Dec 31, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; Buffalo Sabres defenseman Rasmus Dahlin (26) talks to center Ryan McLeod (71) during a stoppage in play against the Dallas Stars at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-Imagn Images

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”We can’t do this” Buffalo Sabres Captain Rasmus Dahlin Expresses Frustration After Tough Loss

Sabres Captain Rasmus Dahlin Expresses Frustration After Tough Loss to Golden Knights

The start of 2025 has mirrored the conclusion of 2024 for the Buffalo Sabres, as they suffered their third consecutive loss on Saturday night, falling 3-1 to former teammate Jack Eichel and the Vegas Golden Knights.

Aside from a three-game winning streak in late December, the Sabres have seldom escaped the disappointment of yet another losing season in the past month.

On Saturday, it appeared that Buffalo was fated for another loss right from the puck drop, as the Golden Knights netted two goals in the first period, igniting a wave of frustration in the Sabres’ captain Rasmus Dahlin after the final horn had blown.

Rasmus Dahlin was exasperated postgame: "Started too late. It just cannot happen in this league. You have to be ready the first whistle. They rolled over us 1st period and then we started playing good again. Too late. We have to be better. This is not acceptable." (1/2) #Sabres
— Mike Harrington (@ByMHarrington) January 5, 2025

“Started too late. It just cannot happen in this league. You have to be ready the first whistle, They rolled over us first period and then we started playing good again. Too late. We have to be better. This is not acceptable,” Rasmus Dahlin said post-game

“We have to come to the realization that we can’t be a young team anymore, We have to learn these little things all the vets know about and we have to step up. We can’t do this.” : Dahlin later added.

The Golden Knights have amassed a league-leading 33 points with a record of 16-3-1 since November 21, claiming the top position in the NHL with 57 points—passing the Winnipeg Jets, whom Detroit defeated. Tanner Laczynski, Mark Stone, and Jack Eichel found the net for Vegas, with Tanner Pearson contributing two assists.

In the early moments of the third period, as the Sabres displayed some energy, Dahlin moved down the right flank and unleashed a wrist shot at shoulder level, but Adin Hill’s swift glove caught the puck, disrupting Buffalo’s momentum.

Rasmus Dahlin Earns NHL’s “Second Star” of the Week Recognition Recently

Buffalo Sabres defenseman Rasmus Dahlin has been recognized as the NHL’s “Second Star” of the Week for recording seven assists in three games. Dahlin ranks fifth among NHL defensemen who qualify with 0.90 points per game. This season, he has participated in 29 games and recorded six goals along with 20 assists, totaling 26 points.

Rasmus Dahlin has been named the NHL's Second Star for the week ending Dec. 29. Dahlin’s seven points (0+7) in that span were tied with Zach Werenski (0+7) for the most among all NHL skaters. He was also tied with Mark Scheifele for the most even-strength points (six) in that… pic.twitter.com/vx6b8vyOi6
— Buffalo Sabres PR (@SabresPR) December 30, 2024

On December 23 against the New York Islanders, the Sabres captain matched a team record for defensemen by recording four assists. One period later against the Chicago Blackhawks, Dahlin recorded two additional assists.

The “First Star” for the Week was Mark Scheifele from the Winnipeg Jets, who scored four goals and provided two assists for a total of six points over two games. The “Third Star” of the Week was defenseman Zach Werenski of the Columbus Blue Jackets, who recorded no goals and seven assists across three games.

Image Credit: Tim Heitman-Imagn Images

Buffalo Sabres

NHL

Rasmus Dahlin

Vegas Golden Knights

Anamika Shrivastava

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