Maintenance Day

Episode 89: Your Buffalo Sabres training camp preview Sep 17, 2024

Lance and Joe are back again and this time they've got Peyton Krebs' new contract to talk about, just like they knew they would. But wait, there's more.
The Sabres wrapped up the Prospects Challenge this week and it was very difficult to leave that and wonder how Jiri Kulich finds his way on the Sabres roster this season. But will he? Hmm...
There are loads of position battles, players to pick from, and hard decisions ahead for Lindy Ruff and Kevyn Adams when training camp opens on Wednesday morning and the guys go over as much of it as they can before they hit the ice.
Thanks for listening and thanks for letting us know you're enjoying the pod.
Follow Lance and Joe on Twitter!
Read Lance's work at The Buffalo News
Read Joe's work at Noted Hockey and Bleacher Report
Big thanks to our musician friends --
Intro: MerlinBerlin -- "Orbit" - Find them on Bandcamp
Outro: Chips 'N Cellos -- Boss Fight (Sabre Dance, Khachaturian) - Find them on Bandcamp

Episode 88: Naptime over, it's Sabres Prospects Challenge time Sep 12, 2024

When last you heard from Lance and Joe, it was early July and the Buffalo Sabres had just made a massive trade and then the team did virtually nothing else since! The nerve!
The guys are back this week talking all about the Sabres' star-studded lineup for the annual Prospects Challenge and they each pick three players they're excited to watch closely. With five first-round picks to choose from, surely some of them will be part of the fun, provided they don't try to one-up each other with different players.
They also take some time out to discuss Peyton Krebs being--as of the recording in the mid-afternoon of September 12--still unsigned and what the heck is even going on there.
Thanks for listening and thanks for letting us know you're enjoying the pod.
Follow Lance and Joe on Twitter!
Read Lance's work at The Buffalo News
Read Joe's work at Noted Hockey and Bleacher Report
Big thanks to our musician friends --
Intro: MerlinBerlin -- "Orbit" - Find them on Bandcamp
Outro: Chips 'N Cellos -- Boss Fight (Sabre Dance, Khachaturian) - Find them on Bandcamp

Episode 87: Sabres offseason and the Matt Savoie trade Jul 07, 2024

Savor the summertime because Lance and Joe are back and so is the Buffalo Sabres offseason discussion.
The guys took in the draft in Las Vegas, but the real buzz went down when the Sabres traded Matt Savoie to the Edmonton Oilers for Ryan McLeod. They'll break down the move, why it went down, what the team should do next, and how the lineup sets up. As part of that, they'll get into the signings of Jason Zucker and Nicolas Aube-Kubel, trading for Beck Malenstyn, and the buyout of Jeff Skinner (oh right, that happened too).
They'll talk about what more is to come this summer (if anything) and how the roster sets up throughout the organization moving ahead.
Thanks for listening and thanks for letting us know you're enjoying the pod.
Follow Lance and Joe on Twitter!
Read Lance's work at The Buffalo News
Read Joe's work at Noted Hockey and Bleacher Report
Big thanks to our musician friends --
Intro: MerlinBerlin -- "Orbit" - Find them on Bandcamp
Outro: Chips 'N Cellos -- Boss Fight (Sabre Dance, Khachaturian) - Find them on Bandcamp

Episode 86: Jeff Skinner and the buyout conundrum Jun 20, 2024

Lance and Joe are back again this week talking about the case of whether or not the Buffalo Sabres should buy out Jeff Skinner. There are pros and cons a-plenty to be had with such a tricky case and beefy contract.
They'll also get into how best to address the Sabres bottom-six forward situation. Free agents or trades are there to be signed or made, but who are the best candidates? There is a lot to sort through and it's a very tricky thing to do because they cannot miss on any acquisitions.
Thanks for listening and thanks for letting us know you're enjoying the pod.
Follow Lance and Joe on Twitter!
Read Lance's work at The Buffalo News
Read Joe's work at Noted Hockey and Bleacher Report
Big thanks to our musician friends --
Intro: MerlinBerlin -- "Orbit" - Find them on Bandcamp
Outro: Chips 'N Cellos -- Boss Fight (Sabre Dance, Khachaturian) - Find them on Bandcamp

Episode 85: The Sabres offseason outlook Jun 14, 2024

Lance and Joe are back and this week they're gearing up hardcore for the Sabres offseason. They'll talk about whether or not Buffalo will keep the No. 11 pick in the 2024 NHL Draft and if they're dealing it...what are they going to go for?
The guys will then bust out their ideal shopping lists for positions whether it's via trade or free agency for top-and-bottom-six forwards, centers, wings and third pair defensemen. There's *plenty* to sift through on all accounts which is why this episode is packed with extra listening for your enjoyment/infuriation.
Thanks for listening and thanks for letting us know you're enjoying the pod.
Follow Lance and Joe on Twitter!
Read Lance's work at The Buffalo News
Read Joe's work at Noted Hockey and Bleacher Report
Big thanks to our musician friends --
Intro: MerlinBerlin -- "Orbit" - Find them on Bandcamp
Outro: Chips 'N Cellos -- Boss Fight (Sabre Dance, Khachaturian) - Find them on Bandcamp

Episode 84: Lindy Ruff is back and Seth Appert is joining him May 16, 2024

Lance and Joe are back - hey, it's the offseason, cut them a break! They're back and they've got the goods on Lindy Ruff's return to the Buffalo Sabres as the head coach. They discuss what his return means, what it'll entail, and what to expect from him.
They'll also talk about Seth Appert getting promoted from the Rochester Americans to be the assistant coach in Buffalo alongside Lindy and what it'll mean to have him there to fix up the power play and rejoin the many prospects he helped get to the NHL.
Plenty of things to listen up on for an offseason!
Thanks for listening and thanks for letting us know you're enjoying the pod.
Follow Lance and Joe on Twitter!
Read Lance's work at The Buffalo News
Read Joe's work at Noted Hockey and Bleacher Report
Big thanks to our musician friends --
Intro: MerlinBerlin -- "Orbit" - Find them on Bandcamp
Outro: Chips 'N Cellos -- Boss Fight (Sabre Dance, Khachaturian) - Find them on Bandcamp

Episode 83: Don Granato's firing and what's next for the Sabres Apr 19, 2024

We all knew there'd be some changes, but the Sabres firing of Don Granato and the feedback from the players in the days after illuminated what went wrong. Lance and Joe will break all of it down:
- What went wrong
- Why the move was made
- What GM Kevyn Adams said he's looking for from the next coach
- Who he should take the longest (and shortest) looks at
- The case for Rochester Americans coach Seth Appert
Buckle in, it's their longest episode to date, but it's more than worth the full listen.
Thanks for listening and thanks for letting us know you're enjoying the pod.
Follow Lance and Joe on Twitter!
Read Lance's work at The Buffalo News
Read Joe's work at Noted Hockey and Bleacher Report
Big thanks to our musician friends --
Intro: MerlinBerlin -- "Orbit" - Find them on Bandcamp
Outro: Chips 'N Cellos -- Boss Fight (Sabre Dance, Khachaturian) - Find them on Bandcamp

Episode 82: Coaching, the power play, and everything else Apr 04, 2024

Lance and Joe saved up a lot of their words for the latest episode. This time around, the guys talk about Don Granato, his future, what could and should happen, and what's the best way for the Sabres to approach a vital offseason as well as their future.
They'll also talk about JJ Peterka's breakout, particularly teaming up with Tage Thompson and Alex Tuch on the top line. They'll also really get into it about the power play and how it's been a bit of a mess for a lot longer than you'd think it has.
The guys also talk about the offseason, Peyton Krebs, the Amerks, and much more in their longest episode to date.
Thanks for listening and thanks for letting us know you're enjoying the pod.
Follow Lance and Joe on Twitter!
Read Lance's work at The Buffalo News
Read Joe's work at Noted Hockey and Bleacher Report
Big thanks to our musician friends --
Intro: MerlinBerlin -- "Orbit" - Find them on Bandcamp
Outro: Chips 'N Cellos -- Boss Fight (Sabre Dance, Khachaturian) - Find them on Bandcamp

Episode 81: Sabres beyond the trade deadline Mar 11, 2024

The guys are back and even though they managed to get a bit too tied up with the trade deadline, Lance and Joe are back to discuss what the Buffalo Sabres pulled off. They get into what it meant to send Kyle Okposo to a Stanley Cup contender and what he meant to the team and organization.
They'll also dig into one of the biggest trades of the entire deadline in which the Sabres sent Casey Mittelstadt to Colorado for defenseman Bo Byram. The guys will get into what that move does and how it sets up what they'll be up to for the offseason and how vital it becomes to find a third-line center and how they'll attack things to get them to the playoffs next year.
Wait... don't they still have a chance at that this year...? Don't worry, that gets discussed as well.
Thanks for listening and thanks for letting us know you're enjoying the pod.
Follow Lance and Joe on Twitter!
Read Lance's work at The Buffalo News
Read Joe's work at Noted Hockey and Bleacher Report
Big thanks to our musician friends --
Intro: MerlinBerlin -- "Orbit" - Find them on Bandcamp
Outro: Chips 'N Cellos -- Boss Fight (Sabre Dance, Khachaturian) - Find them on Bandcamp

Episode 80: A Sabres smorgasbord Feb 26, 2024

Lance and Joe have a stacked up show this week in which they discuss the latest with Jeff Skinner and what Tyson Jost's recall means for the lineup. Losing Skinner right as they get on a roll? Sounds about right for this season, doesn't it?
They'll also talk about:
- Owen Power's return and the brilliance (and workload) of Rasmus Dahlin
- Peyton Krebs getting an opportunity and running with it
- How Dylan Cozens and Tage Thompson are getting their groove back even without goals
- Erik Johnson and the trade deadline looming
- A NEW SCOREBOARD?!?
Thanks for listening and thanks for letting us know you're enjoying the pod.
Follow Lance and Joe on Twitter!
Read Lance's work at The Buffalo News
Read Joe's work at Noted Hockey and Bleacher Report
Big thanks to our musician friends --
Intro: MerlinBerlin -- "Orbit" - Find them on Bandcamp
Outro: Chips 'N Cellos -- Boss Fight (Sabre Dance, Khachaturian) - Find them on Bandcamp

Episode 79: The Valentine's Day gift of Sabres hockey Feb 14, 2024

Today, Lance and Joe decided to send valentines out to all of you in the form of a normal length episode of the show. You're welcome!
This week, the guys discuss Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen seizing the day and highlighting how doing goalie development on the right timeline CAN work!
They also get into:
Kyle Okposo on the first line with Tage Thompson and Jeff Skinner and why it continues to be a thing.
Casey Mittelstadt's future and if it's even a good idea to consider trading him.
How the Sabres will approach the trade deadline and what sorts of deals should they be looking at as well as how to improve the roster in the current situation given all the prospects on the way and the needs they have to address.
Thanks for listening and thanks for letting us know you're enjoying the pod.
Follow Lance and Joe on Twitter!
Read Lance's work at The Buffalo News
Read Joe's work at Noted Hockey and Bleacher Report
Big thanks to our musician friends --
Intro: MerlinBerlin -- "Orbit" - Find them on Bandcamp
Outro: Chips 'N Cellos -- Boss Fight (Sabre Dance, Khachaturian) - Find them on Bandcamp

Episode 78: Don't call it a comeback, call it a throwback Jan 30, 2024

Why yes, Lance and Joe are still doing the podcast! With Joe away and ill-prepared to produce a show with his laptop, the guys get right to business discussing Jack Quinn's injury, how the Buffalo Sabres will go about replacing him in the lineup, and all the options available to GM Kevyn Adams to make it work for the next eight weeks.
They'll also dig in about the players who are impressing, how they'll go about handling the stretch run and if they're actually as bad as some fans seem to believe they are.
Thanks for listening and thanks for letting us know you're enjoying the pod. Even more so, thank you all for your patience while Lance and Joe each sorted through an assortment of issues to tend to between episodes.
Follow Lance and Joe on Twitter!
Read Lance's work at The Buffalo News
Read Joe's work at Noted Hockey and Bleacher Report

