The Instigator Podcast

We take a detour from hockey talk to break down the seismic news of Sean McDermott's firing from the Bills. We touch on that news before digging in to the latest with the Sabres as they continue their push to end the playoff drought with a few impressive showings as they head out on the road. We also talk about how rejuvenating the Olympic break may be for the players who are dealing with injuries like Josh Norris and Michael Kesselring.   Gambling problem? Call one eight hundred Gambler. In New York, call eight seven seven eight HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369). In Connecticut, Help is available for problem gambling. Call 888-878-9777or visit ccpg dot org. Please play responsibly. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino & Resort (Kansas). Pass-thru of per wager tax may apply in Illinois. 21-plus age and eligibility varies by jurisdiction. Void in Ontario. Restrictions apply. Bet must win to receive Bonus Bets which expire in 7 days. Minimum odds required. For additional terms and responsible gaming resources, see DKNG.co/audio. Limited time offer. Copyright NHL 2025. All Rights Reserved. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The meat of the NHL's condensed schedule has arrived. The Sabres face a daunting set of games as they head towards the Olympic break and it doesn't get any easier in March. We talk though the challenges the Sabres face as they work to stay in the thick of the playoff race. Along the way, we touch on Buffalo's need for one more scorer and share some thoughts on what else needs to be shored up as they creep towards the stretch run.   Gambling problem? Call one eight hundred Gambler. In New York, call eight seven seven eight HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369). In Connecticut, Help is available for problem gambling. Call 888-878-9777or visit ccpg dot org. Please play responsibly. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino & Resort (Kansas). Pass-thru of per wager tax may apply in Illinois. 21-plus age and eligibility varies by jurisdiction. Void in Ontario. Restrictions apply. Bet must win to receive Bonus Bets which expire in 7 days. Minimum odds required. For additional terms and responsible gaming resources, see DKNG.co/audio. Limited time offer. Copyright NHL 2025. All Rights Reserved. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week's episode tackles the tricky topic of scoreboard watching along with a discussion of the Sabres line combinations upon Jason Zucker's return. We break down the pros and cons of Peyton Krebs remaining with Tage Thompson, Noah Ostlund's apparent demotion and whether Jack Quinn should remain in the lineup. We wrap up with an in-depth look at some potential options on the blueline as the Sabres try to navigate the absence of Michael Kesselring and Conor Timmins.     Gambling problem? Call one eight hundred Gambler. In New York, call eight seven seven eight HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369). In Connecticut, Help is available for problem gambling. Call 888-878-9777or visit ccpg dot org. Please play responsibly. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino & Resort (Kansas). Pass-thru of per wager tax may apply in Illinois. 21-plus age and eligibility varies by jurisdiction. Void in Ontario. Restrictions apply. Bet must win to receive Bonus Bets which expire in 7 days. Minimum odds required. For additional terms and responsible gaming resources, see DKNG.co/audio. Limited time offer. Copyright NHL 2025. All Rights Reserved. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Sabres streak hit nine and we offer up thoughts on the latest for the streaking Sabres while digging into some of Owen Power's impressive underlying numbers while fleshing out the debate over trading him. We also provide some insight to the USA Olympic hockey team's roster bubble, debating the last few players expected to make the team ahead of the official announcement.   Gambling problem? Call one eight hundred Gambler. In New York, call eight seven seven eight HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369). In Connecticut, Help is available for problem gambling. Call 888-878-9777or visit ccpg dot org. Please play responsibly. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino & Resort (Kansas). Pass-thru of per wager tax may apply in Illinois. 21-plus age and eligibility varies by jurisdiction. Void in Ontario. Restrictions apply. Bet must win to receive Bonus Bets which expire in 7 days. Minimum odds required. For additional terms and responsible gaming resources, see DKNG.co/audio. Limited time offer. Copyright NHL 2025. All Rights Reserved. