PODCAST · sports
The Instigator Podcast
by Two in the Box, Bleav
A Buffalo Sabres podcast hosted by Chris and Tyler of the Buffalo blog Two in the Box. The Instigator focuses on Sabres hockey, the NHL and other Buffalo-related topics.
Episodes
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Hellebuyck Continues to Own the Headlines
Connor Hellebuyck's saga may be drawing to a close as a potential deadline approaches this week. We discuss the ongoing rumor mill that surrounds Hellebuyck and the persistent connections between the goaltender and the Sabres. We kick off the show with a discussion on the state of the Atlantic...
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Sabres Hunting for Consistency
It's been an up-and-down run for the Sabres after seven games. While they haven't ripped off a run of wins, they've posted wins against some of the league's best, though their consistency has been a sticking point. Forward contributions have been especially hot and cold and we run down which...
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Another Early Season Power Outage
Yet again, the Sabres power play is a sticking point. For the third-straight season the Sabres power play has started the season on an extended drought, putting the team in a precarious position of over reliance on their even strength play. This episode discusses the lackluster power play,...
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Sabres Open 26-27 With High Hopes and a Young Roster
The Sabres start their defense of the Atlantic Division title on Thursday with their sights set on making it back-to-back years with a playoff appearance. They enter the season with a handful of troubling injuries and a host of young players who will be relyed upon for key contributions…
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An Early Bite From the Injury Bug
Two of four preseason games are complete and the Sabres are already dealing with some injury troubles. With Jason Zucker already out, Olen Zellweger and Mattias Samuelsson both left Tuesday's preseason game early, leaving the Sabres with some notable absences from their NHL lineup. This episode...
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Is Hellebuyck Still On the Radar Ahead of Camp?
The Sabres open training camp this week with the door open for their exciting young core. We run down Noah Ostlund's new contract and how it fits into the other contracts the Sabres signed this offseason. As we look ahead to training camp, we also discuss the latest in the Connor Hellebuyck saga…
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Previewing the Queen City Hockey Expo
The first Queen City Hockey Expo takes place on Sunday, August 9 at Buffalo Riverworks. Event organizer and founder Chris Holmes joins the show to discuss the event and what attendees can expect. The event inclues a gear swap and several events and seminars that will take place during the day.
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Two in the Mailbox: Mid-Summer Mailbag
As July comes to an end, it seemed like a perfect time for a mailbag episode. This edition's listener questions include a querey on Connor McDavid, line combinations for next season, the ever concerning power play and more! Thanks to everyone who submitted questions.
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Have the Sabres Improved their Roster?
The Sabres were active in the leadup to the NHL Draft, moving on from Bowen Byram and Alex Tuch. Olen Zellweger and Louis Crevier have arrived to shore up the blueline, but it appears to be status quo up front. We discuss whether or not the Sabres are a stronger team after the moves made by Jarmo...
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Breaking Down Buffalo's Draft and Free Agent Shopping List
The Sabres exited the draft with a pair of first round prospects and Olen Zellweger. We run through the work that wrapped up the prior week for the Sabres, where Zellweger fits and what Buffalo's trade chips look like after the draft. We also discuss what's left to do in order to round out the...
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Sabres Deal Bryam to Chicago in Draft Week Stunner
Bowen Byram was traded to Chicago in a stunning deal that sends the fourth overall pick back to the Sabres just three days before the 2026 NHL Draft. We break down the Bryam trade and offer our insight on what may be coming next for the Sabres who suddenly have the ammunition to make a big deal…
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Sabres Targeting Mission
Now that the offseason is officially underway, it's time to get down to business determining who the Sabres should be pursuing. We break down a few teams that fell outside of the playoff picture as potential targets not just for acquisitons, but for shedding salary in order to allow for more...
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Who Stays and Who Goes From the Sabres Roster?