Episode 77: Patrick Kane passes on Sabres and hello to UPL Nov 28, 2023

Lance and Joe are back again this week and breaking down why it's OK the Buffalo Sabres didn't sign Patrick Kane even though it may have addressed some issues in the lineup.
They'll break down the Sabres past few games including a stinker in Jersey and a big win against the Rangers while analyzing how they've needed Alex Tuch, gotten great play from other forwards, and also talk about Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen taking hold of the No. 1 job in goal.
And while UPL is owning it, they'll talk about what to do next about Devon Levi and whether sending him to Rochester is for the best and how doing that could affect him and how Don Granato sets the lineup.
Thanks for listening and thanks for letting us know you're enjoying the pod.
Follow Lance and Joe on Twitter!
Read Lance's work at The Buffalo News
Read Joe's work at Noted Hockey and Bleacher Report
Big thanks to our musician friends --
Intro: MerlinBerlin -- "Orbit" - Find them on Bandcamp
Outro: Chips 'N Cellos -- Boss Fight (Sabre Dance, Khachaturian) - Find them on Bandcamp

Episode 76: Life without Tage Thompson Nov 16, 2023

Lance and Joe are back this week and unfortunately the Sabres won't have Tage Thompson around for nearly the next two months. How do the Sabres make up for his absence? The guys talk about what Dylan Cozens and Casey Mittelstadt mean to the lineup to help that out. The Sabres will get Alex Tuch back in the lineup and boy have they missed him recently.
One thing the Sabres aren't doing enough right now? Scoring goals. What do Isak Rosen and Jiri Kulich do well in Rochester? Score goals. So where are they? Also... do they need Patrick Kane to help boost this offense?
The guys also discuss Ryan Johnson's play making it really difficult to consider sending him back to the AHL and what the heck they're going to do about the logjam on defense.
Thanks for listening and thanks for letting us know you're enjoying the pod.
Follow Lance and Joe on Twitter!
Read Lance's work at The Buffalo News
Read Joe's work at Noted Hockey and Bleacher Report
Big thanks to our musician friends --
Intro: MerlinBerlin -- "Orbit" - Find them on Bandcamp
Outro: Chips 'N Cellos -- Boss Fight (Sabre Dance, Khachaturian) - Find them on Bandcamp

Episode 75: Goaliepocalypse or something like that Oct 30, 2023

This week, Lance and Joe discuss how the injuries to Devon Levi and Eric Comrie brought Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen back into the fold and how he's started strong early on.
The guys discuss the Sabres' 4-0 win against Colorado, the line shuffles in search of trios that can work all the time, JJ Peterka's great play of late, the return of Alex Tuch's game, Connor Clifton's suspension and Jacob Bryson's return to the lineup, what's next for Zach Benson, and who might be the next guy up from Rochester to help the lineup.
Thanks for listening and thanks for letting us know you're enjoying the pod.
Follow Lance and Joe on Twitter!
Read Lance's work at The Buffalo News
Read Joe's work at Noted Hockey and Bleacher Report
Big thanks to our musician friends --
Intro: MerlinBerlin -- "Orbit" - Find them on Bandcamp
Outro: Chips 'N Cellos -- Boss Fight (Sabre Dance, Khachaturian) - Find them on Bandcamp

Episode 74: Sabres stumbling out of the gate Oct 20, 2023

This week, Lance and Joe get into the Sabres' 1-3-0 start and if there are big reasons to worry so early on into the season.
They'll also discuss Devon Levi's early workload (and injury) and how that affects the three-man setup they're rolling with. Zach Benson is also a little banged up which brings Victor Olofsson back into the lineup and boy there's a lot to sort out there, too. And with a slow start comes new line changes to break down.
Thanks for listening and thanks for letting us know you're enjoying the pod.
Follow Lance and Joe on Twitter!
Read Lance's work at The Buffalo News
Read Joe's work at Noted Hockey and Bleacher Report
Big thanks to our musician friends --
Intro: MerlinBerlin -- "Orbit" - Find them on Bandcamp
Outro: Chips 'N Cellos -- Boss Fight (Sabre Dance, Khachaturian) - Find them on Bandcamp

Episode 73: Let the Sabres season begin Oct 10, 2023

It's time, at last. The Sabres season opens on Thursday and to celebrate they got Rasmus Dahlin locked up for an 8-year, $88 million extension for Lance and Joe to discuss.
They'll get into that as well as 18-year-old Zach Benson making the team, Matt Savoie's recovery from injury and what's next for him, and a tour through the lineup (especially goaltending...) to look ahead to what should be a big season in Buffalo.
Thanks for listening and thanks for letting us know you're enjoying the pod.
Follow Lance and Joe on Twitter!
Read Lance's work at The Buffalo News
Read Joe's work at Noted Hockey and Bleacher Report
Big thanks to our musician friends --
Intro: MerlinBerlin -- "Orbit" - Find them on Bandcamp
Outro: Chips 'N Cellos -- Boss Fight (Sabre Dance, Khachaturian) - Find them on Bandcamp

Episode 72: Dahlin & Power contracts, Matt Savoie, and Sabres training camp Sep 22, 2023

Lance and Joe are back and so are the Buffalo Sabres. The guys lead off the show discussing what's going on with the lack of extensions signed by Rasmus Dahlin and Owen Power and whether or not it's actually a big deal.
Training camp is underway and there are battles to be had, but one player who won't be duking it out just yet is prospect Matt Savoie whose shoulder injury is keeping him on the sidelines and possibly off the Sabres roster this season.
There are plenty of guys worthy of discussing to take the spot vacated by Jack Quinn thanks to injury, however, and Lance and Joe will mention each of them in great detail, of course. They'll also go over their initial impressions of the first couple days of camp.
Thanks for listening and thanks for letting us know you're enjoying the pod.
Follow Lance and Joe on Twitter!
Read Lance's work at The Buffalo News
Read Joe's work at Noted Hockey and Bleacher Report
Big thanks to our musician friends --
Intro: MerlinBerlin -- "Orbit" - Find them on Bandcamp
Outro: Chips 'N Cellos -- Boss Fight (Sabre Dance, Khachaturian) - Find them on Bandcamp

Episode 71: Dahlin dealin' and the prospects challenge Sep 06, 2023

This week, Lance and Joe decided to play the part of Fun Police about the upcoming long-term extension Rasmus Dahlin will (eventually) sign with the Sabres. Yes, we know the money and the years - big whoop, wanna fight about it?
They'll also look ahead to the Prospects Challenge in Buffalo and who among the not-usual players they're looking forward to seeing the most. They'll also get into it the same way about Sabres training camp that will follow a week later. We know everyone wants to see Devon Levi, but who ELSE?!
They'll also dig in on some of the Sabres Atlantic Division foes starting with Boston, Tampa Bay, and Toronto and breaking them down. They'll hit the other four teams next week, so don't sweat it.
Thanks for listening and thanks for letting us know you're enjoying the pod.
Follow Lance and Joe on Twitter!
Read Lance's work at The Buffalo News
Read Joe's work at Noted Hockey and Bleacher Report
Big thanks to our musician friends --
Intro: MerlinBerlin -- "Orbit" - Find them on Bandcamp
Outro: Chips 'N Cellos -- Boss Fight (Sabre Dance, Khachaturian) - Find them on Bandcamp

Episode 70 -- Remembering RJ and more Aug 29, 2023

Lance and Joe are back this week and they're talking about Rick Jeanneret's passing and how the best way to honor him was to bring back everyone to share their great stories about him.
They'll also dig in about the executive shuffling atop Pegula ownership, dissolving PSE, and what this could all mean for the Sabres in the meantime.
Ilya Lyubushkin was traded to Anaheim recently and it doesn't exactly clear things up too well on defense. But that's OK, because competition is going to be the name of the game all across the roster when training camp takes off in a few weeks.
Thanks for listening and thanks for letting us know you're enjoying the pod.
Follow Lance and Joe on Twitter!
Read Lance's work at The Buffalo News
Read Joe's work at Noted Hockey and Bleacher Report
Big thanks to our musician friends --
Intro: MerlinBerlin -- "Orbit" - Find them on Bandcamp
Outro: Chips 'N Cellos -- Boss Fight (Sabre Dance, Khachaturian) - Find them on Bandcamp

Episode 69: Being nice about the 5th anniversary of the Jeff Skinner trade Aug 03, 2023

Oh hey, Lance and Joe are back this week with a new episode in which they look back on the Jeff Skinner trade that happened in August 2018 and how a former head coach nearly helped make it the worst contract in NHL history through mismanagement.
The guys also delve into what to do (if anything) about Jack Quinn's absence until January. Tomas Tatar sound good? How about Pius Suter?
...how about Patrick Kane?
There's also goalie talk (of course!), the effect of Patrice Bergeron retiring, and some Amerks, too.
Thanks for listening and thanks for letting us know you're enjoying the pod.
Follow Lance and Joe on Twitter!
Read Lance's work at The Buffalo News
Read Joe's work at Noted Hockey and Bleacher Report
Big thanks to our musician friends --
Intro: MerlinBerlin -- "Orbit" - Find them on Bandcamp
Outro: Chips 'N Cellos -- Boss Fight (Sabre Dance, Khachaturian) - Find them on Bandcamp

Episode 68: Sabres taking care of business Jul 03, 2023

Lance and Joe have dried out from the NHL Draft in Nashville and are neck-deep in Sabres development camp. They'll discuss the signings Buffalo made for free agency and break down how having nine defensemen on NHL deals is going to work. Yes, they'll talk about how the only goaltending moves made were for Rochester. They'll also discuss the NHL Draft and the new prospects for everyone to salivate over including first-round pick Zach Benson.
Thanks for listening and thanks for letting us know you're enjoying the pod.
Follow Lance and Joe on Twitter!
Read Lance's work at The Buffalo News
Read Joe's work at Noted Hockey and Bleacher Report
Big thanks to our musician friends --
Intro: MerlinBerlin -- "Orbit" - Find them on Bandcamp
Outro: Chips 'N Cellos -- Boss Fight (Sabre Dance, Khachaturian) - Find them on Bandcamp

Episode 67: Sabres offseason and post-combine thoughts Jun 13, 2023

Lance and Joe are back this week going over what they saw at the NHL Draft Combine and the players they think would be interesting for the Sabres to choose in the first round when they pick at 13th overall.
They also talk about the free agent defense market following the Blue Jackets trading for Ivan Provorov and Damon Severson (and also signing him to a goofball deal). Lance talks about Victor Olofsson's expectation to be traded and what that does with the Sabres forwards including UFA Zemgus Girgensons and RFA Tyson Jost. Plus there's more!
Thanks for listening and thanks for letting us know you're enjoying the pod.
Follow Lance and Joe on Twitter!
Read Lance's work at The Buffalo News
Read Joe's work at Noted Hockey and Bleacher Report
Big thanks to our musician friends --
Intro: MerlinBerlin -- "Orbit" - Find them on Bandcamp
Outro: Chips 'N Cellos -- Boss Fight (Sabre Dance, Khachaturian) - Find them on Bandcamp

Episode 66: Wrapping Amerks and talking prospects Jun 05, 2023

Lance and Joe are BACK thanks to the Rochester Americans' playoff run coming to an end. You take the good with the bad, right? They'll discuss the Amerks and what their future looks like with a new infusion of talent. They'll also talk about who from that team we could see with the Sabres next season, too. With draft season upon us, there's a lot of prospect talk but more about guys the Sabres already selected including what's up with Jiri Kulich, Noah Ostlund, and Matt Savoie. Would you like to see Connor Hellebuyck on the Sabres? Would you be willing to pay the price to make it happen? Intrigue!
Thanks for listening and thanks for letting us know you're enjoying the pod.
Follow Lance and Joe on Twitter!
Read Lance's work at The Buffalo News
Read Joe's work at Noted Hockey and Bleacher Report
Big thanks to our musician friends --
Intro: MerlinBerlin -- "Orbit" - Find them on Bandcamp
Outro: Chips 'N Cellos -- Boss Fight (Sabre Dance, Khachaturian) - Find them on Bandcamp

