News Islanders Team Notes

[New York Islanders]

Islanders 4, Sharks 3: Schaefer’s first 1st star

The Islanders established a three-game win streak and upended their 0-3 start with a 4-3 win over the winless San Jose Sharks Tuesday in Elmont.

Mathew Schaefer continued his now six-game points streak to start his career with his first two-point game, a goal and an assist earning him his first first star nod. In the post-game, rinkside interview that comes with that honor, he basically turned every question into a chance to praise, thank and whip up the home fans. The kid is living the dream, and he’s a hype man already endearing himself to all of Long Island.

[NHL Gamecenter | Game Summary | Event Summary | Natural Stat Trick]

The game started a little…icky. The Isles were uneven in the beginning and then conceded a shorthanded goal on their first power play, though they later converted on that power play with lovely interplay between Schaefer, Mat Barzal and Bo Horvat. Casey Cizikas added his first just a minute later, but San Jose tied it four minutes after that.

Emil Heineman had the last laugh of the period, scoring with 32 seconds left to make the Isles power play 2 for 2 and give them a 3-2 lead heading into intermission.

Schaefer scored his goal after what will surely become a trademark jailbreak race up ice with Barzal. That gained the zone and disrupted the Sharks coverage, then Schaefer hung around the net to convert after Anthony Duclair dug it from below the goal line and fed the 18-year-old.

The Isles played a smart third but would give up one to Macklin Celebrini on a nice setup and sizzling shot from the slot. That made the final 10 minutes and the 6-on-5 time interesting — Barzal and Anders Lee each just barely missed on rink-length empty net tries. Ilya Sorokin made some great positional saves on one-timers to preserve the lead.

And somehow, the Isles are back to .500, and their co-leading scorer is an 18-year-old who played less than two dozen organized games of hockey last year.

Bright Spots​

• Anytime Barzal and Schaefer are on the ice together, it’s…it’s good fun.
• The line of Anders Lee, J-G Pageau and Simon Holmstrom, put together later in the game, displayed several wise “this is why we’re here and this is the game situation” shifts. They didn’t go into a shell; they did burn clock in the offensive zone while keeping an eye out for scoring opportunities that, if missed, would not burn them.
• Holmstrom had a decent bounce-back game overall, and his shorthanded breakaway — stopped with a big stretch by Yaroslav Askarov — would have all but iced the game.
• Sorokin still isn’t dealing complete game shutouts or the like, but he is making some outstanding saves in crunch time.
• Could the power play be functional? Having a handsy and decisive kid who doesn’t know we’re supposed to suck certainly helps.
• Matthew. Freaking. Schaefer. Clap-clap, clap-clap-clap.

#Isles Anders Lee on Matthew Schaefer: "I get to play with him every day and practice and see him in the games and he's just a hell of a hockey player and he's making a big difference on this team and on our back end."

— Andrew Gross (@AGrossNewsday) October 22, 2025

Bleak Spots​

• It’s still just the Sharks.
• In his return to the lineup, Max Tsyplakov was allotted a whole 6:36. (Cizikas didn’t get much more, at just over 7 minutes.)
• Two penalties for Scott Mayfield, neither of them really great! The second came right after the Sharks had pulled within one goal in the third, with Will Smith bearing down him and drawing a trip.

Up Next​

David Rittich will get the start Thursday against the very hot Red Wings, who should pose a slightly greater challenge than the teal-men.

Source: https://www.lighthousehockey.com/game-recaps/42986/islanders-4-sharks-3-schaefers-first-1st-star

 

[New York Islanders]

Islanders Gameday: Sorokin’s goalie coach; Engvall shut down

A fair bushel of Islanders news came out in the day between mid-week games, before the Islanders host the Red Wings tonight. David Rittich gets the start tonight before Ilya Sorokin (more on him later) returns to the net for Saturday afternoon in Philly.

First Islanders Goal picks for tonight go here.

Islanders News​

• Pierre Engvall is done (for the year). I don’t know, did we expect much different? First the concern was the offseason hip surgery, but now the Isles announced he’s out for the season after ankle surgery. It’s either major surgery with ligaments involved, or they’re in no hurry to have him back. [Isles]
• Instead of sticking us with an “Olympic sendoff” thing, the NHL will push the Long Island-awarded All-Star Game back to next season. Mathieu Darche is pleased with that outcome. [Newsday]
• Of greater relevance, potentially, is that the Isles made a switch with Ilya Sorokin’s goalie coach (Sergei Naumov) joining the NHL staff. He was previously assigned to Bridgeport, but now he’s in and Trotz holdover Piero Greco is out. Considering how much (and term) is invested in Sorokin, makes sense. [Newsday]
• Marc Gatcomb is on waivers, perhaps to create room/flexibility if they need a defenseman with Alex Romanov still out. [THN]
• We’ll see though, because Max Shabanovs missed practice and is uncertain for Thursday. [Isles]
• Inside the new Ironman locker room award. [Isles]

#Isles Patrick Roy called it a "very tough one" to fire goalie coach Piero Greco. "He did a really good job for this organization for a long period of time."

However, Roy said he spoke with GM Mathieu Darche and both agreed move to Sergei Naumovs was "right thing to do."

— Andrew Gross (@AGrossNewsday) October 22, 2025

#Isles Patrick Roy, likened his relationship to legendary goalie coach Francois Allaire, to Ilya Sorokin's previous relationship with Sergei Naumovs. "Ilya has been working with him for years. It was jsut a matter of time tat we felt that was the right decision to make."

— Andrew Gross (@AGrossNewsday) October 22, 2025

Elsewhere​

• Noah Dobson: calming the Habs blueline, if you can believe it. [Montreal Gazette]
• Aww, hell, should the Leafs just blow up their team? [Sportsnet]
• Linus Ullmark, Ottawa’s goalie, is not pleased with how many goals have gone in. [Sportsnet]

Source: https://www.lighthousehockey.com/is...1/islanders-gameday-red-wings-sorokin-engvall

 

[New York Islanders]

Islanders 7, Wings 2: Isles cruise, Lee & Heineman shine

The Islanders extended their win streak to four and rose above .500 by taking advantage of a previously hot team team on a back-to-back that had somehow lost the previous night in Buffalo.

