The Buffalo Sabres are riding a wave of positive energy, a stark contrast to the early season challenges they faced. What’s behind the change? According to multiple players, it’s simply the most fun they’ve ever had playing hockey.
Early in the season, the Sabres dealt with injuries, boos from the home crowd and their general manager getting fired. But since that leadership change, the Sabres look like one of the best teams in the league.
Inside the Sabres’ Locker Room
To get a sense of the team dynamic, 23 Sabres players were polled with some off-ice questions. The deadline additions were not included, and injured players also weren’t available to weigh in. The survey aimed to reveal the personalities and opinions within the team.
“My brain hasn’t worked like this since I was in school,” Josh Norris said while answering these questions.
“You can put this in there. My answers are to inflict as much pain on the other guys as possible,” Alex Lyon added.
Best Dressed Sabre: Thompson’s Style Divides Opinion
The survey also touched on style, with players weighing in on who they think is the best-dressed on the team. Tage Thompson emerged as a prominent figure in this category.
“Outside of me?” Thompson said when asked who the best-dressed player on the Sabres is.
Added Alex Tuch: “Tommer wants to say it’s him.”
Josh Doan: “He’s convinced it’s him.”
Michael Kesselring: “Hopefully no one said Tage.”
Thompson did pick up a few votes in this category, though.
Norris: “Tommer is very into that. I like his style. I think it’s cool, it’s different.”
Rasmus Dahlin: “Tommer has stepped up his game this year. I have to give respect to him for putting in effort.”
Mattias Samuelsson ended up as the runaway winner in this category and got a vote from Thompson. Jason Zucker, the veteran of the group who still wears a suit, was happy to learn he picked up enough votes for second place.
“OK, so every once in a while, they still understand what a suit is?” Zucker said.
Worst Dressed: Power a Clear Choice
The survey also revealed who the team considers to be the worst-dressed. Zach Benson, 20, is an easy target for his teammates. And he wasn’t spared in this survey. He became the default answer for a lot of players. But there were some strong opinions for the other contenders, including Owen Power.
“He doesn’t care,” Norris said. “He’ll just wear what’s comfortable. He’ll just show up to the game in sweatpants. That’s just what he rocks. I kind of love it.”
“OP by a mile,” Zucker said. “It’s not even close. If anyone said anyone other than OP, there’s issues. Could be (Benson), too, actually. He’s probably a close second.”
Power wasn’t surprised to hear his name come up for this topic.
With the Sabres enjoying a more positive atmosphere, they hope to continue their momentum on the ice.