Episode 65: Talking playoffs: NHL and Amerks May 08, 2023

Lance and Joe are back and they've been watching the Stanley Cup Playoffs and have some thoughts about what's gone down so far including takes on the Leafs fumbling while the Panthers thrive and a handful of former Sabres all over the postseason doing things. They'll also talk about the Rochester Americans in the Calder Cup Playoffs: Getting by Syracuse, facing Toronto next, and how the wave of young guys are thriving.
Thanks for listening and thanks for letting us know you're enjoying the pod.
Follow Lance and Joe on Twitter!
Read Lance's work at The Buffalo News
Read Joe's work at Noted Hockey and Bleacher Report
Big thanks to our musician friends --
Intro: MerlinBerlin -- "Orbit" - Find them on Bandcamp
Outro: Chips 'N Cellos -- Boss Fight (Sabre Dance, Khachaturian) - Find them on Bandcamp

Episode 64: Tying a bow on the Sabres season Apr 19, 2023

We made it everyone, the real end of the season. The part where the games are over, all the Sabres players have spoken, and Don Granato and Kevyn Adams got to assess how things went and deal with our questions for the last time for...a couple months anyway. This week, Lance & Joe discuss what Granato and Adams had to say about: goaltending, Kyle Okposo and Zemgus Girgensons maybe coming back, Matt Savoie and Jiri Kulich's future, Ryan Johnson and his maybe never signing self, a possible influx of Russian draft picks, and the inevitable extensions for Rasmus Dahlin and Owen Power.
It's a lot, we know, but it's worth a listen as the guys hash it all out.
Thanks for listening and thanks for letting us know you're enjoying the pod.
Follow Lance and Joe on Twitter!
Read Lance's work at The Buffalo News
Read Joe's work at Noted Hockey and Bleacher Report
Big thanks to our musician friends --
Intro: MerlinBerlin -- "Orbit" - Find them on Bandcamp
Outro: Chips 'N Cellos -- Boss Fight (Sabre Dance, Khachaturian) - Find them on Bandcamp

Episode 63: Analyzing the Sabres dead playoff dream Apr 12, 2023

This week, Lance and Joe go over the end of the Sabres' dream to make the playoffs. They touch on literally everything you can think of relating to the team, how things played out, and what may lie ahead. There's plenty to talk about Devon Levi, Rasmus Dahlin, Tage Thompson, and the others. It's pretty much two guys talking it out and then Lance had to go and mention the NHL Awards and it flew away in that direction.
Thanks for listening and thanks for letting us know you're enjoying the pod.
Follow Lance and Joe on Twitter!
Read Lance's work at The Buffalo News
Read Joe's work at Noted Hockey and Bleacher Report
Big thanks to our musician friends --
Intro: MerlinBerlin -- "Orbit" - Find them on Bandcamp
Outro: Chips 'N Cellos -- Boss Fight (Sabre Dance, Khachaturian) - Find them on Bandcamp

Episode 62: Devon Levi and the not-dead Sabres playoff hope Apr 03, 2023

You wanted Devon Levi, you got Devon Levi, and Devon Levi lived up to the hype in his first game. But what will he do for his second start and how soon will that be? Lance and Joe have a discussion about that and the rest of the goaltending collective that hangs in the balance as the Sabres get right back into the discussion for the playoffs.
The guys also get into how the Sabres have played without Tage Thompson (good) and how Casey Mittelstadt has fit in his stead (also good). There's also more about Mattias Samuelsson and Jordan Greenway returning to action and Henri Jokiharju's play of late as well as remembering some guys from that 18-game losing streak from two years ago.
Thanks for listening and thanks for letting us know you're enjoying the pod.
Follow Lance and Joe on Twitter!
Read Lance's work at The Buffalo News
Read Joe's work at Noted Hockey and Bleacher Report
Big thanks to our musician friends --
Intro: MerlinBerlin -- "Orbit" - Find them on Bandcamp
Outro: Chips 'N Cellos -- Boss Fight (Sabre Dance, Khachaturian) - Find them on Bandcamp

Episode 61: Are the Sabres out of their funk? Maybe! Mar 28, 2023

This week, Lance and Joe keep the show nice and tight and a little more bite-size as opposed to the previous super-size editions. They're concerned about your audio caloric intake an discuss Pride Night and Ilya Lyubushkin, Tage Thompson's injury and how they managed with him banged up and without him against Montréal.
Eric Comrie looked good don't you think? No, wait, you're wondering when Devon Levi will play and so are the guys. And let's get some shoutouts to Lukáš Rousek for pulling an Alexander Mogilny in his first NHL game (scoring on his first shift).
Thanks for listening and thanks for letting us know you're enjoying the pod.
Follow Lance and Joe on Twitter!
Read Lance's work at The Buffalo News
Read Joe's work at Noted Hockey and Bleacher Report
Big thanks to our musician friends --
Intro: MerlinBerlin -- "Orbit" - Find them on Bandcamp
Outro: Chips 'N Cellos -- Boss Fight (Sabre Dance, Khachaturian) - Find them on Bandcamp

Episode 60: Levi's arrival and the playoff struggle Mar 20, 2023

The guys are back and talking all about Devon Levi who's finally a Sabre. How much will he play and what to expect out of him? Lance and Joe get into it.
You may have noticed the Sabres have been struggling lately. Yeah, they'll talk about that too as well as the additions of Riley Stillman and Jordan Greenway.
Thanks for listening and thanks for letting us know you're enjoying the pod.
Follow Lance and Joe on Twitter!
Read Lance's work at The Buffalo News
Read Joe's work at Noted Hockey and Bleacher Report
Big thanks to our musician friends --
Intro: MerlinBerlin -- "Orbit" - Find them on Bandcamp
Outro: Chips 'N Cellos -- Boss Fight (Sabre Dance, Khachaturian) - Find them on Bandcamp

Episode 59: Sabres post-deadline checkdown Mar 06, 2023

We're at last beyond the trade deadline and the Sabres made a handful of moves adding Jordan Greenway and Riley Stillman and said good-bye to Rasmus Asplund and Erik Portillo's draft rights. Lance and Joe discuss the ups and downs of the moves. The guys also dig in about the wild game against Tampa, ask about who among the goalies is going to be the guy to lean on, and take a look ahead at what could be a wicked week of games.
Thanks for listening and thanks for letting us know you're enjoying the pod.
Follow Lance and Joe on Twitter!
Read Lance's work at The Buffalo News
Read Joe's work at Noted Hockey and Bleacher Report
Big thanks to our musician friends --
Intro: MerlinBerlin -- "Orbit" - Find them on Bandcamp
Outro: Chips 'N Cellos -- Boss Fight (Sabre Dance, Khachaturian) - Find them on Bandcamp

Episode 58: Sabres rolling and prepping for a trade deadline Feb 27, 2023

The countdown to Friday's trade deadline is winding down and Lance and Joe dig in on what the Sabres could/should be looking to do for it, particularly in the wake of Alex Tuch's injury that will have him out for a few weeks.
News breaks during the recording a couple of times and the guys analyze the Maple Leafs acquisition of Jake McCabe and Sam Lafferty and also give a mention to Michael Houser signing an NHL contract again with the Sabres.
The guys also get into it about why everyone was ready to jump ship following a brutal loss to Toronto and, you'll never believe it... they'll talk about goaltending again. Right? I know!
Thanks for listening and thanks for letting us know you're enjoying the pod.
Follow Lance and Joe on Twitter!
Read Lance's work at The Buffalo News
Read Joe's work at Noted Hockey and Bleacher Report
Big thanks to our musician friends --
Intro: MerlinBerlin -- "Orbit" - Find them on Bandcamp
Outro: Chips 'N Cellos -- Boss Fight (Sabre Dance, Khachaturian) - Find them on Bandcamp

Episode 57 -- Let the Sabres playoff gauntlet begin Feb 20, 2023

After a one-week California-borne hiatus, Lance and Joe are back and ready to get into it about the Sabres and their race for the postseason and how it starts with a wicked four-game slate for the week.
They also discuss the latest Sabres line changes and how they've worked out superbly (so far) and the emergence of Peyton Krebs as a major contributor with his growth through the season. They would be remiss to not talk about goaltending and how it's Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen's show because he is the hot hand everyone wants to ride. That's how that's supposed to be worded, right?
Oh yeah, the trade deadline is coming up next week and the Sabres are buyers?! Well, what should they be shopping for? The guys have some ideas.
Thanks for listening and thanks for letting us know you're enjoying the pod.
Follow Lance and Joe on Twitter!
Read Lance's work at The Buffalo News
Read Joe's work at Noted Hockey and Bleacher Report
Big thanks to our musician friends --
Intro: MerlinBerlin -- "Orbit" - Find them on Bandcamp
Outro: Chips 'N Cellos -- Boss Fight (Sabre Dance, Khachaturian) - Find them on Bandcamp

Episode 56: All-Star Shenanigans and Your Sabres Questions Answered Feb 06, 2023

This week, Lance and Joe take a look back and have some laughs about the All-Star Weekend. Are they laughing with it or laughing at it? You make the call. There's also the Tage Thompson injury that's worth discussing and just how worrisome it may be.
The guys also answer a few questions about the second half of the season and what that may bring as far as trade situations and what sort of moves Sabres GM Kevyn Adams might make, Dylan Cozens' upcoming contract and what that will look like, and just how locked in on their prospects if it means making a splash trade? Ooooh... juicy!
Thanks for listening and thanks for letting us know you're enjoying the pod.
Follow Lance and Joe on Twitter!
Read Lance's work at The Buffalo News
Read Joe's work at Noted Hockey and Bleacher Report
Big thanks to our musician friends --
Intro: MerlinBerlin -- "Orbit" - Find them on Bandcamp
Outro: Chips 'N Cellos -- Boss Fight (Sabre Dance, Khachaturian) - Find them on Bandcamp

Episode 55: What a long, delightful trip it's been Jan 30, 2023

Oh, hi there. Remember us, Maintenance Day? Apologies for missing out last week, but with Lance hitting the road and Joe under the weather and the Sabres schedule being what it's been the past few weeks, literally nothing cooperated for the guys to sit down and chat.
BUT!
They made up for it this week by going a little extra long to discuss the Sabres getting seven out of eight possible points during the four-game road trip along with: Owen Power off the goal-scoring schneid and the continuation of his Calder case. Don shuffling lines against Minnesota to prove a point and pull the right strings. Peyton Krebs's goodness and the ever-encroaching trade deadline and whether Timo Meier is worth the squeeze it would put on futures.
Thanks for listening and thanks for letting us know you're enjoying the pod.
Follow Lance and Joe on Twitter!
Read Lance's work at The Buffalo News
Read Joe's work at Noted Hockey and Bleacher Report
Big thanks to our musician friends --
Intro: MerlinBerlin -- "Orbit" - Find them on Bandcamp
Outro: Chips 'N Cellos -- Boss Fight (Sabre Dance, Khachaturian) - Find them on Bandcamp

Episode 54: OK let's relax a little bit now Jan 19, 2023

The guys know they're late with this week's episode, but listen, the schedule has been bonkers. For the latest episode they crammed in some time ahead of Ryan Miller night to talk about the latest turn of struggles for the team, the need for more consistency from defense pairs that don't have Rasmus Dahlin and Mattias Samuelsson, and you'll never believe it but more goaltending talk because things are all kinds of awkward.
It's a short episode this week, apologies to all, but with the team on the road next week, expect a bit more fleshing out.
Thanks for listening and thanks for letting us know you're enjoying the pod.
Follow Lance and Joe on Twitter!
Read Lance's work at The Buffalo News
Read Joe's work at Noted Hockey and Bleacher Report
Big thanks to our musician friends --
Intro: MerlinBerlin -- "Orbit" - Find them on Bandcamp
Outro: Chips 'N Cellos -- Boss Fight (Sabre Dance, Khachaturian) - Find them on Bandcamp

