Sabres' Dahlin and Samuelsson Shine in Tape Room Analysis

NHL Network experts break down the rising defensive duo's standout play

Apr. 13, 2026 at 11:34pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting overlapping planes and shapes in shades of blue, green, and red, representing the dynamic defensive play of Rasmus Dahlin and Mattias Samuelsson.NHL Network's in-depth analysis highlights the complementary skills and strategies that make Dahlin and Samuelsson one of the league's top defensive pairings.Buffalo Today

NHL Network analysts Jason Demers and Michael Del Zotto recently took an in-depth look at the standout performances of Buffalo Sabres defensemen Rasmus Dahlin and Mattias Samuelsson in the latest episode of their "Tape Room" video series.

Why it matters

Dahlin and Samuelsson have emerged as one of the NHL's top defensive pairings, helping to anchor a Sabres team that has seen a resurgence in recent seasons. The Tape Room breakdown provides valuable insights into the specific skills and strategies that have made this duo so effective.

The details

In the video, Demers and Del Zotto analyze various aspects of Dahlin and Samuelsson's game, including their puck-handling abilities, defensive positioning, and ability to transition the play up the ice. The experts highlight the complementary nature of the two players' skillsets and how they work in tandem to shut down opposing offenses.

  • The Tape Room video was published on April 13, 2026.

The players

Rasmus Dahlin

A 25-year-old Swedish defenseman who was the first overall pick in the 2018 NHL Draft and has emerged as one of the league's elite two-way blueliners.

Mattias Samuelsson

A 24-year-old American defenseman who was a second-round pick of the Sabres in 2018 and has developed into a reliable shutdown partner for Dahlin.

Jason Demers

A former NHL defenseman who now works as an analyst for the NHL Network.

Michael Del Zotto

A former NHL defenseman who now works as an analyst for the NHL Network.

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What they’re saying

“Dahlin and Samuelsson have really become one of the top defensive pairings in the NHL. Their ability to control the game at both ends of the ice is so impressive.”

— Jason Demers, NHL Network Analyst

“The way they complement each other's strengths is really what makes this duo so effective. Dahlin's puck-moving skills and Samuelsson's physical presence create a perfect balance.”

— Michael Del Zotto, NHL Network Analyst

What’s next

The Sabres will look to continue their strong defensive play as they push for a playoff spot in the final weeks of the regular season.

The takeaway

The Tape Room breakdown highlights the growth and development of Rasmus Dahlin and Mattias Samuelsson into one of the NHL's premier defensive pairings, a key factor in the Sabres' recent resurgence as a team.