Sabres Reveal Beer Bonding Behind Surprise Season

Buffalo Sabres players credit their team's improved chemistry and performance to drinking beers together.

Mar. 14, 2026 at 5:24pm

The Buffalo Sabres, who entered this season having missed the playoffs for 14 years in a row, have been one of the NHL's biggest surprises this year. Sabres star defenseman Rasmus Dahlin revealed that the team has strengthened its brotherhood by "drinking beers" together, which has helped them overcome a slow start and become contenders. The Sabres hit 40 wins before 20 losses, an almost impossible feat for a team viewed as a non-contender before the season.

Why it matters

The Sabres' turnaround is a feel-good story in the NHL, showing how a team can come together through simple bonding activities like sharing beers. Their success challenges preseason expectations and demonstrates the power of team chemistry, even in a sport as physically demanding as hockey.

The details

After starting the season 11-14-2 on December 9th, the Sabres have been on a tear, hitting 40 wins before 20 losses. Rasmus Dahlin credited the team's improved performance to strengthening their brotherhood by "drinking beers" together, which has helped them play for each other and find ways to win up and down the lineup.

  • The Sabres entered this season having missed the playoffs for 14 years in a row.
  • On December 9th, the Sabres were 11-14-2.
  • The Sabres hit 40 wins before they hit 20 losses.

The players

Rasmus Dahlin

A star defenseman for the Buffalo Sabres.

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What they’re saying

“Drink beers,”

— Rasmus Dahlin, Sabres defenseman (Sporting News)

What’s next

The Sabres will look to continue their surprising season and clinch a playoff berth, which would be their first postseason appearance since 2011.

The takeaway

The Sabres' success this season, despite low preseason expectations, shows the power of team chemistry and camaraderie. Their willingness to bond over beers has helped them overcome a slow start and become contenders, proving that sometimes the simplest solutions can have the biggest impact.