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Rating
4.4from
This podcast has
321 episodes
Language
EnglishPublisher
Two in the Box, BleavExplicit
Yes
Date created
2016/05/18
Latest episode
2026/11/05
Average duration
52 min.
Release period
11 days
Description
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.
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Check latest episodes from The Instigator Podcast podcast
Larkin and Kucherov and the Evolving Player-Team Relationship
2026/11/05
We open with a quick conversation on the Sabres new Hometown Remix jerseys before jumping into the latest on Dylan Larkin and Nikita Kucherov. We talk about the most recent developments around Larkin and how his situation has evolved to a point where the Red Wings hold a great deal of power. Later on, we break down the new trade request from Kucherov and the unique and somewhat surprising development from one of the most talented and influential players over the last 10 years.
The Power Behind the Sabres Hometown Remix Featuring Eric Bodamer
2026/11/03
The designer of the Sabres Hometown Remix jersey, Eric Bodamer, joins the show to provide insight into the design process, the regional history that served as inspiration and the details sprinkled throughout the jersey. Eric provides incredible background into the newest alternate jerseys, including some of the aspects of the jerseys that haven't been made public. As always, Eric was incredibly gracious with his time and offered up some awesome anecdotes and expertise from his incredible career in sports.
Are the Sabres in Win Now Mode?
2026/10/27
The Sabres missed out on Connor Hellebuyck but may be in on another American Olympian in Dylan Larkin. We break down the Hellebuyck trade and offer some final thoughts on the saga from Buffalo's perspective. We also run through the reports that the Sabres have interest in Larkin and debate whether a top center is more valuable to the Sabres than a number one goalie. All of this is done through the lens of determining if the Sabres are truly in win now mode, or if Jarmo Kekalainen has more of an eye to the future for his club. We close the episode with some thoughts on the leaked Sabres Hometown Remix jersey, which has both of us excited for the official launch.
Hellebuyck Continues to Own the Headlines
2026/10/21
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 Division and how Buffalo's woeful special teams will make their climb in the East a more difficult task.
Sabres Hunting for Consistency
2026/10/14
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 players in the forward groups have been dragging down Buffalo's results. We also highlight the Olen Zellweger's encouraging play and the general strength of Buffalo's blueline.
Another Early Season Power Outage
2026/10/09
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, Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen's struggles and the several bright spots of the first four games of the season.
Sabres Open 26-27 With High Hopes and a Young Roster
2026/09/30
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 throuhgout the year. This abbreviated episode runs down some of the notable storylines ahead of the season opener.
An Early Bite From the Injury Bug
2026/09/23
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 also explores some of the latest in the NHL's expansion race, discussing whether or not the Texas bid will come together and what the logical next step will be for the league.
Is Hellebuyck Still On the Radar Ahead of Camp?
2026/09/16
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 as Darren Dreger reported the goaltender isn't expected to report to training camp. The new development drastically shifts the leverage held by the Kevin Cheveldayoff as Hellebuyck angles for a better situation.
Previewing the Queen City Hockey Expo
2026/08/04
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.
Two in the Mailbox: Mid-Summer Mailbag
2026/07/29
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.
Have the Sabres Improved their Roster?
2026/07/08
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 Kekäläinen this offseason. A packed, but young forward group is the focus of the conversation and the expectation of big contributions from Buffalo's youth to carry them forward. We also discuss the scuttled Connor Hellebuyck trade, the Pat Kane rumors and the shifting economy in the NHL under the rising salary cap.
Breaking Down Buffalo's Draft and Free Agent Shopping List
2026/07/01
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 roster and which players in a thin free agent class would fit on the Sabres roster.
Sabres Deal Bryam to Chicago in Draft Week Stunner
2026/06/24
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 of their own. We run through Buffalo's options with the fourth pick, the 20th pick and which players they could target in trade discussions.
Sabres Targeting Mission
2026/06/16
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 flexibility in future discussions. Along the way we offer up some final thoughts on the Stanley Cup Final, Vinny Prospal's hiring in St. Louis and the prospect of a sign and trade with Alex Tuch.
Podcast reviews
Read The Instigator Podcast podcast reviews
Lizzierd91 2026/04/14
the best
this is the best podcast about the sabres. these guys are down to earth and i really appreciate their insights. They’ve given the best analysis throug...
Miggy Francisco 2023/09/14
No choice for sabres talk
No wonder spittin chiclets gets all the listens
kp2575 2021/12/27
It’s a goat rodeo
“Goat rodeo” is one of the fine phrases I have learned from the podcasters with the most well kept junk in all of podcasting. Pragmatic and intelligen...
nfjaksnhdjxid 2019/04/03
Horrible
Do you guys even listen to your own podcast after record it? You can only hear one person talking.
Tex 4 2018/09/24
Great insight
I listen to all these podcasts. I really enjoy them as they are filled with great insight.
Great entertainment for all Sabre fans.
Moncrieff 65 2018/07/04
For the Hardcore Sabres Fan
Good insight and content from the guys. Only thing keeping it a “4” is the audio quality, which at times, a little rough.
Ozymandias, King of Kings 2017/01/22
Great Sabres talk.
Really enjoy listening to Chris and Tyler, and they've had some very informative guests on.
SAM0 THE GHOSTT 2016/12/20
Excellent sabres talk
Being from Buffalo, these guys remind me of home and i love it. They aren't too 'homery' but they still do a good job having that Buffalo personality ...
Gmann6622 2016/11/26
Horrible Audio
Chris and Tyler are great, however audio is horrible, 1982 called, they want their tape recorder back!!!!! Please drive the 10 miles and link up face ...
Jonesy? 2016/11/04
Like Home
Chris and Tyler produce a podcast that makes any longtime, diehard Sabres fan feel at home. No other podcast covers the Sabres from prospects to the n...
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