If we are being honest here, Buffalos defense is still pretty shaky. I’m not sure how Housley and Botterill did it but they have Nelson and Beaulieu playing respectable hockey in their roles. With that said,Dahlin has been Buffalos most consistent ES defenseman posting 53% CF%, which is near elite terroritory. The Sabres have generated more corsi events with him on the ice than any other player, even more than Risto who has averaged more than 3 ESTOI/gm.
Dahlin is 6th on the team in GF/60 and is the best defenseman. He’s third in defenseman (Beaulieu/Nelson) in GA/60, but those two play much lower event hockey than the rest of the top 4.
Yes, Dahlin has some defensive gaffs but he has not only been our most effective defenseman offensively, he’s been solid defensively, and he’s almost assuredly our most consistent 5v5 dman. In the first twenty games or so Dahlin was mostly <20min TOI all situations (5/20). The last five: 23,22 23.5, 23, 24. Hes our number one defenseman right now, even if he’s not getting the toughest matchups.
Steve Smith