The Instigators Overtime

Duffer and Marty look at the state of the Sabres with 36 games remaining before their west coast road trip including a look at their practice lines from Monday's practice and analyzing their power play. Then they are joined by Viktor Maudr, Leader of the Buffalo Sabres Czech & Slovakia Fanclub. Viktor described what its like to cheer and chant at games in Europe, how his group came together, and how their trip to Buffalo came together. What it was like for Viktor and his group to meet Sabres alumni, broadcasters, in addition to current players and coaches. Being in the same room with Dominik Hasek, where they went and what they ate on off days, and going to Bills & Bandits games. Also, what its like watching Sabres games back home, how Viktor got into broadcasting and being in the broadcast booth of his idol RJ. Duffer and Marty wrap up with some NHL news & notes, including the Islanders hiring Patrick Roy as coach, Oilers signing Corey Perry and previewing the Sabres road trip.

Duffer & Marty are back to recap a big Buffalo sports weekend and preview a big upcoming homestand for the Sabres. They talked successful coaches challenges and what it will take for the Sabres to move into a playoff spot. Plus one word on the current state of the Sabres goaltending, and many words on the Sabres current defense pairs. Along with some news and notes from around the NHL.

Duffer and Marty discussed how much Sabres fans might see Devon Levi play for the Sabres in their games before the holiday break. Should NHL goalies play more on back to back games? Can the Sabres find a rhythm on offense, how does Jack Quinn impact their lineup, and what would Marty do with the Sabres power play? Plus looking at the teams around the Sabres in the Eastern Conference standings.

Brian Duff and Martin Biron begin by sending along their best wishes to Tony Granato. They discussed the Sabres recalling Brett Murray, playing with compete and missed opportunities against Montreal on Saturday. They examine Devon Levi, the Sabres big picture in goal, getting the Sabres offense & power play going, and previewed the Sabres matchup with the Coyotes.

After a strong performance by UPL against Nashville Sunday night Marty & Duffer discuss where the Sabres are at in goal. The guys dig into the numbers, what is different from last season for the Sabres and how much are injuries to blame? How do the Sabres get better starts in the first period and why are the Sabres attempting a lot of stretch passes? Evaluation vs expectation - how is Zach Benson impressing Duffer and Marty and how can other Sabres prospects contribute? A little history on Sabres penalty shots and games with the Predators. Duffer shares a tribute to Adam Johnson, the guys each name a NHLer that has caught their eye, an Amerks update and Marty tries out some Seinfeld-style standup.

Duffer and Marty talk about the good times had in the United Center after a casual trip to Chicago. They compared the games Friday in Winnipeg to Sunday in Chicago. Discussed Erik Johnson's game winning goal, interacting with Sabres fans in Chicago and Zach Benson's game. Also what it was like to see Connor Bedard in person and the Sabres continuing with Tage Thompson out of the lineup. An update on how they are feeling about Jiri Kulich and Isak Rosen in Rochester and Patrick Kane. Plus Marty has some questions for Duffer!

On the "Baby Grand edition" of Sabres Live Overtime, Brian Duff and Martin Biron dig deep into the Sabres power play numbers and how it compares to last season. What do the Sabres miss with Alex Tuch out of the lineup? They discussed the Sabres lines from Monday's practice, how the Sabres can play to their identity, wished Gilbert Perreault a happy birthday and remembered goalie Roman Cechmanek. Plus they shared some crazy stats from around the NHL - is there home ice advantage, which players are teams regretting not acquiring, and do faceoffs matter.

Brian Duff & Martin Biron discuss what we learned from Saturday night's Sabres lineup and what the plan might be for Matt Savoie? How do the Sabres get more contributions from their bottom six and has Alex Tuch found his offensive groove? What's possible with a Ryan Johnson and Rasmus Dahlin defense pairing and how can the Sabres get a win in Carolina?

Duffer & Marty are back with a new Sabres Live Overtime! They recapped the month of October for the Sabres and the "buzz" of the Black & Red! Examined UPL looking "faster" in black and red. Looked ahead at their next segment of games, and fixing the Sabres power play. The Sabres penalty kill is working EJ, Greenway & Thompson but why are they shorthanded more this season? Sabres streaks from Dahlin & Skinner, and Owen Power generating offense. The latest on the the Sabres lines and pants takes!

