Connolly had 55 points in 63 games in the 2005-06 season for Buffalo
Written by Tim Graham for the Hockey News issue on December 20, 2005
On numerous levels, this season was a critical one for Buffalo center Tim Connolly. There were many questions over whether he could even be a contributor. Nobody ever imagined he would play like an Olympian. The playmaking center from Syracuse, N.Y., has been nothing short of remarkable, his play deserving of a spot on Team USA.
“People can pick up the stats and get an idea of how he has played, but they can’t see everything,” said U.S. Olympic veteran and Sabres teammate Chris Drury. “He’s leading the team in scoring, but he’s playing good in so many other areas, too. He’s doing everything – defensively, killing penalties, the power play.“
He’s doing everything so well right now. He can help (Team USA) in any area. On the big ice a player with his skill, hands, and vision – and even his shot – it’s almost like watching a European player.”
A career of disappointment for the fifth overall pick in the 1999 draft was going on seven years of unfulfilled potential even though he’s only 24. Known around Buffalo as the main guy acquired for beloved ex-captain Michael Peca, Connolly went to training camp in September an uncertainty to even make the roster. He hadn’t played in the NHL for 34 months after a concussion wiped out 2003-04 and the lockout took care of 2004-05.
Connolly had seven goals and 22 points, the highest-scoring player on the NHL’s hottest team (yes, Buffalo) for much of November and December. He was fourth in assists and sixth in scoring among U.S.-born players – way ahead of Team USA mainstays Jeremy Roenick and Keith Tkachuk. Once a defensive liability who had seasons of minus-28 and minus-25, he has been one of Buffalo’s top penalty-killers and was tied for the team lead at plus-4.
“To be on the Olympic team would be a tremendous honor,” he said. “All I can do is continue to work hard and play the way I'm capable of playing.”
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