In their last 13 games, the Buffalo Sabres were 0-11-2. Their season seemed to be spiraling down the drain, just like it has just about every year. Their season isn't saved now, but an important part of their team was missing that made a huge difference in their first win against the Islanders on Monday: captain Rasmus Dahlin, who scored four points, all of them assists, in a 7-1 win over the Islanders. Dahlin has proved himself to be a massive part of this team, and he's been doing it all season.
Dahlin's stats prove his worth as a #1 defenseman
In 27 games so far this season, Dahlin has 23 points, including six goals and 17 assists. Dahlin leads the team in assists, and is fifth on the team in scoring. While not as eye-popping as some of the superstars like Cale Maker, Dahlin's statistics are what you should expect from a defenseman that is considered your 1A guy. And, he missed a few games thanks to a back injury that was plaguing him in training camp as well. Now that it seems Dahlin has recovered, he will be back on the first line and on the first line power play, where he will undoubtably find some more points.
His leadership is a difference maker
Dahlin was named captain at the young age of 24 before the start of this season, making him one of the youngest captains in the league. Many people wondered if it was too soon for the young defenseman, if the responsibility of being captain was too much for him to handle. Given how he's performed this season, and how him being gone was a big factor in the losing streak, I find it silly to believe that Dahlin isn't a respectable captain. He proves it with his play on the ice, but also how the team overall plays. The Sabres looked miles better with Dahlin on the ice. If that doesn't prove how important he is to the team, then I'm not sure what does.
Where do the Sabres go from here, and can Dahlin lead them?
Now, the Sabres have a lot of work to do. The 13 game losing streak has put the team in a bit of a hole playoff wise. Buffalo is now last place in the Atlantic, but I think they're better than quite a lot of teams that are currently ahead of them, such as Detroit and Montreal. If the Sabres can pull it together, they could easily find their way back in contention for a playoff spot. Dahlin staying healthy is a large part of that, but other players such as Tage Thompson, who's struggled with injuries in his career, need to stay healthy too.
Dahlin is a big leader in that room, and I have no doubt that the young defenseman will continue to lead the team well. And, as someone that took a chance on him for their fantasy roster this year, I can't wait to see if Dahlin can continue to produce at the level he's been at throughout the season.