On this episode of the Moran-Alytics Podcast, Patrick Moran interviews one the leaders in the world of hockey analytics, Ryan Stimson of The Athletic.

Stimson is a contributing writer at the Buffalo division of The Athletic and does an impeccable job of covering the Buffalo Sabres through extensive analytical and statistical driven analysis. For mainstream fans not aware of Stimson and the work he does, Moran asks Stimson about where he grew up, how he got into hockey and when he figured out deciphering through analytics would play a role in his life.

Stimson also talks about how the opportunity to join The Athletic came out and how he feels about working some of the most talented and well known sports journalists in Buffalo.

Of course, the conversation ultimately turns to Sabres talk and Stimson breaks down why he thought playing Jeff Skinner with Jack Eichel and Sam Reinhart was a bad idea, talks about Eichel being an elite scorer but not necessarily yet an elite center, and gives insight into what fans can expect of goaltender Carter Hutton going forward.

Finally, the interview wraps with Moran’s recurring Mini-Lightning round, where Stimson reveals such nuggets as his favorite athlete, city to visit, activity, spot to hit up for wings, the one person on Twitter he’d follow if only allowed and the three dinner guests from any era he’d most like to have.

You can follow Ryan Stimson on Twitter at RK_Stimp and subscribe to The Athletic, where they always seem to be having advantageous deals for new subscribers.

Immediately after that Moran is joined by Tone Pucks (@TonePucks) for the recurring Pat with Pucks segment. Today the guys are breaking down the Buffalo Bills last second 13-12 victory over the Tennessee Titans to earn their second win in three weeks.  While Pucks is glad to see his hometown team, he’s anything but pleased with the progress rookie quarterback Josh Allen is making.  He’s discussed along with Matt Milano and Sean McDermott, their post-game weekly awards and much more.

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Follow Patrick Moran on Twitter @patmorantweets and “like” the Moran-Alytics Facebook page.