The Sabres sent a message by sitting Samuelsson, Jokiharju

Buffalo Sabres head coach Lindy Ruff sent a message to his team ahead of Tuesday’s game against the Ottawa Senators, as Ruff decided to make defensemen Mattias Samuelsson and Henri Jokiharju watch the game from the press box.

Both blueliners were healthy scratched by Ruff, who has not been happy with their consistency to this point of the season. Samuelsson has recorded just one goal for one point through his first 12 games, meanwhile Jokiharju has also scored once, and has added two assists in his 12 appearances.

Ruff didn’t mince words after the Sabres 5-1 win over the Senators. “I’ve probably been more patient than I’ve ever been, just trying to figure these guys out,” Ruff told reporters during his post-game availability. “But, there’s a standard you have to play to and their standard hasn’t been good enough.”

On Wednesday’s episode of Daily Faceoff LIVE, Tyler Yaremchuk and Frank Seravalli discussed Ruff’s tough love approach with his struggling defensemen during our #AskDFO segment.

Yaremchuk: The second one I have is out in Buffalo last night. The Sabres, who we’ve talked about a bit so far this week, healthy scratching both Mattias Samuelsson and Henri Jokiharju. Anything there? Or, just sending a message to two guys?

Seravalli: Sending a message. Look, I think the Buffalo Sabres are open for business. I’d have to think that they’re getting calls on a bunch of different players. Can they pry Jack Quinn loose? Is Henri Jokiharju potentially on the move? Has Mattias Samuelsson played as well as he should, given the extension that he got. I mean, there’s a lot. What’s up with Dylan Cozens? There’s a million questions to ask about the Buffalo Sabres.

Yaremchuk: Yeah, it’s not great. 5-7-1 right now are the Buffalo Sabres, only the Montreal Canadiens have a worst points percentage in the Atlantic Division.

For more on the Sabres struggles, injury concerns in Colorado and all the latest from around the NHL, watch the full episode here.