Baker Fairburn Hockey Show

Forget that Edmonton drubbing. There's a little runway left, and for now anyway, the Sabres can (mathematically) keep the playoff dream alive...Kris and Matthew, however, are still being realistic about the expected outcome.Have the Sabres really gotten better at handling the pressure per Don Granato's claims, or did they simply get a goalie that learned to handle it?But really, this episode was sabotaged by pre-maturely discussing a possible draft strategy for the Sabres come June. Feedback loop is open. We can't wait to expand on that discussion!

In a quick hit pre-game broadcast ahead of Sabres-Kings, Kris and Matthew discuss the Owen Power injury news and the expected defensive pair shuffling that could take place in his absence.As will be the norm, Kris and Matthew touch upon the Sabres potential activity at the trade deadline. What does "Sabres are looking for help now" really mean? Casey Mittelstadt was not discussed (!), but names like Jordan Greenway, Scott Laughton, and Boone Jenner were.

Kris and Matthew get together prior to the Sabres matinee against St. Louis to discuss the Casey Mittelstadt chatter and touch upon the team's performance when the pressure is on versus off...

We just talked about how to fill the Jack Quinn void. Now we  talk about the opportunity others are going to get in the final 30+ games with Mattias Samuelsson out for the remainder of the season.Related: are the injuries a valid reason for the Sabres not meeting this season's expectations? The lack of experienced depth could continue to prove costly.Sabres will have new lines combos and revised D pairs coming out of the beak. Will they also see Devon Levi at some point?That and a lot more as Kris and Matthew answer questions from the chat and get ready for the back half of 2023-24.

Ahead of the late start in LA, Kris Baker and The Athletic's Matthew Fairburn catch up on all things Buffalo Sabres following a disappointing effort in Anaheim.The coaching situation is a hot topic in Sabreland with the clock ticking as new lines combos are unveiled for their matchup with the KingsKris makes a bet with a few beloved livechatters - can he win?

Kris Baker and The Athletic's Matthew Fairburn catch up on all things Buffalo Sabres.Editors note: In this episode, Kris had the timeline of events incorrect leading up to the Sabres' drafting Kassian, McNabb, and Foligno (thank you to listener Koda), but he feels his overarching point still stands!Also in this episode....Matt and Kris get together following the Sabres' home-ice victory over Chicago. Topics include:Time to ride UPL?Can Zach Benson on the top line be a thing even after Skinner returns?Follow up to the previous podcast on what Vancouver has done to climb the 2023-24 standingsand more...

The Dahlin-less Sabres defeat Boston 3-1 and sandwich a four-game losing streak between road victories against the two best teams in the Eastern Conference.Owen Power and Mattias Samuelsson successfully munch major minutes in a spot where the team desperately needed them to perform. Does this become a new pair that forces Don Granato to find a new partner for Dahlin (day to day) once he returns?The Tage effect is real as it seems his return has elevated the team's overall compete level. If this challenging stretch is an audition for the team's next captaincy, Thompson is checking some boxes to be included in that leadership group once Kyle Okposo hangs up the skates.Devon Levi returns from his two-game stint in the AHL and comes up big, backstopping the team to victory against one of the league's top clubs. With the Sabres rumored to have interest in acquiring a veteran netminder, what's next for Levi in an attempt to balance winning versus developing?Is it time to change the Victor Olofsson narrative? There are some compelling stats that may suggest that to be the case. There is an interesting dynamic in place with Isak Rosen's arrival that could be helping both of the Swedes.Commenter Kevin says the win in Boston means little if the Sabres do not follow up in their next game (versus Montreal). After all, the Sabres have struggled to win two in a row. If that's the case, what are the next moves to be considered that can get the team on track?Also, Kris shamelessly solicits the audience for Christmas cookies. His DMs are open.As always, thank you for supporting the Baker Fairburn Hockey Show.