Buffalo, NY (LGS) -- The Buffalo Sabres are the class of the NHL so far this young season with a 5-0-0 record while Chris Drury remains the class of the Sabres as he retains his #1 spot in this week's LGS.com Player Power Rankings. Daniel Briere took over Buffalo's #2 spot with a four point week.
Jochen Hecht made the biggest jump this week moving up six spots to #4 while Dmitri Kalinin fell six spots to #10. Henrik Tallinder became Buffalo's top ranked defenseman at #8.
Buffalo's fourth line of Andrew Peters (#18), Adam Mair (#19) and Paul Gaustad (#20) rounded out the rankings this week.
| Week Two LGS.com Power Rankings: |
1. Chris Drury (--):
The co-captain can't be playing any better. His nine points ranks him second in the league.
2. Daniel Briere (+4):
We expected more from Briere last week and he delivered. Currently second on the team in points with seven.
3. Ryan Miller (-1):
Phenomenal game on Friday night against the Red Wings but was lackluster in Buffalo's rout against the Rangers.
4. Jochen Hecht (+6):
The more I watch him play the more I realize how valuable he is to this team. He simply makes no mistakes.
5. Jason Pominville (-2):
Still getting good chances but wasn't able to convert like he did last week. Leads team with +5 rating.
6. Thomas Vanek (+1):
The Austrian turned his game around completely from late last season. He continued his strong play from Week 1.
7. Jiri Novotny (+1):
Besides taking too many penalties, the rookie is contributing in every aspect of the game.
8. Henrik Tallinder (+1):
Buffalo's best defenseman so far this season. Second on the team with a +4 rating.
9. Maxim Afinogenov (+2):
The speedy Russian still controls the game when the puck is on his stick but his passing isn't as good as it was last season.
10. Dmitri Kalinin (-6):
He was spectacular in Week 1 but his game slipped just a bit this week.
11. Derek Roy (+2):
Only two points so far but does anyone hustle and play harder than Roy?
12. Martin Biron (-7):
Unlike Biron, we have nothing to say as the back-up didn't play this week.
13. Jaroslav Spacek (+4):
Week 1 was lackluster but Buffalo's big free agent signing upped his game this past week.
14. Ales Kotalik (+5):
Overall his game still needs consistency but he had the big shootout winner Friday and Buffalo's first goal on Saturday.
15. Toni Lydman (--):
Just another typical no-news week for Lydman which means he's doing his job in the defensive zone.
16. Teppo Numminen (+2):
The veteran defenseman is getting his feet back under him.
17. Brian Campbell (-5):
I'm being tough on Soupy this week but someone needs to drop. His offensive play has been adequate.
18. Andrew Peters (+2):
His job is to control momentum. Friday night, his fight took away the Red Wings' momentum. Saturday night, he pounded his opponent and kept momentum in Buffalo's favor.
19. Adam Mair (-5):
He had a really good start to the season but this week his game tailed off in all departments.
20. Paul Gaustad (-4):
So far Paul's been rather disappointing this season. He's presence on the ice has been very minimal. |