The Sabres have several key free agents to either re-sign or allow to walk to free agency. We break down the key choices facing the club, including Peyton Krebs and Beck Malenstyn, Alex Tuch and Michael Kesselring. With Buffalo facing a tight cap situation, we also talk through which players…
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A Sabres Mailbag to Distract from the Cup Finals
While the Cup Final isn't one that many fans in Buffalo will be excited about, this mailbag episode offers insight on a pile of Sabres-related topics. Along the way, we run through how the Sabres might replace Alex Tuch, what areas of the roster should be targeted for improvement and if the…
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Playoff Plus and Minus for the Sabres
We bring back our old plus/minus bit to serve up our thoughts on the full run of Buffalo's playoff roster. Each player gets a hit and our thoughts on what they did well, where they struggled and who drove the bus for the Sabres on their run. This is a cutout from the episode which dropped earlier...
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The Bill Comes Due for the Sabres in Game Seven
Alex Newhook, who shot the lights out all series, ended Buffalo's season on a knuckle ball from the left circle. The Sabres charged hard in game seven, rallying from two goals down and dominating puck possession. Jakub Dobes was too good in game seven, holding Montreal above water until they…
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Sabres and Habs Down to a Best of Three
We're back to talk through the last three games of the Sabres series with the Canadiens, with a focus on game four. We talk through Buffalo's penalty troubles, their five-on-five success and the choices Lindy Ruff made with his lineup. We look ahead as the series is now a best of three and what…
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Sabres-Canadiens Round Two Preview
The Sabres and Habs are set to face off in round two. We break down the series by looking at how the two clubs matchup across each lineup. We break down where Montreal may hold an advantage over the Sabres and where the Sabres could find success against Montreal. We also offer a few thoughts on…
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Sabres in the Driver's Seat Entering Game Five
The Sabres took both games in Boston and return home with a commanding 3-1 series lead. They have the opportunity to close out a series on home ice and we talk about the keys to Buffalo's game that will be imperative to earning a 4-1 series win. We break down Buffalo's relentless forecheck, how...
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Dave Horesh of Oxford Pennant Knows Puck
Oxford Pennant Co-Founer Dave Horesh joins the show to talk about the deep Buffalo roots of Oxford Pennant and the unique set of offerings they have produced for the Sabres playoff run. We also talk about Dave's love of the Sabres, what it's meant for Oxford Pennant to work so closely with the...
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Power Play Woes Plague Sabres Playoff Return
Buffalo's power play has been an issue all season and it's been particularly awful in the month of April. The power play woes have continued into the playoffs and could derail Buffalo's efforts to take down the Bruins in round one. We discuss games one and two, what worked well for the Sabres in...
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Sabres Lock Up Atlantic and a Date with The Bruins
The Sabres are Atlantic Division champs, an amazing result considering where they came from in early December. We break down the Atlantic Division title and how it will shape expectations for the postseason. We also break down Buffalo's matchup with the Bruins and the pros and cons of the round…
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Which Drought-Era Sabre Would You Add to This Year's Roster?
The drought is officially over. The Sabres clinched a playoff spot over the weekend and celebrated inside a raucous KeyBank Center on Monday. We talk through the end of the drought, Monday's win and the remaining work to be done in the playoff race. We also float who could get the biggest pop for...
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Lineup Refinement Coming as Sabres Inch Closer to Clinching
Jordan Greenway, like Conor Timmins last week, has returned from injury. Zach Metsa is back from Rochester. Buffalo's roster is as close to 100% as it has been all season (though they will likely lose Sam Carrick for a period), how Lindy Ruff refines his lineup now that he's spoiled for choice…
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Who Do You Want the Sabres To Draw in Round One?
Who do you think is the best matchup for the Sabres in round one? There are still upwards of eight teams that could wind up playing the Sabres in the first round. We spend this week's episode talking through Buffalo's potential opponents in round one, providing insight into the strengths and...
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2ITB Mailbag: Does Lindy Win the Jack Adams and Who is Buffalo's Third Pair?
Is Lindy going to win the Jack Adams? Will he retire if he does? Who should be the playoff starter and what will the Sabres do with their third pair? All of those questions and more are addressed on this mailbag edition of The Instigator Podcast.