Tony DeAngelo got them on the board with the first shot of the game, Emil Heineman notched his first of two goals (and now five on the season) to lead 2-0 after the first, and they just kept piling on en route to a very complete 7-2 victory over the Detroit Gratuitously Hyphenated Wings.

One of the few guys not to get on the scoresheet was wunderrookie Matthew Schaefer, whose career-opening points streak was stopped at six.

David Rittich was solid when he needed to be, and the trio of Anders Lee, J-G Pageau and Simon Holmstrom had some more really solid shifts, with Lee in particular having a very effective night with three (and should be four) assists.

But one of the most fun moments involved Lee with that, um, classic trio of him, Casey Cizikas and Mat Barzal, with Lee helping disrupt Detroit’s breakout and forcing a turnover at their blueline, allowing Cizikas to send Barzal in alone on Cam Talbot. That made it 5-0 and pretty much sealed the game. (Somehow, Lee was not credited with an assist, though maybe the’ll change that.)

[NHL Gamecenter | Game Summary | Event Summary | Natural Stat Trick]

Bright Spots​

• The first period set the tone. The Isles were not messing around. Though things broke open in the second, the first period may have been their best 20 minutes of the young season.
• Heineman, man. One-time shots from good positions. Continued chemistry with Bo Horvat and Jonathan Drouin.
• Schaefer, man. Even without a point for the first time — bust! — he continued to do a little bit of everything. It would seem with an 18-year-old body, and with so few games played last year, that he’ll eventually slow down, hit that mid-season rookie lull as the games pile up. When he does, we’ll remember this time fondly.
• When Mason Appleton rode Schaefer into the boards in the dying seconds and the two stayed tangled up, Kyle MacLean and Scott Rayfield rushed in to take on Appleton. You gotta do that, and particularly those two do.
• Decent special teams! The PK especially, though they did give up one goal on five Detroit opportunities. The power play was 0-for-3, 0-for-2 when it mattered, so not much to praise there. They at least were diligent in keeping play alive in the offensive zone, however, resulting in each unit getting almost a full two minutes out there on different man advantages.

Bleak Spots​

• Not many. Would’ve been nice to have a shutout, of course, and they took some penalties at one point that could’ve maybe put the cruise control in jeopardy.
• Evidently Alex Romanov is not “day-to-day,” as the team announced he’s now on IR.

Quotes of the Night​

“Me and 48 I mean…I just trust him so much already.”

>>Barzal when Shannon Hogan asked — mid-“explanation” point — about his chemistry with Schaefer

Us too, Mat. Us, too.

“It’s been seamless for him. He fits in so well.”

>>Lee on Heineman, who’s doing pretty alright

Up Next​

The Isles have an off day before heading to Philadelphia for a Saturday matinee.

Source: https://www.lighthousehockey.com/ga...ers-7-wings-2-isles-cruise-lee-heineman-shine

 

[New York Islanders]

Islanders Matinee: Warren’s story continues in Philly

The Islanders are in Philadelphia for an early start (12:30 EDT) in an early-season Metro battle with the Flyers. One point separates them in the opening month, with both teams probably exceeding (Isles 4-3, Flyers 3-3-1) very modest initial expectations.

But the big hook today is the expected NHL debut of hometowner Marshall Warren.

First Islanders Goal picks go here.

Islanders News​

• Warren, who looked good in preseason, had a great start to the AHL season, and is on the verge of an NHL debut for his hometown team, was, like, a toddler during the orange jersey era. Damn. [Isles | Newsday]
• Practice updates: It looks like Warren will step in for Adam Boqvist, who himself stepped in with Alex Romanov going on the shelf. [Isles]
• The Isles hired a sports shrink. She is well regarded. This sounds like a Darche modern-era move. [Isles]
• Officially now: Instead of being stuck with a goofy Olympic sendoff, the Isles will indeed host an All-Star Game, just in 2027. [Isles]
• Buried in this injury update is the factoid that “Semyon Varlamov has only started testing his knee by dropping down into the butterfly…” Think he ever plays in the NHL again? [Post]
• David Rittich has been good and Patrick Roy trusts him. [THN]
• Isles History: An incredible, just incredible look back at the 2006-07 season and the history that led up to it. [YouTube]

Elsewhere​

The last couple nights’ scores include the Rangers allowing San Jose to get its first win of the season at the Garden, which is eight kinds of hilarious, though last night the Sharks lost in New Jersey.

• 32 Thoughts: I actually don’t remember any of them. [Sportsnet]
• The Maple Leafs are the latest team to somehow lose to the Sabres. [Sportsnet]
• The Blackhawks traded their 2020 17th-overall pick, Lukas Reichel, to Vancouver for a 4th. [AP]
• Officially now: After beating those Hockey Canada WJC sexual assault charges, ex-Flyer Carter Hart signs a two-year deal with Vegas (of course it’s Vegas). [NHL]

Source: https://www.lighthousehockey.com/is...ers-matinee-warrens-story-continues-in-philly

 

[New York Islanders]

Flyers 4*, Islanders 3 (*SO): Warren debuts with 2 pts.

The Islanders missed a few opportunities to extend a four-game win streak Saturday afternoon in Philadelphia, but they at least came away with a point and Marshall Warren got an NHL debut to remember.

The Laurel Hollow native had his mom and sister in the stands — and dad surely watching from a hospital while tending to his grandpa — as he made an exciting rookie lap and then ended up assisting on two of the Islanders’ three goals in a 4-3 shootout loss.

Warren’s assist on Anthony Duclair’s goal for his first NHL point but the Isles up 2-0 early in the second period, but they let the Flyers on the board four minutes later, and Trevor Zegras twice tied the game in the third before adding a shootout tally.

[NHL Gamecenter | Game Summary | Event Summary | Natural Stat Trick]

Either team could’ve taken the points, but one of the Isles’ best, final chances was in a 2-on-1 in OT when Samuel Ersson robbed Bo Horvat with the glove after a somewhat telegraphed but still very dangerous cross-slot feed from Jonathan Drouin.

