The Athletic Hockey Show (Oct 15, 2025)
Is Another 'Tankathon' Already On in Buffalo?
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This episode centers on early-season misery among certain NHL teams whose fanbases are already thinking draft lottery ("Tankathon"), with the Buffalo Sabres topping that list. The hosts examine why Buffalo’s hopes for progress have so quickly given way to familiar frustration, dig into analytic expectations vs. reality, and hit on similarly dicey early starts for the Rangers and Islanders. The crew also discusses surprise teams out west—especially the Seattle Kraken—and touches on draft phenom Gavin McKenna, plus notable trends from The Athletic’s preseason fan survey.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Buffalo Sabres: Perpetual Disappointment and Fan Fatigue
[04:01–18:57]
- Fan Fatalism: After only a handful of games, Sabres fans are already obsessively refreshing Tankathon (the draft lottery simulator), showing just how quickly optimism evaporates in Buffalo after 14 years out of the playoffs.
“If you could run the analytics on the Tankathon website and see where are most of your hits coming from right now. Is it all New York State?” — Frankie Corrado (04:32)
- Why Did Hope Creep In? Analysts/models projected Buffalo as a possible playoff team due to offensive potential and expected improvement, but early results (injuries, two goals scored in three games) have underlined deeper, systemic issues.
“If you’re a Sabres fan...the analytic kind of models were showing the Sabres going to be a pretty good team...then for them to have the start that they’ve had...it’s almost like it got worse.” — Frankie Corrado (07:23)
- Analogy for the Franchise: The Sabres are likened to a house with “good bones built on cursed ground.” Despite young talent (Dahlin, Power, Thompson), nothing ever seems to go right.
“It’s good bones that are built on cursed ground. Like, that’s what it is.” — Sean Gentile (11:52)
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Pressure on Core Players: If things go further south, even bright spots may want out. Despair is so deep, it’s “not just three games. It’s 14 years plus three games.” — (12:32, 13:10)
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Tonight’s Litmus Test: Next game vs. Ottawa could be a tipping point for fan unrest; visible frustration (e.g. jerseys thrown on ice) is already emerging.
“...Could be a rough week in Buffalo. The Bills lost. The fans are already cranky.” — Sean McIndoo (15:49)
- Draft Saviors Not Enough: Tanking for another top pick like Gavin McKenna isn’t a guaranteed fix; Buffalo needs a holistic overhaul beyond adding superstar youth.
“This is more than just one player. This is top down. This is holistic...there’s a lot of work to do.” — Frankie Corrado (17:39)
2. New York Rangers & Islanders: Stalled Starts & Goaltender Reliance
Rangers [18:57–24:19]
Islanders [25:11–32:45]
- Rangers Wobbles: Shut out three times at home to start the season, fans already booing, new coach under scrutiny. But underlying 5-on-5 metrics remain solid—it’s early, but concern about top players’ lack of scoring is real.
“It’s a weird stat...three games at home and they haven’t scored. But that’s really all it is at this point...” — Sean Gentile (21:49)
- Perspective Check: Don’t panic yet—the process is right, and Shesterkin is playing great—Rangers likely to rebound, but the ceiling (Metro’s top spot or simply wildcard?) is now in question.
“There’s no reason to panic for the Rangers...Their process would lead you to believe that things will be just fine.” — Frankie Corrado (23:01)
- Islanders Overload Sorokin: Ilya Sorokin’s excellence in net is the only thing keeping the Isles afloat, but the workload may be too much. New GM, less-than-dramatic offseason—if things go south, could they shift to full rebuild and shop Sorokin?
“At some point, like, is it too much? Does the dam just break?” — Frankie Corrado (25:30)
“Ilya Sorokin, the Game 1 starter for the Edmonton Oilers.” — Sean McIndoo (27:18, bold prediction)
- Young Standouts: Matthew Schaefer impressing as an 18-year-old D, already logging huge minutes and looking poised beyond his years.
