Sabres’ Dahlin Shining Early for Team Sweden

Buffalo Sabres fans only have a few hometown options to cheer for in the Olympics. Tage Thompson is representing Team USA, scoring in his Olympic debut. The other Sabre has had an even stronger showing so far and will be one of the biggest factors in determining whether Team Sweden makes the medal podium.

There were big expectations on Rasmus Dahlin entering the tournament, and he has so far lived up to the hype. On a Swedish team built to rival the Canadians and Americans, Dahlin may wind up being the most important piece of the puzzle.

Strong in the Win Over Italy

The opening game against the Italians wasn’t how everyone thought it would go. Despite ultimately outshooting their opponents 60-22, the Swedes were sweating out a 2-2 tie late in the second period. They would eventually prevail 5-2 but the entire ordeal felt closer than it should have been.

Dahlin, meanwhile, was excellent. He was initially credited with three assists, though it was later changed to two. Dahlin’s 19:52 of ice time trailed only veteran defensemen Erik Karlsson and Victor Hedman in that department.

Sweden’s Best Player in Finland Loss

Facing against the rival Finns, everyone knew the game would have a little something extra. The Finns were physical, taking it to the Swedes throughout. Dahlin did not look phased, jumping into the play regularly, and even scored the lone goal for the Swedes in the 4-1 loss.

Dahlin was arguably the best player on the ice for the Swedish team. He logged a team-high 21:42 and finished with an even plus/minus rating when so many others left with a negative. It was a flat effort by Sweden overall, but Dahlin continued his strong play.

Impactful in Win Over Slovakia

Though the Slovaks kept the game tight until late, the Swedes were clearly the better team. They heavily outshot the Slovaks and Dahlin was a critical factor, particularly on the power play. He not only moves the puck well to teammates but jumps into the offensive zone without sacrificing his defensive play.

Dahlin finished the 5-3 Sweden win with an assist in more than 23 minutes of ice time. In a game that got chippy late, Dahlin continued to display an underrated edge that makes him a force in games like these.

Dahlin Critical to Sweden’s Medal Hopes

Dahlin entered Saturday tied for fourth in points, and will match Nathan MacKinnon for third in the tournament heading into Sunday. Teams are working out the kinks in the round robin stage and Dahlin has already made Sweden a dangerous group. The Swedes had hopes of medaling entering the tournament, and Dahlin will be a major catalyst if they do end up on the podium.

The Swedes have no shortage of strong defensemen, but Dahlin has been a standout among them. It is no easy feat to say that you are the best defenseman on a team with Karlsson, Hedman, and Gustav Forsling but Dahlin has put himself in that position early on.