In this episode, co-hosts Josh Eppinger and Mark Geise discuss Jack Eichel’s new 8 year, $80 million contract extension. Also, we discuss expectations and predictions for the upcoming season. https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/sabretalk/October+5+2017+Podcast.mp3By Mark Geise and Josh Eppinger

In this episode, co-hosts Josh Eppinger and Mark Geise discuss training camp and preseason thus far. Specific topics discussed include: Roster battles for the final few forward spots Line combinations The new system Cliff Pu and Brendan Guhle Expectations for Robin Lehner this year https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/sabretalk/September+22+2017+Podc…

In this episode, co-hosts Josh Eppinger and Mark Geise discuss the draft, the beginning of the free agency period, the big Marco Scandella trade, and prospect development camp. We also discuss Robin Lehner and Nathan Beaulieu’s upcoming arbitration hearings and additional tweaks that could be made to this roster. As always, thanks for listening! ht…

(This episode was recorded on June 16, but is being released on June 18 due to some technical delays.) In this episode, co-hosts Josh Eppinger and Mark Geise discuss the Phil Housley hire. We discussed this ad nauseam last podcast, so there wasn’t too much to add in this podcast. We discuss some players for whom this hire will be best, among them b…

In this episode, co-hosts Josh Eppinger and Mark Geise discuss the recent news that Bob Boughner will likely be introduced as the head coach of the Florida Panthers on Monday. This likely narrows the Sabres’ decision to Nashville assistant Phil Housley and Pittsburgh assistant Rick Tocchet. Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Finals is tomorrow (Sunday) nigh…

In this episode, co-hosts Josh Eppinger and Mark Geise discuss the hiring of Jason Botterill as General Manager, potential head coaching candidates, and the Stanley Cup Playoffs. https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/sabretalk/May+17+2017+Podcast.mp3By Mark Geise and Josh Eppinger

In this episode, co-hosts Josh Eppinger and Mark Geise discuss the new developments in the general manager search for the Sabres. Pittsburgh Penguins Associate General Manager Jason Botterill has emerged as the front-runner, with Elliotte Friedman reporting that Botterill has received a second interview of sorts. Multiple other candidates have been…

In this episode, co-hosts Josh Eppinger and Mark Geise discuss the decision by Terry and Kim Pegula to fire general manager Tim Murray and head coach Dan Bylsma. Specific topics discussed include: The report that Eichel stated that he would not sign a contract extension this off-season if Bylsma remained head coach Tim Murray’s legacy The necessity…

In this episode, co-hosts Josh Eppinger and Mark Geise discuss the handful of games down the stretch, the Sabres’ final place in the standings, and important issues heading into the offseason. Specific topics discussed include: Tim Murray’s press conference on Wednesday Dan Bylsma’s future with the club The CJ Smith signing Alex Nylander’s first NH…

In this episode, co-hosts Josh Eppinger and Mark Geise discuss the three Sabres games this week: Monday’s 2-1 victory over the Detroit Red Wings, Tuesday’s 3-1 loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins, and Saturday’s 5-2 victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs. Specific topics discussed include: Jack Eichel’s two goal night versus the Maple Leafs and continued…

In this episode, co-hosts Josh Eppinger and Mark Geise discuss the 3-5-2 stretch since our prior podcast. Specific topics discussed: Tim Murray’s inactivity at the trade deadline Dan Bylsma’s future in Buffalo Jack Eichel’s offensive production Viktor Antipin signing Defensive situation heading into the offseason The remaining games on the schedule…

In this episode, co-hosts Josh Eppinger and Mark Geise discuss the previous three games for the Sabres: Sunday night’s 5-1 loss to the Chicago Blackhawks, Saturday night’s 5-3 loss to the Colorado Avalanche, and Sunday night’s 3-2 loss to the Arizona Coyotes. Specific topics discussed include: The Sabres firmly in seller mode Trade rumors surroundi…

In this episode, co-hosts Josh Eppinger and Mark Geise discuss the Sabres’ 3-2 victory over the Ottawa Senators on Tuesday night, 2-0 victory over the Colorado Avalanche on Thursday night, and 3-2 victory over the St. Louis Blues on Saturday afternoon. Specific topics discussed include: The playoff picture Robin Lehner’s continued strong play Evand…