Simon Holmstrom, who got the Isles on the board with a shorthander in the first, was the only Islander to convert in the shootout.

Marshall Warren before the game, on what it means…:

Long Island's own Marshall Warren on being called up to the team he grew up watching:

"Pretty emotional. I was driving here, I was a little kid at iceworks skating in that little Islanders program. Who woulda thought you would ever be in this position, it's surreal." #Isles pic.twitter.com/r8DExoMQpd

— Isles Rumor (@IslesRumor) October 24, 2025

…and during the game, after his first point:

Marshall Warren on his rookie lap and his first career assist with his family and friends in the building.@Shannon_Hogan | @NYIslanders | #Isles pic.twitter.com/w8ZBfkqtoX

— Isles on MSGSN (@IslesMSGN) October 25, 2025

Other Notes​

• Scott Mayfield fought Garnet Hathaway, who’d been running around laying “there’s a puck in this game?” hits all over the ice, including a torpedo on Casey Cizikas before he got near a loose puck. They roughed up again early in the third in a larger scramble that included offsetting roughings for Matthew Schaefer and Nikita Grebenkin, plus a fight between Kyle MacLean and a Latvian who goes by the name of Rodrigo Abols.
• Pretty solid game overall for Ilya Sorokin, who had some acrobatic stops. Continue monitoring.
• The Holmstrom combo with Anders Lee and J-G Pageau continued to play smart, effective hockey. And Lee did the forechecking work that led to Duclair’s goal and Warren’s first point.
• Those were Zegras’ first two points as a Flyer. Naturally.
• The fourth line — now with Cizikas, MacLean and Max Tsyplakov was under 9 minutes again but Tsyplakov did open his account by getting in front of goal to deflect Warren’s shot in. Sure would’ve been nice to have that hold up as the winner.

Up Next​

Couple days between stops on this four-game road trip as the Isles are in Boston on Tuesday. A back-to-back in Carolina and D.C. looms afterward, so…yeah, would seem important to get points against the Bruins.

Source: https://www.lighthousehockey.com/game-recaps/43004/flyers-4-islanders-3-so-warren-debuts-with-2-pts

 

[New York Islanders]

Islanders Anxiety – Episode 344 – Solar System of Fan Emotion

Mike and Dan discuss an eventful week for the Islanders including wins, a loss, another good rookie, a guy lost for the season, a coach firing and an All Star event canceled.

The team righted its ship with two big wins, one eliciting a now-iconic quote from its star rookie. After a rare blow out victory, they lost a chippy shootout matinee that saw the introduction of another first year player who might have a future with the club. All three games had some good, some bad and some dumb, but overall put them back into the mix after a poor start. In between, Pierre Engvall was lost for the season after ankle surgery and Piero Greco was relieved of his duties as goaltending coach. Neither was surprising and might end up being good things for all parties.

In the second half, we look ahead to a challenging week of tough games and division opponents. The Islanders will need to continue to pick up wins (the earlier, the better) and learn how to play some defense if they want to get out alive. We also discuss the cancelation of whatever Olympic Kick-Off event was going to happen at UBS Arena during the All Star break, which should never have been scheduled or announced in the first place.

Finally, we praise a new YouTube documentary on the 2006-07 Islanders called “The Last Days of Bedlam” by our friend Pinholes Graham that everyone should watch right away.

REFERENCES

• Oh yeah

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PLUGS!​

• Vintage Ice Hockey for t-shirts, hoodies and jerseys with hundreds of classic hockey logos, as well as the full line of Islanders Anxiety merch. As always our portion of those sales go directly to the Center for Dementia Research.
• The Pinot Project has a Rosé, a Pinot Grigio and a Wine Enthusiast Best Buy Pinot Noir, all under $15 a bottle. Available at local wine stores and UBS Arena.
• Visit Lighthousehockey.com for the most up-to-date Islanders news and discussion.
• Islanders Anxiety podcasts are part of the Fans First Sports Network (@FansFirstSN).

Theme song: “Morning Haze” by Family Dinner. Hear more of their music on Spotify.

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Source: https://www.lighthousehockey.com/is...otion-sharks-red-wings-flyers-marshall-warren

 

[New York Islanders]

Islanders News: The road continues

It’s a strange October: Montreal and Detroit lead the Atlantic, Utah leads the West, and the Rangers are last in the East.

Their four-game winning streak stopped via shootout, the Islanders (currently still in the second wild card) are now preparing for tomorrow night in Boston. That’s before the road trip continues with a tough back-to-back in Carolina and D.C.

Alex Romanov is eligible to come off IR any time, but we’ll see if there are any updates to his status today.

If Romanov is still unable to, seems likely hometown rookie Marshall Warren — two assists in his debut — would get the call again instead of putting Adam Boqvist in on his offside.

Islanders News​

• Marshall Warren’s NHL debut had everything but the win. [Post]
• The Warren family — and his mic’d up friends — certainly enjoyed it in Philadelphia. [Isles]
• Gross: So far, Mathieu Darche’s initial moves as GM are working out. [Newsday]
• After a hiccup-ish start, maybe Simon Holmstrom is finding his stride again. [THN]

Elsewhere​

Sunday’s scores include the Devils winning their eighth in a row, which is a concern, and the Flames ending their eight-game losing streak by beating the Rangers, which is hilarious.

• Patrik Laine will be out 3-4 months with core muscle surgery. [NHL]
• Jonas Siegenthaler is of Swiss and Thai parents, so he’s excited to be in the Olympics (for Switzerland) and to hold hockey clinics for youth in Thailand. [NHL]
• The Mammoth, who were once the Jets before they were the Coyotes, beat the Jets, who were once the Thrashers, for their seventh straight win. [Sportsnet]
• Hand surgery will take Rickard Rakell away from the Penguins for 6-8 weeks. [TSN]

Source: https://www.lighthousehockey.com/islanders-news-headlines/43025/islanders-news-the-road-continues

 

[New York Islanders]

Islanders Gameday: Taking the measure of Schaefer’s start

The Islanders continue what becomes a very busy road trip tonight in Boston, where the Bruins are coming home after being thumped in Ottawa. So the back-to-back, the special opportunity and road trip narratives are all in play. (The Isles have a back-to-back later in the week vs. the Canes and Caps.)

