Germs, we have a winner.
His name is Luke Adam.
Adam is a fixture in the Buffalo lineup for the foreseeable future. The kid is playing with a tremendous amount of confidence, to say nothing of the patience and poise of a five year NHL veteran right now. Taking him out of the lineup would be counter-productive, not only to himself, but to Vanek and Pominville as well. The trio have found a chemistry that is undeniable.
The team hopped back onto the ice at First Niagara Center this morning in preparation for this weekend's game's vs. Carolina and Pittsburgh.
The Sabres are in good shape up the middle of the ice with Adam, Roy, Leino, Gaustad, playing as well as they are.
The looming question now is, what becomes of Jochen Hecht once he is healthy? He's a centre/winger. Can he outperform Adam, Roy, Leino, or Goose at this point? No.
Ruff told reporters after today's skate that Hecht will be a part of the team once he passes the physical test in a contact practice, which will green light him for a return to full contact and games. Hecht suffered a concussion last Spring and has had "c-word" symptoms ever since he was hit in the head in a training camp collision with dman, Shaone Morrisonn. Its been two plus weeks since Hecht was injured. Today, Ruff said in so many words that Hecht will have a seat to sit down on, once the proverbial music stops.
Thanks, sabres.com
The next big question to be answered:
If/when Hecht plays, presumably on a wing, whose roster spot does he take?
Boyes? (1 point, +2, 2 shots after 2 games)
Kaleta? (zero points, -1, 2 shots after two games)
Ennis? (zero points, even rating, 5 shots after 2 games)
Ruff has a similar situation with his forwards that he has with his D corps. There are more players than roster at this time. Sekera and Weber will continue to battle for the 6 and 7 D, respectively. Playing Hecht will require Ruff to park a forward. Who will that player be?
The Buffalo Sabres today announced that they will host a “Party in the Plaza” for the team’s home opener vs. Carolina Hutrricanes at First Niagara Center on at 5:30 p.m.
The party, the first of many planned for this season, will take place in the Plaza area located near Perry Street and Illinois Street. My buds, Strictly Hip will lift the lid with their tastty brand of awesomeness!
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