Why Rasmus Dahlin’s historical run is important to the Buffalo Sabres

Buffalo Sabres defenseman Rasmus Dahlin became the first defenseman in NHL history to score a goal in four straight games to open the season. 

Ramsus Dahlin cemented his place in the NHL record books by scoring four straight goals to open the season, a first from an NHL defenseman. But this historical run is even more important to the 2022-23 Buffalo Sabres on several accounts.

Heading into the season, no one expected this team to fare well in many categories. In fact, The Athletic projected them to accumulate just 76 points. While that outcome is still very possible (we’ve seen the Sabres get hot early and sputter many times over the years), Dahlin’s four-goal streak nonetheless signifies a new beginning for the Blue and Gold, regardless of this team’s final points outcome.

During the Ralph Krueger era, Dahlin came close to riding the bust label. Then  he scored his first All-Star appearance during Don Granato’s first full season of manning the ship. That implied things were finally heading in the right direction.

Now, Dahlin has clearly become one of the NHL’s best defensemen. And it is a testament not just to Don Granato, but how far he can take not just Dahlin, but the Sabres potentially starting this season and beyond.

Dahlin’s streak signifies positive change for the Buffalo Sabres

This isn’t to say every single player on the Sabres roster will end up producing like Dahlin. That’s impossible, and if it occurred, general manager Kevyn Adams unfortunately wouldn’t be able to afford to keep everyone.

But it shows that the Don Granato Effect is working wonders. And it further shows he is going to get the best out of the likes of Dylan Cozens, J.J. Peterka, Peyton Krebs, Alex Tuch (who had a hat trick in last night’s win, by the way), Tage Thompson, Jack Quinn, and if he has a few more games like the one last night, Casey Mittelstadt.

Dahlin’s four-goal streak was a definite personal milestone. But it was also a huge milestone for a team that has struggled unlike any other in NHL history. The streak and Dahlin’s place in the record books signified that this is a new era in Buffalo Sabres hockey. And I don’t know about you, but it’s going to be an honor to watch this team continue to evolve.

Article Source: Observations: Rasmus Dahlin sets NHL record, Sabres hold off Flames for win by Lance Lysowski