Dahlin is back on the right side, specifically in the offensive zone, when paired with fellow southpaw Mattias Samuelsson. In four games together, Dahlin has eight points and the Sabers have 57.27 percent of attempts with the duo on the ice at 5-5.

“We complement each other and I think it’s a really good way to play the way we do,” Dahlin said after practice on Friday. “I think we get the best of both worlds, that’s for sure.”

It’s not a drastic change for Dahlin. He spent most of his career on the right side before being drafted No. 1 by Buffalo in 2018. But it’s a different challenge to play that spot against elite NHL players in tough situations. , as Dahlin and Samuelsson rank second and first on defense, respectively. starts at 5-on-5 since Power’s NHL debut on April 12.

Samuelsson, who like Dahlin is 22, has been a staunch defender since joining the team in April. Every defender in the roster has benefited from playing alongside the 6-foot-4, 227-pound player who uses his long reach to kill opponents’ rush attempts. But this union has the potential to provide a significant boost to the Sabers’ 5-on-5 offense while also having the ability to shut down a front line, something they’ll be asked to do on Saturday against the New York Islanders at KeyBank. Center. The puck drop is at 12:30 p.m.

“I think they’re two guys that complement each other really well,” Granato said. “They work for each other in different ways, and I think they’ve rubbed off on each other. Dahls picks up on Sammy’s nuances of defensiveness and a way of playing maybe more aggressively defensively And I think Sammy has figured out a few things with maybe how he can maybe contribute to offensive movement and transitions.

Remarkably, the duo switch sides in the middle of shifts, depending on their preference in a specific situation. Samuelsson prefers to stay on the shorthanded left, but is comfortable playing on the right side when defending 5v5.

Breakouts may be easier for Dahlin on the left side as he’s been there for most of his 274 NHL games. But when the Sabers are in the offensive zone and trying to create, Dahlin moves to his right side. He’s back to walk the ice from the same vantage point that saw him post 20 points in 41 games with Frolunda of the Swedish Hockey League during his draft-eligible season in 2017-18.

Dahlin briefly played on the right side at the start of the season, but that was before he completed his game defensively.

There are more passing and shooting options on the right side as the boards are not to his left. It’s easier to find space in the offensive zone because Dahlin doesn’t have to skate back or change direction to cut through the high slot.

The Sabers’ 221 goals this season are tied with the 2018-19 team for the most by the franchise since 2010-11, but they’re still trying to grow their offensive offense. Aggressive plays in the offensive zone by defensemen, especially Dahlin, have helped Buffalo create more chances over the past six weeks and will be key to the Sabers reaching another level next season.

“It’s been a ton of fun playing with him,” Samuelsson said of Dahlin. “It makes my job a lot easier. Just give him the puck. He’s an amazing player. I think he’s a superstar in this league. He’s a great guy where if you make a mistake he doesn’t won’t tell you anything. … It’s always an adjustment period playing with someone new and their tendencies. We’re going through that right now, but it’s a lot of fun. I love playing with him.”

Dahlin produced offense on both sides. He set career highs in goals (12) and points (52), the latter being the Sabers’ highest total by a defenseman since Garry Galley (54) in 1995-96. Dahlin is averaging a career-high 23:59 of ice time per game and leads the team on the power play (20). He was selected for his first career NHL All-Star Game and became one of the Sabers’ emotional leaders.

His 15 points in 17 games since March 20 were tied for fourth among NHL defensemen entering Friday.

When the Sabers took their team photo before practice Friday, Dahlin was the youngest of the club’s four players to wear an “A” as alternate captain. He has improved tremendously in his own area despite having the toughest clashes in every game, especially on the road.

And while Dahlin has had success skating alongside Henri Jokiharju, Samuelsson brings a different dimension to the top unit. Samuelsson, who was selected by Buffalo with the No. 1 second-round pick in 2018, frustrates opponents with his physical style of play and his ability to create turnovers with a poke check.

Since joining the Rochester Sabers on Jan. 17, Samuelsson has ranked first in the club in ice time, hits and blocked shots. He averaged 19:56 of ice time in 39 games. His presence, in addition to an awareness of attackers to cover the blue line, can allow Dahlin to take more risks offensively.

“I like it for sure,” Dahlin said. “He’s a big, strong, good skater, good puck handler, good vision. It’s super easy to play with him. We also play on the right side, so it’s a bit of an adjustment. We have fun, but we play well together.

The evolution of the pair creates intriguing possibilities for Granato and Kevyn Adams, the Sabres’ general manager. If Dahlin continues to improve on the right side, the club can use him in more situations with Power, who scored his first career NHL goal Thursday night in New Jersey.

And while the Dahlin-Samuelsson duo isn’t a long-term game on the blue line, the Sabers are developing a versatility that will unlock more options on the ice and when Adams looks to add to the club this offseason.