Buffalo Sabres captain Rasmus Dahlin will be away from the team for an indeterminate period as he returns to Sweden to be with his ailing fiancée.
Dahlin’s harrowing ordeal this past summer turned a holiday into a nightmare. Fortunately, modern medicine and timely intervention saved Carolina Matovac’s life.
But that doesn’t mean the couple is out of the woods. Friday’s news regarding Dahlin’s return to Sweden underscores one major point about life: “This is larger than hockey.”
That’s what Sabres coach Lindy Ruff stated in relation to Dahlin’s indefinite absence. Indeed, anyone who’s dealt with a sick loved one can empathize with Rasmus Dahlin. Having the pressures of performing at work, delivering on time, and meeting expectations, meanwhile a loved one is fighting for their life, is not something that can be easily handled.
Yet, Dahlin has managed to stoically move forward. This season, the 25-year-old has one goal and nine points in 14 games. He’s played well on a team that’s been subpar at times, and downright awful at others.
Nevertheless, Dahlin’s presence has kept the Sabres above water. But then again, hockey must take a backseat at this point in Dahlin’s life. While his fiancée has received world-class care, it doesn’t make up for his absence.
Now, the time has come for Dahlin to take a step back to be with his significant other. Any of us in that situation would do the same. There are things in life not worth money or even a job. Yes, we all have to make a living. But the reality is that you can make money back. But you can’t replace a loved one, no matter how hard you try.
Sabres face major test without their captain
The Buffalo Sabres will face a major test without their captain in the lineup. Rasmus Dahlin’s value to the club is immeasurable. So, the time has come for others to step up and pick up the slack.
That situation means that blueliners like Owen Power and Bowen Byram will need to step up and carry the load. That load involves not only putting up points on the board, but also picking up the slack in the leadership department.
Also, veterans like Alex Tuch and Tage Thompson will need to fill in the leadership void on the team. They have in the past, and they will now.
But there’s one silver lining I would point to in this situation. There are times when personal tragedy brings out the best in everyone. It’s as if humans, when facing unimaginable circumstances, find an extra gear inside of them. That additional source of strength allows people to go beyond their apparent capabilities.
Perhaps that’s what lies ahead for the Buffalo Sabres. The somber reality that has befallen Rasmus Dahlin will catalyze the team toward a more unified approach that can erase the embarrassment of Thursday night’s loss to the St. Louis Blues and paint a rosier picture moving forward.