Brian Duff and Martin Biron are joined by Bandits players Ian MacKay, Kyle Buchanan, & Chris Cloutier to talk about what it was like to win and celebrate the NLL championship. They discussed how many parties they've they been a part of, how many different cities they visited, how many people drank from the NLL Cup and how much of advantage was it to have the final game in Banditland? They shared stories about legendary Bandits coach John Tavares plus practicing and trying to score on Bandits goalie Matt Vinc. They recapped the moment in the game they knew they would win the title, how many teammates have gotten engaged, which of their teammates jerseys would they buy, what the championship celebration will be like and what is next for the players.

Sabres prospects analyst Kris Baker joined Brian Duff and Martin Biron on the latest Sabres Live Overtime podcast. They discussed the futures of Jiri Kulich and Matthew Savoie and if they could be this year's version of Jack Quinn and JJ Peterka? They talked about the future of more prospects including Isak Rosen, Lukas Rousek, Alexander Kisakov, Tyson Kozak, Ryan Johnson and Mats Lindgren Jr. The trio also examined some early draft guys to keep an eye on and picks for the Stanley Cup.

Former Sabre and Rochester Americans assistant coach Mike Weber joined Brian Duff and Martin Biron on Sabres Live Overtime. He discussed the Amerks playoff race, defense & goaltending, the play of Jiri Kulich & Isak Rosen, coaching young players, one word for Sabres prospects, some stories from his Sabres career, and how he keeps his dream alive of winning the Stanley Cup as a coach.

NHL player agent Brian Bartlett joined Brian Duff and Martin Biron on Sabres Live Overtime. He discussed his special relationship representing Sabres forwards Alex Tuch and Jordan Greenway. Bartlett described how the Greenway trade came to be and why he says Buffalo is lucky to have him. He also examined life as an agent, following after his father Steve, and some of his other clients.

Rochester Americans head coach Seth Appert joined Brian Duff and Martin Biron on this week's episode of Sabres Live Overtime. He discussed the progress of the Amerks young players, the balance of player development while being in a playoff race and the outlook for the team coming up. He examined the play of Jiri Kulich, Isak Rosen, Alexander Kisakov, Lukas Rousek, Brandon Biro, Linus Weissbach, & Brett Murray, plus Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen's mindset, the Amerks goaltending and his favorite puck handling goalie.

Daily Faceoff NHL analyst/former NHL goalie Mike McKenna joined Brian Duff and Martin Biron on Sabres Live Overtime to discuss which goalies might be on the move at the NHL Trade Deadline. McKenna shared his reaction to the trade between the Kings and Blue Jackets involving Jonathan Quick and Joonas Korpisalo, analyzed the Kings plan in net and speculated if Quick may be traded again. What might be the market for Karel Vejmelka be in Arizona? Do New Jersey, Vegas or Pittsburgh add before the deadline and could Cam Talbot, Thatcher Demko or John Gibson be on the move? What does McKenna see as the short and long term plans for the Sabres in goal? Which contending teams should be worried about their goaltending?

Kris Baker joined Brian Duff and Marty Biron to talk Devon Levi's performance in the Beanpot tournament, what makes him such a special prospect and when the guys think he might eventually be NHL ready.  Which prospects in Rochester are impressing the most? What is the latest on Matt Savoie?  What is Kris seeing from Olivier Nadeau? The guys also compared Sabres goalie prospects including Topias Leinonen. Also discussed the progress of Noah Östlund. Finally talked about the future of Ryan Johnson, looked ahead to the NHL trade deadline and at potential college free agents.

The Athletic Islanders staff writer Kevin Kurz joined Brian Duff and Martin Biron on Sabres Live Overtime. He discussed the impact of the Islanders trade for Bo Horvat along with Horvat's eight-year contract extension. Kurz examined if the Isles could trade goalie Semyon Varlamov and the success of goalie Ilya Sorokin this season. He discussed the team's outlook down the stretch and what the playoff race may look like. Kurz shared more on the background of Sharks forward Timo Meier approaching the NHL trade deadline and the strong season of Sharks defenseman Erik Karlsson. Duffer and Marty examine the trade deadline outlook and Jakob Chychrun rumors.

