Samuelsson And Jokiharju Sit Again Against Rangers

The Buffalo Sabres resorted to a lineup reshuffle in their 5-1 win over Ottawa on Tuesday, and head coach Lindy Ruff is sticking with the same group in hopes that his squad build some momentum against the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden on Thursday.

Ruff surprisingly scratched blueliners Mattias Samuelsson and Henri Jokiharju for the first time this season in favor of Connor Clifton and Dennis Gilbert, stating that he needs more from the pair of veterans.

“They just have to elevate their play. They’re responsible for their own play and they have to have a higher expectation.” Ruff said on Thursday. “When you are talking individuals, each guy has his own skill set, talent, and what they can bring. When you are looking at defensemen, you’re always looking at what are they giving up. What do their gaps look like, are they eliminating and ending plays in the (defensive) zone. Those are all things that anyone who sits out can take a look at.”

Jokiharju is an unrestricted free agent after this season, but the regression of Samuelsson has to be a particular concern for the Sabres. The Philadelphia, PA native is in year two of a seven-year, $30 million contract, and after being the regular defense partner of team captain Rasmus Dahlin and averaging over 20 minutes per game the last three seasons, the 24-year-old has struggled to find his way after coming back from a serious shoulder injury and playing less than 17 minutes a night.

“Obviously it's frustrating. You want to play, you want to be in the lineup, you want to help the team win, but he has to make those decisions and obviously I haven't been good enough," Samuelsson said. "I definitely haven't been playing my best hockey, so I wouldn't say it was a complete shock, but I didn't expect (to be scratched)."

For the Sabres to be competitive, they will eventually need Samuelsson and Jokiharju to play on a higher level, but for the time being Ruff will be relying on the fresh legs of Bryson and Gilbert against the Rangers.