While the Sabres have six Swedish players on their roster for the Global Series, their experience playing inside Ericsson Globe is actually quite limited.
"Even though you might play on Stockholm's team, you don't play here," goaltender Linus Ullmark explained. "You might play right next to it. It will definitely be a special feeling because the last time I was here during a hockey game, I was probably 8 or 9. It was for a national team game."
Defenseman Lawrence Pilut played many games at Hovet, the arena located next door, but has great respect for what Globen means to Swedish hockey.
"I think it's a very special place. It's a special atmosphere having that many people out there," he said. "It's probably the biggest arena in hockey that we have in Sweden. That says a lot about it."
Ericsson Globe opened its doors in 1989 and seats about 13,850 fans for hockey. On first glance, the bright red seats and façade are visually striking. Dahlin's eyes lit up when talking about stepping onto the ice for the first time.
"Wow, it's a big arena. It's nice with all of the red seats and everything's red," he said. "It's a beautiful building."
Forward Victor Olofsson said he played just one game here when he was with the Swedish club Frolunda. He's excited for the opportunity to have some personal fans cheer him on.
"Honestly, what I'm looking forward to most is to just meet my family and friends," he said. "They're coming down this weekend so that's going to be the highlight of the week for sure."
Defenseman Brandon Montour isn't Swedish, but he understands what his teammates who are back in their home country must be feeling. When he was traded to Buffalo from Anaheim last season, his family only needed to make the short drive from Ontario to watch him play.
"You don't get that experience too often in your career," he said. "Any time you get to play close to home or close to family and friends, where they get to come and visit and watch a couple of hockey games, it's nice."