Duffer and Marty reflect on Ryan Miller Night and talk about how it came together behind the scenes. Then the guys break down what is working for the Sabres in their last two wins including Victor Olofsson & Casey Mittelstadt. Also a preview of the Sabres road trip this week.

Brian Duff and Martin Biron ask how to explain what is happening to the Sabres when they wear the black and red jerseys. They recap an emotional night in the arena Saturday against Minnesota that included a wild overtime period. They discuss Rasmus Dahlin's game, Owen Power's performance, look ahead at the Sabres schedule and the standings. They also evaluated the Sabres goalie situation.

Brian Duff and Martin Biron discuss what's the plan for Sabres goaltending in 2023 and how might the possibility of keeping three goalies affect the Sabres roster on the latest Sabres Live Overtime. They also examine if the Sabres need to attempt to balance the playing time of their defensemen and how can the team find more scoring beyond its top line.

Brian Duff and Martin Biron debate what is the common denominator for the Sabres on their three-game winning streak on the latest Sabres Live Overtime. Where are we seeing the "Granato Effect" and are Jeff Skinner and Alex Tuch the latest examples? Marty describes the coach/player dynamic and we examine how the Sabres have dealt with the injuries on defense. There's a look ahead at the upcoming Sabres schedule, breaking down why the team continues to have success on the power play and examining what could be the Sabres plan in goal this week.

In the latest Sabres Live Overtime, Brian Duff and Martin Biron discuss how big the absence of Jeff Skinner from the Sabres lineup is. They also break down the home-and-home series with the Penguins and if the Sabres can keep up their impressive offensive numbers while noting how teams have started to defend them differently. Did Peyton Krebs or Casey Mittelstadt have the more significant week? Brian and Marty discuss what they're seeing from Owen Power so far this season with his defensive partner Henri Jokiharju out with an injury. Finally Marty analyzes where he sees Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen's play at right now.

Brian Duff and Martin Biron pick their highlights from the last week of Sabres hockey on this week's Sabres Live Overtime. They discuss the often hypocritical debate that surrounds the shootout and Marty reveals a conversation he had with Jack Quinn about his shootout move. They also take a moment to appreciate the Sabres impressive offensive numbers and ask could the top two Sabres lines stay together forever? What might the Sabres still need to take the next step this season and how is the plan in goal coming along? Finally there's some discussion about names that may be on the move around the league like Jakob Chychrun and Brock Boeser.

Brian Duff and Martin Biron examine Sabres head coach Don Granato's post game comments in Toronto about compete. Marty breaks down Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen's first start of the season for the Sabres and offers some advice. The guys look at the potential impact of Mattias Samuelsson's return to the lineup and look at the Sabres forward depth that now includes Tyson Jost. Finally there's a look at how to improve the Sabres penalty kill and some tales from Plowmaster43.

Brian Duff and Martin Biron analyze the numbers from the Sabres winless streak and discuss how the team can turn it around. Should the Sabres keep the Quinn/Cozens/Peterka line together? What does Marty see from the Sabres goaltending? Is there a roster move from Rochester to be made? How important are these next five Sabres games? What are we witnessing from Tage Thompson? Finally a tip of the cap to Amerks goaltender Beck Warm, and some thoughts on Hockey Fights Cancer night in Buffalo and the Börje Salming ceremony in Toronto.

Brian Duff and Martin Biron opened this week's episode of Sabres Live Overtime by offering their thoughts on the passing of former Sabre Peter McNab. They continued by reflecting on the recent Sabres Road Crew party in Carolina before recapping a very busy week of games for the team. They examined Tage Thompson's production at home compared to on the road and Sabres goaltending. There are quick thoughts on Olofsson, Krebs and Quinn before previewing the next three Sabres games. Finally it's the return of Duffer's baseball minute and stay tuned for a post credits scene.

