Buffalo Sabres at Anaheim Ducks: 3 Stars!

November 8, 2013; Anaheim, CA, USA; Buffalo Sabres center Mikhail Grigorenko (25) celebrates with defenseman Jamie McBain (4) after scoring a goal against the Anaheim Ducks during the first period at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

So, kiddies, here we are. Time to discuss who the best 3 Buffalo Sabres were in their dismal loss to the Anaheim Ducks, 6-2, tonight. This is kind of like trying to figure out what the best 3 Necco Wafer flavors are, right?

3. Nikita Zadorov

The beautiful thing about Zadorov is that he does not play like he is supposed to be in awe of where he is, and who he is playing against. Zadorov looks like he thoroughly enjoys lining up hits, and standing up players at the line as they try to enter the zone. He did make a few gaffes in this game, but in comparison to most of his teammates, he played with grit, physicality, and looked like he had an interest in being competitive.

2. Corey Tropp

Tropp had a monster game, and it could be argued that he was the best Sabre tonight. He was aggressive on the forecheck, feisty in the corners, and fought all night to gain possession of the puck in the offensive zone. His efforts were rewarded, as he was responsible for helping generate both Buffalo goals. Tropp was hitting, creating opportunities, and dishing out passes like it was his job. Oh, right, that is his job – someone should explain that to other players on the team.

1. Mikhail Grigorenko

Grigs scored both Sabres goals tonight, so he automatically gets the First Star. That’s how this works, right? Readers of my posts are aware of my opinion that Grigorenko should have never been benched to begin with, especially on the heels of his best performance yet 3 games ago. Yet, Buffalo coach Ron Rolston found it necessary to bench Grigs for the last 2 games anyways. Mikhail picked up where he last left off, following his own rebound with a great effort on the first goal, and showing burst and the prowess to find open ice on his second goal.

Honorable Mention: Coca-Cola

I would like to thank the makers of Coca-Cola for providing a product that I could distribute my Captain Morgan into. Without you, games like tonight would be even harder to digest. When the Sabres team captain is on the ice for the first 4 Ducks goals, and Tyler Myers is on for 3 of those, it hurts. Also, Marcus Foligno is now what, -10 in his last 5 games? Maybe he is not meant to be a center.

Game Goat: Ron Rolston

Sabres coach Ron Rolston went with the brilliant move of benching his top line of Cody Hodgson, Matt Moulson, and Tyler Ennis for the ENTIRE SECOND HALF of the game. No, not a few shifts to send a message, the entire second half. No, he didn’t try to tweek the lines to find a spark in hopes of GETTING BACK INTO THE GAME. He benched all 3 players. Genius. I remember seeing this move employed in some of the high school games that I played in. Well done, Ronnie. I am sure that moves like this will make players like Moulson want to stay with Buffalo beyond this season.

Leave your thoughts and comments below!