If it wasn't already apparent, the Buffalo Sabres are seriously relying on Rasmus Ristolainen.
The 22-year-old defenseman played 35:24 in an overtime victory over the Detroit Red Wings on Friday night, shouldering the largest workload in the NHL since Erik Karlsson logged 36:34 on Dec. 20, 2015, according to Sabres PR.
Ristolainen's efforts have him ranked fifth in the league in average ice time, and he's in elite company.
| Rank | Player (Team) | GP | Average TOI |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Drew Doughty (LA) | 45 | 27:17 |
| 2 | Ryan Suter (MIN) | 44 | 27:11 |
| 3 | Dustin Byfuglien (WPG) | 48 | 27:10 |
| 4 | Erik Karlsson (OTT) | 43 | 26:56 |
| 5 | Ristolainen (BUF) | 45 | 26:54 |
The Sabres have been without blueliners Dmitry Kulikov and Josh Gorges due to injuries. Ristolainen's defense partner, Jake McCabe, left Friday's game early with a shoulder ailment and didn't return.
It was the third time Ristolainen has played more than 30 minutes in a game this season.
He's appeared in every game for the Sabres this year, but he's also producing at an impressive rate for a young rearguard.
An assist in Friday's win snapped a four-game personal point drought and gave him 28 points in 45 contests, which put him in a tie for eighth among NHL defensemen in 2016-17.
Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.