After the comeback win against Chicago Duffer and Marty looked ahead to a busy week for the Sabres. Do faceoffs matter? Only when they do? Will Sabres coach Don Granato continue his forward rotation? Which line will we see Alex Tuch on next? Can the Sabres continue to survive their injuries on defense? Plus a quick look at Sabres organizational depth in goal. Does a Bear sh*t in the Woods? Plus a couple stories from Marty including a message for Rob Ray!

On this week's Sabres Live Overtime, Brian Duff and Martin Biron discuss the Sabres unbeaten start to their road trip so far plus the great starts to the season for goaltenders Eric Comrie and Craig Anderson and asked if can they keep it going. They examine what is the most intriguing Sabres team statistic and how they changed their play in order to close out a win in Vancouver. They discussed the Sabres top forward line right now centered by Dylan Cozens and examined which Sabres have "clean sheets" not having been on the ice while allowing an opponent goal. Was the loss to the Panthers a turning point and has Rasmus Dahlin become a pest to play against? They took a look at appreciating Alex Tuch, identifying which Sabres are still trying to find their rhythm and comparing the NHL's balance of power between the Eastern and Western conference. Marty awarded three goalie stars of the week and asked which goalies should we be concerned about. Finally they looked ahead to how the Sabres might navigate injuries on defense this week.

Duffer and Marty react to the first two Buffalo Sabres game on this edition Sabres Live Overtime and explain who is "p***ed off." Marty identifies three Sabres he is happy with and the guys discuss the line shuffling that was done in third period against Florida. They also talk about the usage of Jack Quinn and JJ Peterka along with what they have seen from Owen Power. How can the Sabres get their power play going and are Skinner and Thompson still a duo? Duffer also asks Marty "what is wrong with NHL?" Along with other topics from the first week of the NHL season including players they love and those they loathe. The start of the Amerks season is also talked about including what they have seen from UPL. Finally, what is one word for the Sabres upcoming western road trip?

On the latest Sabres Live Overtime Duffer and Marty discussed the Buffalo Sabres concluding their preseason schedule and setting their roster for the start of the regular season this week. They also discussed the leadership groups of the Sabres and the Rochester Americans: Kyle Okposo being named captain, Zemgus Girgensons and Rasmus Dahlin named alternate captains, and Michael Mersch settling a score. Who might be the next Sabres captain after Kyle Okposo? How confident are Duffer and Marty in Eric Comrie after a tough preseason? Was Ukko-Pekka Luukonen's performance the biggest surprise during Sabres training camp? What is Ilya lyubushkin's role with the Sabres this season? Is Dylan Cozens in line for a breakout season? Plus a tough week of headlines from around the hockey world and the weekend of George?

Marty and Duffer react to roster moves after the Sabres preseason win over Pittsburgh

Brian Duff and Martin Biron analyzed the Sabres preseason opening win in Washington on the latest Sabres Live Overtime podcast. The game featured a very young roster and a top line of Quinn-Cozens-Peterka. We discussed is having Cozens at center telling for the Sabres plans this season, Don Granato's assessment of Jack Quinn, and the return of Lawrence Pilut. The pair examined what they saw from Tyson Kozak, Jiri Kulich, Matt Savoie and Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen. Finally Duffer and Marty awarded their Three Stars of the weekend.

Former Sabres GM/forward Gerry Meehan joined Brian Duff and Martin Biron to look back at the 30 year anniversary of the trade that brought Hall of Fame goalie Dominik Hasek to Buffalo. Meehan recalls how the trade went down and why he was confident his bet in Hasek would pay off. He shared many great stories from his hockey career including the May Day game, Rick Jeanneret and his thoughts on analytics. Finally everyone shared their three favorite goalies of all time.

Colorado Avalanche pro scout and former Sabres forward Terry Martin joins Brian Duff and Martin Biron on the latest episode of Sabres Live Overtime. He discusses what it feels like to recently be a part of a Stanley Cup winning team after chasing one for 47 years, how he ended up in Colorado and how he became a scout after being an assistant coach after his playing career ended. Martin talks about the players that stood out to him this season, which player he's most proud of bringing onboard, his time in Buffalo, some great characters he's dealt with in hockey, and who he's learned the most from. Marty also asked him some “Dis or Dat” questions.

