Biron talks Jeanneret legacy, Sabres' playoff chances in Q&A with NHL.com

In NHL.com's Q&A feature called "Sitting Down with …" we talk to key figures in the game, gaining insight into their lives on and off the ice. Today, we feature former NHL goalie and current Buffalo Sabres analyst Martin Biron.

Long before Martin Biron got the chance to know Rick Jeanneret personally, he was a teenager reveling in the broadcaster's legendary calls.

"My earliest memories of 'RJ' were probably getting up early to watch the highlight shows on RDS in the morning and there'd be Pat LaFontaine scoring and you're hearing RJ doing his 'La, La, La, LaFontaine' call and it was just so special," Biron said.

"His was a beautiful soundtrack that he did for 51 years that allowed hockey fans to just fall in love with him."

Jeanneret, who broadcasted Buffalo Sabres games from 1971-2022, died at 81 on Aug. 17.

Biron was a kid growing up in Quebec City when he first caught wind of the excitable Buffalo play-by-play announcer. Later, they formed a close friendship that began when Biron was a Sabres goalie from 1995-2007 and deepened when they became broadcast partners in 2017.

"RJ was fair, honest and not critical for the fun of being critical," Biron said. "He was a bit of a homer in a good way. He didn't want to embarrass anyone."

NHL.com caught up with Biron before he took part in a tribute to Jeanneret at KeyBank Center on Sunday and discussed the legendary broadcaster, the Sabres chances to end a 12-season playoff drought in 2023-24 and more.

What made Rick Jeanneret so beloved in Buffalo?

"When you do something for 51 years and it's through multiple generations, it's special. He had such a way painting that picture and making sure people knew exactly what was going on. I mean, think of Gilbert Perreault coming down the ice and the beauty of it and the artistry of it, right? Well, that was RJ giving fans that look and that passion and that love for Gilbert and other players. It was RJ that put the soundtrack to the play."

You've mentioned that players appreciated how fair Rick was in his descriptions. How was he fair?

"Well, for example, when the team couldn't get the puck out of the zone, it would be like 'the team STILL can't get the puck out of the zone.' He wouldn't say, 'Larry Playfair, get the puck out of the zone, what are you doing kid?' He had that way about being truthful but not overly critical.

"I tell everybody that when I got in my fight with (goalie) Ray Emery (Feb. 22, 2007), if you listen to the Sabres broadcast it was a pretty even fight. Meanwhile in the Ottawa broadcast, I'm getting absolutely crushed! He had a way to protect the players. That's why I said he was a homer in a good way."

What was it like to work with him after you retired as a player?

"I got to listen to so many stories from coaches and players and broadcasters just by being with him because everyone always wanted to come to talk with RJ. Being there with him gave me a greater understanding of his knowledge, his impact. Working with him gave me a window into his life too because he was always talking about his family, the grandkids and everything. I really enjoyed that. And he came prepared for every game. He had a big blow-up poster with the names and numbers, but no stats or anything. He always just knew all that information. His brain was his computer.

"Funny story. He retired in 2022. So last season I get a text from RJ, who was home watching the game on TV. He texts, 'You're getting good at this thing. But you're looking old!' That was RJ."

The Sabres missed the Stanley Cup Playoffs by one point last season and haven't reached the postseason since 2010-11. Do you think they will end that drought this season?

"I do believe they're a playoff team. Their offense is electric. But I think missing Jack Quinn for the first three months of the season (with an Achilles injury) is a big loss because I thought he'd be that one player to take a really big step forward. But the rest of their offense is fast, has size, has skill. Their offense from the blue line with Rasmus Dahlin is significant. I feel they have steps forward they will continue to take this year.

"But the one part of their game that needs to be better is their defensive game. You can't be giving up chances at even strength the way the Sabres did [last season]. They have more talent than most of the teams in the NHL. So if you can limit the chances against, you know you're going to still score goals. They did that late last season, so they found a new way to win games. And they must do that this season."

You were a goalie, so what's your take on rookie Devon Levi?

"What I saw when he came up late last season (5-2-0, 2.94 goals-against average, .905 save percentage) was a very talented goaltender that has incredible athleticism, incredible speed on his feet and is ready because he's mature beyond his years (21). There is some adjustment to be made in his game. I feel that the higher level you reach, the more under control you need to be. And that's what sets [Andrei] Vasilevskiy, [Igor] Shesterkin, [Juuse] Saros, [Connor] Hellebuyck apart because they always seem to be under control despite their different styles. Levi was sometimes out of control last year.

"The Sabres have three goalies (also Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen and Eric Comrie) who don't have a lot of NHL experience. So I said the Sabres are a playoff team, but I think it's fair to say the Sabres question mark is in the crease. Do the goalies have a great ceiling? Absolutely. But is it an unknown right now? Absolutely it is."

You've lived in Buffalo for years, so you know the fans there. What would it mean to them if the Sabres get back into the playoffs this season?

"We've gone through this with the Bills, a massive drought then they made the playoffs, and you had thousands and thousands of people waiting for them at the airport at 2 a.m. Look, Buffalo is a sports town, a loving town and they support you, even when the Sabres weren't doing good. But they are waiting for this to unleash. This is a hockey town. They can't wait."