Episode 53: Starting the playoff discussion Jan 09, 2023

Coming off what may have been the most fun game of the year against Minnesota, Lance and Joe decided it's time to have the talk about playoff possibilities. They're very well aware of what's happened in the past, but also there are only a couple guys who were even around for the real bad past fumblings down the stretch so it's all moot...right? Sure! They also get into the upcoming goalie-pocalypse with Eric Comrie's return coming VERY soon (yes, it's a different discussion than last week), how great Rasmus Dahlin has been, and can we give Owen Power some love nationally already?
Thanks for listening and thanks for letting us know you're enjoying the pod.
Follow Lance and Joe on Twitter!
Read Lance's work at The Buffalo News
Read Joe's work at Noted Hockey and Bleacher Report
Big thanks to our musician friends --
Intro: MerlinBerlin -- "Orbit" - Find them on Bandcamp
Outro: Chips 'N Cellos -- Boss Fight (Sabre Dance, Khachaturian) - Find them on Bandcamp

Episode 52: A Sabres goaltending roshambo Jan 02, 2023

Bet you thought Lance and Joe were done talking about the Sabres goalie situation for a while, didn't you? Ha-ha! A fool's errand, indeed. Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen's hot run of success and Eric Comrie's imminent return from injury has the Sabres in a bit of a spot with those two and Craig Anderson all worthy of the net in the NHL. The guys hash out Buffalo's options. They also discuss the effect the holiday and blizzard time away from the rink has had on the team, Alex Tuch's greatness of late, Quinn and Peterka kind of going through it and what they can do about that (if anything), and the plight of Devon Levi of late at Northeastern.
Thanks for listening -- hopefully the heat from our takes melted the rest of the snow haunting you outside.
Follow Lance and Joe on Twitter!
Read Lance's work at The Buffalo News
Read Joe's work at Noted Hockey and Bleacher Report
Big thanks to our musician friends --
Intro: MerlinBerlin -- "Orbit" - Find them on Bandcamp
Outro: Chips 'N Cellos -- Boss Fight (Sabre Dance, Khachaturian) - Find them on Bandcamp

Episode 51: Happy birthday, Maintenance Day! Dec 22, 2022

It's been a year since this podcast began. Why it started one just before Christmas is beyond us, too, but it's too late now! Lance and Joe are here and you're stuck with them as they discuss the Sabres' newly extended Christmas break, their recent super successful road trip out west, how good Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen was during that trip and what's going to happen when Eric Comrie returns in the near future. They also get you to calm down about the Cozens line being broken up for a little bit on the road and then they start discussing the really bad Batman movies for some reason. It's just what you'd expect from them when they're loaded with holiday cheer and Arnold Schwarzenegger puns.
Thanks for listening and reading these notes -- be safe as the winter hellscape descends across the country.
Follow Lance and Joe on Twitter!
Read Lance's work at The Buffalo News
Read Joe's work at Noted Hockey and Bleacher Report
Big thanks to our musician friends --
Intro: MerlinBerlin -- "Orbit" - Find them on Bandcamp
Outro: Chips 'N Cellos -- Boss Fight (Sabre Dance, Khachaturian) - Find them on Bandcamp

Episode 50: Tage Thompson, that's it, that's the title Dec 12, 2022

What a wild week for the Sabres. First, Tage Thompson goes supernova with five goals, then Jeff Skinner goes rage-style and earns a three-game suspension, and then Henri Jokiharju earns a noble, yet terrible, injury blocking an Evgeni Malkin slap shot. Sheesh. Lance and Joe get into all of that as well as Casey Mittelstadt's promotion in Skinner's absence, some goaltending chatter, and the usual end of show goofing around.
Thanks for listening, we more than appreciate that and your patience and kind words, too!
Follow Lance and Joe on Twitter!
Read Lance's work at The Buffalo News
Read Joe's work at Noted Hockey and Bleacher Report
Big thanks to our musician friends --
Intro: MerlinBerlin -- "Orbit" - Find them on Bandcamp
Outro: Chips 'N Cellos -- Boss Fight (Sabre Dance, Khachaturian) - Find them on Bandcamp

Episode 49: Old man Cozens and the rookies Dec 05, 2022

Quite the impression made by Dylan Cozens, J-J Peterka, and Jack Quinn the past few games, eh? Lance and Joe talk about what it means to have the Kid Line/Youth Movement Line/Make Your Own Name For The Line But Don't Call It The Kid Line-Line going the way they are and how outstanding Cozens in particular is performing.
The guys also talk about UPL and his trial by combat in the schedule and his struggles to this point. Mattias Samuelsson is a difference maker in obvious and not-so obvious ways for the Sabres. Peyton Krebs is going to be OK... but what about Mittelstadt and Olofsson?
The guys also treat you to some inside stories to what it's like to covering a team that has such fun vibes now as compared to... the old days.
Thanks for listening, we more than appreciate that and your patience and kind words, too!
Follow Lance and Joe on Twitter!
Read Lance's work at The Buffalo News
Read Joe's work at Noted Hockey and Bleacher Report
Big thanks to our musician friends --
Intro: MerlinBerlin -- "Orbit" - Find them on Bandcamp
Outro: Chips 'N Cellos -- Boss Fight (Sabre Dance, Khachaturian) - Find them on Bandcamp

Episode 48: The Jakob Chychrun interruption Nov 28, 2022

Annnnnnd we're back!
Lance and Joe apologize for missing out on last week's episode and offer up many mea culpas for it. They made up for it this week by both going long and discussing at length the thought of the Sabres adding Jakob Chychrun from the Arizona Coyotes. What would they do and not do to acquire another top defenseman as well as who else would be able to offer what Buffalo could to make a deal like that happen.
They also discuss Tyson Jost's arrival and Riley Sheahan's departure, Mattias Samuelsson being the guy who makes it happen for the defense, Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen's return, and more.
Thanks for listening, we more than appreciate that and your patience with the silly schedule/weather/illnesses/(insert issue here).
Follow Lance and Joe on Twitter!
Read Lance's work at The Buffalo News
Read Joe's work at Noted Hockey and Bleacher Report
Big thanks to our musician friends --
Intro: MerlinBerlin -- "Orbit" - Find them on Bandcamp
Outro: Chips 'N Cellos -- Boss Fight (Sabre Dance, Khachaturian) - Find them on Bandcamp

Episode 47: On the skids Nov 14, 2022

So... the Sabres have lost five straight, but is everything doom and gloom or is this just part of how it goes with a young team learning the league that's also missing two of their top-four defensemen?
Well, when you put it that way...
Lance and Joe discuss all of that, what went right and what went wrong in the week that was, and some discussion about Casey Mittelstadt, Jack Quinn, and more.
Thanks for listening, we more than appreciate it.
Follow Lance and Joe on Twitter!
Read Lance's work at The Buffalo News
Read Joe's work at Noted Hockey and Bleacher Report
Big thanks to our musician friends --
Intro: MerlinBerlin -- "Orbit" - Find them on Bandcamp
Outro: Chips 'N Cellos -- Boss Fight (Sabre Dance, Khachaturian) - Find them on Bandcamp

Episode 46: Like a gloved punch to the face Nov 07, 2022

It's a new week and that means there's a new Sabres defenseman injured, only this time it's Rasmus Dahlin and that's really no good. Lance and Joe talk about the Sabres test of mettle in the southeast that led to the Dahlin injury and how that thrusts Owen Power into the No. 1 role which will totally be fun to watch.
Another injury on defense raises the question: Should the Sabres add another NHL-caliber blue liner via trade? Is there one to even be had right now? Speaking of defending, teams are really starting to clue in on Tage Thompson now that he's scorching hot and that's really interesting.
Oh, right... Jack's back in Buffalo this week. Only this time it's the real Jack Eichel and not post-surgery recovery Jack like we saw here last season. Oh, and Vegas is off to a monster start because of him. Who's ready for the circus?
Thanks for listening, we more than appreciate it.
Follow Lance and Joe on Twitter!
Read Lance's work at The Buffalo News
Read Joe's work at Noted Hockey and Bleacher Report
Big thanks to our musician friends --
Intro: MerlinBerlin -- "Orbit" - Find them on Bandcamp
Outro: Chips 'N Cellos -- Boss Fight (Sabre Dance, Khachaturian) - Find them on Bandcamp

Episode 45: Less broken than the blue line Oct 31, 2022

What could've been a terrible week filled with L's turned around in an instant with a comeback win against Chicago. Lance and Joe discuss how Casey Mittelstadt and Victor Olofsson have really looked as of late, Tage Thompson perhaps busting out of his goal-scoring slump, the outstanding play of Jack Quinn, what's the deal with Jeff Skinner and Kyle Okposo, and... oh, right, the defense is falling apart before our collective eyes. Should probably discuss that, too, right?
Thanks for listening and congratulations! You are now Owen Power's defense partner just by reading these notes.
Follow Lance and Joe on Twitter!
Read Lance's work at The Buffalo News
Read Joe's work at Noted Hockey and Bleacher Report
Big thanks to our musician friends --
Intro: MerlinBerlin -- "Orbit" - Find them on Bandcamp
Outro: Chips 'N Cellos -- Boss Fight (Sabre Dance, Khachaturian) - Find them on Bandcamp

Episode 44: Everything is OK even when it's not OK Oct 24, 2022

The Sabres are flying to start the season and are having a dynamite swing through Western Canada and into Seattle. Rasmus Dahlin is killing it, so is Alex Tuch...but defensemen are getting hurt like crazy and what's up with Peyton Krebs and Jack Quinn? Lance and Joe talk it all out and, it isn't all gloomy, there's plenty of discussion about how great the Thompson and Cozens lines are working out.
Thanks as always for listening, you're our No. 1 center now.
Follow Lance and Joe on Twitter!
Read Lance's work at The Buffalo News
Read Joe's work at Noted Hockey and Bleacher Report
Big thanks to our musician friends --
Intro: MerlinBerlin -- "Orbit" - Find them on Bandcamp
Outro: Chips 'N Cellos -- Boss Fight (Sabre Dance, Khachaturian) - Find them on Bandcamp

Episode 43: To troll or not to troll Oct 17, 2022

The Buffalo Sabres got their season off with a win against Ottawa and a feisty loss to Florida. Lance and Joe discuss their takeaways from those games, how one deals with professional hockey troll Matthew Tkachuk, some interesting late-game line shuffles, and how not to worry about goaltending for once! Ahh, sweet, sweet, relief.
Thanks as always for listening. We would hip check someone questionably late for your approval.
Follow Lance and Joe on Twitter!
Read Lance's work at The Buffalo News
Read Joe's work at Noted Hockey and Bleacher Report
Big thanks to our musician friends --
Intro: MerlinBerlin -- "Orbit" - Find them on Bandcamp
Outro: Chips 'N Cellos -- Boss Fight (Sabre Dance, Khachaturian) - Find them on Bandcamp

Episode 42: The regular season is here at last Oct 10, 2022

You've been waiting a long time (like six months) for the next regular season of Buffalo Sabres hockey and it's here at last! Lance and Joe discuss Kyle Okposo's captaincy and his assistant captains Zemgus Girgensons and Rasmus Dahlin. They also talk about why Alex Tuch doesn't have a letter, too.
Oh right, the opening day roster is there too. Plenty of discussion to absorb to your eardrums.
Thanks as always for listening. And thanks to goalie Craig Anderson for dropping the pod's during the normal course of answering questions. We're truly a podcast on everyone's lips whether they know it or not.
Follow Lance and Joe on Twitter!
Read Lance's work at The Buffalo News
Read Joe's work at Noted Hockey and Bleacher Report
Big thanks to our musician friends --
Intro: MerlinBerlin -- "Orbit" - Find them on Bandcamp
Outro: Chips 'N Cellos -- Boss Fight (Sabre Dance, Khachaturian) - Find them on Bandcamp

