Sabres Gear Up for Crucial Stretch: Dahlin and Thompson Ready to Lead
In the heart of Buffalo, captain Rasmus Dahlin stood at the podium, sweat still glistening from a rigorous practice. The Sabres are staring down a grueling stretch of 25 games in 50 days, and for the first time in Dahlin’s tenure, they're in control of their playoff destiny this late in the season.
Dahlin, along with center Tage Thompson, has been with the Sabres since the 2018-19 season. Now, they find themselves in a promising position, holding the Eastern Conference’s first wild card spot with 70 points, just ahead of the Boston Bruins. The Columbus Blue Jackets and Washington Capitals are trailing with 65 points each.
Reflecting on the opportunity, Dahlin expressed his excitement after returning from the Olympics. “I mean, unbelievable,” he said, eager to dive back into the Sabres’ pursuit of a playoff spot.
“The fun begins now. These are the most important games, and I can’t be more excited for this.”
Coach Lindy Ruff echoed Dahlin’s sentiments, highlighting the team’s impressive 21-5-2 record since December 9. “We’re in a good spot,” Ruff stated.
“We’ve worked hard to get here. Now, it’s about taking it one game at a time while all the teams around us are clawing for position.”
Ruff noted the palpable energy in practice following the Olympic break. “We’ve earned the right to face this grind,” he said. “We played hard to reach this point, and we know the challenge ahead is tough.”
Despite the long break since their last game on February 5, Dahlin remains confident in his team’s talent and chemistry. “We have so much talent in that room,” he said. “Focus on work, compete, and skate, and the good stuff will follow.”
Meanwhile, Thompson, fresh off a gold medal win with Team USA, is set to play in tonight’s game against the New Jersey Devils. After a whirlwind few days, including celebrations in Washington, Thompson rejoined the Sabres ready to contribute.
Coach Ruff plans to monitor Thompson’s minutes closely. “It’s been a heck of a three days for him,” Ruff acknowledged. “We’ll evaluate as the game goes.”
As the Sabres gear up for this critical phase, fans can feel the anticipation building. With Dahlin and Thompson leading the charge, Buffalo is poised to make a strong push for the playoffs, ending their 14-year drought.