These keywords are trending because "Buffalo hockey player" was a clue in the New York Times Mini Crossword puzzle published on October 31, 2025. The answer to this clue is "SABRE," referring to a player from the Buffalo Sabres, the professional NHL team based in Buffalo, New York.

Similarly, "poison shrub" was another clue in the same New York Times Mini Crossword, with the answer being "SUMAC." Many people search for crossword answers when they get stuck, which drives the trend for these specific terms, along with "mini crossword answers" and "nyt crossword answers" as individuals look for help completing the daily puzzle.