In this episode, co=hosts Josh Eppinger and Mark Geise discuss the Sabres’ five games this week: a 2-1 loss to the New Jersey Devils on Monday night, a 5-4 overtime win over the San Jose Sharks on Tuesday night, a 5-2 loss to the Anaheim Ducks on Thursday night, a 3-1 win over the Toronto Maple Leafs on Saturday night, and a 4-2 loss to the Vancouv…

In this episode, co-hosts Josh Eppinger and Mark Geise discuss the past two weeks of Sabres hockey. The Sabres defeated the Nashville Predators 5-4 in overtime on January 24, lost to the Dallas Stars 4-3 on January 26, lost to the Montreal Canadiens 5-2 on January 31, lost in overtime to the New York Rangers 2-1 on February 2, and shut out the Otta…

In this episode, co-hosts Josh Eppinger and Mark Geise discuss the four games played this week: the Sabres beat the Dallas Stars 4-1 on Monday, lost 4-3 to the Toronto Maple Leafs on Tuesday, beat the Detroit Red Wings 3-2 in overtime on Friday, and beat the Montreal Canadiens 3-2 in overtime on Saturday. Specific topics discussed include: An updat…

In this episode, co-hosts Josh Eppinger and Mark Geise discuss their brief hiatus, the games over the last several weeks, and what to expect in terms of player movement and performance over the rest of the year. Specific topics discussed include: Friday night’s 5-2 loss to the Carolina Hurricanes Evander Kane’s surging productivity Dmitry Kulikov’s…

In this episode, we discuss the Sabres’ 4-1 loss to the Washington Capitals, 6-3 victory over the Los Angeles Kings, 3-2 overtime win over the New York Islanders, and 2-1 shootout loss to the Carolina Hurricanes. Specific topics discussed include: Rasmus Ristolainen’s continued offensive emergence Evander Kane’s temporary demotion to the fourth lin…

In this episode, we discuss the Sabres’ 2-1 loss to the Boston Bruins on Saturday, 3-2 overtime loss to the Washington Capitals on Monday, and 4-3 overtime win over the Edmonton Oilers on Tuesday. Specific topics discussed include: Rasmus Ristolainen’s huge minute load and offensive outburst Jack Eichel’s injury in the Capitals game Brendan Guhle’s…

In this episode, co-hosts Josh Eppinger and Mark Geise discuss the Sabres’ 5-4 win over the Ottawa Senators on Tuesday night and 4-3 win over the New York Rangers on Thursday night. Specific topics discussed include: Jack Eichel’s return and the impact on the entire lineup The firepower on the first power play unit: Eichel, O’Reilly, Okposo, Reinha…

Co-hosts Josh Eppinger and Mark Geise discuss the Sabres’ 2-1 shootout loss to the Detroit Red Wings on Wednesday night and 3-1 loss to the Washington Capitals on Friday night. Specific topics discussed include: Anders Nilsson’s surprisingly good play and what his role is moving forward Ryan O’Reilly’s return and his impact on the team Rasmus Risto…

In this episode, we welcome new co-host Josh Eppinger to the show. We discuss the Sabres’ 4-2 victory over the Calgary Flames on Monday night. Specific topics discussed include: Special teams play continues to allow the team to tread water Taylor Fedun has been the player that we hoped Casey Nelson would be this year Sam Reinhart emerges between Ja…

In this episode, I discuss the Sabres’ 2-1 shootout loss to the Ottawa Senators on Wednesday night and 2-1 overtime loss to the New Jersey Devils on Friday night. Specific topics discussed include: This team cannot score and is routinely overmatched at even strength Injuries to Tyler Ennis, Ryan O’Reilly, and Dmitry Kulikov Defensive depth issues E…

In this episode, I discuss the Sabres’ 4-0 loss to the Boston Bruins on Monday night. Specific topics discussed include: The Sabres gave up eight power plays to the Bruins tonight and surrendered three goals on those power plays. Without good special teams play, this is not a good team. Robin Lehner shouldn’t be blamed for this loss, but he certain…

In this episode, I discuss the Sabres’ 2-1 victory over the Ottawa Senators on Saturday night. Specific topics include: Robin Lehner stealing the game Continued fantastic play from future captain Ryan O’Reilly and new sidekick Kyle Okposo The demotion of Matt Moulson down the lineup The emergence of Jake McCabe William Carrier’s debut Upcoming game…

