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Buffalo, NY • United States • 23 Years Old • Male

To "C" Or Not To "C"
Posted 11:19 AM ET | Comments 14
There has been a lot of criticism of Craig Rivet’s play over this past season, and let’s be honest: most of it had merit. There has also been some recent unrest in his captaincy and leadership of the team. Should Rivet be the Captain? How has he done so far? And who could take his place? Let’s take a look.

Craig Rivet came to the Sabres in the summer of 2008 after Darcy Regier pulled a “just kidding” on the San Jose Sharks and got a mulligan on the Steve Bernier trade. Almost immediately he was given the captaincy of the team (traded July 4th – Made Captian October 8th) replacing the rotating captaincy system.

Rivet has been the captain for 2 seasons, let’s look at the stats. Rivet posted reasonable enough numbers in 2008-09 with 24 points and a +4 rating. He also added some sandpaper to the lineup. This past season however, he fell off the map with 15 points and a -6 rating.

His overall defensive play was lacking and it looked like he lost a step. At the end of last season Rivet admitted to playing injured for most of the season. He had torn his double labrum and was fighting through the pain for his teammates.

Rivet has been the Captain of what were essentially two playoff teams. Although they missed the postseason in his 1st season as captain, they likely would have made it if not for several key injuries. This past year they won the Northeast Division. Not a bad track record. Let’s also remember that despite his injury he was a +2 with a goal in the playoffs.

It is also important to recognize some of the other contributions Rivet has made to the team. First of all he helped bring Mike Grier back to the team, which has established a group of go to veterans in the locker room. I can’t say anything to Rivet’s leadership style, but if it is anything like his interactions with the media, he is direct and to the point.

Click below to continue reading:
http://sabreshockeycentra...9/02/brato-c-or-not-to-c/
Filed Under:   Buffalo   Sabres   Rivet   Captain   Vanek  
September 2, 2010 11:43 AM ET | Delete
Why take away the C? Even though he didn't do too well last season, the team did great. The same thing could happen this season.I agree that if he is a major liability this season, he has to be benched. In that case, roll with A's for the rest of the season.
September 2, 2010 3:00 PM ET | Delete
He has one more year left. Keep it.
September 2, 2010 5:00 PM ET | Delete
I refuse to click on your link to keep reading, so maybe you already address my point... if so, I apologize. I can't stand Rivet. I can go on all day about all of the reasons why. BUT, why take it away, especially now??? I don't see anyone else stepping up to take it. Who else looks like a leader?
September 2, 2010 5:06 PM ET | Delete
Rivet is a good leader. We just have trouble realizing it bc we haven't seen him do very well on the ice. As far as the A goes. Gaustad Pommer Vanek and Grier. Those are the four that lead by example the most. Hecht is a also a leader but won't be the one to stand up in front of the team. Anyways we all know who the real leader is. Millse. Niedermayer should be a leader as well
September 2, 2010 5:15 PM ET | Delete
My one question would be how Rivet couldn't convince Koivu to come here?
September 2, 2010 5:15 PM ET | Delete
Message Posted
September 2, 2010 5:16 PM ET | Delete
Message Posted
September 2, 2010 5:16 PM ET | Delete
Message Posted
September 2, 2010 5:32 PM ET | Delete
Tough call. Grier deserves it, but Rivet is here... so what to do?
September 2, 2010 5:55 PM ET | Delete
i think rivet deserves it. or grier. i think a more interesting topic is who will wear the a's. id love for myers to wear one. and vanek too.
September 2, 2010 10:22 PM ET | Delete
keV, nice write up
September 3, 2010 8:12 AM ET | Delete
As much as I don't care for Rivet ( on the ice ), I think it would only hurt the team by taking the C back. I would wait to see how he plays this season, and reassess the situation then since he only has one year left. If I had to pick a current player to take it, I would give it to Goose or Grier, and maybe even after this season Kaleta, if he is still playing like he played this past season.
September 3, 2010 5:19 PM ET | Delete
People are saying give it to Gaustad and for a time i agreed, however he regressed last season including a disappearing act in the playoffs. I don't want him as the captain. What about that kid with promise, that top 20 centerman, Tim Connolly is his name, I think. Hahahahahaha. Rivet needs to keep the C. Next season...different story...maybe Ennis.
September 4, 2010 12:39 PM ET | Delete
c for next season shoud be myers
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