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The Instigator Podcast

Chris Ostrander
Buffalo Sabres
NHL
NHL Draft
Kevyn Adams
Dylan Cousins
Bowen Byram
NHL Playoffs
Lindy Ruff
Buffalo
Josh Norris
Jack Quinn
Kevin Adams
Rasmus Dahlin
Tage Thompson
Devon Levi
Jeff Skinner
Washington Capitals
Ryan Mcleod
Radim Mrtka
Montreal Canadiens

A Buffalo Sabres podcast hosted by Chris and Tyler of the Buffalo blog Two in the Box. The Instigator focuses on Sabres hockey, the NHL and other Buffalo-related topics.

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes315Founded10 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
HockeySports

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Artwork for The Instigator Podcast

Latest Episodes

The Sabres start their defense of the Atlantic Division title on Thursday with their sights set on making it back-to-back years with a playoff appearance. They enter the season with a handful of troubling injuries and a host of young players who will... more

Two of four preseason games are complete and the Sabres are already dealing with some injury troubles. With Jason Zucker already out, Olen Zellweger and Mattias Samuelsson both left Tuesday's preseason game early, leaving the Sabres with some notable... more

The Sabres open training camp this week with the door open for their exciting young core. We run down Noah Ostlund's new contract and how it fits into the other contracts the Sabres signed this offseason. As we look ahead to training camp, we also di... more

The first Queen City Hockey Expo takes place on Sunday, August 9 at Buffalo Riverworks. Event organizer and founder Chris Holmes joins the show to discuss the event and what attendees can expect. The event inclues a gear swap and several events and s... more

Key Facts

Accepts Sponsors
Contact Information
Podcast Host
Number of Listeners
Find out how many people listen to this podcast per episode and each month.

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Recent Guests

Chris Holmes
Founder of the Queen City Hockey Expo
Queen City Hockey Expo
Episode: Previewing the Queen City Hockey Expo
Dave Horesh
Founder of Oxford Pennant
Oxford Pennant
Episode: Dave Horesh of Oxford Pennant Knows Puck
Kevin Woodley
Foremost expert in goaltending, writer for InGoal Magazine and nhl.com.
InGoal Magazine
Episode: Breaking Down the Sabres Goalie Stable With Kevin Woodley of InGoal Magazine
Craig Barnett
Executive Director of the American Collegiate Hockey Association
American Collegiate Hockey Association
Episode: The ACHA's Role in America's College Hockey Landscape
Ryan Aylmer
Program Management Executive at Brailsford & Dunlavey specializing in sports and entertainment venues.
Brailsford & Dunlavey
Episode: The Instigator Interview: Stadium and Arena Renovation and Design with Ryan Aylmer of Brailsford & Dunlavey
Patrick Kaler
CEO of Visit Buffalo Niagara
Visit Buffalo Niagara
Episode: The Instigator Interview: Featuring Patrick Kaler of Visit Buffalo Niagara
Joe Yerdon
Hockey journalist from Noted Hockey, AP, and Bleacher Report
Noted Hockey, AP, Bleacher Report
Episode: What Comes Next for the Sabres with Joe Yerdon
Scott Wheeler
NHL prospect analyst for The Athletic
The Athletic
Episode: The Instigator Podcast - Pipeline Update Featuring Scott Wheeler of The Athletic
Peter Marlette
President of Buffalo Pro Soccer
Buffalo Pro Soccer
Episode: The Instigator Podcast Interview with Peter Marlette of Buffalo Pro Soccer

Hosts

Chris
Host of The Instigator Podcast, frequently discussing Sabres hockey and Buffalo-related topics. Affiliation commonly cited as Two in the Box (Buffalo blog).
Tyler
Co-host of The Instigator Podcast, focusing on Sabres analysis, roster moves, and fan discourse. Affiliation commonly cited as Two in the Box (Buffalo blog).

Reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars from 92 ratings
  • the best

    this is the best podcast about the sabres. these guys are down to earth and i really appreciate their insights. They’ve given the best analysis through the drought and stuck it out. keep up the great work guys

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Lizzierd91
    United States6 months ago
  • the best

    this is the best podcast about the sabres. these guys are down to earth and i really appreciate their insights. keep up the great work

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Lizzierd91
    United States3 years ago
  • No choice for sabres talk

    No wonder spittin chiclets gets all the listens

    Apple Podcasts
    2
    Miggy Francisco
    United States3 years ago
  • It’s a goat rodeo

    “Goat rodeo” is one of the fine phrases I have learned from the podcasters with the most well kept junk in all of podcasting. Pragmatic and intelligent Chris and Tyler set a high bar for Sabres podcasters and consistently put out great content.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    kp2575
    United States5 years ago
  • Informative & intelligent.