In this episode, I discuss the Sabres’ 2-1 victory over the Minnesota Wild on Tuesday night and 2-1 loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs on Thursday night. Specific topics discussed include: Zach Bogosian injury New forward lines and defensive pairings post-injuries The impending return of Evander Kane and my ideal forward lines after his return Casey N…

In this episode, I discuss my hiatus. I am now back for good with a new mic, so I do not envision any more issues with getting this podcast out regularly. The sound quality of this show should also be greatly improved from this point forward. Next, I discuss the Sabres season to date. Specific topics discussed include: Dan Bylsma has adjusted his p…

In this episode, I discuss the Jack Eichel injury, the expected lineup for Thursday night’s season opener versus the Canadiens, and my expectations for the Atlantic Division. Specific topics discussed include: Eichel’s injury and its impact on the makeup of the forward corps The city of Buffalo’s horrible injury luck thus far in 2016 The forward li…

In this episode, I discuss the Rasmus Ristolainen re-signing and the final roster decisions by the Sabres. Specific topics discussed include: Why the Ristolainen contract fits in well with this team’s Cup window The decision to send Brendan Guhle back to juniors and Alex Nylander to the AHL My projected lines This team’s fatal weakness: depth https…

In this episode, I discuss the the upcoming final preseason games and the remaining roster decisions to be made. Specific topics discussed include: When Rasmus Ristolainen will be re-signed Derek Grant’s bid for a roster spot The chances of Alex Nylander and Brendan Guhle sticking with the Sabres The importance of this season for Robin Lehner and L…

In this episode, I discuss the opening of training camp, the primary roster battles in camp, the World Cup of Hockey, and some possible line combinations. Specific topics discussed include: The battle for the 13th and 14th forward spots and 7th defenseman spot The importance of cultivating a winning environment in Rochester Team USA’s backwards app…

In this episode, I discuss the re-signing of Zemgus Girgensons to a one year, $1.15 million contract. I also evaluate Tim Murray’s entire off-season. Specific topics discussed include: Tim Murray’s “prove it” approach to restricted free agents this off-season The more flexible cap situation given Girgensons’ less-than-expected cap hit My evaluation…

This episode contains discussion about Jimmy Vesey’s decision to sign with the New York Rangers and the impact on the Sabres’ plans moving forward. Specific topics discussed include: Why Vesey chose the Rangers My evaluation of Tim Murray’s decision to trade for his negotiating rights Will the Sabres pursue a winger now that Vesey won’t be in the f…

In this episode, I discuss my thoughts on the Sabres’ draft, the Dmitry Kulikov trade, and the Kyle Okposo signing. Specific topics addressed include: Was Alex Nylander the right choice at #8? Was the Okposo contract an overpayment? Is the Kulikov addition enough to make this defense playoff-caliber? Was the Jimmy Vesey trade a smart move? Will Ves…

This episode contains postgame discussion about the Sabres’ 3-2 overtime loss to the Montreal Canadiens on March 16, 2016. Specific topics discussed include: Ryan O’Reilly’s return Lineup changes with Girgensons moving to Eichel-Reinhart line Developing rivalries with divisional opponents Bogosian with a great game at both ends McCabe continues his…

This episode contains discussion about the Sabres’ upcoming home game versus the Montreal Canadiens on March 16, 2016. I apologize for my hiatus and explain various developments since my last podcast: Jack Eichel’s continued emergence Has Sam Reinhart been the best forward on the team in 2015-16? Ryan O’Reilly’s return from injury Evander Kane’s im…

This episode contains discussion about the Sabres’ 2-0 loss to the Los Angeles Kings on February 27, 2016. Specific topics addressed: the team was worn down; Eichel was the most dangerous forward for the Sabres; Robin Lehner kept the Sabres in this game; Jamie McGinn was invisible; McCabe-Bogosian were the best defensive pairing tonight; the third …

This episode contains discussion about the Sabres’ 3-1 victory over the San Jose Sharks on February 26, 2016. Specific topics addressed: Johan Larsson’s continued great play; Jack Eichel’s struggles without Ryan O’Reilly in the lineup; Chicago’s roster moves; trade deadline outlook for McGinn, Chad Johnson, and Legwand; and Saturday’s upcoming game…