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jarmo Kekäläinen made his first front office additions, bringing in Marc Bergevin and Josh Flynn. We talk about those additions and what else may be on the horizon for Kekäläinen and the Sabres hockey department as the new GM settles in. This episode also runs through some players who may have been Adams' guys but potentially not Jarmo's guys. We touch on the upcoming World Junior Championship and offer up a gift that each of us would give to the Sabres.   Gambling problem? Call one eight hundred Gambler. In New York, call eight seven seven eight HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369). In Connecticut, Help is available for problem gambling. Call 888-878-9777or visit ccpg dot org. Please play responsibly. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino & Resort (Kansas). Pass-thru of per wager tax may apply in Illinois. 21-plus age and eligibility varies by jurisdiction. Void in Ontario. Restrictions apply. Bet must win to receive Bonus Bets which expire in 7 days. Minimum odds required. For additional terms and responsible gaming resources, see DKNG.co/audio. Limited time offer. Copyright NHL 2025. All Rights Reserved. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Kevyn Adams was relieved of his duties as Buffalo Sabres general manager, a move that was eagerly anticipated by Sabres fans. Jarmo Kekäläinen steps into the role, the first time Terry Pegula has hired a general manager with prior experience in his time as owner. We break down where things went wrong for Adams and what led to his firing. We also dig in to what makes Kekäläinen an intriguing fit for the Sabres and the biggest issues he'll need to manage in the role.      Gambling problem? Call one eight hundred Gambler. In New York, call eight seven seven eight HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369). In Connecticut, Help is available for problem gambling. Call 888-878-9777or visit ccpg dot org. Please play responsibly. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino & Resort (Kansas). Pass-thru of per wager tax may apply in Illinois. 21-plus age and eligibility varies by jurisdiction. Void in Ontario. Restrictions apply. Bet must win to receive Bonus Bets which expire in 7 days. Minimum odds required. For additional terms and responsible gaming resources, see DKNG.co/audio. Limited time offer. Copyright NHL 2025. All Rights Reserved. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Alex Tuch's contract negotiations seem about as icy as Buffalo's weather. The potential he's moved increases by the day and this episode focuses on what it will look like if and when the Sabres trade Alex Tuch. Who should they target when they shop him? What should the trade package for Tuch look like? And how can the deal help push the Sabres forward?   Gambling problem? Call one eight hundred Gambler. In New York, call eight seven seven eight HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369). In Connecticut, Help is available for problem gambling. Call 888-878-9777or visit ccpg dot org. Please play responsibly. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino & Resort (Kansas). Pass-thru of per wager tax may apply in Illinois. 21-plus age and eligibility varies by jurisdiction. Void in Ontario. Restrictions apply. Bet must win to receive Bonus Bets which expire in 7 days. Minimum odds required. For additional terms and responsible gaming resources, see DKNG.co/audio. Limited time offer. Copyright NHL 2025. All Rights Reserved. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Josh Norris made his return from injury and posted an impressive stat line. Combined with Noah Ostlund, the Sabres center group looks much more confidence inspiring than it did just a couple of weeks back. Norris, Ostlund and a few other key performers are the focal point of this week's episode as is our take on the delays with the arena that is suppose to host the Olympic hockey tournament in Milan.   Gambling problem? Call one eight hundred Gambler. In New York, call eight seven seven eight HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369). In Connecticut, Help is available for problem gambling. Call 888-878-9777or visit ccpg dot org. Please play responsibly. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino & Resort (Kansas). Pass-thru of per wager tax may apply in Illinois. 21-plus age and eligibility varies by jurisdiction. Void in Ontario. Restrictions apply. Bet must win to receive Bonus Bets which expire in 7 days. Minimum odds required. For additional terms and responsible gaming resources, see DKNG.co/audio. Limited time offer. Copyright NHL 2025. All Rights Reserved. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Thanksgiving came and the Sabres sit last in the East. As one of the most notable schedule benchmarks passes with the Sabres facing a daunting climb, what is to be made of the general manager and how are they going to solve the three-headed monster in goal?       