Dahlin’s Double Leads Sabres to 14th Victory in 16 Games
Rasmus Dahlin showcased his skills once again, leading the Buffalo Sabres to their 14th victory in 16 games. He scored two power-play goals, one extending their lead to 4-1 late in the second period. Coach Lindy Ruff praised Dahlin, stating he has high standards for himself and recognizes his potential.
Dahlin’s Impact on the Game
Dahlin’s performance has been pivotal for the Sabres. His second power-play goal came at 13:51 in the second period. This marked his fifth multi-goal game, putting him in a tie for second most by a defenseman in Sabres history alongside Jerry Korab and John Van Boxmeer.
- Dahlin scored his 15th game-opening goal.
- This achievement places him second among Sabres defensemen, behind Phil Housley.
Game Summary
Despite the Sabres’ strong performance, the Philadelphia Flyers managed to narrow the gap with a power-play goal by Trevor Zegras at 7:37 in the third. However, a short-handed goal by McLeod sealed the game at 5-2. Flyers coach Rick Tocchet expressed frustration over his team’s lack of smart play, stating they allowed too many dangerous shots despite only conceding 14 total shots.
Player Updates
- Flyers defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen was scratched due to an upper-body injury, listed as day-to-day.
- Jamie Drysdale returned to play after missing three games, logging 25:25 minutes on ice.
- Tyson Kozak played 9:05 in his first game back since December 18.
Additional Notes
Goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen extended his home winning streak to seven games, equalling the second-longest streak in Buffalo history.
Buffalo Sabres fans can look forward to more dynamic performances from Dahlin as the season progresses, further solidifying his role as a key player in the team’s success.