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The Sabres Wagon Keeps Rolling
It's been quite the week for the Sabres. Under normal circumstances, the trade deadline would have offered more than enough fodder for an episode, but then the Sabres and Lightning put on the most exciting game of the season. We talk through the aftermath of Sunday's barnburner, dig in on…
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Sabres Add Four Players at 2026 NHL Trade Deadline
The Sabres didn't land any big fish at this year's deadline but they brought in depth at forward and the blue line. Logan Stanley and Sam Carrick will likely be the most heavily deployed acquisitions while Tanner Pearson and Luke Schenn offer addition depth. This quick episode runs down Buffalo's...
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Sabres Chasing Parayko, Thomas Ahead of NHL Deadline
Colton Parayko may be a Sabre if he opts to waive his no trade clause. Robert Thomas was very nearly a Sabre, based on reporting on Tuesday. Both big names out of St. Louis are our primary talking points this week as Thomas would represent a monumental blockbuster deal while Parayko is a seasoned...
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Double Golds and Discourse Follows the U.S. Back From Milan
For the first time in 46 years the U.S. has won gold in Olympic Hockey. Meanwhile, the U.S. women brought home yet another gold medal, cementing themselves as the global power in the women's game. We break down both gold medals in addition to addressing the discourse that has followed in the wake...
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Who Takes Gold at the 2026 Olympics?
The Olympic hockey tournament is here and we take a look at the tournament favorites on the men's side. We break down the Canadian and U.S. line combos and share what we think separates the two gold medal favorites. We offer thoughts on what countries we think will make some noise at the…
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Storylines and Insights on the Olympic Hockey Tournament featuring Parker McLean of On The Fly
With the men's Olympic hockey tournament set to begin and the women's Olympic hockey tournament already underway, Parker McLean of On The Fly joined the show to give a host of insights on this year's Olympic hockey tournament. Parker provides some great, in-depth talking points on the women's...
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Radio Broadcast Changes on the Horizon for Sabres, Bills
Big news broke in Buffalo on Tuesday as it was announced the Bills will bringing their radio production in-house for the coming season. Shortly after, The Buffalo News reported that the Sabres will follow suit. This represents a big shift in how both teams present themselves to their fanbase and...
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Four Point Games Abound For The Surging Sabres
Four point games are all the rage as the Sabres press on. The next week is filled with high-stakes games as the Sabres look to strengthen their hold on an Eastern Conference playoff spot. We touch on the upcoming schedule, whether or not Buffalo's dip in underlying numbers are cause for concern…
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The Sabres Playoff Push Rolls On
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...
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Sabres Must Weather the Storm of the Condensed Schedule
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...
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Seeking Targets to Bolster the Sabres Blue Line
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…
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Dissecting the Positives of the Sabres Winning Streak
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…
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Sabres Streaking in the Jarmo Era
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…
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Jarmo Kekäläinen Takes the Helm for the Sabres
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...
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Trading Alex Tuch
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...
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Josh Norris Leaves His Mark in Return from Injury
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…
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Another Thanksgiving With the Sabres at the Kid Table
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…
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The Trouble With Buffalo's Goaltending Trio
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...
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Can the Sabres Navigate Their Injury Woes?
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...
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How Long Can the Sabres Be Loser Point Merchants?
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...
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Sabres Showing Signs of Progress After 10 Games
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…
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The Sabres Pull Themselves Off the Mat, What Comes Next?
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…
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Three Games in and the Sabres Appear Dead in the Water
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...
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Key Injuries Underscore the Sabres 2025-26 Season Kick Off
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…
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does The Instigator Podcast have?
The Instigator Podcast currently has 301 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is The Instigator Podcast about?
A Buffalo Sabres podcast hosted by Chris and Tyler of the Buffalo blog Two in the Box. The Instigator focuses on Sabres hockey, the NHL and other Buffalo-related topics.
How often does The Instigator Podcast release new episodes?
The Instigator Podcast publishes regularly with 301 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to The Instigator Podcast?
You can listen to The Instigator Podcast on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts The Instigator Podcast?
The Instigator Podcast is created and hosted by Two in the Box, Bleav.
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