    I’m a Sabres fan from the Uk & out of all the sabres related podcasts this is by far my favourite. The presenters are clearly knowledgeable fans who’ve taught me a lot about the game, their analysis of the Sabres ongoing woes are more informed than those currently running the franchise & the Sabres could do with subscribing to finally fix the myriad of problems!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    forcessweetheart
    United Kingdom7 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Fans appreciate the podcast as a go-to source for Buffalo hockey discussions.
Many describe it as the feel of home for Sabres fans and a community hub for local hockey talk.
Listeners praise the hosts' knowledgeable Sabres analysis and down-to-earth style.
A few critiques mention audio quality and occasional dominance by one host.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#226
United States/Sports/Hockey
Apple Podcasts
#201
Canada/Sports/Hockey

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Two in the Mailbox: Mid-Summer Mailbag
Q: What would my lines be and what do I think Lindy would do?
The host outlines preferred lines with Oseland, McLeod, Tage Thompson, and Benson on the top units, suggests a Rochester-based Kulik, and offers an alternative lineup that emphasizes Benson and Doan in higher roles while keeping core playoff combos intact; he then presents what Lindy Ruff might actually do, including adjustments around Tuck's spot, Krebs, and the role of young players like Quinn, Benson, and Hellenius.
A Sabres Mailbag to Distract from the Cup Finals
Q: What does the host think about the Sabres re-signing Alex Tuch or replacing his production if he leaves?
The host believes replacing Tuch's production would be difficult and would likely rely on internal progress from players like Ostlund, Helenius, and Kulik stepping up, combined with adding a top-six forward via trade or free agency to offset the loss.
2ITB Mailbag: Does Lindy Win the Jack Adams and Who is Buffalo's Third Pair?
Q: What are the implications of Lindy Ruff potentially winning the Jack Adams and staying with the Sabres?
The host views Ruff as a strong candidate and suggests that if the Sabres continue to contend, Ruff could be a finalist or winner, with the organization possibly extending him if he leads them to playoffs and a division title.
How Long Can the Sabres Be Loser Point Merchants?
Q: How do they keep Greenway in the lineup once everyone is healthy?
Jordan Greenway is expected to stay in the lineup due to his contributions, even once key players return, although the integration of younger talent may lead to tough roster decisions.
How Long Can the Sabres Be Loser Point Merchants?
Q: How is it possible to do this bad on three on three?
The hosts discuss it as a combination of bad luck and unfortunate circumstances, rather than a singular issue, suggesting a need for better player awareness and decision-making in those situations.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
Interests
Professions
Age Range
Household Income
Social Media Reach

Frequently Asked Questions About The Instigator Podcast

What is The Instigator Podcast about and what kind of topics does it cover?

A Buffalo Sabres–focused show driven by two hosts who break down roster moves, game strategy, and broader NHL context with a clear eye on Buffalo sports culture. Episodes typically cover off-season rosters, trades, cap implications, draft analysis, and Playoff chatter, often pairing numbers-driven insights with fan‑oriented banter. Notable strengths include deep Sabres knowledge, practical takeaways on line combinations and cap management, and a strong sense of community around Buffalonians, with guests and topics that span business and local sports culture. The show is likely to appeal to hardcore Sabres fans, hockey analytics enthusiasts, and listeners who value candid, data-informed discussion with a local identity.

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How many listeners does The Instigator Podcast get?

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Which podcasts are similar to The Instigator Podcast?

These podcasts share a similar audience with The Instigator Podcast:

1. Sabremetrix Podcast
2. Expected Buffalo | The Podcast
3. Straight Up Sabres
4. Baker Fairburn Hockey Show
5. Locked On Sabres - Daily Podcast On The Buffalo Sabres

How many episodes of The Instigator Podcast are there?

The Instigator Podcast launched 10 years ago and published 315 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

How do I contact The Instigator Podcast?

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What guests have appeared on The Instigator Podcast?

Recent guests on The Instigator Podcast include:

1. Chris Holmes
2. Dave Horesh
3. Kevin Woodley
4. Craig Barnett
5. Ryan Aylmer
6. Patrick Kaler
7. Joe Yerdon
8. Scott Wheeler

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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