First Islanders Goal picks for tonight go here.

Islanders News​

• Previewing tonight: Max Shabanov (not on the trip) and Alex Romanov remain out. [Isles]
• Trying to get a historical context for Matthew Schaefer’s start without getting crazy: “It’s way too early to compare Schaefer’s long-term trajectory to someone like Makar or Hughes. But comparing him to others his age over history – there isn’t a single other 18-year-old defender in the NHL – it’s about as impressive a start as we’ve ever seen.” [Daily Faceoff]
• Islanders Anxiety: Wow, it’s been an eventful start. We’ve lost three Russians, seen the yin and yang of Simon Holmstrom, a goalie coach firing, and then there’s that #48. [Islanders Anxiety podcast]
• Of course we’ve only had one OT so far, now that the Isles have an insane combo with Schaefer and a healthy Barzal in the fold. [Newsday]
• Gross: Darche is decisively building the Isles into his vision. [Newsday]
• Alex Romanov thinks he’ll be back sometime on this trip. [Post]
• Drew Bannister on the development of young players like Schaefer. [NHL]

Elsewhere​

Just two games last night, including the Bruins losing in Ottawa. Your move, Isles.

• Speaking of small-sample hype for rookies, team scouts are asked about Ivan Demidov. [Sportsnet]
• A fan fell from the upper deck early in the Penguins’ game last night vs. the Blues and is in critical condition. The team statement is devoid of details, which makes you fear for the fan’s prognosis. [NHL]
• Ryan Kesler is ordered not to leave Michigan without court permission because he’s facing sexual assault charges. [Sportsnet]
• The Flyers returned top prospect Jett Luchanko (if that’s your real name) to juniors after four games. [TSN]

Source: https://www.lighthousehockey.com/is...gameday-taking-the-measure-of-schaefers-start

 

[New York Islanders]

Bruins 5 (EN), Islanders 2: 40 minutes short

The Islanders came up empty against a struggling Bruins team, wasting a good first period and countless power play opportunities to end up losing convincingly, 5-2 in Boston.

The story could look like it came down to special teams, with the Isles going 0-for-5 on the power play while giving up two Bruins power play goals. But that was really just the details of what started out with a good first 20 minutes and 2-0 lead, but was erased in a four-minute span early in the second.

[NHL Gamecenter | Game Summary | Event Summary | Natural Stat Trick]

First Period: Looks like this is gonna be easy…​

The Bruins were playing a back-to-back after losing last night in Ottawa, but the first shift could’ve gone completely differently. The Isles were hemmed in, but after a good Bruins scoring chance went wide the Isles counterattacked 3-on-2.

Jonathan Drouin, who continues to make precise, soft passes into space, set up Bo Horvat for a shot from the circle while Emil Heineman drove the net. Horvat tallied to give the Isles a 1-0 lead at 1:08.

Bo Horvat wastes no time

The @NYIslanders take the lead just a minute and eight seconds into the opening frame!

: Frozen Frenzy Whiparound coverage on @ESPNPlus pic.twitter.com/WSjQK5mGWk

— NHL (@NHL) October 28, 2025

After that, the Isles had the better of play and doubled their lead just a few minutes later, Kyle Palmieri scoring with Ilya Sorokin pulled on a delayed penalty, Matthew Schaefer, Bo Horvat and Mathew Barzal making some sweet music together.

Kyle Palmieri makes it 2-0! pic.twitter.com/GLb5dL4BPZ

— Islanders Videos (@SNY_Islanders) October 28, 2025

The rest of the period remained in the Isles’ favor, outshooting the Bruins 10-4 overall and giving Sorokin little else to do. They had one empty power play that came after Nikita Zadarov inexplicably shoved Adam Pelech from behind at a dangerous difference from the boards. Zadarov realized his mistake mid-stream and tried to brace Pelech’s crash into the boards, but the Isles defenseman was lucky to avoid injury.

Second Period: Looks like this is going to be maddening​

The second period was a different story. The Bruins stormed back, boosted in part by a couple of consecutive power plays, the first one on an idiotic call. Charlie McAvoy grabbed Anders Lee’s midsection while tangling up legs, and they both went down as Lee braced himself. Bad call, but the Isles killed it off, with help from a few missed shots.

Marshall Warren then took the first penalty of his career, and this time the Bruins cashed in to cut the lead in half at 3:57.

Three minutes later, while the Isles broadcast team was praising David Pastrnak’s unheralded passing ability, the Bruins winger made a phonebooth pass to open up space in the Isles zone, then crept down the right wing to receive a pass and beat Sorokin five-hole to tie it at 2-2.

And 59 seconds after that, the Bruins had the lead. They were outshooting the Isles in the period 9-1 and had scored three goals in under four minutes to completely flip the game around.

Patrick Roy called a timeout and that seemed to provide the necessary reset. Horvat had a golden chance to tie it set up by Heineman, but Joonas Korpisalo stayed patient and square. The Isles then got a four-minute power play after Hampus Lindholm high sticked Palmieri, drawing blood.

The first unit couldn’t get anything generated, but the second unit came on and provided life before the intermission. Still, nothing happening, with a little over a minute of power play left to take into the third.

Third Period: Snooze…​

They didn’t get anything going with the end of that power play, but the next opportunity had some great looks from the second unit, then a few more from the first. Still, all misfires plus a few decent Korpisalo stops.

Then Zadorov got a breakaway and drew a slashing call on a protesting Adam Pelech, whose stick got up on Zadorov’s glove. Sure enough, the Bruins cashed in with a long-range one-timer from Morgan Geekie — who somehow has eight goals now — to make it 4-2 with 14:12 to go.

That was pretty much it. Another power play, another blank, and when they pulled Sorokin for a sixth attacker with four minutes left, Barzal overplayed it at the blueline and the inevitable empty net goal came.

Up Next

This was the game from this trip where they needed two points. The road trip continues and finishes with its toughest half, a back-to-back against the Hurricanes and Capitals Thursday and Friday.