Episode 41: Making the Sabres roster Oct 03, 2022

There might be another week-plus of training camp to go, but the Sabres roster is basically set. Isn't that neat? There are still a couple of preseason games to go and potential for added chaos, but Lance and Joe are all in on discussing who snags the final few spots on the team and how it'll shake out in the end. We're almost there everyone. The guys dig into some more nonsense including our jersey preferences to see from fans at games and how we didn't mean to have a weird ad last week. Oopsies!
Thanks as always for listening. Congrats on making the team, we always knew you had it in you.
Follow Lance and Joe on Twitter!
Read Lance's work at The Buffalo News
Read Joe's work at Noted Hockey and Bleacher Report
Big thanks to our musician friends --
Intro: MerlinBerlin -- "Orbit" - Find them on Bandcamp
Outro: Chips 'N Cellos -- Boss Fight (Sabre Dance, Khachaturian) - Find them on Bandcamp

Episode 40 -- In which there is Sabres hockey Sep 26, 2022

This week, Lance and Joe talk about the start of Sabres training camp and how things are looking early on. Lance was in Washington for the first preseason game of the year, so he's got some first-hand game observations, too. There's so much to mention it would spoil the whole podcast to list it off here. Trust us, there's plenty of Sabres goodness within.
Thanks as always for listening. We know you're in the best shape of your career and we noticed it, too.
Follow Lance and Joe on Twitter!
Read Lance's work at The Buffalo News
Read Joe's work at Noted Hockey and Bleacher Report
Big thanks to our musician friends --
Intro: MerlinBerlin -- "Orbit" - Find them on Bandcamp
Outro: Chips 'N Cellos -- Boss Fight (Sabre Dance, Khachaturian) - Find them on Bandcamp

Episode 39 -- The challenge of prospects and training camp Sep 19, 2022

It's here and it's beautiful. Prospects Challenge has come and gone, and Lance and Joe have plenty to discuss. Who stood out, who we want to see more from, and who's got a shot of making the main roster (if anyone). If you missed out on the Prospects Challenge, they'll make you feel like you totally didn't.
Oh yeah, TRAINING CAMP starts this week, too. The guys talk about what they're keeping a close eye for the biggest story headed into camp that totally has nothing to do with goaltending. Enough with the goalies!
Thanks as always for listening. We know you're in the best shape of your career and we noticed it, too.
Follow Lance and Joe on Twitter!
Read Lance's work at The Buffalo News
Read Joe's work at Noted Hockey and Bleacher Report
Big thanks to our musician friends --
Intro: MerlinBerlin -- "Orbit" - Find them on Bandcamp
Outro: Chips 'N Cellos -- Boss Fight (Sabre Dance, Khachaturian) - Find them on Bandcamp

Episode 38: It's a prospect challenge podcast Sep 12, 2022

Hockey this week?! It's true, it's damn true, and it starts with the Prospects Challenge at Harborcenter. The Sabres will have Matt Savoie, Jiri Kulich, Isak Rosén and more taking the ice against some of the NHL's other top prospects. Lance and Joe talk about the Sabres roster, what they're looking to see out of the top guys and the guys fighting for attention, and more. We're almost there, gang. Hockey awaits!
Thanks as always for listening and supporting us on your favorite platform of choice. Help spread the word by raving to your friends endlessly about how great the pod is until they stop answering your texts. Then keep doing it some more.
Follow Lance and Joe on Twitter!
Read Lance's work at The Buffalo News
Read Joe's work at Noted Hockey and Bleacher Report
Big thanks to our musician friends --
Intro: MerlinBerlin -- "Orbit" - Find them on Bandcamp
Outro: Chips 'N Cellos -- Boss Fight (Sabre Dance, Khachaturian) - Find them on Bandcamp

Episode 37: Tage, UPL, Red and Black -- Content! Sep 05, 2022

We're a podcast so big you get a day off to listen to it repeatedly. Don't you love that? This week, Lance and Joe talk about the return of the Goathead and what a wonderful thing it is to see for a few reasons.
Oh, right -- Tage Thompson signed a seven-year, $50 million deal, too. Did we bury the lede here? Sure, but there's plenty to be said about the Sabres locking up a vital player from last season up long-term after one really big season.
UPL is back in the fold as well, and dang it, it's been a while since there was a bunch of goaltending talk. Is this a make it or break it deal for Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen?
Thanks as always for listening and supporting us on your favorite platform of choice. Help spread the word by raving to your friends endlessly about how great the pod is until they stop answering your texts. Then keep doing it some more.
Follow Lance and Joe on Twitter!
Read Lance's work at The Buffalo News
Read Joe's work at Noted Hockey and Bleacher Report
Big thanks to our musician friends --
Intro: MerlinBerlin -- "Orbit" - Find them on Bandcamp
Outro: Chips 'N Cellos -- Boss Fight (Sabre Dance, Khachaturian) - Find them on Bandcamp

Episode 36 -- Three Sabres we'd like to see have a big camp Aug 29, 2022

Time continues its never-ending march, only now it works to our benefit, so the guys love it!
This week, Lance and Joe each give three Sabres players they'd like to see have big training camps. Whether it's because they need to, or it'd be way cooler if they did doesn't matter -- they just want to see these players show out and show off to make the season more impactful.
Warning! Tease incoming: Which players did they select? There's only one way to find out and it's a good thing you're listening to find out.
Thanks as always for listening and thank you even more for the positive ratings and feedback. These finely written artisanal show notes were finely curated for your consumption.
Follow Lance and Joe on Twitter!
Read Lance's work at The Buffalo News
Read Joe's work at Noted Hockey and Bleacher Report
Big thanks to our musician friends --
Intro: MerlinBerlin -- "Orbit" - Find them on Bandcamp
Outro: Chips 'N Cellos -- Boss Fight (Sabre Dance, Khachaturian) - Find them on Bandcamp

Episode 35 -- Better late than never Aug 23, 2022

Sometimes even the hosts need a maintenance day, but fear not, the latest episode has arrived. Lance and Joe discuss the correct pronunciation of Sabres prospects and players. But for real, they talk about Jiri Kulich's performance at World Juniors and how Amerks coach Seth Appert said Kulich will join Rochester this season.
Tyson Kozak is signed and boy he might wind up a hidden prospect jewel for Buffalo. Seventh rounders don't grow on trees, but ones that become players are rare enough to be appreciated. Could Kozak become one?
The guys also break down which Sabres they most want to see during the Prospects Challenge. Without a roster being available yet, the world is their oyster.
Thanks as always for listening and thank you even more for the positive ratings and feedback. These finely written artisanal show notes were finely curated for your consumption.
Follow Lance and Joe on Twitter!
Read Lance's work at The Buffalo News
Read Joe's work at Noted Hockey and Bleacher Report
Big thanks to our musician friends --
Intro: MerlinBerlin -- "Orbit" - Find them on Bandcamp
Outro: Chips 'N Cellos -- Boss Fight (Sabre Dance, Khachaturian) - Find them on Bandcamp

Episode 34 -- Fourth line players, first line show Aug 15, 2022

This week, Lance and Joe tackled the very important role on the Sabres of fourth line center. With Riley Sheahan back in the fold for another year, the field for the job got slightly clearer. At least they thought so. It's an August NHL tradition to dig deep on minutiae and that's the Maintenance Day guarantee.
The guys also talk about fourth liners of the recent past as old friend Johan Larsson returns to Sweden, Cody Eakin still awaits a deal, and do they really want Zemgus to be the 4C?
Hey, there's a World Junior Championship going on now! That means Isak Rosen and Jiri Kulich (among a couple other Sabres prospects) are getting to show off their skills and that means the guys are talking about them.
Thanks as always for listening and thank you even more for the positive ratings and feedback. These finely written artisanal show notes were finely curated for your consumption.
Follow Lance and Joe on Twitter!
Read Lance's work at The Buffalo News
Read Joe's work at Noted Hockey and Bleacher Report
Big thanks to our musician friends --
Intro: MerlinBerlin -- "Orbit" - Find them on Bandcamp
Outro: Chips 'N Cellos -- Boss Fight (Sabre Dance, Khachaturian) - Find them on Bandcamp

Episode 33 -- Erik Portillo, the mess at Michigan, and his Sabres future Aug 08, 2022

OK so times may be light on direct Sabres news, but thankfully the hockey world hasn't completely gone to sleep. Considering what happened at the University of Michigan and now former coach Mel Pearson, it fired up a conversation about prospect goalie and presumptive UM starter Erik Portillo.
Lance and Joe discuss if Pearson's dismissal can and will affect Portillo and his status at UM and if it's a way for the Sabres to jump in and sign him to a contract to lock him in. The guys also dig into what happened with the Wolverines, how there are Sabres connections all over the place, and what would they do with goaltending within ranks if Portillo did decide to sign his entry-level deal with Buffalo now.
Thanks as always for listening and thank you even more for the positive ratings and feedback. These finely written artisanal show notes were finely curated for your consumption.
Follow Lance and Joe on Twitter!
Read Lance's work at The Buffalo News
Read Joe's work at Noted Hockey
Big thanks to our musician friends --
Intro: MerlinBerlin -- "Orbit" - Find them on Bandcamp
Outro: Chips 'N Cellos -- Boss Fight (Sabre Dance, Khachaturian) - Find them on Bandcamp

Episode 32 -- "Why aren't the Sabres in on this guy?!" Aug 01, 2022

Welcome to August where we're just a bit a month away from starting a new season. And here you thought it was the heart of summer, didn't you? Autumn doesn't sleep... it waits... but Lance and Joe made sure you don't have to wait for more hockey to talk about.
This week, the guys address a couple of questions:
"Why aren't they in on (insert player name here)?"
and
"Which player DON'T we get asked about on radio/pod appearances?"
Listen, we're not going to spoil the answers for you here in the show notes, but you will enjoy the answers and the slightly shorter length of this week's episode.
Thanks as always for listening and thank you even more for the positive ratings and feedback. These finely written artisanal show notes were finely curated for your consumption.
Follow Lance and Joe on Twitter!
Read Lance's work at The Buffalo News
Read Joe's work at Noted Hockey
Big thanks to our musician friends --
Intro: MerlinBerlin -- "Orbit" - Find them on Bandcamp
Outro: Chips 'N Cellos -- Boss Fight (Sabre Dance, Khachaturian) - Find them on Bandcamp

Episode 31 -- Other people's trades and how it affects the Sabres Jul 25, 2022

And you thought the summer would be boring... A Sabres division rival went out and made the biggest NHL trade in years and it helped make a competitor a lot more difficult to play against. So... A) How will this affect things in the division? and B) Why weren't the Sabres in on Matthew Tkachuk?! Lance and Joe dig into it to an extent that may make you uncomfortable.
New old friend Arttu Ruotsalainen is off to Switzerland. How do you sum up his time in the Buffalo organization? Missed opportunity? Never had a chance? Will he be the next guy to go the Lawrence Pilut route? That's a lot of questions for the end of July... So the guys close it out talking about the standouts from Sabres development camp.
Oh... there may have been new-time, Ralph-era reminiscing that nearly derailed the pod completely somewhere in the middle... You'll catch it when you hear it, trust that.
Thanks as always for listening and thank you even more for the positive ratings and feedback. These finely written artisanal show notes were finely curated for your consumption.
Follow Lance and Joe on Twitter!
Read Lance's work at The Buffalo News
Read Joe's work at Noted Hockey
Big thanks to our musician friends --
Intro: MerlinBerlin -- "Orbit" - Find them on Bandcamp
Outro: Chips 'N Cellos -- Boss Fight (Sabre Dance, Khachaturian) - Find them on Bandcamp

