Rasmus Dahlin has returned to Buffalo after representing Sweden in the Winter Olympics in Milan. The Sabres’ captain was back at practice on Monday, preparing for the team’s first game after the Olympic break against the New Jersey Devils.
“It was awesome to be at the Olympics, an honor to represent the country, to hang out with the Swedish guys, speaking Swedish,” Dahlin said. “I wanted different results when it comes to hockey, so sour taste, but it is what it is.”
Sweden exited the tournament without a medal following an overtime loss to the United States in the quarterfinals. Dahlin led his team in ice time and contributed five points over five games. He played on Sweden’s top power-play unit.
Bowen Byram, one of Dahlin’s teammates on the Sabres, praised his performance during the Olympics: “I thought he looked unreal out there,” Byram said. “… When you’re playing with him, you get so used to it that you don’t even realize it anymore, you get kind of numb to it. But then watching on TV, you’re a spectator obviously, and especially at that high level, it’s the best of the best, and for him to be able to do that, I think it just speaks to how good of a player he is.
“We all knew that in our organization, but I’m not sure he totally gets the love he deserves for how good he is.”
Dahlin described learning from other Swedish defensemen such as Victor Hedman and Erik Karlsson as a highlight of his Olympic experience. He also noted that competing in must-win games provided valuable experience for high-pressure situations like those found in NHL playoff hockey.
“Almost every game was a must-win for us, so I got a chance to work on handling emotions and handling pressure,” Dahlin said. “… I was able to work on my own game in terms of that, and I know what it takes to be on a big stage and play important games, so I think I can bring experience with that (to Buffalo).”
During Sweden’s quarterfinal match against Team USA, Dahlin faced Sabres teammate Tage Thompson. Thompson scored three goals during the tournament and helped lead Team USA to gold.
“That was nice,” Dahlin recalled. “… He’s a stud. It’s fun to play with him, that’s for sure.”
After being shaken up late in regulation against Team USA but returning quickly to play a role in Sweden tying the game late, Dahlin did not appear during overtime before Quinn Hughes scored for the Americans.
With Sweden eliminated from medal contention and his focus shifting back toward Buffalo’s season—where they currently hold a wild card spot—Dahlin expressed optimism about resuming NHL play.
“Losing that game switched my focus right away to Buffalo,” Dahlin said. “I’m so excited to get this thing going. We have a really good thing going on, and now the fun begins.”
The Sabres welcomed their captain back as they prepared for 25 games over 50 days following their Olympic break.
“Just the way he leads with his work ethic on and off the ice, it’s definitely infectious in our room,” Byram said, “so it’s great to have him back.”
At Monday’s practice session at LECOM Harborcenter forward Tyson Kozak filled in for Thompson who had just arrived back from Florida after Team USA’s victory; head coach Lindy Ruff indicated Thompson’s status for Wednesday remains uncertain due to post-Olympic travel demands.
“We really don’t have anything mapped out right now,” coach Lindy Ruff said. “It just depends on how things go. He’s had an unbelievable experience, and it’s going to be a tough two or three days for all those guys. Busy, really busy, and (it’s) to be expected.”
Forwards Josh Norris and Josh Dunne are anticipated to return from injury soon; Norris is likely set for a line alongside Noah Ostlund and Josh Doan—a combination Ruff described as promising based on recent practices.
“I really liked the line in practice. Watching, they’ve been really good,” Ruff said. “… Almost all lines, a lot of times, you have one guy (Doan) that can be that dirty guy, get the net front, and then you’ve got a couple guys (Norris, Ostlund) that can make plays, get pucks into that area.”
Zach Benson continues recovering from an upper-body injury unrelated to one sustained earlier this month; Ruff does not expect him back during this week’s road trip.
The Sabres will face off against New Jersey at 7 p.m. Wednesday with pregame coverage beginning at 6:30 p.m.
