Detroit, Mich. (WGR Sports Radio 550) - The Buffalo Sabres will have their captain back on Saturday in Detroit against the Red Wings.
Rasmus Dahlin is back after going returning home to Sweden for a week to see his fiancée, who is in rehab after a heart transplant. I can tell you talking to Dahlin, he looks energized, and reports that she’s doing well.
"She’s an absolute warrior. It’s so fun to see her every day," Dahlin said following the morning skate in Detroit. "She grinds every day, and she gets better every day. That’s the most important thing. She’s inspired me and a lot of people."
Dahlin admits it hasn’t been easy to be away from the team for three games, but they’ve been super supportive.
"Every single guy in there have supported me, and it means a lot for me and my family. Now it's back to work," Dahlin said. "I’m excited to come back and battle, and to win some hockey games."
Dahlin knows this team is now the second-worst team in the NHL, and has a lot of work ahead of them.
"Turn the page now. I feel way better now mentally, and I’m in a good spot," Dahlin said. "I’m here to help the team."
Back on Oct. 22, the Sabres beat Detroit, 4-2, which was Colten Ellis’ first NHL game. He likely gets his third NHL start on Saturday, where he is 1-1-0 this season with a 3.06 goals-against average and a good .910 save percentage.
Buffalo has one win in nine games, and going 0-3-0 on this road trip has pretty much assured them of a 15th season of no playoffs.
To make room for Dahlin on the roster, defenseman Zac Jones was sent back to the Rochester Americans.
Detroit has stumbled lately with one win in four games, and two victories in six.
John Gibson and Cam Talbot had been alternating in net lately, but Gibson had to leave the last game after 40 minutes, giving up two goals on 17 shots.
Talbot has been the better of the two goaltenders, going 6-2-0 with a 2.93 goals-against average and an .892 save percentage.
Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin leads the team with 10 goals and 11 assists for 21 points in 17 games.
Join Brian Koziol at 6:00 for the pregame when you’ll hear from Lindy Ruff and Dahlin.
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