Gambling problem? Call one eight hundred Gambler. In New York, call eight seven seven eight HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369). In Connecticut, Help is available for problem gambling. Call 888-878-9777or visit ccpg dot org. Please play responsibly. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino & Resort (Kansas). Pass-thru of per wager tax may apply in Illinois. 21-plus age and eligibility varies by jurisdiction. Void in Ontario. Restrictions apply. Bet must win to receive Bonus Bets which expire in 7 days. Minimum odds required. For additional terms and responsible gaming resources, see DKNG.co/audio. Limited time offer. Copyright NHL 2025. All Rights Reserved. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Sabres may finally be getting some injury relief, which will cause some difficult roster choices to be made once Zach Benson, Josh Norris and Jason Zucker finally return. Buffalo's trio of goaltenders will make the roster choices tighter, unless the team finds a path to running just two goalies. We discuss the pros and cons of Buffalo's three headed goalie monster and the implications in net and on the rest of Buffalo's roster.     Gambling problem? Call one eight hundred Gambler. In New York, call eight seven seven eight HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369). In Connecticut, Help is available for problem gambling. Call 888-878-9777or visit ccpg dot org. Please play responsibly. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino & Resort (Kansas). Pass-thru of per wager tax may apply in Illinois. 21-plus age and eligibility varies by jurisdiction. Void in Ontario. Restrictions apply. Bet must win to receive Bonus Bets which expire in 7 days. Minimum odds required. For additional terms and responsible gaming resources, see DKNG.co/audio. Limited time offer. Copyright NHL 2025. All Rights Reserved.   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

An unbelievable run of injuries and illnesses have hamstrung the Sabres and put them in a monumentally difficult position. Without four key forwards and Rasmus Dahlin, the Sabres are in the midst of a challenging roadtrip that could put the team behind the 8-ball in the Eastern Conference playoff picture. We break down the key aspects of the run of injuries and offer up some views on how the team can dig out of the hole...and whether or not they're positioned to do so.     Gambling problem? Call one eight hundred Gambler. In New York, call eight seven seven eight HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369). In Connecticut, Help is available for problem gambling. Call 888-878-9777or visit ccpg dot org. Please play responsibly. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino & Resort (Kansas). Pass-thru of per wager tax may apply in Illinois. 21-plus age and eligibility varies by jurisdiction. Void in Ontario. Restrictions apply. Bet must win to receive Bonus Bets which expire in 7 days. Minimum odds required. For additional terms and responsible gaming resources, see DKNG.co/audio. Limited time offer. Copyright NHL 2025. All Rights Reserved.   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In addition to a brief update post-OT loss to the Mammoth, I take some listener questions on this week's show. Among the topics are Owen Power, what the Sabres do with their lineup once they're healthy and how to fix their three on three woes. Also on the show, a discussion on the loser points they're racking up and how they're keeping the Sabres alive in a tightly packed Eastern Conference, but also how a few wins stacked up wouldn't just have the Sabres in the hunt, but with a firm grip on a playoff spot.     Gambling problem? Call one eight hundred Gambler. In New York, call eight seven seven eight HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369). In Connecticut, Help is available for problem gambling. Call 888-878-9777or visit ccpg dot org. Please play responsibly. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino & Resort (Kansas). Pass-thru of per wager tax may apply in Illinois. 21-plus age and eligibility varies by jurisdiction. Void in Ontario. Restrictions apply. Bet must win to receive Bonus Bets which expire in 7 days. Minimum odds required. For additional terms and responsible gaming resources, see DKNG.co/audio. Limited time offer. Copyright NHL 2025. All Rights Reserved.   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Whether it be the play of Alex Lyon, Josh Doan, Zach Benson or their improved special teams, the Sabres have shown some promise early in the 2025-26 season. They are at NHL .500 after 10 games and we dig into what's gone right, what needs to be cleaned up and why were still feeling good about their outlook even in the wake of two disappointing OT losses.     