The Buffalo Sabres have quickly seen their season slip away as they have won only one game in their past nine. They have been forced to deal with more than their fair share of injuries, but the biggest absence has been defenseman Rasmus Dahlin, who returned home to be with his fiancée.
On Saturday, the Sabres are concluding their four game road trip against division rival Detroit Red Wings. Ahead of the game, the team announced they were sending Zac Jones back to Rochester and were opening up a spot on the roster.
The move appears set to now clear the way for Dahlin to make his return to the Sabres blueline and hopefully bring a jolt to the team's performance. According to Paul Hamilton of WGR550, Dahlin was at practice but there hasn't been any confirmation yet from the team if he will play against the Red Wings.
Buffalo Sabres need the best version of Rasmus Dahlin to turn their season around
Prior to taking a leave of absence, Rasmus Dahlin was not playing particularly well and while it is frustrating, it is understandable knowing what his fiancée is going through. Through 14 games this season, Dahlin has only one goal and eight assists, which are well below his career averages and off the pace he set last season with 68 points.
However, when Dahlin is at his best he can be a difference maker and almost single-handedly take a game over. The Buffalo Sabres are hoping, and frankly, need that kind of performance to stop their slide.
The past few games the Buffalo Sabres have been incosistent at best but have shown flashes that can give fans some hope. In the games against the Carolina Hurricanes and Colorado Avalanche, they fall behind big early but fight back to make the game close. Meanwhile against the Utah Mammoth, they jumped out to an early lead but failed to hold onto it.
A veteran like Rasmus Dahlin, one who is a leader in the locker room, can help keep the team on track in these games. He can help them get off to a fast start but more importantly hold onto that lead.
It will be interesting to see if Dahlin's return can make a difference but it certainly has the potential to be one of those turning points that the Buffalo Sabres can rally around.