Published: March 22, 2007 12:54 pm      

TIM SCHMITT: Zubrus yet to make a difference

BUFFALO — Wednesday wasn’t his night, it was Drew Stafford’s.

The rookie winger scored two goals for the second time in four games, leading the Sabres to a 5-2 win over Washington in a game that’s only true significance was the team’s flipping the century mark on the points meter.

Stafford was the one with the microphones in his face and the wide-eyed look, a rookie just now getting comfortable with the idea that he’s not only an NHL player, but one on Who’s Hot boards.

But while Stafford commanded most of the attention in a corner stall he’s quickly making his permanent home, Dainius Zubrus was forced to answer the same token questions he’s fielded since the deal that brought him to Western New York three weeks ago.

Zubrus has done little, if anything, to endear himself to the home crowds since becoming a Sabre. He had a pair of assists in Wednesday’s win over his old team, the only two he’s registered since Darcy Regier pulled that trigger. And the team has lost five of the 10 games Zubrus has played.

But he insisted Wednesday that the only ones panicking are media members.

“Nobody in here is saying the sky is falling,” he said. “I think it’s just you guys.”

Fans, too, have noticed his unwillingness to take a hit, his lack of awareness as the puck bounces in his skates and the fact that he rarely finds an extra gear.

And while his coaches have said otherwise, they must have been happy to see Zubrus post a pair of helpers on Wednesday, happy that he’s finally getting acclimated to a line with Chris Drury, the team’s top goal getter.

It’s a role he’s supposed to be familiar with.

Before the deal, Zubrus played with Alexander Ovechkin, one of the world’s top talents. But a few thoroughbreds at the top of a lineup card doesn’t guarantee success, and Zubrus knows this first-hand from time spent in the nation’s capital. Washington entered Wednesday’s tilt with more points in the conference than only Philadelphia, his previous employer.

In Buffalo, efforts like the one the Capitals put forth Wednesday simply aren’t tolerated.

“The losses are taken differently here, there’s no doubt about it,” he said. “But it’s a long season and you’re going to have bumps in the road.”

Zubrus’ problem isn’t bumps, at least not yet.

That would imply the ride’s been smooth enough to notice bumps. Instead, he’s yet to make any serious impression, his two assists marking the first time he’s made any significant impact on the scoresheet.

There are built-in excuses, of course. Zubrus hasn’t played the wing in four years, and he’s essentially a rental; the Sabres hardly have the bankroll to pay him the big bucks he wants once the season’s through.

But as Stafford stood at the other end of a row of lockers, glowing after another productive night, it’s interesting to think about Zubrus’ place on this team.

Can he step up, become a leader and help take this team to the heights the organization now expects in the playoffs? Or will he watch as guys who started the season in the minors keep taking the limelight?

Wednesday was Drew Stafford’s night. Again.

Will it ever be Zubrus’ night?

Contact Group Sports Editor Tim Schmitt at 282-2311, ext. 2266.