Zach Benson & What Is Pressure? | Morning Cuppa Hockey episode artwork

EPISODE · Aug 5, 2026 · 1H 4M

Zach Benson & What Is Pressure? | Morning Cuppa Hockey

from Morning Cuppa Hockey

Buffalo Sabres forward Zach Benson joins Jonny Lazarus and Colby Cohen on Morning Cuppa Hockey following the signing of his massive seven-year, $7.5 million AAV contract extension.Before the interview, Jonny and Colby break down Benson’s contract, Buffalo’s collection of team-friendly deals, the possibility of Connor Hellebuyck becoming the Sabres’ missing piece and why Patrick Kane returning home to Buffalo would have been such a great story.After the conversation with Benson, the guys discuss the Shoulder Check hockey event, its message of supporting teammates and checking in on the people around you, the responsibility star players have to influence an entire dressing room and the importance of positive self-talk. Jonny and Colby also debate the pressure NHL players face in markets such as New York and Toronto, where that pressure really comes from, the relationship between players and the media and why confrontational questions rarely produce meaningful answers.The show closes with the bet365 Bet of the Day, Buffalo’s chances of returning to the playoffs and an early prediction for the eight Eastern Conference playoff teams.Morning Cuppa Hockey is presented by bet365 and Proraso.Use promo code HOCKEY15 for 15% off at Proraso USA.Subscribe to Daily Faceoff and turn on notifications so you never miss an episode of Morning Cuppa Hockey with Jonny Lazarus and Colby Cohen.TIMESTAMPS:0:00 Morning Cuppa Hockey begins0:34 Zach Benson’s seven-year contract extension3:11 Buffalo’s team-friendly contracts and offseason outlook4:01 Could Connor Hellebuyck be the Sabres’ missing piece?4:35 Patrick Kane returns to Chicago instead of Buffalo6:43 Nation Gear’s Offseason Social Club7:46 Zach Benson joins the show7:53 Benson’s summer training in Vancouver9:43 Going directly from the NHL Draft to the Sabres11:59 Adjusting to the speed and physicality of playoff hockey12:56 Benson’s incredible first NHL goal and offensive confidence13:25 Buffalo’s unforgettable Game 1 playoff comeback16:02 Lindy Ruff’s leadership during Buffalo’s difficult start17:27 When the Sabres realized they were a legitimate contender19:41 Alex Tuch’s departure and Buffalo’s leadership void21:02 Benson’s chemistry with Josh Doan and Josh Norris22:14 Benson’s personal goals for next season23:28 Benson’s friendship with Tage Thompson25:28 The biggest personalities in Buffalo’s locker room25:58 Benson admits he secretly cut Alex Tuch’s skate laces27:15 Benson’s first major purchase after signing his contract28:08 The Blade Gang and Buffalo’s playoff atmosphere29:18 Playing playoff games in Boston and Montreal30:37 Preparing for Game 731:38 Scoring a game-winner on his 21st birthday32:15 Buffalo’s returning core and expectations for next season33:23 Living alone, Uber Eats and Benson’s favourite Buffalo restaurant34:29 Is Zach Benson actually cheap?36:41 Zach Benson interview concludes38:02 Jonny’s experience at the Shoulder Check hockey event40:44 NHL stars come together at Sacred Heart42:33 How star players influence their teammates46:20 Positive self-talk and mental performance47:17 Is there pressure playing NHL hockey in New York?49:46 The internal pressure professional athletes put on themselves52:12 Pressure as a privilege in major hockey markets55:32 Does media coverage determine how much pressure players face?57:36 Player interviews, difficult questions and building trust59:01 There are no bad players in the NHL59:57 Setting up the bet365 Bet of the Day1:00:38 Buffalo Sabres to make the playoffs1:01:19 Early Eastern Conference playoff predictions1:02:08 Could the Toronto Maple Leafs miss the playoffs?1:03:02 David Carle joins the show next week1:03:29 Final thoughts on Zach Benson and the Sabres1:04:43 Outro#MorningCuppaHockey #ZachBenson #BuffaloSabres #Sabres #NHL #Hockey #NHLPlayoffs #DailyFaceoff Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Zach Benson & What Is Pressure? | Morning Cuppa Hockey

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