22 Johan Larsson C

Sabres' Johan Larsson: Line defense in need of improvement

The Sabres ended up with a minus-81 goal differential, so Larsson's defensive struggles can largely be attributed to a systematic problem. Originally selected by Minnesota in the second round (56th overall) of the 2010 NHL Entry Draft and flipped to Buffalo in a 2013 trade, scouts were hyped about Larsson's two-way acumen in the infancy of his career, so there's reason to believe he'll improve with more experience and perhaps a better supporting cast in Buffalo in the years ahead.

Sabres' Johan Larsson: Chips in two points in 5-3 win

This was just the third time in 13 games that Larsson has marked the scoresheet, and he's registered only three goals and 11 assists through 64 games for the campaign. As a result, there aren't many settings where the Swede should be viewed as a serviceable option. However, it's definitely worth noting that Monday's ice time was a season high, and he's currently skating in a top-six role and receiving power-play looks with the second unit.

Sabres' Johan Larsson: Notches two assists

Don't get used to Larsson having multi-point games. This is only the second time all season the Swede has done it, and the first time was in October. Perhaps that isn't surprising, given that Larsson only has 12 points overall in 59 games. This was a bit of a fluke, though the Sabres aren't going to complain.

Sabres' Johan Larsson: Handed two-game suspension

Larsson's cross check landed on Trocheck's face and could have easily injured the Panthers' pivot, so it's not surprising that the NHL decided additional discipline was warranted in this case. The Swedish forward, who's notched three goals and nine points in 51 games this campaign, will be eligible to return Thursday against the Islanders.

Sabres' Johan Larsson: Goal drought continues

Larsson's goal drought probably shouldn't come as too much of a surprise when you consider he has put up just 30 shots over that stretch -- less than one per game. While the Swede has been limited to a bottom-six role, his minutes remain decently high (13:33 per game), which indicates that the opportunities are there, but he simply isn't capitalizing. At this point, the 25-year-old almost certainly won't reach his 2015-16 mark of 10 goals again this season.