The Instigator Podcast Two in the Box

The first round of the playoffs is behind us and that means it's time to identify which teams may be feeling desperate after an early playoff exit. We touch on some of our favorite targets from the eight eliminated clubs, highlighting players who could help put the Sabres over the top. We also dissect the Maple Leafs latest first round exit and the drama surrounding them after the loss. We kick off the show with a brief conversation about the NHL Draft Lottery and why we think the Sabres ought to move their pick. 

The first round of the playoffs are chugging along and we are here to catch up with what we've missed. We touch on the few series that have impressed us and the ones that haven't. We look ahead to what could be a very impressive slate of second round series while we wait to see if any of the trailing teams catch up in their respective series. 

We also spend some time breaking down the league's move from Arizona to Utah. We discuss some of the biggest pitfalls of the Coyotes' time in Phoenix while sharing our optimisim of what's to come for the NHL in Salt Lake City. 

Kevyn Adams landed on his head coaching hire and it's a familiar face. Lindy Ruff will be back behind the Buffalo Sabres bench for the 2024-25 season and we dig into the decision to bring Ruff into the fold after moving on from Don Granato. We touch on his tenure in Dallas and New Jersey and attempt to translate which traits and aspects of those seasons may serve the Sabres in trying to snap their playoff drought. 

Don Granato was relieved of his duties by the Buffalo Sabres. We break down the firing and begin to discuss who might come in to replace him as Buffalo's bench boss. We spend some time on the likes of Lindy Ruff, David Carle, Bruce Boudreau and many others. 

The Sabres were mathematically eliminated from the playoffs and, like last season, there isn't one single reason they will miss out on the postseason. But that didn't keep us from trying to pin it down. We spend this week's episode running through the myriad reasons the Sabres couldn't keep pace in the Eastern Conference and will be watching the playoffs for the 13th straight season. 

Should the Sabres first round pick be offered up in a trade this offseason? We run down just why we feel so strongly that the Sabres shouldn't just be shopping their first rounder, but several other pieces this summer in an attempt to get the right mix with their group and to break their playoff drought.