Episode 30: Running it back whether you like it or not Jul 18, 2022

At last, we're in free agency and at last it's already just about over. So what the heck did the Sabres do? Well... they took care of the areas they had to.
Lance and Joe do a lot of talking about new goalie Eric Comrie and what Kevyn Adams and company's thoughts are in adding him as the new top guy. There's also a new deal for Victor Olofsson, a new right defenseman in Ilya Lyubushkin, and lots of new defensemen to get to work for Rochester. The guys dig into what all these moves mean for both the Sabres and Amerks and their rosters and lineups in general. They may have been light on signings, but we're heavy on discussion -- just the way you like it.
Thanks as always for listening and thank you even more for the positive ratings and feedback.
Follow Lance and Joe on Twitter!
Read Lance's work at The Buffalo News
Read Joe's work at Noted Hockey
Big thanks to our musician friends --
Intro: MerlinBerlin -- "Orbit" - Find them on Bandcamp
Outro: Chips 'N Cellos -- Boss Fight (Sabre Dance, Khachaturian) - Find them on Bandcamp

Episode 29: The awkward moment when it's between the draft and free agency Jul 11, 2022

Draft picks to the left of us, free agents to the right and here YOU are stuck in the middle (of dates) with Lance and Joe.
The guys dig in about the 11 Sabres draft picks during the 2022 NHL Draft and give their thoughts on their favorite sleeper picks and also taking a goalie in the second round. What the heck was up with that anyway?
The Sabres almost traded for Matt Murray and got the No. 7 pick out of it, too. Sadly, this is the NHL and neither horseshoes or hand grenades. Actually, it's better that it's not those. Relatedly, the Sabres haven't addressed their NHL goalie issue yet so... what the heck are they going to do about it?
There are other spots that need addressing in free agency, too, and yes they got into the forward and defense stuff as well. And hey, development camp should be fun unless your name is Ryan Johnson or Erik Portillo.
Thanks as always for listening and thank you even more for the positive ratings and feedback.
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Big thanks to our musician friends --
Intro: MerlinBerlin -- "Orbit" - Find them on Bandcamp
Outro: Chips 'N Cellos -- Boss Fight (Sabre Dance, Khachaturian) - Find them on Bandcamp

Episode 28: Goalies, development camp, and drafting Jul 04, 2022

It's yet another holiday Monday, but Lance and Joe have a big ole firecracker of a show discussing Craig Anderson's new contract and what this means for the Sabres goaltending position for the season. There's plenty of talk about options of who to add (James Reimer? Adin Hill? Petr Mrazek?!) and what's to come of UPL's future in blue and gold.
Development Camp dates are set and all the Sabres young guns are going to be there? Whaaaaa....?
Oh yeah, the draft is this week. There's some of that talk too.
Thanks as always for listening and thank you even more for the positive ratings and feedback.
Follow Lance and Joe on Twitter!
Read Lance's work at The Buffalo News
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Big thanks to our musician friends --
Intro: MerlinBerlin -- "Orbit" - Find them on Bandcamp
Outro: Chips 'N Cellos -- Boss Fight (Sabre Dance, Khachaturian) - Find them on Bandcamp

Episode 27: Your Sabres pre-NHL Draft primer Jun 27, 2022

Lance and Joe kept things short and sweet this week as Lance was ready to hit the beach for some well-earned vacation time. But before that, the guys started talking a bit about the Sabres three first-round picks in the 2022 Draft. It's not quite a mock draft, but they both gave their ideas on what GM Kevyn Adams might do and also the areas they'd stress the most. The guys also discussed what it would take to move pick 28 and whether there's a goalie out there worth that or not.
Thanks as always for listening and thank you even more for the positive ratings and feedback.
Follow Lance and Joe on Twitter!
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Big thanks to our musician friends --
Intro: MerlinBerlin -- "Orbit" - Find them on Bandcamp
Outro: Chips 'N Cellos -- Boss Fight (Sabre Dance, Khachaturian) - Find them on Bandcamp

Episode 26: Suffering to not suffer anymore Jun 20, 2022

Remember back in 2013 when then Sabres GM Darcy Regier said there's going to have to be some suffering? Of course you do and so do Lance and Joe because the layers of suffering Sabres fans have sorted through is worth sorting through.
Another way to suffer from the executive side is not getting out ahead of things and paying your soon-to-be stars in ways to save the team some money and potential future salary cap (not floor!) issues. And boy do the Sabres have some interesting summers ahead if they don't do that.
All that and more we'll let you discover for yourself on this week's episode.
Thanks as always for listening and thank you even more for the positive ratings and feedback.
Follow Lance and Joe on Twitter!
Read Lance's work at The Buffalo News
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Big thanks to our musician friends --
Intro: MerlinBerlin -- "Orbit" - Find them on Bandcamp
Outro: Chips 'N Cellos -- Boss Fight (Sabre Dance, Khachaturian) - Find them on Bandcamp

Episode 25: Bargain basement chaos Jun 13, 2022

This week, Lance and Joe get talking about coaches being fired in tough ways and whether or not things would've been different had Don Granato been an interim coach to end this season as opposed to last season.
If that wasn't enough of a debate topic, would you trade the Sabres three first round picks for the Devils No. 2 pick in this year's draft? The guys also discuss which players would make for chaotic lawful and evil signings or trades this summer.
The guys also discuss the Ben Bishop deal for Buffalo and what it means to retire Ryan Miller's number at long last.
We know we went long this week, way longer than normal but a late-week trade will do that. As always, thank you for listening and thanks to those of you who have rated us on your favorite platform. We wouldn't trade you for the No. 2 pick that's for sure.
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Big thanks to our musician friends --
Intro: MerlinBerlin -- "Orbit" - Find them on Bandcamp
Outro: Chips 'N Cellos -- Boss Fight (Sabre Dance, Khachaturian) - Find them on Bandcamp

Episode 24: This show is not on auto-Pilut Jun 06, 2022

Lance and Joe are always good about remembering some guys and this week's episode has them doing just that. Guys who were actually guys (like Lawrence Pilut who wants to come back to the NHL), guys who might be guys in the near future (like 2021 first-round pick Isak Rosén who recently signed his ELC) and some guys that likely never will be (Three 2018 draft picks the Sabres decided not to sign).
The guys also take a look at the NHL Conference Finals to see what, if anything, the Sabres can perhaps model themselves after to maybe one day play in those. Well, let's get them to the playoffs first before we stick them in the final four.
Enjoy the pod, friends, and thank you for listening. FWIW, the podcast sounds much better when sitting in the sunshine.
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Big thanks to our musician friends --
Intro: MerlinBerlin -- "Orbit" - Find them on Bandcamp
Outro: Chips 'N Cellos -- Boss Fight (Sabre Dance, Khachaturian) - Find them on Bandcamp

Episode 23: All right NOW the offseason can start May 30, 2022

Sure, the Sabres have been done for about a month, but the Amerks season is over and now the real offseason discussion can begin in earnest. And hey, you know what, Lance and Joe run down how Jack Quinn, J-J Peterka, Peyton Krebs, and Casey Fitzgerald closed out the playoffs; they get a good laugh about how some thought Mattias Samuelsson was going to play anytime soon in the Calder Cup playoffs; UPL's hamstring status and how it may also how his much maligned development might hamstring NHL hopes; and what's the deal with Oskari Laaksonen and Arttu Ruotsalainen's future in red, white, blue, and gold?
They also go over what the Amerks run means for the players involved and what's ahead for Rochester and how their lineup might have to look next season.
Thanks as always to all of you listening -- thank you for the kind ratings and comments, too -- we'd sign you all to a one-way deal no matter what.
Follow Lance and Joe on Twitter!
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Big thanks to our musician friends --
Intro: MerlinBerlin -- "Orbit" - Find them on Bandcamp
Outro: Chips 'N Cellos -- Boss Fight (Sabre Dance, Khachaturian) - Find them on Bandcamp

Episode 22 -- Around the Worlds May 23, 2022

Lance and Joe know the Sabres aren't playing in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, but there are Sabres playing in the PLAYOFFS OF THE WORLD.
All right so it's just the IIHF World Championships but it's still cool and Rasmuses Asplund and Dahlin are killing it and Dylan Cozens is rocking it on the wing for Canada and it's worth discussing the merits of them doing that.
So... there are former Sabres in the NHL Playoffs and one of them, Sam Reinhart, is doing well for Florida. Sure, the Panthers might be out soon but it won't be his fault. Sounds a little familiar to us...
The Amerks continue to roll along in the Calder Cup Playoffs and you can thank Seth Appert, Michael Peca, and Mike Weber for a lot of that.
Thanks as always for listening and giving us very kind ratings -- we'd give you five stars, too.
Follow Lance and Joe on Twitter!
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Big thanks to our musician friends --
Intro: MerlinBerlin -- "Orbit" - Find them on Bandcamp
Outro: Chips 'N Cellos -- Boss Fight (Sabre Dance, Khachaturian) - Find them on Bandcamp

Episode 21 -- Lottery Love and Rallying Rochester May 16, 2022

Who doesn't love NHL lottery season? Oh right, Sabres fans don't - at least they don't now! Things are on the upswing and while the Sabres didn't have lottery lady luck on their side this year, it does give Lance and Joe the opportunity to really start prematurely guessing who Buffalo might be interested in with their three first-round picks in the 2022 NHL Draft (and five in the top-100). Amateur Silly Season is a delight so let's get out and running, shall we?
There's also questions of what exactly the Sabres should do with the plethora of picks. Keep them all and try to stock up the farm or maybe swing a deal or two to help right away. Don't worry, there are plenty of past decisions to make you feel anxious about any possibilities!
So the Amerks are playing awfully well and that's got to be good for the future of the Sabres. Right? How can't it be!? J-J Peterka and Arttu Ruotsalainen are killing it and so is Peyton Krebs and there could be some really interesting implications for the future with all of them (and the others rocking it in Rochester).
Thanks as always for listening and giving us very kind ratings -- you're all No. 1 in our lottery list.
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Big thanks to our musician friends --
Intro: MerlinBerlin -- "Orbit" - Find them on Bandcamp
Outro: Chips 'N Cellos -- Boss Fight (Sabre Dance, Khachaturian) - Find them on Bandcamp

Episode 20 -- Back to the future May 09, 2022

Lance and Joe roll into the Sabres offseason with a lot to think about based on what Sabres GM Kevyn Adams had to say. Of course, some of it was kind of obvious (they need goaltending and defense) and it leaves a lot of questions about what he'll do in the offseason.
Guess what this leads them to talk about? You got -- what the heck are they going to do in goal.
When it comes to defense though -- Owen Power might not need a big brother chaperone to pair up with him but they're going to look for someone to pair with him anyway, right?
So when they gonna put the "C" on Kyle Okposo's jersey? Because that's totally happening.
Down on the farm, the Amerks won a playoff series for the first time since 2005, but things are going to get a fair bit more difficult in short order... so let's talk about Arttu! We know it's not May the Fourth anymore so we're NOT doing Star Wars puns.
Thanks as always for listening and giving us very kind ratings -- you're all pretty swell.
Follow Lance and Joe on Twitter!
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Big thanks to our musician friends --
Intro: MerlinBerlin -- "Orbit" - Find them on Bandcamp
Outro: Chips 'N Cellos -- Boss Fight (Sabre Dance, Khachaturian) - Find them on Bandcamp

Episode 19: I wanna be a contender May 02, 2022

At last the Sabres season is over and fans are... sad about it? That's a weird, new feeling that Lance and Joe will try to get a handle on.
This week they discuss the vibe carryover and if it's a real thing or not. The Sabres final media availability had a "end of summer camp in a summer camp movie" kind of feel to it. Can we say "vibes" enough? Maybe... but they discuss what it'll take for the Sabres to be a real postseason contender and it's not just goaltending.
The guys also discuss the work Don Granato has done and - you won't believe it - but they also talk about how that makes Ralph Krueger (and other past coaches) look in retrospect.
The Amerks made the Calder Cup Playoffs! But UPL is hurt and that stinks for a multitude of reasons.
As always. thanks for listening and supporting -- it's the offseason for the Sabres but not for us.
Follow Lance and Joe on Twitter!
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Big thanks to our musician friends --
Intro: MerlinBerlin -- "Orbit" - Find them on Bandcamp
Outro: Chips 'N Cellos -- Boss Fight (Sabre Dance, Khachaturian) - Find them on Bandcamp