Source: https://www.lighthousehockey.com/ga...slanders-horvat-pastrnak-palmieri-power-plays

 

[New York Islanders]

Islanders vs. Hurricanes Gameday: Metro back-to-back

The Islanders did not skate yesterday, so today’s morning skate is where we’ll get lineup updates (if any) and further sentiments on what went wrong against the Bruins.

The 6-3 Carolina Hurricanes are their foes tonight, while the Islanders sit last in the conference by points — though their points percentage is a little better than the Smurfs and the Bruins that just vanquished them. Carolina started 6-1 but has lost their last two.

First Islanders Goal picks for tonight go here.

Islanders News​

• Takeaways from the loss in Boston: don’t fall asleep like that. [Isles]
• But it will be a “measuring stick” tonight in Raleigh. [Newsday]
• A closer(ish) look at Ilya Sorokin’s struggles. [Athletic]
• Silky handed Jonathan Drouin and Anthony Duclair are childhood buddies, reunited in the NHL. [Isles]
• Power play troubles? That’s just the tip of the struggles iceberg. [Post]
• Ted Nolan receives the Order of Canada, recalls his roots. [NHL]
• Prospect Report: Luca Romano racking up points, and Kashawn Aitcheson has become the all-time top-scoring defenseman in OHL Barrie’s history. [Isles]
• And fears over Cole Eiserman’s injury were somewhat exaggerated, he should be “week to week.” [THN]

Elsewhere​

After all 32 teams were in action Tuesday, last night had just one game, the Blue Jackets smoking the Maple Leafs.

• Late in that game, John Tavares scored his 500th NHL regular season goal. (Somewhere in Toronto, a reporter(s) is/are very mad that Islanders Nation is not properly recognizing the feat, meanwhile Mitch Marner is living his best life far, far away from that toxic hell hole.) [NHL]
• Is there a changing of the guard in the Atlantic? What’s real and what’s an early-season mirage? [Sportsnet]
• Logan Cooley re-signs for eight years, $80 million with Utah. [NHL]
• Thomas Harley does that, too, but $4.7 million better, with Dallas. [NHL]
• Meanwhile, the Dallas Stars and the Dallas Mavericks are suing each other over their shared home. [Sportsnet]
• Thatcher Demko is taking new approaches to avoid injury. [Sportsnet]
• Several not-Toronto cities are bidding to host the 2028 World Cup. [TSN]
• American players think “it’s our time” to win gold at the Olympics. If only it were that simple. [NHL]

Source: https://www.lighthousehockey.com/is...7/islanders-gameday-hurricanes-drouin-duclair

 

[New York Islanders]

Islanders Gameday News: Crashing into D.C.

The Islanders’ fruitless four-game road trip continues in Washington after an eminently forgettable loss to the Hurricanes last night in Raleigh.

They enter the evening last in the Eastern Conference — by points percentage as well as raw points now after last night’s regulation loss — and for many Isles fans, that’s quite according to plan: We can enjoy Matthew Schaefer’s talent and maturity at age 18 while also accepting and inviting results that will get him some help in next summer’s draft.

Whatever your stance, games last night are to be ignored, avoided as most meetings with the Hurricanes should be, and many meetings with the Capitals aren’t too different.

First Islanders Goal picks go here.

NOTE: Trying a different approach today with just direct hyperlinks rather than descriptions with the source in brackets. Personally, I don’t like not seeing the source pub with links, but please let me know your preferences, if you have any, in comments.

Islanders News​

Hurricanes 6, Islanders 2: Barzal scratch punctuates no-show
Takeaways: Islanders Drop Third Straight Game with 6-2 Loss to Hurricanes | New York Islanders
Islanders hammered by Hurricanes after Mathew Barzal's benching
Isles' Barzal benched for disciplinary reasons
Islanders punish Mat Barzal for being late by scratching him vs….
Islanders scratch Mathew Barzal for being late: ‘That’s the culture of our team’
Isles remain winless on road trip after loss to 'Canes
Reilly's interest in Islanders return was not reciprocated
Hurricanes' Mike Reilly gets early revenge after not being re-signed…
Calum Ritchie Doesn't Miss A Beat In Return To Bridgeport Lineup

The top prospects in the NHL, including Schaefer at #1. [ESPN]

Elsewhere​

Another busy night in the NHL, with last night’s scores including the Flyers, Rangers and Penguins picking up two points.

Necas signs 8-year contract with Avalanche | NHL.com
Hurricanes' Seth Jarvis 'doesn't look great' after injury vs. Islanders
NHL Power Rankings: Every team's 'Mr. October' so far this season
Penguins take over NHL's top spot with win over Wild

Source: https://www.lighthousehockey.com/is...3046/islanders-gameday-news-crashing-into-d-c

 

[New York Islanders]

Weird Islanders: The Podcast! – Episode 73 – Three Cards in a Shop (with guest John Muir)

Our friend John Muir is back to talk about three hockey cards of inaugural Islanders he came across in an unlikely location.

While on a hunt for Pokémon cards with his kids, John found some NHL trading cards from 1972 that captured the soon-to-be-hapless Islanders in all their haplessness. One was a depth forward who gave what he could before getting traded just as the team turned the corner. One was a collegiate star whose NHL career never quite took off. And one was a goalie who never actually played for the Islanders, but who once won a major award, outplayed a Hall of Famer, had an even more successful sibling and was traded for a host of other notable netminders. We also throw in a bonus Weird Islander who spent two miserable seasons with them before finding success (and possibly new romantic adventures) somewhere else.

We let John and the cards take us on this journey of discovery. Along the way, we discuss the origins of the EBUG, the joys of thrift shopping on vacation and the very real guacamole recipe of a Hollywood horror icon. This is a chill, hang out episode that, while not specifically Halloween-themed, feels like a trick-or-treat bag of random goodies.

(uh… Atlanta Flames?)

Thanks again to John for coming on again, and for inspiring the entire episode. And thanks to Chewy’s Cards and Collectibles in Indian Trail, NC for providing the cards we spent over an hour discussing. Check them out if you’re in the area.