“That’s a hell of a player right out of the gate… his feet are already in a category in the NHL…” — Frankie Corrado (29:29)
3. Seattle Kraken: Surprise Contender in the Pacific?
[33:04–44:53]
- Seattle’s Quiet Improvements: After witnessing them live, Frankie notes sharper defensive structure, improved play as a team, and significant contributions from supporting cast and new additions, arguing they shouldn’t be dismissed in the playoff hunt.
“They look way better than they did last year… I wonder if Seattle can make a little bit of a push to get back into the playoffs because they were leaky last year.” — Frankie Corrado (35:42)
- Joey Daccord’s Breakout: Goaltender Daccord rapidly becoming a difference-maker; potential for a Vezina-type season could drive Seattle’s ceiling.
“If you’re just arriving to the Joey Decord party, like, welcome. He’s a hell of a goalie.” — Frankie Corrado (39:58)
- Division Uncertainties: Doubts about Vancouver and LA create an opening; if Seattle stays ahead of Anaheim, a wild card isn't far-fetched.
“If the Cord has a season on par with the one he had previously, and they get growth from the Shane Wrights and Matty Beniers... the potential for them to be interesting is probably a little more present than I acknowledged.” — Sean Gentile (40:34)
4. Gavin McKenna Watch & Prospect Discussion
[48:18–52:06]
- Gavin McKenna (Draft Favorite): Sean G. saw the likely #1 pick in person—the consensus is he’s special (“magnet for the puck...slows guys down...looks like the real deal”), stirring excitement for the lottery sweepstakes.
“He looks like he’s moving at full speed and everyone else is moving in slow motion...he looks like the real deal.” — Sean Gentile (49:26)
- Sabres Dread: Jokes about McKenna being destined to become the next Sabres savior—only for the organization to bungle his development.
“Enjoy it now, Gavin, before the Buffalo Sabres...ruin your entire life.” — Sean McIndoo (52:11)
5. Early Season Trends and Fan Predictions
[52:31–58:55]
- Most “Uncertain” Team: From The Athletic’s preseason reader survey—Winnipeg Jets, despite last year’s President’s Trophy, are the hardest for fans to predict (not much confidence they’ll repeat). Caps and Devils also among hardest to peg due to injuries and variance.
“Out of all 32 teams in the league, which team gets mentioned the least?...Winnipeg Jets.” — Sean McIndoo (54:35)
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- “It’s good bones that are built on cursed ground. Like, that’s what it is.” — Sean Gentile [11:52]
- “If this truly does continue to go south...there’s not a McJesus, you know, like Gavin McKenna... This is more than just one player. This is top down. This is holistic.” — Frankie Corrado [17:39]
- “The fatalism is just around the corner...It would be a respite, but I don’t think a permanent one.” — Sean Gentile on Sabres fan mood [17:17]
- “This is a fan base that’s been more patient than this one. So...could be a rough week in Buffalo.” — Sean McIndoo [15:49]
- “If you’re just arriving to the Joey Decord party, like, welcome. He’s a hell of a goalie.” — Frankie Corrado [39:58]
- “If you want to talk about a rebuild...turn [the Islanders] upside down and shake it. That would not be a bad way to kick it off.” — Sean McIndoo on possibly trading Sorokin [28:40]
Timestamps for Important Segments
- Buffalo Sabres Tankathon & Fan Despair: 04:01–18:57
- Rangers Panic Meter/JT Miller & Home Struggles: 18:57–24:19
- Islanders Reliance on Sorokin & Schaefer Hype: 25:11–32:45
- Seattle Kraken: Are They Contenders Now?: 33:04–44:53
- Gavin McKenna Scouting & Lottery Jokes: 48:18–52:11
- Preseason Fan Survey/Least Predictable Teams: 52:31–58:55
Summary in Brief
The podcast uses Buffalo’s latest slow start to dig into perennial losing cultures, failed rebuilds, and the limitations of analytics when hope meets reality. The Sabres’ struggles are contextualized within a wider pattern—teams like the Rangers and Islanders are also facing early turbulence, while surprises could be brewing in Seattle. The episode blends frustration, dark humor, and cautious hope, appropriate to the October mood of battered hockey fans everywhere.