European Stars and Stripes (Newspaper) - April 12, 2007, Darmstadt, Hesse                                Thuisday1apnm2l2007 stars an Page 49 buffaloes Vanek has something to prove by John Wawrow the associated press Buffalo by no a million times no Thomas Vanek is not Happy the Buffalo sabres Forward says crossing his arms uncomfortably whenever the topic of what happened to him last year comes up for someone who led the sabres with 43 goals this season Vanek is still stung by coach Lindy ruffs decision to Bench him for eight of the teams final 11 games and theres no escaping the questions Vanek was reminded about it every time he reached a new Milestone in still not Happy about it i dont think i Ever will be Vanek said but its Over with theres nothing i can do now if s in the past and hopefully till go better this year Here comes his second Chance an Opportunity for Vanek prove himself and ease his frustrations when the sabres the Nils to seeded team open the play offs against the new York islanders i wish it could Start tomorrow Vanek eagerly said last week i know i can play playoffs is a fun time of year and that what you look Forward to buffaloes first round pick in the 2003 draft has gone a Long Way to erase last years memories while reestablishing him self As a clutch performer a reputation the Austria born player deservedly earned in leading Minnesota to an Mcaa championship in 2003 his 43 goals Are 14 More than he scored As a Rookie last season and Are the most by a sabres player since 199293 when Alex Ander Mogiln scored 76 goals and Pat Lafontaine added 53 Vanek finished Sec Ond on the team with 84 Points and in a tie for third with five Gam winning goals Vanek led the nil with a plus47 rating meaning the sabres scored 47 More goals this season than opponents did while he was on the ice Ruff has certainly taken notice yeah his Allaround game is a lot bet Ter Ruff said his play away from the puck is a lot better theres less cheating less guessing going on if he maintains this Pace of play hell be Fine in the play offs words we rent enough for Ruff an even bigger sign of approval came when the coach patted Vanek on the Back immediately after the player scored his 40th goal Dur ing a 41 Victory at Pittsburgh last week Center Derek Roy has noted a difference in his Lin mate this season i think Hes developed physically and mentally Roy said going through the playoffs last year the ups and Downs the experience he developed its showing this year Vanek finished this season on a tear scoring six goals and adding four assists in buffaloes final six games helping secure the franchises first presidents trophy for finishing first in the nil standings that s far better than the two goals he scored in 10 playoff games last year he was first benched three times during Buffa los five game second round series Victory Over Ottawa and he didst play the final five games of buffaloes seven game series loss against Carolina in the Eastern Confer ence finals Ruff said his decision was nothing per Sonal and based on the belief there were others playing at a higher level than Vanek i know from his Case that it Hurt him Ruff said everybody got Pride nobody wants to sit what impressed Ruff is How Vanek has responded this season starting with report ing to training Camp in top shape i think that tells you a lot about Bis Char Acter Ruff said Vanek acknowledged last season was a learning experience but that Doest mean he agreed with ruffs decision Lindy did what he had to do last year Vanek said once again crossing his arms Ive said it a minion times am i mad at him no do i think i Coul Dve played last year yes but in not worried about it whatever happens happens do i want to play this year and make a difference for sure youre a Winner with three of a kind exclusive ends military rebates not found anywhere else a 07 Dodge Nitro rebate v vex a 07 Dodge Charger up to rebate v a 08 Dodge Avenger up to rebate v log onto Wowen Iscom or go 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necessary tuesday april 24 by islanders at Buffalo if necessary new Jersey is Tampa Bay thursday Tampa Bay at new Jersey saturday Tampa Bay at new Jersey monday new Jersey at Tampa Bay wednesday april 18 new Jersey at Tampa Bay Friday april 20 Tampa Bay at new Jersey if necessary sunday april 22 new Jersey at Tampa Bay if necessary tuesday april 24 Tampa Bay at new Jer sey if necessary Atlanta is by rangers thursday by rangers at Atlanta saturday by rangers at Atlanta tuesday april 17 Atlanta at by rangers wednesday april is Atlanta at by rang ers Friday april 29 by rangers at Atlanta if necessary sunday april 22 Atlanta at by rangers if necessary monday april 23 by rangers at Atlanta if necessary Ottawa is Pittsburgh wednesday Pittsburgh at Ottawa saturday Pittsburgh at Ottawa sunday Ottawa at Pittsburgh tuesday april 17 Ottawa at Pittsburgh thursday april 19 Pittsburgh at Ottawa if necessary sunday april 22 Ottawa at Pittsburgh if necessary tuesday april 24 Pittsburgh at Ottawa if 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monday Nashville at san Jose wednesday april 18 Nashville at san Jose Friday april 20 san Jose at Nashville if necessary sunday april 22 Nashville at san Jose if necessary tuesday april 24 san Jose at Nashville if necessary