WEIRD BONUS MATERIAL

• At one time, Craig Cameron was considered a “scoring threat” for the inaugural Islanders. He also had a 20-game goal drought that first season.
• He did score in first regular season Islanders-Rangers game on 10/21/72 (a 2-1 Islanders loss)
• He also scored to break up a team-wide 115:44 scoring drought with an early season goal against the Bruins and scored a hat trick against the Golden Seals on January 23, 1974 (an 8-1 win)
• Cameron was apparently nicknamed “Boris” because he looked like Boris Karloff (he did not look like Boris Karloff)
• The Islanders were able to acquire Dennis DeJordy (and Germain Gagnon and Chico freaking Resch) from the Habs in exchange for them not selecting one of the guys Sam Pollack didn’t want to lose: Bob Murdoch, Dale Hoganson and Chuck Lefley. Okay.
• DeJordy and Gerry Desjardins would not only be traded for each other in 1970 but they would both find themselves at Islanders training camp in 1972. Desjardins and a young Billy Smith would make the cut. DeJordy would be traded to Detroit in early October.
• I wrote about Desjardins in my Islander of the Day series. Getting traded to Buffalo was the best thing that ever happened to him.
• Desjardins’ eye injury in 1977 led to the end of fiberglass masks.
• Tom Miller’s NHL career might have been brief but his NCAA career was long and distinguished. He won two championships with the University of Denver in the late 60’s.
• He was also once beat out in Rangers camp by his coach with the Islanders, Phil Goyette. That’s gotta be a little embarrassing…

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What makes a “Weird Islander?”

We’re always open to suggestions about other Weird Islanders to discuss. Remember the criteria. Candidates must fulfill one of the two of the following:

• Played one (1) season or less for the Islanders or very short stints over multiple seasons.
• Be a veteran NHLer who is not generally associated with his time on Islanders.

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Visit our friends!

• Vintage Ice Hockey for t-shirts, hoodies and jerseys featuring hundreds of classic hockey logos, as well as Islanders Anxiety merch, and our Al Arbour and The Island shirts. Our portion of the sales benefit the Center for Dementia Research. Use the code ANXIETY20 to save 20% off an order of two items.
• The Pinot Project has Rosé, Pinot Grigio and a Pinot Noir that was named a 2024 Top 100 Best Buy by Wine Enthusiast Magazine. All are under $15 a bottle and are available at local wine shops and at UBS Arena.
• Islanders Anxiety podcasts are part of the Fans First Sports Network (@FansFirstSN).
• Theme song: “Knuckles” by Björn Falk. Hear more of his music on Spotify and at Bandcamp.
• Drum sfx via Zapsplat.com. Jingle bell sfx also via ZapSplat.

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Please subscribe, download, rate, review or spread the word about Islanders Anxiety, Weird Islanders: The Podcast! and all of our podcasts any way you can. All of it helps to raise the show’s profile and maybe could get us another fancy sponsor to sell out to in the near future. Leave us a five star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

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Source: https://www.lighthousehockey.com/ny...on-tom-miller-dennis-dejordy-gerry-desjardins

 

[New York Islanders]

Hurricanes 6, Islanders 2: Barzal scratch punctuates no-show

The Islanders lost easily in Raleigh, a fairly predictable result made moreso by the pre-game news that Mathew Barzal would be scratched as discipline for being late to the morning skate.

It was never really close, with the Isles down 2-0 just over five minutes in — ex-Isles Mike Reilly adding a WTF shorthanded wraparound on David Rittich — and 3-0 by the midway point of the first period. When the dust settled it was 6-2, a jovial night for Hurricanes Andrei Svechnikov and Logan Stankoven who answered the lone Isles goals by Matthew Schaefer and Simon Holmstrom.

[NHL Gamecenter | Game Summary | Event Summary | Natural Stat Trick]

One bright spot: Alex Romanov back healthy and delivering some entertaining, nearly Kasparaitis-like blowup checks. Hey, if we’re going to be out of it before the game is a few minutes old, at least there was that bit of fun…

The loss makes three out of three on this four-game road trip, with the finale in D.C. Friday night to conclude the back-to-back.

This season could get ugly pretty quickly in a Scott Gordon, West Coast freefall kind of way.

Source: https://www.lighthousehockey.com/ga...islanders-2-barzal-scratch-punctuates-no-show

 

[New York Islanders]

Islanders Gameday News: Back home vs. the Blue Jackets

The Islanders return home for a brief spell with an early 5 p.m. EST start — though maybe not so early, given body clocks still on EDT — with the Columbus Blue Jackets, who are coming in on a back-to-back. The Blue Jackets beat the Blues at home, 3-2, last night, behind 37 saves by Jet Greaves.

After a stumbling start to their four-game road trip, the Isles made amends with a 3-1 win over the Capitals in D.C. to finish the road trip 1-2-1. Ilya Sorokin had a sterling first period to pave the way for the win and hopefully get him back on track.

The Isles enter the day still last in the Eastern Conference with a .500 points percentage.

First Islanders Goal picks for tonight go here.

Islanders News​

• Takeaways from the first 10 games. [Newsday]
• If Calum Ritchie sticks around a while, and if they use him at center, that could open up more opportunities to load up with Bo Horvat and Mathew Barzal together. [Post | THN]
• Matthew Schaefer was named NHL Rookie of the Month for October. [Isles]
• With the Toronto Blue Jays involved, lots of Isles were following along with Major League Baseball’s World Series, which is evidently the championship round in that league. [Newsday]

Elsewhere​

Yesterday’s 13 games included the Capitals losing again (but via shootout) and the Blue Jackets picking up two regulation points.

• Chris Tanev was stretchered off Saturday vs. the Flyers. [Sportsnet | NHL]
• David Kampf, assigned to AHL Toronto due to cap and roster crunch, is pondering his future. [Sportsnet]

Source: https://www.lighthousehockey.com/is...1/islanders-gameday-news-blue-jackets-ritchie

 

[New York Islanders]

Islanders 3, Blue Jackets 2: Inspired third, sudden turn

The Islanders capped an impressive third period with a stunning reversal of fortune in a 29-second span to steal back a 3-2 win over the visiting Columbus Blue Jackets on Sunday.

The Blue Jackets were playing back-to-back, after withstanding a similar third-period surge at home the night before. With a pretty entertaining and physical game tied at 1-1 in the third period, the Isles looked like the rested team and had the better of play for long stretches.

