Buffalo Sabres: Rasmus Dahlin is going to strike fear in opponents

Dec 4, 2022; Buffalo, New York, USA; San Jose Sharks right wing Timo Meier (28) looks to control the puck as Buffalo Sabres defenseman Rasmus Dahlin (26) defends during the first period at KeyBank Center. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 4, 2022; Buffalo, New York, USA; San Jose Sharks right wing Timo Meier (28) looks to control the puck as Buffalo Sabres defenseman Rasmus Dahlin (26) defends during the first period at KeyBank Center. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports

The Buffalo Sabres now have a player that the rest of the NHL is afraid of. And that’s why they aren’t fond of Rasmus Dahlin’s newfound aggressive nature. 

Nothing says Boombayah much like Rasmus Dahlin’s big hit on Matthew Nieto of the San Jose Sharks. When you talk about a good, clean hit, Dahlin’s body check, well, checked all the boxes. And in case you missed the layout, check it out below.

And in case you’re wondering, no, the Sharks did not take kindly to the hit, despite the fact there was nothing dirty about it. But try telling the rest of the NHL that. The league would have been more content with the Buffalo Sabres being the same, soft Sabres they’ve all grown used to playing against for over a decade.

This is especially true when it comes to Dahlin himself. For the better part of three seasons, opponents bullied Dahlin. And we all know that he underachieved as a number one overall pick for most of that span before his breakout in Year 4.

NHL better get used to Buffalo Sabres defenseman’s aggressive nature

The NHL’s other 31 teams need to remember two golden rules when facing Dahlin in the future:

  • Rule #1: Dahlin is going to come after and hit you all game.
  • Rule #2: Remember Rule #1. And if you don’t like it, too bad. 

Something tells me Rule #2 is going to lead the rest of the NHL to fear Dahlin soon enough. Players who have been in the league for a while are going to account for where he is on the ice, while younger players are going to do all they can to skate in the other direction. Especially if they aren’t fond of contact.

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While Dahlin has become a revelation offensively this season, his defensive game has turned him into one of the NHL’s most complete players. And given those vicious hits on opponents, he will become one of the most feared defensemen in hockey.

Article Source: Observations: Sabres’ prolific offense, improved team defense earn 6-3 win by Lance Lysowski 

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