Gambling problem? Call one eight hundred Gambler. In New York, call eight seven seven eight HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369). In Connecticut, Help is available for problem gambling. Call 888-878-9777or visit ccpg dot org. Please play responsibly. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino & Resort (Kansas). Pass-thru of per wager tax may apply in Illinois. 21-plus age and eligibility varies by jurisdiction. Void in Ontario. Restrictions apply. Bet must win to receive Bonus Bets which expire in 7 days. Minimum odds required. For additional terms and responsible gaming resources, see DKNG.co/audio. Limited time offer. Copyright NHL 2025. All Rights Reserved.   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Sabres rebounded after a dreadful set of opening games. With wins against Ottawa and Florida, and a quality outing in Montreal, things are looking brighter in Buffalo. There is still work to be done as we discuss Buffalo's sluggish first period results and their substandard goal scoring results through their first six games. We also highlight the bright spots, including Zach Benson, Josh Doan and others who may just help pull the Sabres into the fight as they try to break their NHL record playoff drought.   Gambling problem? Call one eight hundred Gambler. In New York, call eight seven seven eight HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369). In Connecticut, Help is available for problem gambling. Call 888-878-9777or visit ccpg dot org. Please play responsibly. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino & Resort (Kansas). Pass-thru of per wager tax may apply in Illinois. 21-plus age and eligibility varies by jurisdiction. Void in Ontario. Restrictions apply. Bet must win to receive Bonus Bets which expire in 7 days. Minimum odds required. For additional terms and responsible gaming resources, see DKNG.co/audio. Limited time offer. Copyright NHL 2025. All Rights Reserved.   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Three losses with little push from the Sabres has left fans spinning and national outlets honing in on Buffalo's sad-sack hockey team. The future looks bleak for Lindy Ruff and Kevyn Adams but the path forward isn't exactly clear. How the Sabres manage another season that's slipping away is the question of the moment given the murky outlook for the hockey braintrust and a startling lack of offense in the wake of their spate of preseason injuries.   Gambling problem? Call one eight hundred Gambler. In New York, call eight seven seven eight HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369). In Connecticut, Help is available for problem gambling. Call 888-878-9777or visit ccpg dot org. Please play responsibly. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino & Resort (Kansas).Fees may apply in IL. 21-plus age and eligibility varies by jurisdiction. Void in Ontario. Bet must win to receive bonus bets which expire in seven days. Minimum odds required. For additional terms and responsible gaming resources, see DKNG.co/audio. Limited time offer. Copyright NHL 2025. All Rights Reserved.   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Sabres shuffled the deck in net ahead of their home opener. Alexandar Georgiev is out and Colten Ellis is in. We talk about the swap, what Ellis will need to bring to the table and just how tough some of Buffalo's injuries are for a team that can't afford many hiccups to start the year. We also touch on the new contracts for Connor McDavid, Kyle Connor and Jack Eichel and how they reflect the league's new salary expectations as the cap rises.   Gambling problem? Call one eight hundred Gambler. In New York, call eight seven seven eight HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369). In Connecticut, Help is available for problem gambling. Call 888-878-9777or visit ccpg dot org. Please play responsibly. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino & Resort (Kansas).Fees may apply in IL. 21-plus age and eligibility varies by jurisdiction. Void in Ontario. Bet must win to receive reward. Minimum minus 500 odds required. Bonus bets expire seven days after issuance. bets expire seven days after issuance. See sportsbook.draftkings.com slash promos.For additional terms and responsible gaming resources, see dkng.co/audio. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