But hockey being hockey, it only took a couple of counter-surges by the Blue Jackets to make all that look moot. When Denton Mateychuk broke the tie on a rebound with 7:50 to play, it looked like a “one of those nights” outcome even with a decent amount of time remaining.

But with 1:07 left, Matthew Schaefer — first star of the game with two goals — had multiple good keep-ins under pressure, the final one converted into a hopeful point shot that took a couple of lucky bounces on the way to the net to tie the game. Then the Isles kept pressing, Anders Lee spun and launched a short-side shot off the post that Elvis Merzlikins thought he had, before an alert Simon Holmstrom pounced on the loose puck to give the Isles the 3-2 lead with 39 seconds to go.

[NHL Gamecenter | Game Summary | Event Summary | Natural Stat Trick]

Schaefer opened scoring just 5:53 into the game, on a power play (yes, a power play goal!), part of a first-period that was both dominant and ominous: The Isles outshot Columbus 18-3, yet emerged with only the 1-0 lead.

That omen found its prophecy fulfilled late in the second when the Isles still could not get another one past Merzlikins, and Miles Wood tied it by getting behind Scott Mayfield at the doorstep to redirect a laser from Adam Fantili.

The Isles came out in the third like they knew the opportunity was theirs, but Merzlikins wasn’t allowing it…at least not until after his team took the lead. The tying goal from Schaefer was tough luck, and the winner sent Merzlikins into a classic paddle-vs.-crossbar bout of frustration.

Two fun trivia stats from the NHL:

• The Islanders’ comeback win with 1:07 to play in regulation (58:53 elapsed time) was the latest comeback win in regulation in franchise history.
• Schaefer became the third-youngest player in the NHL’s expansion era (since 1967-68) to record two goals in a game. Only Jordan Staal (18 years, 41 days on Oct. 21, 2006) and Pierre Turgeon (18 years, 54 days on Oct. 21, 1987) did so at a younger age.

Up Next​

That’s a modest string of two regulation wins to build on for the Isles, whose homestand continues Tuesday with a visit from the Bruins.

Source: https://www.lighthousehockey.com/ga...s-3-blue-jackets-2-inspired-third-sudden-turn

 

[New York Islanders]

Islanders Anxiety – Episode 345 – Another Absurd Week

Mike and Dan recap a busy week in which the Islanders stayed afloat thanks in large part to record-breaking super rookie Matthew Schaefer.

The week started very poorly, with another blown lead followed by another blowout to a familiar bully. But what looked like a new bottom gave way to an unexpected rebound. A comeback win on Halloween and a miraculous last minute victory at home got us feeling good again and kept the Islanders in the thick of a packed Eastern Conference. That wouldn’t be possible without Scheafer, who continues to do things we’ve never seen in ways we don’t expect. This kid, who was barely alive when Iron Man was first released into theaters, is proving night after night to be the hero this team needs.

We also look forward to a week of opportunities to grab more points before a brutal road trip takes the Islanders through several Stanley Cup contenders for the next two weeks. Wins are crucial but these guys never do anything the normal way. Finally, we once again are forced to do another early season edition of Master Leaf Theatre focused on a milestone 500th NHL goal that has been treated with more pity then excitement. Perfect for a guy who lives a life of discipline and disappointment.

REFERENCES

Works Referenced:

• Sportsnet, Leafs Hour: Questioning the Effort Real Kyper & Bourne Real Kyper & Bourne, Oct. 30, 2025
• Sportsnet, Maple Leafs’ John Tavares hits rare milestone in most unfortunate way by LukeFoxJukeBox
• The Athletic, Behind John Tavares’ fanatical drive to 500 NHL goals with the Maple Leafs by Jonas Siegel

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PLUGS!​

• Vintage Ice Hockey for t-shirts, hoodies and jerseys with hundreds of classic hockey logos, as well as the full line of Islanders Anxiety merch. As always our portion of those sales go directly to the Center for Dementia Research.
• The Pinot Project has a Rosé, a Pinot Grigio and a Wine Enthusiast Best Buy Pinot Noir, all under $15 a bottle. Available at local wine stores and UBS Arena.
• Visit Lighthousehockey.com for the most up-to-date Islanders news and discussion.
• Islanders Anxiety podcasts are part of the Fans First Sports Network (@FansFirstSN).

Theme song: “Morning Haze” by Family Dinner. Hear more of their music on Spotify.

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Please subscribe, download, rate, review or spread the word about Islanders Anxiety, Weird Islanders: The Podcast! and all of our podcasts any way you can. All of it helps to raise the show’s profile and maybe could get us another fancy sponsor to sell out to in the near future. Leave us a five star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

All Islanders Anxiety podcasts are available on:

• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify
• Amazon Music
• Audible.com
• I Heart Radio
• YouTube and YouTube Music
• And everywhere podcasts are found

Source: https://www.lighthousehockey.com/is...surd-week-matthew-schaefer-tavares-500th-goal

 

[New York Islanders]

Islanders vs. Bruins Gameday News: Riding the Schaefer wave

The Islanders will try to make it a win streak tonight when they host the Bruins. For a change, they do not enter the evening in last place…they’re just among five teams tied for last in the East with 13 points.

First Islanders Goal picks for tonight go here.

Islanders News​

• Dan and Mike recap another strange week and the latest “oh my god!” Schaefer moments, while also being forced to check in on the latest Toronto amateur poetry. [LHH-Islanders Anxiety]
• Practice updates: No surprises, Cal Ritchie getting another look, Ilya Sorokin will get the start. [Isles]
• Previewing tonight: The Isles need to get some revenge on the Bruins, who have won three in a row and are coming off a win over the Hurricanes. [Isles]
• If Ritchie sticks around and solidifies the top nine, the Isles still have a puzzle to figure out on the fourth line. Maybe don’t…don’t rely on MacLean? [THN]
• Matthew Schaefer and an improved penalty kill are “signs the Isles could be contend—” oh come on, who wrote that headline? [Newsday]
• Thought this happened last year, but it appears (again?) Simon Holmstrom is coming into his own. [Post]
• Prospect Report: Four goals and two consecutive OT winners for Kashawn Aitcheson. [Isles]
• Bridgeport Report: They won a game! Also Marshall Warren is their leading scorer. [Isles]
• Anders Lee trivia: Provide your data for a chance to win a thing. [Isles]
• (Yester)day in Isles History: Al Arbour returns for his 1,500th game. [Isles]

Elsewhere​

Four games last night, including the Penguins blowing a lead to lose in regulation in Toronto.

