The Instigator Podcast – Two in the Box

The Instigator Podcast 13.33 – Searching for a Standard

Chris Ostrander — Tue, 06 May 2025 02:26:51 +0000

A pair of teams leapt up the draft order after the 2025 NHL Draft Lottery. The New York Islanders will be picking first overall while the Utah Hockey Club moved from 14th to fourth, locking in the San Jose Sharks at second overall (:20). The Sabres were bumped to ninth overall after two teams from behind them moved up. We walk through the lottery results and offer a few thoughts on the direction we’d go if we were in the GM chair with the Islanders (6:58). Then we tackle the Sabres options at ninth overall (15:53) The 2025 class isn’t exceptional after the first few picks, meaning there are a number of directions the Sabres could go with their selection (23:10). We touch on a few as we look ahead to next month’s draft and the rest of the offseason.

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The Instigator Podcast 13.32 – Searching for a Standard

Chris Ostrander — Tue, 29 Apr 2025 14:14:00 +0000

While there was some expectation the Sabres could make some changes in the front office, it appears as if no changes are in store for the club. Meanwhile, teams across the league have made substantial changes at coach or GM. We ask why the Sabres haven’t determined that this sort of action is necessary after another season without the playoffs and whether or not there is any sort of organizational standard here in Buffalo (29:30). We kick off the show with a conversation on the first round of the NHL playoffs (:30) and TNT calling games from the studio (5:01). We also take a quick detour to chat about yet another expansive arena renovation plan (14:31). This time, it’s the Ducks who have big plans for their home arena.

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The Instigator Podcast 13.31 – Post Season Post Mortem

Chris Ostrander — Mon, 21 Apr 2025 14:12:00 +0000

Kevyn Adams and Lindy Ruff wrapped up the Sabres season with a joint press conference, coming after two days of locker cleanout and player interviews. We run through some of the most notable talking points from the weekend, reflecting on the pros and cons of an eventful weekend for the Sabres. While Adams spent a lot of time saying very little, he still made a few comments that stood out against a 14th straight season without a playoff berth.

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The Instigator Podcast 13.30 – Opening the Mailbag for Game 82

Chris Ostrander — Thu, 17 Apr 2025 09:41:00 +0000

It’s time for a listener mailbag as game 82 of the Sabres season approaches. This episode takes on questions about Buffalo’s offseason plans, what the blueline should look like, if Lindy Ruff will get any assistants of his choosing and more.

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The Instigator Podcast 13.29 – History for Ovechkin (and the Sabres Season) Ovie Hits the Home Stretch

Chris Ostrander — Wed, 09 Apr 2025 01:59:53 +0000

The Sabres resurgent play won’t get them in the playoffs as they were officially eliminated on Tuesday despite a shutout of the Hurricanes. This episode explores some of the bright spots and building blocks on the Buffalo roster, plus an Eastern Conference Wild Card race that inched along for the second straight season. We also celebrate Alex Ovechkin breaking the all time goal scoring record to open the show.

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The Instigator Podcast 13.29 – History for Ovechkin (and the Sabres Season) Ovie Hits the Home Stretc

Chris Ostrander — Wed, 02 Apr 2025 02:26:04 +0000

Alex Ovechkin is on the brink of breaking Wayne Gretzky’s all time goal scoring record and we devote the opening portion of this episode to discussing his feat, where he fits in league history and whether or not we’ll see the record broken this year. We also discuss the 180 Buffalo’s goaltending hierarchy has undergone as James Reimer has seemingly taken the net from Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen. Also, how has Noah Ostlund’s hot second half altered his stock within the organization?

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The Instigator Podcast 13.27 – Norris Concern and Final Stretch Talking Points

Chris Ostrander — Thu, 27 Mar 2025 02:29:01 +0000

The Sabres hosted a season ticket holder event that produced a few interesting tidbits and we frame a conversation on the boiling fan unrest around the event and the ongoing injury issue facing Josh Norris. We also pose a question of which Amerk you’d like to see recalled for a short look over the final few weeks of the 24-25 season. The show wraps up with a brief discussion of the upcoming NCAA National Tournament.

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The Instigator Podcast 13.26 – What Comes Next for the Sabres with Joe Yerdon

Chris Ostrander — Thu, 20 Mar 2025 02:39:52 +0000

It was another week full of frustrating press coverage centered on thee Sabres and their struggles. Joe Yerdon joins the show this week to dig into the latest coverage while offering some insights on what has plagued the Sabres as of late. We talk about what’s shaping up to be a new storyline for the end of the year and look ahead to yet another pivotal offseason for Kevyn Adams.

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The Instigator Podcast 13.25 – Sabres Back in the Content Crosshairs

Chris Ostrander — Wed, 12 Mar 2025 03:13:51 +0000

This week’s episode runs through the aftermath of the deadline, looking ahead to what comes next for Kevyn Adams and the Sabres. We walk through the remaining holes to plug in Buffalo’s lineup and how the Josh Norris acquisition fits within the larger scope of the club’s ongoing build. Prior to that, we talk through the explosion of takes spurred by Paul Bissonnette over Rasmus Dahlin drawing a line in the sand with Adams. While Dahlin strongly denied the report, there was no getting past the initial concern that the Sabres could alienate another star.

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The Instigator Podcast – Quick Hit Trade Deadline Recap

Chris Ostrander — Sat, 08 Mar 2025 03:29:38 +0000

Josh Norris was the big addition for the Sabres on deadline day and Kevyn Adams did a fair bit of work moving out Dylan Cozens and Henri Jokiharju and extending Jason Zucker. This episode is a quick rundown of Friday’s work by Adams, offering a brief breakdown of the Norris acquisition. In addition, this episode takes a look at a busy deadline around the league, highlighting the most notable deals made at the 2025 NHL Trade Deadline.

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Gambling problem? Call one eight hundred Gambler. In New York, call 877-8 HOPENY or text HOPENY (4673699). In Connecticut, Help is available for problem gambling. Call 888-7899-7777 or visit ccpg dot org. Please play responsibly. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino & Resort (Kansas). 21-plus age and
eligibility varies by jurisdiction. Void in Ontario. New customers only. Bonus bets expire 168 hours after issuance. For additional terms and responsible gaming resources, see DKNG.co/audio.