The Sabres are turning Thursday night into an Oktoberfest celebration when they host the Dallas Stars at 7 p.m. on Oct. 8.
Fans can still buy a special Oktoberfest ticket package that comes with a commemorative Sabres beer stein, and the arena will be packed with themed music, food, activities and more throughout the night.
The concession lineup leans fully into the theme. At the Grill near Section 118, fans can grab a Brat Burger, a beef burger topped with a bratwurst link, grilled onions and beer cheese on a pretzel bun.
Near Section 107 at Power Play Pretzel, the Apple Strudel Stuffed Pretzel pairs a braided pretzel with apple compote, biscuit crumble and powdered sugar. The Corner Market near Section 226 will serve the Brat Trick, made with beer braised bratwurst, sauerkraut and spicy brown mustard on a pretzel bun.
And at Shake It Up near Section 200, the Black Forest Cake Shake mixes chocolate ice cream, chocolate cake, cherry and whipped cream.
There will also be plenty going on beyond the food stands. A fall-themed photo backdrop will be set up in the pavilion on the 100 Level across from the 1970 Club, and commemorative Oktoberfest-themed matchup pucks will be available in the Sabres Store.
TSE will be stationed near Aisle 9 on the 100 Level with autographed memorabilia, while Buffalo’s own “ The Polka Boyz ” serve as the house band and keep the Oktoberfest vibe going all game long.
During the second intermission, fans can watch a stein holding competition on the video board, with the chance for a few lucky spectators to be selected to compete. There will also be surprise Oktoberfest giveaways for two lucky rows in the crowd.
In Other News...
Sabres Win Came With A Wild Injury Scare Fans Will Notice
The Sabres overtime win over Minnesota carried an unsettling moment for the visitors when Wild forward Nick Foligno left the game early with an upper-body injury. Foligno was in the middle of his first full season with the Wild after being acquired last season and then re-signing on a one-year deal, a setup that has made him a familiar veteran presence in their lineup.
Folignos night ended long before the final horn, and Minnesota had to play through the rest of the game without him as the matchup drifted into overtime. For Buffalo, the result was a needed divisional-style victory, but the injury scare was the kind of development fans notice immediately, especially when it involves a seasoned player still trying to settle into a new team. [Read more 🡒]
Sabres Have An Early Josh Doan Concern Ruff Just Amplified
Josh Doans start with the Sabres has been a little quieter than anyone would have expected after the winger signed a recent contract extension and came off a strong previous season. Through Buffalos first three games, he has not produced a point, and the early lack of offense has stood out on a team still sorting out its lines and roles. Beck Malenstyn, another player who recently got extended, has also been held off the score sheet, though his value has shown up in the less glamorous areas with hits and penalty killing.
Lindy Ruff added a layer to Doans sluggish opening when he pointed to a minor lower-body issue that may be affecting him, which at least offers some explanation for the limited impact so far. Buffalo does not need panic over three games, but it is the kind of early development worth watching closely, especially for a player the club clearly sees as part of its future and hoped would bring more than just energy on the forecheck. [Read more 🡒]
Sabres Just Found The Confidence Boost Lindy Ruff Needed
The Sabres needed something to steady the group, and they found it in a messy, earned win over Minnesota. Buffalo rallied from a two-goal deficit in the third period, leaned on a better penalty kill, and came away with a 3-2 overtime victory that had the feel of a much-needed reset for Lindy Ruffs team.
Ruffs lineup adjustments helped spark the turnaround, with the coach mixing the lines and defense pairs in search of more traction. Owen Power finished the job in overtime, giving Buffalo a win that not only added two points but also offered a timely confidence boost as the Sabres try to build something more sustainable. [Read more 🡒]
