ANAHEIM, Calif. — The question made Rasmus Ristolainen pause, tilt his head and shift his eyes to the ceiling in contemplation.



“Are you happy?”



Everyone knew he wasn’t. The Sabres defenseman was sick and tired of six years of losing, unhappy Buffalo was stuck in reverse. He was more than willing to move on during the offseason.



But the Sabres have started 5-0-1. More often than not, they look good. They’re playing an aggressive style, which fits in with Ristolainen’s love of physicality.



So, is he happy?



“Yeah, I guess I’m happy, not satisfied,” Ristolainen said Tuesday. “You want it more and more. This means nothing if we fuck up next game. So, it’s past now. We are on a good pace right now, and we’ve got to just keep doing it.



“Like last year, we played one month well, but who gives a fuck about that month anymore, you know? Right now it’s good,...