This episode contains discussion about the Sabres’ 1-0 loss versus the Anaheim Ducks on February 24, 2016: Robin Lehner’s continued good play, the power play’s ineptitude, poor officiating, pressure on Jack Eichel and Sam Reinhart, the Mike Weber trade, and Friday’s upcoming game versus the San Jose Sharks. http://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/sabreta…

This episode contains discussion about the Sabres’ 4-0 win versus the Columbus Blue Jackets on February 19, 2016, and 4-3 loss versus the Pittsburgh Penguins February 21, 2016. Specific topics addressed: Robin Lehner’s shutout and intensity, the injury to Ryan O’Reilly, McCabe and Pysyk’s quality play, defensive breakdowns in the Pittsburgh game, i…

This episode contains discussion about the Sabres’ 2-1 shootout loss to the Ottawa Senators on February 16, 2016. Specific topics addressed: Jack Eichel’s pass and performance, Evander Kane’s suspension, Robin Lehner’s continued good play, Larsson’s return to the lineup, McCabe’s great game, Erik Karlsson, and Friday’s upcoming game versus the Colu…

This episode contains discussion about the Sabres’ 4-1 win over the Colorado Avalanche on February 14, 2016. Specific topics addressed: Sam Reinhart’s net-front productivity, Evander Kane’s recent play, Robin Lehner’s great game, the other big guns (Eichel and O’Reilly), Pysyk and Girgensons’ returns to the lineup, Bogosian’s struggles in the defen…

This episode contains discussion about the Sabres’ 6-4 win over the Philadelphia Flyers on February 12, 2016. Specific topics addressed: Evander Kane, Marcus Foligno, poor goaltending on both sides, Justin Bailey, the trade deadline (McGinn, Legwand, Weber, Johnson, Gorges, Franson), Steven Stamkos to the Sabres, and Sunday’s upcoming game versus t…

This episode contains discussion about the Sabres’ 5-1 loss to the Philadelphia Flyers on February 11, 2016. Specific topics addressed: Justin Bailey’s debut, the Radko Gudas hit, the defense’s struggles, Robin Lehner, the team’s lack of identity, and Friday’s upcoming game versus the Montreal Canadiens. http://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/sabretalk/…

This episode contains discussion about the Sabres’ 7-4 loss to the Florida Panthers on February 9, 2016. Specific topics addressed: the defense’s struggles; Evander Kane’s energetic play; Sam Reinhart’s multi-goal game and surprising goal-scoring prowess; Bylsma’s decision to use O’Reilly, Eichel, and Reinhart at center; the team’s terrible record …

This episode contains discussion about the Sabres’ 6-3 loss to the Rangers on January 25 and 3-2 win over the Senators on January 26. Specific topics addressed: Jack Eichel’s progression into a star, Eichel’s burgeoning chemistry with Zemgus Girgensons, Ryan O’Reilly looking worn down, the continued quality play of the third line, Zach Bogosian’s s…

This episode contains postgame discussion about the Sabres’ 3-0 home loss against the Detroit Red Wings on January 22, 2016. Specific topics covered: Robin Lehner’s impressive play, the Sabres’ injury situation, the bare bones top six, the team’s inability to score, the future of a Jack Eichel – Dylan Larkin rivalry, and a preview of Monday night’s…

This episode contains discussion about the Sabres’ 2-1 loss to the Colorado Avalanche on January 20, 2016. Specific topics covered: Robin Lehner’s play, learning how to win games late, Sam Reinhart injury, the quality play of the third line (Marcus Foligno – Johan Larsson – Brian Gionta), forward lines for next game, the Jamie McGinn dilemma, and a…

This episode contains discussion about the Sabres’ 2-1 victory over the Arizona Coyotes on January 18. Specific topics covered: increased physicality by Rasmus Ristolainen, the emergence of Zach Bogosian, the future of Jamie McGinn and Chad Johnson, the play of Marcus Foligno and Johan Larsson, and Wednesday’s upcoming game against the Colorado Ava…

This episode contains discussion about the January 15 Bruins @ Sabres game and January 16 Capitals @ Sabres game. Specific topics covered: the Bogosian-Ristolainen pairing, injuries to Zemgus Girgensons and Josh Gorges, Robin Lehner and Mark Pysyk’s returns, offensive production from the bottom six, and Monday’s game against the Arizona Coyotes. ht…