Alex Lyon made 23 saves as the Buffalo Sabres shut out the San Jose Sharks 3-0 on Thursday, marking their third consecutive win and continuing a remarkable turnaround for a team that faced significant challenges earlier this season.
The Sabres’ resurgence isn’t solely attributable to on-ice performance. A recent, informal survey of the team revealed a locker room atmosphere markedly different from the one that endured early-season struggles, including injuries and fan discontent that ultimately led to a change in general management. Multiple players have described the current environment as the most enjoyable of their careers.
To gauge the team’s dynamic beyond the rink, a survey of 23 players – excluding recent additions and those currently injured – was conducted, posing questions about off-ice personalities, and habits. The results, the first part of which was released this week, offer a glimpse into the team’s internal culture.
Tage Thompson emerged as the team’s self-proclaimed best-dressed player, a sentiment echoed by several teammates. “Outside of me?” Thompson quipped when asked who sported the most stylish wardrobe. Josh Doan and Alex Tuch playfully concurred with Thompson’s assessment. Veteran Jason Zucker, who still favors a suit, expressed amusement at being recognized as the second-best dressed, noting, “OK, so every once in a whereas, they still understand what a suit is?”
Conversely, Zach Benson, the youngest player on the roster at 20, was frequently identified as the worst-dressed. Owen Power also received multiple votes in that category. Josh Norris described Power’s style as prioritizing comfort over fashion, stating he’d “just show up to the game in sweatpants.”
When it came to picking up the dinner tab on the road, Alex Tuch was the most frequently cited player, though Rasmus Dahlin’s contributions were qualified by the fact that he manages a team fund. Peyton Krebs, though, was overwhelmingly named as the least likely to pay, a point he readily acknowledged. “I probably got some answers for this one, eh?” Krebs said.
The team’s group chat also revealed some insights into team dynamics. Veteran Jason Zucker is the most active participant, primarily using the chat for team-related logistics rather than casual conversation. Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen confirmed Zucker’s description, while Zach Benson noted Zucker’s “team dad stuff.”
Ryan McLeod and Bowen Byram were identified as frequent contributors to the group chat, while defenseman Mattias Samuelsson and forward Jeff Skinner were highlighted as the team’s funniest players. “It’s not even close,” Tuch said of McLeod’s humor. Zucker distinguished between “funny” and “dumb funny,” placing Colten Ellis and Benson in the latter category.
The perennial debate over who reigns supreme in the team’s pre-game “sewer ball” competition also surfaced. Rasmus Dahlin and Ryan McLeod both claimed the title, with McLeod generally considered the most consistent player.
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