The Buffalo Sabres will receive a much-needed boost to their defense as they prepare to face the New York Rangers on Wednesday night at KeyBank Center. Missing key players like Rasmus Dahlin has exposed the team’s defensive vulnerabilities, but the expected return of Mattias Samuelsson could provide stability for a struggling blue line.
Samuelsson, who missed 12 games due to a lower-body injury sustained in a November 11th game against Montreal, is poised to make his return. His injury occurred during a controversial play involving Canadiens forward Juraj Slafkovsky, and his absence has been deeply felt. The Sabres, currently sitting at 11-13-4, desperately need defensive reinforcement, especially with Dahlin sidelined for a third consecutive game due to back spasms. Dahlin has begun rehab skates and might return by Saturday against the Washington Capitals.
Samuelsson’s Return Brings Hope
Before his injury, Samuelsson’s performance this season had been uneven. He averaged a career-low 16:05 of ice time in 13 games, a noticeable drop from his 20-plus minute averages over the previous two seasons. The Sabres were outscored 9-5 in 5-on-5 situations during his shifts, though they maintained a slight edge in shot-quality metrics. Despite these numbers, his experience and ability to handle significant minutes are invaluable, especially as the team grapples with a depleted lineup.
Owen Power and Henri Jokiharju emerged as the Sabres’ most effective defensive pair in Monday’s game against Detroit, but the remaining pairings struggled. Ryan Johnson, the 2019 first-round pick, had a challenging season debut, being on the ice for three Detroit goals and showing signs of being overmatched. His partner, Bowen Byram, has been burdened with heavy minutes and has struggled defensively around the net. Samuelsson’s return could alleviate some of this pressure, providing much-needed depth and allowing other players to settle into more manageable roles.
Special Teams Still a Concern
The Sabres’ power play remains a significant issue, converting just one of its last 25 opportunities and ranking 30th in the NHL at a 14.5% success rate. The struggles were evident in Tuesday’s practice, where drills focused on zone entries and puck movement failed to meet expectations. Poor decision-making and a lack of urgency have plagued the unit, and addressing these shortcomings has become a priority. Despite moments of promise earlier in the season, the team’s current drought underscores the need for a change in approach.
A Shifting Lineup
The Sabres have also made adjustments to their forward group, sending Tyson Kozak back to the Rochester Americans after a brief NHL stint. Kozak, a 2021 seventh-round pick, showed promise in his first two games, including a goal that was overturned in his debut. His defensive instincts and overall performance were commendable, but areas for growth remain. Jiri Kulich’s involvement in Tuesday’s power-play drills suggests he could replace Jack Quinn in the lineup, marking Quinn’s fourth consecutive scratch.
Goaltending remains a focal point as Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen is set to start against the Rangers. Despite a .861 save percentage over his last four starts, the Sabres continue to rely on him as their top option. The team’s defensive struggles have placed additional pressure on their netminders, making Samuelsson’s return all the more critical.
Opponent Outlook
With a 14-12-1 record, the Rangers have struggled recently, going 2-6 in their last eight games with a negative-15 goal differential. Buffalo has had recent success against New York, winning two of the past three matchups, though both victories came at Madison Square Garden. The Sabres will look to break their home losing streak against the Rangers, dating back to March 2023.
As the Sabres prepare for a crucial stretch of games, Mattias Samuelsson’s return offers a glimmer of hope for a team in need of consistency. Whether his presence can stabilize the blue line and spark a turnaround remains to be seen, but his impact will be closely watched in what promises to be a pivotal matchup.