Andrew Poturalski joined Brian Duff and Martin Biron for a bonus episode of The Instigators Overtime podcast. The Williamsville, NY native discussed recently captaining the Chicago Wolves to a Calder Cup championship and what Chicago is like as an AHL city. He describes his experience playing with the Carolina Hurricanes during the season, what continues to fuel his dream of being an NHL player and how he's working hard to make that dream a reality. Poturalski looks at some of his career mentors, growing up a Sabres fan, his experience at Sabres development camp in 2015 and what he will be looking for in his next contract. He describes some relationships with teammates, what Alex Lyon was doing in the team photo and answered a few rapid fire questions about playing golf. Brian and Martin wrapped the pod discussing three sports they always wanted to play more of.

Kris Baker joined Brian Duff and Martin Biron on the latest The Instigators Overtime podcast to get ready for the upcoming NHL Draft. Baker discussed how he tracks prospects around the hockey world, the Sabres plan in goal, where Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen fits in and whether it is a good strategy to draft a goalie every year. We analyzed what do the Sabres need to add to their organizational depth and would they consider trading up? Where do you start to take chances in the draft and how do you find the next Cale Makar? Baker explains what he's seen from Sabres 2021 draft pick Olivier Nadeau at the Memorial Cup. Finally we look at three names he has as strong possibilities for the Sabres to potentially select at picks #9, #16, and #28 overall.

Brian Duff and Marty Biron share their top five most wanted players for the Sabres that could be acquired via trade on this week's The Instigators Overtime podcast. We discuss some possible blockbuster deals, some potential options for goalies, right-handed defensemen, and added size in the lineup. Plus one that got Duffer right up out of his chair to walk away!

Rochester Americans assistant coach Michael Peca joined Brian Duff and Marty Biron on this week's The Instigators Overtime podcast. Peca shared his biggest takeaways from the end of the Amerks season, discussed the growth of forwards JJ Peterka (3:40) & Jack Quinn (10:20) and their relationship with one another. The former Sabres captain/Selke Trophy winner talked about working with Peyton Krebs and the math & science that goes into winning faceoffs. He also shared what he's seen from Dylan Cozens (25:30), Rasmus Asplund (26:45) and how Arttu Ruotsalainen can take his game to the next level (28:15). Peca shared the biggest hit he ever delivered, his thoughts on more Amerks players who may help the Sabres and where he sees his own future in hockey. The guys wrapped up the conversation with three shoutouts to Amerks players who were a part of the team's success.

Sabres development coach Dan Girardi joined Brian Duff and Marty Biron on this week's The Instigators Overtime podcast. They discussed Girardi's top moments & stories from his NHL career as a defenseman, some of his tips for staying in the lineup, and the improvement & development he's seen while coaching the Sabres young defensemen - including Rasmus Dahlin (28:35) & Owen Power (35:00). He answered a few ‘Dis or Dat' questions plus Duffer & Marty shared some of their choices for unheralded defensemen from the NHL playoffs.

NHL Network/NESN analyst Billy Jaffe joined Brian Duff and Marty Biron on this week's The Instigators Overtime podcast. They discussed their history working with one another including some legendary pickup hoops games. Jaffe conducted his Bruins exit interview (11:30) with the guys including discussion of Patrice Bergeron's decision (13:00) and an examination of the future of the Atlantic Division (15:00). Could the Sabres take the next step to contend (16:45)? What happens next in Toronto (19:30)? Who are the available goalies this summer and could Linus Ullmark be moved (21:00)? Who stays and who goes in Pittsburgh (26:30)? Will the Red Wings be adding this summer (31:00)? What happens in Minnesota with Kevin Fiala (37:00)? Billy, Duffer and Marty each identify a few people that made an impact on their broadcasting careers.

ESPN NHL reporter/writer Emily Kaplan joined Brian Duff and Marty Biron on this week's The Instigators Overtime podcast. She described what it's been like covering the Stanley Cup Playoffs so far including her crazy travel schedule and some her favorite stories that have emerged. Kaplan discussed her career, the changes with ESPN's new broadcast rights deal, being between the benches, what it's like working with colleagues like Ray Ferraro and her favorite drink. She also previewed three big offseason storylines to watch and some upcoming stories for ESPN.

