Ice Time

Rachel Lenzi and Perryn Keys hop the boards for another shift of Ice Time, The Buffalo News' hockey podcast, to take stock of the Sabres' start, fallout from their failure (failure?) to obtain Connor Hellebuyck, their overtime loss in Washington and a line shakeup in San Jose.

First, the long-awaited movement of Hellebuyck. What does it mean for Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen? What did Rachel make of Josh Doan standing up for Luukkonen in Washington? Also, how will Colten Ellis fare, and when will we see Alex Lyon?

Rachel also breaks down a shakeup with the lines as Jiri Kulich sits out and a team-by-team look at the Sabres' trip through California. How long can the Sabres afford to hover near .500 before they have to truly worry about their season?

The Buffalo News Ice Time Podcast is sponsored by Express Windows.

Rachel Lenzi and Mike Harrington hop the boards for another shift of Ice Time, The Buffalo News' hockey podcast, to take stock of the Sabres' 4-3-2 start and look ahead to their next two games against the Flyers, and, of course, the big reunion with Alex Tuch in Washington.

First, the return of captain Rasmus Dahlin, who missed the Sabres' games in Canada with an upper-body injury, which Dahlin himself described as not as severe as the back spasms that took him out of the lineup for seven games in December 2024. Also, the return of Jason Zucker and the Sabres' power play, which still ranks dead last in the NHL at 9.1%. 

Lastly, there's the Connor Hellebuyck watch. Will the Sabres trade for him? How badly do they need him? Is it worth the risk? Would he be better in the playoffs? And by the way, what about Alex Lyon?

The Buffalo News Ice Time Podcast is sponsored by Express Windows.

Rachel Lenzi and Mike Harrington hop the boards for another shift of Ice Time, The Buffalo News' hockey podcast, to break down the Sabres' 3-3-1 start and look ahead to their next two games in Canada.

First, the Sabres' shootout loss in Montreal on Tuesday, in which they rallied to salvage a point but played what Lindy Ruff called the worst second period he'd seen in a long time. They also discuss higher expectations for Josh Norris, who's earning $9.5 million this year ... and currently playing on the Sabres' fourth line.

Another big, big topic: Injuries to the captain, Rasmus Dahlin, who won't play Thursday at Toronto (and possibly Saturday at Montreal), as well as Jason Zucker, Tyson Kozak and a "setback" for goalie Alex Lyon. And yes, that leads to more talk about goaltending in general and Connor Hellebuyck in specific.

Finally, Rachel and Mike take a look at the Sabres' road ahead and the rest of the Atlantic Division.

The Buffalo News Ice Time Podcast is sponsored by Express Windows.

Rachel Lenzi and Perryn Keys are back on Ice Time for a wrap up of training camp and the latest preseason activities. Injuries to Mattias Samuelsson and Olen Zellweger leaves the lineup uncertain going into their season opener matchup with the Blue Jackets. 

Plus, an eight year contract for Noah Östlund and is the Atlantic division the toughest in the NHL? 

The Buffalo News Ice Time Podcast is sponsored by Express Windows.

Summer is here and there's still plenty to talk about with the Buffalo Sabres. Mike and Rachel are back on Ice Time to discuss the loss of Alex Tuch and Bowen Byram in the wake of the NHL Draft and Free Agency.

Plus, Connor Hellebuyck, the NHL Schedule drop and what is going on with the Chicago Blackhawks? 

The Buffalo News Ice Time Podcast is sponsored by Express Windows.

Mike and Rachel join us for another shift of the Ice Time podcast. Michael Kesselring has been traded to the San Jose Sharks which leaves the Sabres with a few options: use that money to renegotiate some contracts or try to sweeten the pot for Alex Tuch to stay in Buffalo.

Plus, the Sabres have a higher draft pick and Rachel’s prediction for the Stanley Cup Champion was spot on.

The Buffalo News Ice Time Podcast is sponsored by Express Windows.

Rachel Lenzi and Mike Harrington hop the boards for one final playoff shift on Ice Time to discuss the end of the Buffalo Sabres' season and what lies ahead. First things first: Lindy Ruff's new contract. The coach had said all along there was no need to worry about his expiring contract, and it turns out he was right.

Next up: Alex Tuch, who becomes an unrestricted free agent at the end of June. Will he be back? Tuch is not the only Sabres player in flux, however: Mike and Rachel discuss the fate of unrestricted free agent Beck Malenstyn and restricted free agents Zach Benson and Bowen Byram.

Plus, a recap of the Sabres' dynamite (but devastating) series with the Canadiens and do the Canadiens have a chance against Carolina?

The Buffalo News Ice Time Podcast is sponsored by Express Windows.

Rachel and Mike jump the boards for a fresh shift on Ice Time to go over the Sabres' win over the Montreal Canadiens to begin the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

First, how Buffalo roared to life over the seemingly flat Canadiens; how the Sabres' power play came alive at the right time; and how goalie Alex Lyon outplayed Jakub Dobes in Game 1. But don't bank on Montreal looking so out of sync in Game 2. Cole Caufield, a 51-goal scorer in the regular season, has to come alive at some point, doesn't he?

Plus, a big moment for captain Rasmus Dahlin, who was announced as a finalist for the Norris and Masterton trophies on Thursday.

The Buffalo News Ice Time Podcast is sponsored by Express Windows.

Rachel Lenzi and Mike Harrington are back for another shift on Ice Time to get you ready for the Sabres and Canadiens in the second round (!) of the Stanley Cup playoffs.

Big news out of Sabres practice: the return of Sam Carrick, who hit the ice Thursday for the first time since the upper-body injury. Will Carrick be back for Game 1? Unlikely. Will he be back this series? Yes, and perhaps soon. From there, the Montreal Canadiens. Who has the edge in this series? The Sabres look deeper from the first through fourth lines, but the Canadiens are gritty (see Game 7). 

Plus, Jakub Dobes vs. Alex Lyon (Or, if Lyon has a rough stretch, back to Ukko-Pekka-Luukkonen?) and predictions for what should be a super-loud, super-passionate series in both cities.

The Buffalo News Ice Time Podcast is sponsored by Express Windows.

Rachel and Mike are back for another shift on Ice Time to discuss the Sabres' hard-earned win over the Bruins in Game 3. The Sabres were able to push through despite an imperfect night in Boston. Alex Lyon handled his business in net, making 24 saves in his first postseason start since 2023. Does Lindy Ruff stick with the veteran goalie for Game 4 ahead of Luukkonen? 

Plus, Noah Ostlund's impactful return to the lineup, the relative lack of impact in this series made by Sabres captain Rasmus Dahlin and a look at a pivotal Game 4. With a win, the Sabres can take a commanding 3-1 series lead. With a loss, the Sabres come home with a 2-2 series tie and a potential long series ahead.

The Buffalo News Ice Time Podcast is sponsored by Express Windows.