For the first time in a long time advanced models like the Sabres as a potential playoff team. We talk about the reasons this team has received these favorable reviews and discuss what we see in the team that could bring those predictions to fruition. We also touch on the injury issues dogging Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen and the Sabres plans in net. Other topics include Buffalo's special teams and Radim Mrtka's impressive preseason.   Gambling problem? Call one eight hundred Gambler. In New York, call eight seven seven eight HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369). In Connecticut, Help is available for problem gambling. Call 888-878-9777or visit ccpg dot org. Please play responsibly. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino & Resort (Kansas).Fees may apply in IL. 21-plus age and eligibility varies by jurisdiction. Void in Ontario. Bet must win to receive reward. Minimum minus 500 odds required. Bonus bets expire seven days after issuance. bets expire seven days after issuance. See sportsbook.draftkings.com slash promos.For additional terms and responsible gaming resources, see dkng.co/audio. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Konsta Helenius and Radim Mrtka both showed well in Buffalo's first two preseason tilts. Does that mean they should land in Buffalo and Rochester, respectively? Maybe not yet, but how the Sabres handle their two most recent first rounders has been a topic of conversation and I meet it head on in this week's show. Also on the show is some additional thoughts on Buffalo's first two preseason games and answers to listener-submitted questions.   Gambling problem? Call one eight hundred Gambler. In New York, call eight seven seven eight HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369). In Connecticut, Help is available for problem gambling. Call 888-878-9777or visit ccpg dot org. Please play responsibly. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino & Resort (Kansas).Fees may apply in IL. 21-plus age and eligibility varies by jurisdiction. Void in Ontario. Bonus bets expire seven days after issuance. See sportsbook.draftkings.com slash promos. NFL Sunday Ticket offer for new subscribers only and auto-renews until cancelled. Digital games and commercial use excluded. Restrictions apply. Additional NFL Sunday Ticket terms at youtube.com/go/nflsundayticket/terms. Limited time offer. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Goaltending will be the key storyline at Sabres training camp after it was reported that Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen is injured. Alex Georgiev is here as an insurance policy and we run through the problems a Luukkonen injury creates for the Sabres. We also talk through some of the other storylines of note at training camp while celebrating the anniversary of the Slug jerseys.   Gambling problem? Call one eight hundred Gambler. In New York, call eight seven seven eight HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369). In Connecticut, Help is available for problem gambling. Call 888-878-9777or visit ccpg dot org. Please play responsibly. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino & Resort (Kansas).Fees may apply in IL. 21-plus age and eligibility varies by jurisdiction. Void in Ontario. Bonus bets expire seven days after issuance. See sportsbook.draftkings.com slash promos. NFL Sunday Ticket offer for new subscribers only and auto-renews until cancelled. Digital games and commercial use excluded. Restrictions apply. Additional NFL Sunday Ticket terms at youtube.com/go/nflsundayticket/terms. Limited time offer. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The 2025-26 NHL season is right around the corner and there will be Sabres' games played this weekend as the annual Prospects Challenge kicks off. The Sabres Prospects Challenge roster was released on Tuesday and we highlight some of the most notable players expected to play on the weekend. In addition to big name prospects like Radim Mrtka, Noah Ostlund and Konsta Helenius, the Sabres will have four goaltenders at the tournament. We walk through those storylines along with some thoughts on reports that Kirill Kaprizov turned down a big money contract along with the latest on Connor McDavid's future in Edmonton.   Gambling problem? Call one eight hundred Gambler. In New York, call eight seven seven eight HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369). In Connecticut, Help is available for problem gambling. Call 888-878-9777or visit ccpg dot org. Please play responsibly. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino & Resort (Kansas).Fees may apply in IL. 21-plus age and eligibility varies by jurisdiction. Void in Ontario. Bonus bets expire seven days after issuance. See sportsbook.draftkings.com slash promos. NFL Sunday Ticket offer for new subscribers only and auto-renews until cancelled. Digital games and commercial use excluded. Restrictions apply. Additional NFL Sunday Ticket terms at youtube.com/go/nflsundayticket/terms. Limited time offer. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.