It's not unusual to hear about NHL practices involving some type of skirmish as things can get heated for a variety of reasons. There have been times when teammates start yelling, shoving, or in serious cases; fighting. Whether it's to prove a point, or for trying to instill some veteran 'tough love', it often paints a negative picture about the morale within the locker room.
Rasmus Dahlin took that personally on Monday, as during Sabres practice he ended up leveling his teammate Peyton Krebs with a hip check before getting into a scuffle with the 23-year old.
The fight was quickly separated by teammates and you have to wonder what could have possibly led to the confrontation. Perhaps Dahlin was unimpressed with Krebs' effort through the Sabres first four games of the season, or maybe Krebs took exception to a comment from Dahlin. While we don't know the specifics, head coach Lindy Ruff gave a bit of insight into the reason.
Dahlin, who the Sabres named captain at the end of September has been one of the only bright spots in an otherwise abysmal last decade for Buffalo. Since being drafted first overall in 2018, Dahlin has patrolled the Sabres blueline with poise and a no-nonsense attitude. Registering 66 goals and 227 assists in his seven seasons with the Sabres, Dahlin has been one of the only consistent faces in the Sabres's ever-revolving locker room but never made the playoffs yet; something that surely weighs on the Swede.
A lot of pressure is on Dahlin to help turn the tides for Buffalo, although fighting your teammates may not be the best course of action if you want to turn things around.
POLL | ||
Should Rasmus Dahlin be punished for fighting and hitting his teammate Peyton Krebs? | ||
Yes | 35 | 38.5 % |
No | 56 | 61.5 % |
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