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3 Buffalo Sabres who must prove themselves in season’s final stretch

By Sion Fawkes

Mar 7, 2023; Elmont, New York, USA; Buffalo Sabres center Tyson Jost (17) skates with the puck chased by New York Islanders right wing Simon Holmstrom (10) during the second period at UBS Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Schneidler-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 7, 2023; Elmont, New York, USA; Buffalo Sabres center Tyson Jost (17) skates with the puck chased by New York Islanders right wing Simon Holmstrom (10) during the second period at UBS Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Schneidler-USA TODAY Sports /
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Buffalo Sabres
Mar 13, 2023; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Buffalo Sabres defenseman Henri Jokiharju (10) battles with Toronto Maple Leafs forward Auston Matthews (34) for the puck during the first period at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports /

2 – Henri Jokiharju

The Buffalo Sabres defensive rotation is one of the league’s worst, with Rasmus Dahlin, Owen Power, and Mattias Samuelsson serving as the only three most fans feel good about. The jury remains out on Riley Stillman, while Ilya Lyubushkin’s efficacy tanks if he’s not physically 100%, something that has happened a lot this season.

Then there is Henri Jokiharju, who may be the most volatile defensemen of the bunch. There are some nights when he shines, as in last night’s win over the Toronto Maple Leafs. And while he’s boasted great recovery speed on occasion, Jokiharju has also found himself playing catchup one too many times.

Like Olofsson, Jokiharju will face intense competition next season. But he can at least build on his performance against Toronto and put himself in good position to retain his spot in the rotation over the final 16 contests.

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