The drought is officially over. The Sabres clinched a playoff spot over the weekend and celebrated inside a raucous KeyBank Center on Monday. We talk through the end of the drought, Monday's win and the remaining work to be done in the playoff race. We also float who could get the biggest pop for banging the drum for game one and discuss which drought-era Sabres we would add to the current roster. We also touch on the slew of firings from around the NHL that have come late in the season.

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Jordan Greenway, like Conor Timmins last week, has returned from injury. Zach Metsa is back from Rochester. Buffalo's roster is as close to 100% as it has been all season (though they will likely lose Sam Carrick for a period), how Lindy Ruff refines his lineup now that he's spoiled for choice will be telling. Timmins and Logan Stanley had their ups and downs as a pair, but with Metsa back, is he the best choice for Stanley's partner? Is Greenway a lock for the fourth line? How do they manage their skaters once the playoffs open?

We also devote some time to tryout season in youth hockey as families throughout Western New York will be navigating tryouts this week, or earlier in the month for the younger age groups.

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Who do you think is the best matchup for the Sabres in round one? There are still upwards of eight teams that could wind up playing the Sabres in the first round. We spend this week's episode talking through Buffalo's potential opponents in round one, providing insight into the strengths and weaknesses of each team and which we feel would be best for the Sabres to avoid and which would be favorable to draw.

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Is Lindy going to win the Jack Adams? Will he retire if he does? Who should be the playoff starter and what will the Sabres do with their third pair? All of those questions and more are addressed on this mailbag edition of The Instigator Podcast.

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It's been quite the week for the Sabres. Under normal circumstances, the trade deadline would have offered more than enough fodder for an episode, but then the Sabres and Lightning put on the most exciting game of the season. We talk through the aftermath of Sunday's barnburner, dig in on Buffalo's deadline acquisitions and look at the road ahead. We also talk about Lindy Ruff's bonafides as a coach of the year candidate and whether or not he can overtake John Cooper to win the Jack Adams Trophy.

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The Sabres didn't land any big fish at this year's deadline but they brought in depth at forward and the blue line. Logan Stanley and Sam Carrick will likely be the most heavily deployed acquisitions while Tanner Pearson and Luke Schenn offer addition depth. This quick episode runs down Buffalo's additions at the deadline, the prices they paid and what we can expect from the quartet of new faces who will don blue and gold this spring.

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Colton Parayko may be a Sabre if he opts to waive his no trade clause. Robert Thomas was very nearly a Sabre, based on reporting on Tuesday. Both big names out of St. Louis are our primary talking points this week as Thomas would represent a monumental blockbuster deal while Parayko is a seasoned top four defender who would further strengthen an already impressive unit. We break down what Parayko could mean for the Sabres as we await word on the trade being finalized. We also dive deep into the Thomas rumor, discuss which Sabres assets would have been involved and consider what could bring the teams back together before Friday afternoon.

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Gambling problem? Call one eight hundred Gambler. In New York, call eight seven seven eight HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369). In Connecticut, Help is available for problem gambling. Call 888-878-9777
or visit ccpg dot org. Please play responsibly. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino & Resort (Kansas). Pass-thru of per wager tax may apply in Illinois. 21-plus age and eligibility varies by jurisdiction. Void in Ontario. Restrictions apply. Bet must win to receive Bonus Bets which expire in 7 days. Minimum odds
required. For additional terms and responsible gaming resources, see DKNG.co/audio. Limited time offer. All Rights Reserved.

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For the first time in 46 years the U.S. has won gold in Olympic Hockey. Meanwhile, the U.S. women brought home yet another gold medal, cementing themselves as the global power in the women's game. We break down both gold medals in addition to addressing the discourse that has followed in the wake of the double championships. In this episode we debate if USA Hockey will learn the wrong lessons from hanging on for dear life in the gold medal game along with our grievances with the officiating in both tournaments. We also share some thoughts on the Sabres return to action on Wednesday.

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