Buffalo, N.Y. (WGR Sports Radio 550) - The National Hockey League’s Department of Player Safety has fined Buffalo Sabres defenseman Rasmus Dahlin $5,000 for slashing Florida Panthers forward Anton Lundell in Monday's loss.
The slash took place with seven minutes left to go in a 3-2 game and the Panthers leading. That was when Dahlin slashed Lundell in the face, resulting in a two-minute minor penalty.
The Panthers ended up scoring on the ensuing power play to take a two-goal lead and eventually win the game.
Dahlin was not available for comment on Tuesday, because he had an appointment to get to after practice.
Jordan Greenway has picked up this season right where he left off last season. His value will never show up much on the scoresheet, as he has two goals and two assists for four points in nine games.
Greenway is tough to play against, and is relentless on a forecheck, producing more turnovers than any other player on the Sabres. If you watch him closely, it often looks like he knows what the opponent is going to do before they do. Sabres head coach Lindy Ruff says it’s just a sense that Greenway has.
"He’s a very strong defensive player, and his knowledge of the game and the understanding of where that next play is going to be," said Ruff.
"He’s always on the right side of the puck, he’s always doing the right thing. I think it’s a commitment, but I also think it’s a readability where he just knows. It’s years of experience probably helped too, but he is one guy that if you’re looking for a strong shift away from the puck, and you put him on the ice, you’re going to get it."
Greenway understands he has to play this way with his anticipation.
"Typically, when you’ve got a power play, you know where they want to go and basically I just try to not let it go there," said Greenway following a recent practice.
"Anticipation is huge. On the penalty kill, 5-on-5, whatever the case may be. I don’t know where I got the knack for it, but it’s just my focus going out there, trying to predict what’s going to happen next."
Many players have said they like having Greenway on their line, including Tage Thompson. They like it because of the turnovers Greenway produces that extends forechecks and produces offense.
"I try to get in there as quick as possible, put the pressure on the D to make a play in a little bit of chaos. But you know what they want to do, and if you can find ways to take that away or even make it hard for them to do it, you can create turnovers," Greenway said.
Ruff practiced the team for almost an hour on Tuesday, keeping the pace high throughout. The team will have Wednesday off, and be back on the practice ice Thursday.