The Instigator Podcast

Chris Ostrander
  • 4.4 (46)
  • Hockey
  • Updated Weekly

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.

  1. 1d ago

    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 Sabres would be wise to keep the likes of Konsta Helenius and Noah Ostlund in-house, or to use one for a significant upgrade.

    42 min
  2. Playoff Plus and Minus for the Sabres

    May 22

    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 this week, so forgive any odd edits you may encounter.

    1h 1m
  3. The Bill Comes Due for the Sabres in Game Seven

    May 20

    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 could find the winner. We run through the series and game seven, highlighting where the Sabres succeeded and where they fell short, while also looking back on a memorable season that reinvigorated the city and fanbase.

    59 min
  4. Sabres and Habs Down to a Best of Three

    May 14

    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 the Sabres will need to clean up if they hope to secure a spot in the Eastern Conference Finals.

    1h 7m
  5. Sabres-Canadiens Round Two Preview

    May 6

    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 the ending of the Bruins series and Tuesday's NHL draft lottery.    --- Gambling problem? Call one eight hundred Gambler. In New York, call eight seven seven eight HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369). In Connecticut, Help is available for problem gambling. Call 888-878-9777 or visit ccpg dot org. Please play responsibly. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino & Resort (Kansas). Pass-thru of per wager tax may apply in Illinois. 21-plus age and eligibility varies by jurisdiction. Void in Ontario. Restrictions apply. Bet must win to receive Bonus Bets which expire in 7 days. Minimum odds  required. For additional terms and responsible gaming resources, see DKNG.co/audio. Limited time offer. Copyright NHL 2025. All Rights Reserved.

    1h 3m
  6. Sabres in the Driver's Seat Entering Game Five

    Apr 28

    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 their defense has played a major role in their success and where they've taken advantage of the Bruins. We also share some of our favorite memories from home ice close-out games over the years.    --- Gambling problem? Call one eight hundred Gambler. In New York, call eight seven seven eight HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369). In Connecticut, Help is available for problem gambling. Call 888-878-9777 or visit ccpg dot org. Please play responsibly. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino & Resort (Kansas). Pass-thru of per wager tax may apply in Illinois. 21-plus age and eligibility varies by jurisdiction. Void in Ontario. Restrictions apply. Bet must win to receive Bonus Bets which expire in 7 days. Minimum odds  required. For additional terms and responsible gaming resources, see DKNG.co/audio. Limited time offer. Copyright NHL 2025. All Rights Reserved.

    1h 4m
  7. Dave Horesh of Oxford Pennant Knows Puck

    Apr 27

    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 organization (including the production of retired number banners) and, of course, how he has been celebrating the end of the drought and the return of playoff hockey in Buffalo.

    33 min
  8. Power Play Woes Plague Sabres Playoff Return

    Apr 23

    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 their thrilling game one victory and what didn't work as the Bruins returned the favor in game two. We spend time talking about the choice in goal for game three and what could spark the power play as the series continues.  -- Gambling Problem? Call one eight hundred GAMBLER or one eight hundred MY RESET. New York: call eight seven seven eight HOPENY or text HOPENY. Connecticut: call eight eight eight seven eight nine seven seven seven seven or visit CCPG dot org. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino in Kansas. Wager tax pass-through may apply in Illinois. Twenty one plus in most states. Void in Ontario. Restrictions apply. Bet must win to receive Bonus Bets which expire in 7 days. Minimum odds required. For additional terms and responsible gaming resources, see D K N G dot co slash audio. Limited time offer. Copyright 2026. NHL. All Rights Reserved.

    1h 19m
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4.4
out of 5
46 Ratings

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Chris Ostrander
  • Years Active
    2016 - 2026
  • Episodes
    305
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright Chris Ostrander
  • Show Website
    The Instigator Podcast

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