Zubrus plays himself on to top line in Buffalo [Archive]

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Jazz

29-04-2007, 10:15

For our Lithuanian members:

Dainius Zubrus is shining while Maxim Afinogenov is in the doghouse as the Buffalo Sabres prepare for Game 3 of their Eastern Conference semifinal against the New York Rangers. "It's important to know when Jagr is on the ice and be close to him," Zubrus said Saturday after practice. "And if there's time to finish a check, you finish it." Zubrus sent Jagr flying late in the second period of Friday night's 3-2 win in Game 2, a hip check that had 18,690 fans on their feet at HSBC Arena. "I think I'm playing more physical now that I'm back on the wing." Zubrus' adjustment to the wing has been smooth while playing with centre Chris Drury. "I've pretty well seen everything from him, from the physical side to the playmaking side," said Sabres head coach Lindy Ruff. "I know he hasn't been on the scoresheet from a goal standpoint but his intangibles - the penalty killing work, the work he's done against their top line, we really did feel he'd be a big addition. "And with our big forward (Paul) Gaustad out, he's really filled a big void.".......
http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Hockey/NHL/Buffalo/2007/04/28/4137790-cp.html

Any comments from Lithuania? How popular is Zubrus back home and does his play bring any attention to hockey there?

Drax

29-04-2007, 10:31

If I remember correctly, Zubrus was available last year for Division 1 championship (Washington was out of the play-offs) and he didn't dress for the national team. I wonder what Lithuanian fans thought of that.

ehn

29-04-2007, 17:07

mukas

02-05-2007, 10:42

Zubrus is our main star. And we allways knew that he is real country patriot. Two years ago he had knee injure but participated in Division 1 championship in Holland.
Last year he was under the knife and this championship he missed due to NHL playoffs. But Dainius have send a big dispatch of ice hockey equipment for lithuanian boys this year. Respect for him.

Neugs

04-05-2007, 00:44

Forgive my ignorance but I remember him playing for Russia at one point...is my memory deceiving me?

Hawker Hurricane

04-05-2007, 05:49

Forgive my ignorance but I remember him playing for Russia at one point...is my memory deceiving me?

this is true. he played for Russia (with the permission of the LLRF) in the 2004 World Cup, a non-IIHF sanctioned event. it did not affect his eligibility to play for Lithuania.

mukas

20-05-2007, 22:10

Bad news. Sabres with Zubrus has finished their season. Especially it is a pitty on Dainius. He ended with injury.

Kiraly

03-07-2007, 21:13

New Jersey has signed Dainius Zubrus to a six year contract.

The exodus from Buffalo continues.