Episode 18: Appreciating (R)attitude Apr 25, 2022

The season is very nearly at its end and, listen, Lance and Joe told you they are not taking any stock into how things have gone but they are proud of the team for taking care of business anyway.
In this week's episode, the guys show their pride in Jeff Skinner never failing to embrace his role in driving opponents crazy on the ice by not just scoring goals, but also by chirping them to the point of madness.
On top of Skinner mania, the talk also turns to Casey Mittelstadt and how his improved play is flying under the radar and that it's a lesson for other younger players on the roster to take heed. The power play has been lighting it up for the past month to the tune of being the best in the NHL during that time. That's cool, right?
You know what's not cool? The playoff hopes of the Rochester Americans. The Amerks are on the ropes and it'll be too bad if they miss out because they'd get a lot of help if they do.
As always. thanks for listening and supporting -- we would drive others crazy for you because of it.
Follow Lance and Joe on Twitter!
Read Lance's work at The Buffalo News
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Big thanks to our musician friends --
Intro: MerlinBerlin -- "Orbit" - Find them on Bandcamp
Outro: Chips 'N Cellos -- Boss Fight (Sabre Dance, Khachaturian) - Find them on Bandcamp

Episode 17: In which it's a happy hour for Power Apr 18, 2022

Hey we heard you all like Owen Power so Lance and Joe talked a whole bunch about his first few games and how he's fitting in with the Sabres.
Also:
There's not much time left in the regular season and the schedule is littered with yuck so... what can we take out of the end? Well, we could take 40 goals from Tage Thompson is what we could take. Also four 20-goal scorers. But no, really, is there anything worthwhile to distill from the end of the season?
So the Sabres are going to be in the draft lottery again, but what if there was something better instead of waiting on ping pong balls and would be way more entertaining? That's right, we're talking about the Gold Draft concept.
We've seen you all talk about who should be the next Sabres captain. We've decided it should be Kyle Okposo. Big whoop, wanna fight about it?
Thanks for listening and supporting -- we would pair you all with Rasmus Dahlin if we could.
Follow Lance and Joe on Twitter!
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Big thanks to our musician friends --
Intro: MerlinBerlin -- "Orbit" - Find them on Bandcamp
Outro: Chips 'N Cellos -- Boss Fight (Sabre Dance, Khachaturian) - Find them on Bandcamp

Episode 16: We have the Power... to ruin the Sabres goalie pipeline Apr 11, 2022

Hey remember last week when Lance and Joe asked what if Erik Portillo and Devon Levi both decided not to sign after their college seasons ended this year? So... that actually happened and they will NOT apologize for anything... But they WILL talk a lot about it including when, exactly, they have to get Portillo signed or else fall into the Cal Petersen phantom zone.
They're also going to talk about Owen Power's imminent arrival to the Sabres and his upcoming NHL debut in Toronto against the Maple Leafs which surely will fly under the radar without any attention whatsoever.
Also: What's happening with Ryan Johnson? Will the Sabres and Kevyn Adams have to get extra creative this offseason should the college guys really like college?
The guys also read your reviews of the podcast!
Thanks for listening and supporting -- we would sign you immediately in college to stay on our team.
Follow Lance and Joe on Twitter!
Read Lance's work at The Buffalo News
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Big thanks to our musician friends --
Intro: MerlinBerlin -- "Orbit" - Find them on Bandcamp
Outro: Chips 'N Cellos -- Boss Fight (Sabre Dance, Khachaturian) - Find them on Bandcamp

Episode 15: The cruelty of expectations to come Apr 04, 2022

We know it's not the offseason yet, but listen, we got a jump on it last week and dang it we're going to keep it going.
But first.. Trevor Zegras's latest lacrosse-style goal got Coyotes color commentator a little hot under the collar and... come on, isn't it time to stop being annoyed at the talented guys (2:00)?
As for the Sabres, they honored Rick Jeanneret with a banner in the rafters and it was extremely cool to see and heartwarming and... is this a turnaround moment for the franchise? Hmm... (13:00)
If things have turned the corner, that makes next season fascinating because the weight of expectations will return with a vengeance and boy that skews how we view things now doesn't it (19:45)?
Did you know Rasmus Asplund is the new Johan Larsson and (maybe!) better? Well, now you can think about that possibility (32:00).
After a few false starts, the real Victor Olofsson is back (for really real this time!) and that changes the perspective on what to do with him (41:00).
It's not a new episode without having more goalie talk and Lance and Joe break out the Worst Case Scenario for Buffalo in regards to Devon Levi and Erik Portillo (48:30).
The guys wrap up the week thinking about previous GM faux pas and general roster mismanagement. The classics never die.
Thanks for listening (and if you read this, you've won our thanks and admiration).
Follow Lance and Joe on Twitter!
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Big thanks to our musician friends --
Intro: MerlinBerlin -- "Orbit" - Find them on Bandcamp
Outro: Chips 'N Cellos -- Boss Fight (Sabre Dance, Khachaturian) - Find them on Bandcamp

Episode 14: A Sabres wish list for the offseason that's not here yet Mar 28, 2022

Lance and Joe are back and even with Lance addled with a case of COVID-19, the guys press on discussing how silly Sabres Twitter can be when the vibes are good (2:40). The top line has been a bit... less exciting recently and Don Granato switched some things around a little in the past week. That's cool, right (11:00)? The offseason will bring some changes next season and the guys take a peek around at what's most important, what guys to keep and which guys to pursue. Yeah, they're getting out in front of the topic -- wanna fight about it? Guys like Ville Husso and Nino Niederreiter among others are discussed a bit (16:00). Also... what the heck do they do with Victor Olofsson in the offseason (36:10)? They need to make an upgrade on the right side on defense -- but who fits the bill best is the question . John Klingberg, Matt Dumba, and Shea Theodore are tantalizing ideas(43:40). Devon Levi is (probably, maybe) coming soon... whether he gets a game in Buffalo or not is a good debate (56:55). They wrap with some prospect talk and the NCAA Tournament (1:00:00).
Thanks for listening (and if you read this, congratulations!).
Follow Lance and Joe on Twitter!
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Big thanks to our musician friends --
Intro: MerlinBerlin -- "Orbit" - Find them on Bandcamp
Outro: Chips 'N Cellos -- Boss Fight (Sabre Dance, Khachaturian) - Find them on Bandcamp

Episode 13: Back In Action Mar 22, 2022

Lance and Joe are back in action and Joe thanks everyone for their patience (0:00). The guys never got a chance to discuss Jack Eichel's not-so warm Buffalo homecoming and how he'll never be welcome at anyone in Buffalo's Christmas parties ever again (2:30).
Monday was the NHL trade deadline and the Sabres were... quiet. Was it too quiet? (10:30). The lack of moves have made things a little awkward in goal with Craig Anderson and Dustin Tokarski still in town while Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen stays in Rochester (20:00). It also makes things kind of screwy with some of the kids in Rochester and how things are going to go the rest of the way (32:00). Actually, you know what, who knows how the heck things are going to go because of the rather packed roster (37:00). One good thing though... Rasmus Dahlin is the man now (47:00).
Thanks everyone for your patience while bad things happened that put us on hiatus. It's good to be back and chatting.
Follow Lance and Joe on Twitter!
Read Lance's work at The Buffalo News
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Big thanks to our musician friends --
Intro: MerlinBerlin -- "Orbit" - Find them on Bandcamp
Outro: Chips 'N Cellos -- Boss Fight (Sabre Dance, Khachaturian) - Find them on Bandcamp

Episode 12 -- Uh-oh Feb 28, 2022

It's another Monday Maintenance Day and gosh the Sabres sure could use one, huh?
Lance and Joe get into a smorgasbord of Sabre-y topics this week, but start off the show SMH'ing the coaches they forgot for their fighting coaches debate from last week (0:00). From there the guys discuss the latest Sabres losing streak and how the schedule does anything and everything but lighten up the rest of the way. Uh-oh (10:00). The Sabres top line has been outstanding this season but Don Granato has called them out a little bit lately. What's up with that? It's probably team building (26:00). The guys give it up for injured Zemgus (35:00) and ask what's the deal with maybe still injured Casey Mittelstadt (37:00). Seems a little silly that Victor Olofsson is mentioned in some trade rumors (45:00) and Kyle Okposo could in some for next year as well but why (52:00)? The guys wrap it up around the hour mark and look ahead to what mayhem next week will bring.
Thanks for listening and thanks for all your positive feedback -- we welcome it and survive based on it.
Follow Lance and Joe on Twitter!
Read Lance's work at The Buffalo News
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Big thanks to our musician friends --
Intro: MerlinBerlin -- "Orbit" - Find them on Bandcamp
Outro: Chips 'N Cellos -- Boss Fight (Sabre Dance, Khachaturian) - Find them on Bandcamp

Episode 11 -- It's a holiday so celebrate why don't ya? Feb 21, 2022

It's a real maintenance day thanks to it being Presidents' Day and boy could the Sabres use a day or two off. This week, Lance checks in from Columbus, Ohio as he and Joe dig into the question on everyone's minds: Which two coaches would be the most fun to see duke it out? (1:00)
OK so now that they've put that debate in your head, don't let that distract you from what the Sabres looked like without Rasmus Dahlin (11:00) and the fact the situation in goal is still very much A Thing but this time with even more debate (22:30). Making life more difficult apart from injuries and iffy goaltending is the schedule itself after the Sabres just wrapped up playing five games in eight days (35:55). Although Buffalo lost a bit of a stinker against the Blue Jackets, they very well may have discovered another good line in the process (43:00).
Hey... did you know Jack Eichel was back? Yeah, it's true! Well, back on the ice with Vegas and scoring goals (53:30). Oh, you don't care about that? Well that's OK the guys wrap up the show in reminiscing about how cool of a city Dallas is (108:05).
Thanks for listening and thanks for all your positive feedback -- we welcome it and survive based on it.
Follow Lance and Joe on Twitter!
Read Lance's work at The Buffalo News
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Big thanks to our musician friends --
Intro: MerlinBerlin -- "Orbit" - Find them on Bandcamp
Outro: Chips 'N Cellos -- Boss Fight (Sabre Dance, Khachaturian) - Find them on Bandcamp

Episode 10 -- In which Jeff Skinner rises above Feb 14, 2022

We know you all enjoy when we poke at Ralph Krueger and since it's Valentine's Day consider this our box of chocolates and roses for you because Jeff Skinner has thrown off the shackles and piled up goals (1:30). What makes that all the more fun is he's part of a legitimate top line for Buffalo joining up with Tage Thompson and Alex Tuch (16:00).
But... the Sabres are still a losing team (SORRY GANG) and Mark Pysyk was just recently scratched. Something funny going on there with him and the rest of the defense? (27:30)
We go off on a small tangent discussing non-Sabres NHL stuff (we got some nerve) but it's OK we'll couch it as part of hot stove talk for the trade deadline in March (40:00). One thing that's really not cool is seeing Devon Levi not even playing for Canada at the Olympics but it is cool to see Owen Power flexing his youthful might (45:00).
Thanks for listening and thanks for all your positive feedback -- we welcome it and survive based on it.
Follow Lance and Joe on Twitter!
Read Lance's work at The Buffalo News
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Big thanks to our musician friends --
Intro: MerlinBerlin -- "Orbit" - Find them on Bandcamp
Outro: Chips 'N Cellos -- Boss Fight (Sabre Dance, Khachaturian) - Find them on Bandcamp