• This somehow passes for a story: “Crosby Among Those Sad About Blue Jays Loss.” Ye gods. [Sportsnet]
• Q&A with an Islanders fan who did a documentary on late Flyers goalie Pelle Lindbergh, who died in his prime 40 years ago. I can still picture ESPN anchor Tom Mees (who also died young-ish) announcing the tragedy. [NHL]
• The Leafs won but played terribly for two periods, so there’s no joy in T.O. [Sportsnet | TSN]
• The Stars will host a Stadium Series game at the Cowboys’ stadium and you will pretend to care. [NHL]

Source: https://www.lighthousehockey.com/is...-bruins-gameday-news-riding-the-schaefer-wave

 

[New York Islanders]

Islanders News: Protecting the prized asset, who continues to charm

The Islanders had an extra day (and day off) to stew over missed opportunities in the shootout loss to the Bruins, and also for Matthew Schaefer to go on TNT and haze Henrik Lundqvist for being a Ranger.

Speaking of which, tomorrow’s home game vs. the Wild is the start of a back-to-back that ends Saturday at the Garden.

(By the way, sorry for the lack of post-game post after the Bruins game, which featured Bo Knows Goals and the Isles defending Schaefer, who was lightning-entertainment with Mat Barzal in the ultimately unsuccessful 3-on-3 OT. Watched the game, passed out, then had to tend to the real job.)

Islanders News​

• Takeaways from the loss vs. the Bruins: Played well but didn’t get the second point. Defended Schafer against Nikita Zadorov’s crosscheck-to-the-face d-baggery. [Isles]
• Isles reactions to that incident. [THN]
• Zadorov goes after Isles fans who went after him on social media. That’s productive. [Newsday]
• Schaefer’s getting the attention (rightfully so), but man Horvat is off to a good start. [THN]
• Cal Ritchie is learning and absorbing. [Isles]
• Island Ice podcast: The Isles through 13 games, and Jonathan Drouin. [Newsday]
• Ryan Pulock has the hardest shot of the season thus far. [NHL]
• The service dog Jethro finds his partner and purpose. [Isles video]

Framing the Schaefer-Lundqvist interaction [Post]…which you can just watch in full here:

Matthew Schaefer is already an Islander at heart… he's NOT HAPPY that the Rangers legend @HLundqvist got to ask the first question and not @liam_mchugh, the Long Island native pic.twitter.com/1Av6wOXQTN

— NHLonTNT (@NHL_On_TNT) November 6, 2025

Source: https://www.lighthousehockey.com/is...cting-the-prized-asset-who-continues-to-charm

 

[New York Islanders]

Islanders vs. Wild Gameday News: Busy schedule ahead

The Islanders are back in action for a hyperlocal back-to-back, with the Wild at home tonight followed by a visit to the Rangers on Saturday night to tee up a long and dreaded Western trip.

The Wild are coming in on a back-to-back after losing in Raleigh last night, but we know quite well that the Isles don’t automatically take advantage of those.

Leave First Islanders Goal picks here.

Islanders News​

• Barzal and Bo may be back together for a while (especially with Ritchie up). [Newsday]
• Signs of PK progress? [Post]
• A few Isles bits in 32 Thoughts, including an unnamed Capital {cough, Beauvillier} leaving an alarm clock in Barzal’s locker. [Sportsnet]
• Previewing tonight: Rittich gets tonight’s start. [Isles]
• Luke Rowe is a Bridgeport defenseman and once-and-future military drone pilot. [Isles]
• Cole Eiserman should be back on NCAA ice in a few weeks. [THN]

#Isles Patrick Roy says Max Shabanov (upper body) is progressing as he continues to skate on his own. No timetable for him to be able to play but team is hoping Shabanov travels for upcoming seven-game road trip. No guarantee he would play in those seven games.

— Andrew Gross (@AGrossNewsday) November 7, 2025

Elsewhere​

Lots of games last night, including the Penguins topping the Capitals, the Flyers taking the easy points over the Predators, and multiple three-point games in the East.

• Insider Trading pushes hard to get Steven Stamkos on the trade block. [TSN]
• Patrick Kane is close to returning after missing several games because he’s old. [NHL]

Source: https://www.lighthousehockey.com/is...ders-vs-wild-gameday-news-busy-schedule-ahead

 

[New York Islanders]

Minnesota 5, Islanders 2: Not wild about that one

Woof.

The Islanders were thoroughly outplayed by a team that was on the back end of a traveling back-to-back, looking like a rusty, uninspired squad. It wasn’t laziness or lack of trying, rather it just looked like no one was in sync, no one could make or catch a pass — save for a couple nice plays on their goals — in a 5-2 loss to the Minnesota Wild.

They started okay, but when the Wild got on the board at 7:24 of the first, they controlled play for the next five to six minutes and doubled their lead. The Isles never recovered.

[NHL Gamecenter | Game Summary | Event Summary | Natural Stat Trick]

The Isles did get one back early in the second period to provide a brief moment of hope, after Emil Heineman finished a pretty combo from Mat Barzal and Bo Horvat, but just over a minute later the Wild had a two-goal lead again. Three minutes beyond that Brock Faber tally, they made it 4-1.

The only other Isles highlight was a lofting backhand outlet pass by Anders Lee that J-G Pageau caught up to and made a great, patient move to cut the score back to 4-2 late in the second.

There’s not much more to say. This one wasn’t fun to watch and wasn’t often in doubt. Missed opportunity for the Isles, who need to do better tomorrow visiting the Rangers to kick off a string of seven games on the road.

Source: https://www.lighthousehockey.com/game-recaps/43104/minnesota-5-islanders-2-not-wild-about-that-one