Last Thursday, the team’s coach Lindy Ruff talked about the back pair’s ability to make things happen offensively. That they can take the puck from the rim quickly and then take it to the basket. But Ruff is also impressed with the way they play defense together.
– I am also very comfortable with their defensive game. Again, we’ve looked at our game overall and defensively we’ve been playing well without the puck,” said Ruff.
The secret behind success and chemistry is spelled communication.
– We talk a lot and try to be aggressive out there. We may not be the biggest back pair in the league, but can still play aggressively and physically at times, says Jokiharju.
Jokiharju says that the Swedish-Finnish connection sometimes makes things easier on the ice.
– It will be easier, of course. He understands me, even if sometimes I don’t say the right words in English and that helps too.
Owen Powers, also a back in the Sabers and back partner with Bowen Byram, likes the Swedish-Finnish back pair
– It’s a good back pair. A left-handed shooter and a right-handed shooter. It helps. Then both are very good players, if they think the game in a good way and move well. They do a good job together. A good back pair, says Powers.
Buffalo hopes to get off to a good start to the season in the Czech Republic. A good defensive game often gives birth to a good attacking game and the back pair Dahlin/Jokiharju becomes a key in that moment.
– We have played many matches together. I feel very comfortable with him, absolutely, says Jokiharju.
