With Tage Thompson injured, the Buffalo Sabres needed to depend on another person to steer the workforce. It appeared that veteran defenseman Rasmus Dahlin pointed to himself on Sunday night time (Nov. 19). He delivered in fashion. Dahlin’s strong efficiency, that includes a objective and two assists, pushed the Sabres to a 3-2 win over the Chicago Blackhawks.
After the sport, Dahlin emphasised the workforce’s resilience: “We discovered a technique to win. It wasn’t fairly, however we discovered a technique to win. That’s what I take away from this sport.”
The Sabres’ Erik Johnson’s objective broke a third-period tie and Buffalo claimed a much-needed victory. Jeff Skinner additionally scored for the Sabres and the workforce ended its three-game slide.
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On this version of Sabres Information & Rumors, I’ll check out the gamers who stepped as much as make a distinction final night time.
Merchandise One: The Sabres Are Taking part in Subsequent Man Up
With Thompson sidelined with a wrist damage, the Sabres adopted a “next-man-up mentality.” Though the workforce misses their main goal-scorer, they’re displaying depth and dedication. On Sunday night time, that they had the gamers they wanted to step up in essential moments. Dahlin, particularly, performed a significant position at each ends of the ice.
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The sport had to supply a lift of confidence because the workforce prepares to maneuver ahead with out Thompson. Now, the job is to construct on the optimistic momentum gained from a hard-fought win in Chicago.
Merchandise Two: Dahlin’s Three-Level Efficiency Strikes Sabres to Victory
In additional about Dahlin, his objective and two assists moved the needle for the Sabres. He’s been a constant issue this season, with 4 targets and 15 factors in 18 video games. Whereas he had a quick scoring drought earlier in November, the 23-year-old defenseman has been offensively constant. He’s not slowing down from final season’s spectacular performances.
Final season, Dahlin scored 15 targets and added 58 assists (for 73 factors) in 78 video games. The very fact is that Dahlin continues to be a younger participant, however he’s established himself as a lynchpin of the Sabres’ defensive and offensive methods. He ought to proceed to supply at a excessive degree for years to return.
Merchandise Three: Luukkonen Good points Win with 24 Saves Vs. Blackhawks
Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen was on his sport once more, making 24 saves in Buffalo’s 3-2 win. It was his first victory since Nov. 1. Though he gave up two targets on 12 photographs within the second interval, the 22-year-old Finnish goalie improved his season document to 4-3-1. His stats line is a not-so-bad 2.80 goals-against common (GAA) with a.911 save proportion in 9 contests.
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Within the Sabres’ three-goalie competitors (with Devon Levi and Eric Comrie), Luukkonen has grow to be probably the most dependable choice. His performances have been constant and have contributed to the workforce’s defensive stability. He looks like the goalie the workforce can finest rely on for fulfillment of their future video games.
Merchandise 4: Erik Johnson’s Aim Sealed the Sabres’ Win
Erik Johnson was the hero for the Sabres on Sunday, scoring the game-winning objective towards the Blackhawks. He scored halfway by way of the third interval to interrupt a 2-2 tie and seal the win.
It was Johnson’s first game-winning objective since 2021-22. Though the 35-year-old defenseman doesn’t contribute typically on the scoresheet, he has the power to step up in essential moments.
Johnson additionally offers a stabilizing power on the Sabres’ blue line. His expertise and reliability have made him a helpful asset and chief for Buffalo this season.
Merchandise 5: JJ Peterka Continues His Stable Play
Evidently each time I do a Sabres sport evaluate, JJ Peterka’s identify stands out. On Sunday night time, he registered two assists – one with the person benefit. Peterka provides worth to each even-strength and particular groups conditions.
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Peterka’s season totals are rising. He now has seven targets and 7 assists (for 14 factors) in 18 video games. The 21-year-old ahead has proven the power to thrive in an increasing position. He’s responded nicely to his elevated ice time by a few minutes every sport.
Peterka’s TOI is now as much as nearly 17 minutes per sport (16:53) within the 9 video games he’s performed from Oct. 29 to Nov. 17. The younger Sabres expertise has began to supply recurrently.
Merchandise Six: Jeff Skinner’s Energy Play Aim Aids the Sabres’ Trigger
Veteran Jeff Skinner continues to make a big impression with the person benefit. His second-period power-play objective helped push the Sabres to an important win. The objective was Skinner’s eighth of the season, and he now has 14 factors in 18 video games.
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Whereas he’s constantly performed nicely this season, the objective towards Chicago was solely his second level with the person benefit all season. That’s a little bit of a shock however might change as he will get extra power-play possibilities in future video games.
What’s Subsequent for the Sabres?
The win over the Blackhawks snapped a three-game shedding streak. The workforce will now put together to face the Washington Capitals on Wednesday (Nov. 22). Will probably be attention-grabbing for Sabres followers to see who will get the beginning in objective. Luukkonen has been sturdy, however Levi appears to be a goalie of selection. The goalie scenario is likely to be one transfer the workforce will settle over the subsequent whereas.
