The Buffalo Sabres’ Thanksgiving Day practice at KeyBank Center left fans and analysts alike wondering about the status of star defenseman Rasmus Dahlin. Dahlin exited the 45-minute session early, sparking concerns about his availability for Friday’s home game against the Vancouver Canucks.
Head coach Lindy Ruff downplayed the situation, describing it as “a little bit of maintenance” and expressing cautious optimism about Dahlin’s ability to play. However, he admitted uncertainty, stating, “You never know until tomorrow.”
Dahlin’s potential absence comes at a critical time for the Sabres. The 24-year-old captain has been a workhorse for the team, averaging over 24 minutes of ice time per game in the last nine contests. With 19 points (6 goals, 13 assists) in 22 games, Dahlin is second in team scoring and ranks fifth among NHL defensemen this season. His presence on both ends of the ice has been a key factor for Buffalo’s performance.
Adjustments on the Blue Line
In Dahlin’s absence during practice, Dennis Gilbert stepped into his spot alongside Bowen Byram. Ruff kept other defense pairs and lines unchanged from the lineup used in Wednesday’s narrow 1-0 loss to the Minnesota Wild.
The Sabres were unable to solve Minnesota goaltender Filip Gustavsson in that matchup, despite a solid defensive effort. Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, who has shown strong form recently, is expected to start in goal against Vancouver.
Canucks Bring Road Dominance to Buffalo
The Canucks arrive in Buffalo with an impressive 8-2-0 road record, a stark contrast to their struggles at home (3-5-3). Goaltender Kevin Lankinen is unbeaten on the road this season with an 8-0 record, he could make history if he secures another win. A victory would tie him with NHL legends Glenn Hall and Cam Talbot for the best road start by a goaltender.
Spotlight on Young Talent
The Sabres continue to rely on contributions from young players like Jiri Kulich, who has shown promise but remains a work in progress. Ruff acknowledged Kulich’s growth but noted areas for improvement, particularly decision-making in high-pressure situations.
Kulich’s performance against Minnesota illustrated this learning curve. On a three-on-two rush, he opted for a lower-percentage shot rather than a pass, a move Ruff pointed out might have worked in the AHL but is less likely to succeed in the NHL.
Final Preparations
Buffalo’s forward lines remained largely consistent during practice, with Nicolas Aube-Kubel taking reps on the fourth line alongside Ryan McLeod and Sam Lafferty. This suggests Aube-Kubel could draw into the lineup on Friday, replacing Beck Malenstyn.
As the Sabres prepare to face a tough Canucks team, all eyes will be on the morning skate for updates on Dahlin’s status. His availability could play a pivotal role in Buffalo’s ability to secure two crucial points and maintain momentum in the Eastern Conference playoff race.
The puck drops at KeyBank Center at 3 p.m. Friday, promising an intriguing matchup between two teams with something to prove.