Episode 9: Sabres looking behind and looking ahead Feb 07, 2022

It's the All-Star Break and the Sabres have been off for a bit, but that's OK! Lance and Joe take a look back at the surprises and disappointments of the first half of the season (8:35) as well as:
- what's the deal with Rasmus Dahlin and should there be worry (29:45)
- Henri Jokiharju's role and what it should and could be (38:00)
- Dylan Cozens is going to break out eventually, right? (46:30)
- Things in Rochester have been honestly impressive (53:00)
- The guys wrap it up (1:05:00)
Follow Lance and Joe on Twitter!
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Big thanks to our musician friends --
Intro: MerlinBerlin -- "Orbit" - Find them on Bandcamp
Outro: Chips 'N Cellos -- Boss Fight (Sabre Dance, Khachaturian) - Find them on Bandcamp

Episode 8: The Sabres need an exorcism Jan 31, 2022

While Joe holds it down in Buffalo, Lance is on the road covering the Sabres and he tells us all about the road trip from hell for the team. From COVID Testing silliness to more injuries, the Sabres once again proved they are never dull.
Here's the rundown for this week's episode:
0:00 - The nightmare road trip from hell - or how to juggle an NHL lineup. It's a movie title in the making for this tragedy of a season.
20:00 - Hey, you all hear about the goalie madness? From Dell's shoulder shots to Anderson and Tokarski magically returning to action... it's been a soap opera.
31:45 - Casey Fitzgerald is back up and looks good again... so, will they let him stay or what?
44:30 - Alex Tuch is showing he's a really good player and very much worth the hype. Meanwhile, the Jeff Skinner Redemption Tour rolls on and you'll never guess which former coach gets mentioned!
59:30 - Johan Larsson appreciation time
1:02:20 - Let's wrap it up fellas
Follow Lance and Joe on Twitter!
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Big thanks to our musician friends --
Intro: MerlinBerlin -- "Orbit" - Find them on Bandcamp
Outro: Chips 'N Cellos -- Boss Fight (Sabre Dance, Khachaturian) - Find them on Bandcamp

Episode 7: In which we pat ourselves on the back for being smart Jan 24, 2022

If you missed our previous episode, you missed out on when we called for Mattias Samuelsson and Jack Quinn to be called up to stay a while and that's just what the Sabres did! With... some unfortunate luck, of course.
Here's the rundown for this week's episode for you hunt-and-peck listeners:
0:00 - Let's relive Risto Day and remember his glorious (???) Sabres era.
8:00 - Peyton Krebs busted out big time against Philly and that's pretty meaningful even if it's just against the Flyers.
26:10 - The highs and lows of Jack Quinn showing out against Dallas and his injury. Why, yes, we did talk about how the Sabres play on haunted ground because how else do you wind up with 12 players on the injured list!?
37:45 - The return of Craig Anderson is nigh and this is a really good time for him to showcase his talents for trade deadline day.
45:00 - Speaking of the trade deadline, let's get the hot stove warmed up and discuss: if the Sabres are crazy if they think they're getting a first round pick for Colin Miller, not weaponizing their cap space, and would you rather get picks or prospects in future deals.
55:50 - Mattias Samuelsson looks pretty, pretty good! See also: Jack Quinn and Ryan Johnson. Maybe rushing to judgment immediately on draft day isn't a great way to spend time. I know, we're ruining everyone's fun -- deal with it.
1:10:55 - Can you think of a Sabres prospect who's taken a step back this year? Might be pretty difficult to do that. Plus some words on Aaron Huglen at Minnesota.
1:14:10 - Let's wrap 'er up fellas.
Follow Lance and Joe on Twitter!
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Big thanks to our musician friends --
Intro: MerlinBerlin -- "Orbit" - Find them on Bandcamp
Outro: Chips 'N Cellos -- Boss Fight (Sabre Dance, Khachaturian) - Find them on Bandcamp

Episode 6: Think about the future Jan 17, 2022

So... things might feel a little bit down in the dumps when it comes to the Sabres because, you know, they're not the Bills? Also they've got some issues. So! That's why Lance and Joe decided to find some more pleasant Sabres topics like future guys and what a life with proper goaltending might be like and... oh no, there's more peril.
0:00 -- Welcome back friends, the guys give a mild recap of the Sabres antics in Nashville and Detroit
4:00 -- It's time for Jack Quinn to come on up and stay a while.
16:20 -- Know who else should get recalled and stay? Mattias Samuelsson and that's because some guys on defense are making it seem like an easy decision.
24:00 -- Have you noticed how good Dylan Cozens has been? If you haven't we understand so let us tell you how good he is.
32:30 -- Peyton Krebs is back in action and... he probably doesn't need to go back to Rochester again.
50:00 -- It's time to have a long discussion about goalies. Everyone from Aaron Dell, to UPL, to the possible time crunch to signing Erik Portillo and how quick to bring in Devon Levi.
Follow Lance and Joe on Twitter!
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Big thanks to our musician friends --
Intro: MerlinBerlin -- "Orbit" - Find them on Bandcamp
Outro: Chips 'N Cellos -- Boss Fight (Sabre Dance, Khachaturian) - Find them on Bandcamp

Episode 5: We Play More Often Than the Sabres Jan 10, 2022

Since the Sabres are playing once every 10 days these days (thanks COVID!) you'd think we'd be lacking in stuff to talk about. You'd be WRONG!
Here's the rundown if you wanted to skip around, but it'd be cool if you just listened all the way through. You'd be the coolest person on the internet, in fact.
0:00 -- Welcome again -- so about that game against the Sharks...
5:00 -- Old friend Alex Nylander was traded again so of course we had to talk about it
9:30 -- Joe shares a story about Nylander's time in Rochester and how being a top prospect means tough love (even though it shouldn't)
17:35 -- Don Granato sticks up for Rasmus Dahlin while he and Henri Jokiharju put in THE WORK
28:50 -- Would you want Owen Power go to the Olympics? Would you like it if he did?
37:20 -- How about Ryan Johnson?
41:00 -- Jacob Bryson will be back and does he have a lot to prove with Johnson and Power on the horizon?
47:55 -- Tage Thompson as Sabres MVP for a LOT of good reasons.
57:00 -- They need to win some games, don't they?
104:05 -- Being upbeat despite losing (wrap-up time)
Follow Lance and Joe on Twitter!
Read Lance's work at The Buffalo News
Read Joe's work at Noted Hockey
Big thanks to our musician friends --
Intro: MerlinBerlin -- "Orbit" - Find them on Bandcamp
Outro: Chips 'N Cellos -- Boss Fight (Sabre Dance, Khachaturian) - Find them on Bandcamp

Episode 4: The New Guys and Remembering Some Other Guys Jan 03, 2022

Let's lay out what the fellas hit on this week:
0:00 Happy New Year -- let's talk some new faces.
3:00 Assessing JJ Peterka's brief appearance in Buffalo
7:30 Congrats to the Sabres for not burying the noobs deep in the lineup. Let's remember some guys!
10:10 Let's talk about Mr. Krebs and how he should probably stick around.
20:20 UPL and being under fire -- the shots are a bit out of kilter.
22:48 POP QUIZ! It's about the defense and time on-ice and oh no...
31:10 Hey, Evan Rodrigues is doing well. Remember him?
33:10 Good for Marcus Foligno. Yes, we're still remembering guys.
35:55 Alex Tuch and his impressiveness all-around.
42:05 The worries about Victor Olofsson are real.
46:35 Brett Murray is a guy and he's getting some dap from us for it.
51:00 Anders Bjork, however, is on the struggle bus.
1:01:10 The Sabres schedule is just a tad bit light coming up.
1:02:10 Hey, here are some theme show ideas. Know what rhymes with theme? MEME.
1:04:45 Got questions? Hit us up we'll talk about it. Fare thee well until next week!
Follow Lance and Joe on Twitter!
Read Lance's work at The Buffalo News
Read Joe's work at Noted Hockey
Big thanks to our musician friends --
Intro: MerlinBerlin -- "Orbit" - Find them on Bandcamp
Outro: Chips 'N Cellos -- Boss Fight (Sabre Dance, Khachaturian) - Find them on Bandcamp

Episode 3 -- Catch a cab with the taxi squad Dec 27, 2021

We start off talking about the latest Sabres COVID cases and lament that there may be more (0:20); but at least the World Junior Championships are underway and Owen Power is the main attraction for Canada (3:00); there are some other Sabres prospects like Jakub Konecny, Isak Rosen, and Nikita Novikov (8:50).
J-J Peterka is not playing for Germany so would you let him and other Sabres prospects play for their countries in the Olympics? (13:55)
Development has been stressed in handling the young guys in Rochester and we get into discussing what Amerks coach Seth Appert has provided the organization in his role there (21:04)
The fans want Krebs! So when are they gonna get Krebs?! That and more about doing things the right way in the AHL.(28:53)
The taxi squad is back and are the Sabres even going to have one? If they do, who the heck do they put on it? (42:16)
Know who should be up in Buffalo? Mattias Samuelsson, that's who. Reward your younger dudes who are ready. (49:01)
The guys promise to stay consistent and will really try not to talk like football coaches (53:25)
Hey, remember Ralph Krueger? He could be our ticket to content! (56:21)
Please help us make a meme (57:55)
Let's wrap 'er up (60:00)
Follow Lance and Joe on Twitter!
Read Lance's work at The Buffalo News
Read Joe's work at Noted Hockey
Big thanks to our musician friends --
Intro: MerlinBerlin -- "Orbit" - Find them on Bandcamp
Outro: Chips 'N Cellos -- Boss Fight (Sabre Dance, Khachaturian) - Find them on Bandcamp

Episode 2 -- We've got a name now, baby Dec 20, 2021

Lance and Joe figured out the TBD part of what was the Unnamed Buffalo Hockey Podcast and discuss what led them down the path to choose "Maintenance Day." (0:00)
The excitement of a great road trip for the Sabres got people talking playoffs. PLAYOFFS!? Fine, we'll be grinches about it -- but realistic grinches! Also there's the peril of thinking big while rebuilding, too. It's a lot. (3:32)
The guys also talk about how Kevyn Adams picked Don Granato and how he's managed what's already been a beyond eventful season. (20:30)
Alex Tuch will make his Sabres debut ASAP and what he brings to the Sabres lineup is very needed (27:10)
Hey, have you noticed the power play stinks? Yeah, so did the guys. (30:40)
Casey Fitzgerald made his debut on Saturday and he's a good example of what Buffalo is trying to do development-wise and he's a good example for other younger guys trying to crack the NHL roster (33:25)
Is Colin Miller long for the Sabres? (37:55)
Will the COVID situation in the NHL hinder the Sabres potential trade plans? (39:40)
So is the defense or the goaltending that's hurting the Sabres more? ¿Porque no los dos? (44:23)
They're NOT nitpicking, we swear! Things are better! (52:43)
There's lots of COVID talk going on in the NHL and here's why they steered clear of it (54:55)
Follow Lance and Joe on Twitter!
Read Lance's work at The Buffalo News
Read Joe's work at Noted Hockey
Big thanks to our musician friends --
Intro: MerlinBerlin -- "Orbit" - Find them on Bandcamp
Outro: Chips 'N Cellos -- Boss Fight (Sabre Dance, Khachaturian) - Find them on Bandcamp

Working past "suffering" while still suffering Dec 13, 2021

Lance Lysowski of The Buffalo News and Joe Yerdon from Noted Hockey discuss what's up with the Sabres goaltending, the plan for Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, the ugly play of Aaron Dell, the pain for Casey Mittelstadt, and how the organization should/could handle where to go with their very promising youth among other topics.
Hit us with your comments, complaints, and compliments -- we're all ears.
Big thanks to our musician friends --
Intro: MerlinBerlin -- "Orbit" - Find them on Bandcamp
Outro: Chips 'N Cellos -- Boss Fight (Sabre Dance, Khachaturian) - Find them on Bandcamp

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