Brian Duff and Marty Biron are joined by SkateSkins owner Matt Keeler on this week's The Instigators Overtime podcast. He explains where he got the idea for SkateSkins - a customizable accessory designed to fit all makes and models of hockey skates. Keeler describes how he got connected with Sabres defenseman Rasmus Dahlin, produced the Rick Jeanneret themed SkateSkins, and the thrill it was seeing Dahlin and other Sabres wearing them during warmups on the night of RJ's last call. He tells us how he started the business and some of the biggest challenges he faced.

Brian Duff and Martin Biron discuss the leftover hockey stories from the weekend on the latest The Instigators Overtime podcast doggy bag edition. They examined what the future could hold for the Sabres & defenseman Rasmus Dahlin, looked ahead to Rick Jeanneret's “Last Call” game, examined the outlook for the Amerks playoff hopes and the NHL playoff picture entering the final week of the regular season.

Sabres television producer Joe Pinter joined Brian Duff and Martin Biron on this week's The Instigators Overtime podcast. He shared some of his favorite memories and calls from working with Sabres play-by-play announcer Rick Jeanneret over the years and a few behind-the-scenes stories. Duffer and Marty shared their latest Three Stars.

Sabres Director of Amateur Scouting Jerry Forton joined Brian Duff and Martin Biron on this week's The Instigators Overtime podcast. He discussed the process of scouting defenseman Owen Power leading up to the Sabres selecting him #1 overall in 2021 & making his NHL debut, how the scouting process has evolved and what he's seen from Sabres 2021 first round pick Isak Rosén. Duffer and Marty shared their Three Stars.

Brian Duff and Martin Biron chew on all of the juiciest leftover hockey stories from the weekend on the latest The Instigators Overtime podcast. We discussed the latest from the NHL, Sabres, Amerks, and what's ahead for Sabres goalie prospects Erik Portillo & Devon Levi.

Joywave lead singer Daniel Armbruster joins Brian Duff and Martin Biron on the latest The Instigators Overtime podcast. He discussed growing up as a Sabres/hockey fan, Joywave's upcoming tour stops in Buffalo & his hometown of Rochester, the process of creating new music and life in the music industry. Duffer and Marty shared their Three Stars of the Week.

Bandits GM/assistant coach Steve Dietrich joined Brian Duff and Martin Biron on The Instigators Overtime podcast. The two-time National Lacrosse League General Manager of the Year discussed the team's great start to the season so far, constructing the roster, playing in front of the fans in Banditland, his NLL Hall of Fame career as a goalie spanning 18 seasons including winning the league's MVP award, how he got the nickname “Chugger”, growing the game of lacrosse and answered some rapid fire questions. Duffer and Marty shared their Three Stars of the Week covering the Bandits and NHL trade deadline.

Sabres head coach Don Granato joined Brian Duff and Martin Biron for the latest The Instigators Overtime podcast. Granato discussed the Sabres win over the Maple Leafs in the Heritage Classic, including more on his sunglasses, the team's ‘Flint Tropics' pregame uniforms and building unity. We concluded with a look back at the Sabres win over Vegas in Jack Eichel's return and shared the Three Stars of the Week.

Pegula Sports and Entertainment social media strategist Kelsey Sweet joined Brian Duff and Martin Biron for the latest The Instigators Overtime podcast. She recapped the Sabres win over Vegas from a social media perspective. Sweet explained more details on what her job in social media with PSE entails, how it has evolved, which influencers have been fun to work with, pandemic changes, and some of her top moments with the Bills, Sabres and Bandits. We concluded with her Three Must Follows for social media.

Sabres Hall of Famer Craig Ramsay joined us for the latest The Instigators Overtime podcast. Ramsay discussed recently leading Slovakia's men's hockey team to the bronze medal at the 2022 Winter Olympics as the team's head coach. He explained the joy in returning to Slovakia, how his connection to former Sabre Miroslav Satan helped lead him to coach the team, the quarterfinal win over the U.S., the impact of the team's performance and his Olympic experience. Duffer and Marty shared their Three Stars of the Week with a Slovak connection.