Dahlin - Buffalo Hockey Beat

Sabres notes: Why was Henri Jokiharju picked as Owen Power’s partner?

TORONTO – Prior to Owen Power’s arrival, Buffalo Sabres defensemen Rasmus Dahlin and Henri Jokiharju both let it be known they’d love to play with the rookie, the first overall pick in 2021.

The problem? Well, Dahlin and Jokiharju were partners at the time.

“Owen’s not here and they’re already talking about, ‘When Owen gets here, I want to play with him! And I want to play with him!’” Sabres coach Don Granato said ... Read the full article

With Owen Power signed, Sabres can focus on Erik Portillo, Ryan Johnson

BUFFALO – Now that the Sabres have signed defenseman Owen Power to his entry-level contract, their attention can turn to two other top college prospects, goalie Erik Portillo and defenseman Ryan Johnson.

Kevyn Adams said he has already chatted with Portillo, 21, and Johnson, 20, both of whom suffered season-ending losses Thursday at the Frozen Four.

“You want to be respectful because these guys have put their heart and soul into something and trying to ... Read the full article

Victor Olofsson, Sabres continue hot streaks in win over Hurricanes

BUFFALO – In his three-year NHL career, Sabres winger Victor Olofsson has probably never been so wide open.

As the puck rimmed around the left boards with Tuesday’s game tied late, it appeared to be leaving the Carolina Hurricanes zone. But Sabres defenseman Rasmus Dahlin said he “fake pressured” one of the Hurricanes, forcing him to move the puck. Dahlin then batted it down inside the blue line before quickly spotting Olofsson in the right ... Read the full article

Sabres illustrate growth with thrilling comeback win over Blackhawks

BUFFALO – Monday’s thrilling 6-5 win, a game in which the Sabres roared back and erased a 4-0 second-period deficit against the Chicago Blackhawks, ranks as one of their most exciting and significant victories of the last decade.

It marked only the fourth time in franchise history and the first time since Jan. 21, 1989 the Sabres trailed by four or more goals and won a game.

How much have the Sabres grown over the ... Read the full article

Rasmus Dahlin becoming vocal leader for Sabres: ‘Showing another side’

BUFFALO – It just happens sometimes, Rasmus Dahlin explained. The ultra-competitive defenseman has no real explanation for it. In the heat of the game, with his adrenaline pumping, he stands ups on the bench, leans over and yells to his Sabres teammates.

“Doesn’t it feel good to compete? Feels good to compete!” Sabres coach Don Granato said Dahlin has shouted. “(He does it) after a guy has a hard shift or he feels guys need ... Read the full article

Sabres beat Penguins in shootout to continue hottest stretch in years

BUFFALO – Each win the Sabres earn these days feels like the kind of game they would’ve lost earlier this season.

Take, for example, Wednesday’s 4-3 shootout victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins, a game in which they blew three leads, including one late in the third period before center Tage Thompson and winger Alex Tuch scored shootout goals.

In the recent past, they probably would’ve wilted down the stretch, especially against the NHL’s best road ... Read the full article

Sabres notes: Don Granato happy trade deadline has passed

BUFFALO – Just like his players, Sabres coach Don Granato feels relieved the trade deadline has passed.

All the speculation about who’s potentially coming or going ended Monday afternoon, and for the final six weeks this season, Granato has his team.

“Before the deadline, you talk about, ‘Hey, this is our team and we’re a team and play as a team,’” Granato said following Tuesday’s practice at KeyBank Center. “And let’s face it, in professional ... Read the full article

One year after hiring, Don Granato has dramatically changed the Sabres

BUFFALO – Sabres coach Don Granato kept rattling off names. There was Taylor Hall, Brandon Montour, Sam Reinhart, Rasmus Ristolainen and Eric Staal.

“I’m probably missing a couple more,” Granato said following Wednesday’s practice at LECOM Harborcenter.

Then two more names, Jack Eichel and Jake McCabe, popped into his head.

One year ago today, Granato inherited a veteran-laden team at its nadir. The Sabres were 12 losses into what would become a stunning 18-game winless ... Read the full article

Dylan Cozens, Terry Pegula and what it means for the Sabres

BUFFALO – Dylan Cozens only remembers Terry Pegula mentioned the cross-check on Rasmus Dahlin. The rest of his interaction with the Sabres owner following his ejection from the Heritage Classic is a little fuzzy.

“I’m gonna be honest, I had a lot of adrenaline going so I don’t really remember too much,” the center said following Tuesday’s practice at LECOM Harborcenter.

The maturation of a young team is often filled with seminal moments, and the ... Read the full article

Auston Matthews suspended for cross-checking Sabres’ Rasmus Dahlin

The NHL this aftenoon suspended Toronto Maple Leafs center Auston Matthews two games for cross-checking Buffalo Sabres defenseman Rasmus Dahlin in the neck late in Sunday afternoon’s Heritage Classic.

Following a shoving match between the stars around the Buffalo net, Matthews got up after being knocked down and retaliated with what the NHL Department of Player Safety called “a high, forceful cross-check.”... Read the full article