News Islanders Team Notes

[New York Islanders]

Islanders Back-to-Back Gameday: Eyes on the Cats

It wasn’t pretty (other than Ilya Sorokin’s saves and Calum Ritchie’s cheeky finish), but the Isles pulled it off again to collect two regulation points and stun the Lightning in Tampa. Their march against recent Cup winners and their back-to-back weekend continues early this evening with a visit to the Panthers.

Florida is also playing back-to-back, though without travel, after getting past the Blue Jackets in a wild 7-6 OT affair yesterday that Columbus coach Dean Evason called “a joke.”

J-G Pageau is a candidate to return, though Jonathan Drouin is not.

First Islanders Goal picks go here.

Islanders News​

• Sorokin earned his 25th regular season shutout— and boy do we mean earn, keeping the Isles in it until they could pounce — to tie Chico Resch for the franchise mark. [LHH | Newsday]
• “Statement” wins this week against the Avs and Lightning… [THN]
• “Every time I look at [Sorokin and his longtime goalie coach], it reminds me of the relationship I had with Francois Allaire when I was in Montreal,” says Patrick Roy. “I think it means a lot for a goalie to have a connection with a goalie coach. That’s exactly what’s going on for him right now.” [Post]
• Ritchie’s goal: Not “goal of the year” but still damn impressive. [NHL]
• The Skinny: “The Isles moved into 3rd place in the Metro (and 3rd place in the East), and are just two points behind the first place Caps…Five points separate the eight teams in the Metro, and three points separate 2nd-8th.“ [Isles]
• J-G Pageau is so close to returning, he might even appear tonight. [Isles | THN | NHL]
• Speaking of Roy and relationships, his dad is joining him on this fathers trip. [Newsday]
• Mathieu Darche’s brother is enjoying it, too. [Isles]
• Behind the affable smile, Darche is fiery competitive. [Newsday]
• In their first visit since exiting Tampa, Darche and equipment manager Jason Berger received the videoboard tribute treatment from the Lightning. [THN]
• Islanders legend and one-time Devil Zach Parise reflects on his route to the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame, recalls lessons from his dad J.P. [NHL]

Elsewhere​

Saturday’s dozen games also included the Rangers taking the Avalanche to OT, the Bruins defeating the Devils. Everyone in the East is going to be crowded this Christmastime.

• How today’s opponent, riddled with injuries, could miss the playoffs. [Sportsnet]
• Meanwhile, their fellow Cup finals counterpart may be emerging from their early season mediocrity? [TSN]
• Somewhere buried in this Tim Horton’s ad is info about Winnipeg hosting the Canadiens for the next outdoor Heritage Classic. [NHL]
• Fellow “everyone loses this trade” party Aatu Raty gets his first three-point game. [NHL]

Source: https://www.lighthousehockey.com/is...465/islanders-gameday-panthers-sorokin-parise

 

[New York Islanders]

Panthers 4 (EN), Islanders 1: UNSYNC

The Islanders couldn’t complete the Florida sweep, though all things considered they can come away marginally pleased to have exited the back-to-back with a couple points. They finished it with a 4-1 loss to the Panthers that they described as “out of sync,” while a positive-looking Patrick Roy said they can take away some learning experiences from the Cup champs.

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

After a fella who goes by the name of Uvis Balinskis gave the Panthers a 1-0 lead in the first, Max Shabanov had an oopsy in the second to allow one-that-got-away Carter Verhaeghe to make it 2-0.

Petry with the elite poke!

Verhaeghe with 6 goals in his last 6 games. pic.twitter.com/cfRSjzpeA1

— Jameson Olive (@JamesonCoop) December 7, 2025

Two minutes after that one, Mat Barfzal scored another backhand goal to keep the Isles in it and give them some spirit. Great netfront disruption by Anders Lee and yet another assist (13) for Matthew Schaefer:

Mat Barzal on the backhand! pic.twitter.com/976dakFbge

— Islanders Videos (@SNY_Islanders) December 7, 2025

If they were going to pull this off, it was likely going to be like the win in Tampa where the Isles hung around long enough for a smash-and-grab. But that never happened.

Despite only mustering three shots in the third period, they weren’t totally out of it until deep in the final frame when Seth Jones restored the Panthers’ two-goal lead at 4-on-4. Coverage on the play was a perplexing mixup for Schaefer and Tony DeAngelo:

#Islanders 1 @ #Panthers 3 [P3-6:03]:

Goal: Seth Jones (5)
24’ Wrister

Assists: A.Lundell (15), S.Reinhart (12)#Isles #TimeToHunt #NHL pic.twitter.com/uVpE7c1U3Z

— NHL Goal Videos (@NHLGoalsVideo) December 8, 2025

Patrick Roy frames this as a good learning experience for #Isles against a Cup-tested team. And a good learning experience for Max Shabanov on the speed of the game.

— Andrew Gross (@AGrossNewsday) December 8, 2025

With Dave Rittich pulled for a sixth attacker, Sam Reinhart sealed it into the empty net with just under three minutes to go, allowing us all to get back to our Sunday evening.

Lineup Notes​

• Despite some rumblings stirred by Mathieu Darche’s media update, J-G Pageau did not return to the lineup. Sounds like he’ll be in this week though.
• Travis Mitchell slotted back in for Adam Boqvist, who didn’t get the chance to face his brother and his old team. Mitchell was minus-2 in 13 minutes.
• After his miscues leading to the Verhaeghe goal, Shabanov and Simon Holmstrom were swapped between the second and third lines.

Up Next​

As the Isles return home, the fun continues with a visit from Vegas Tuesday night, the upstart Ducks on Thursday and one more meeting with the Lightning — who will surely be out for blood — on Saturday.

Source: https://www.lighthousehockey.com/game-recaps/43470/panthers-4-en-islanders-1-unsync

 

[New York Islanders]

Islanders Anxiety – Episode 350 – They Proved Us Wrong

Mike and Dan enjoy being proven wrong by the Islanders, who won three of their tough games this week before losing to the Panthers on Sunday afternoon.

Last week, things were not looking good. The Islanders had squandered much of their homestand on losses and had a run of games against recent Stanley Cup champions on the horizon. But using a more balanced attack – including from a new, actual fourth line – and some dominant goaltending, they beat Tampa Bay twice and Colorado, who had only lost once this season. The games against the Lightning and Avalanche were some of the most fun this season, even if Saturday’s 2-0 win at [whatever it’s called] Arena in Tampa was also nerve-wracking. Even Adam Pelech, of all people, got in on the scoring fun. The games were so good for our psyche that losing to the Panthers in a sludgy Sunday matinee didn’t even bother us.

In the second half, we look at tricky upcoming games against the Golden Knights, Ducks and Lightning – again! – for the final time this season. They can win them if they keep using their new identity. We also discuss the delights of Brock Nelson’s return to UBS Arena and the induction of Pat LaFontaine into the Islanders Hall of Fame coming up on Saturday. Finally, we thank you for letting us do this for 350 episodes (so far) and for giving us another great year of growth and laughs. We hope you’re having as good a time as are.

REFERENCES

• The Brock Nelson tribute video.
• Karley Nelson’s interview with Shannon Hogan.
• Patrick Roy is not a fan of some of these questions.

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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.

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• And everywhere podcasts are found

Source: https://www.lighthousehockey.com/is...ghtning-avalanche-brock-nelson-pat-lafontaine

 

[New York Islanders]

Islanders 2 (EN), Lightning 0: Ritchie gets game-winner, Sorokin earns 25th shutout

This one was a bit of a snoozer to start — not much action, save for Ilya Sorokin standing tall and the Islanders hitting the post a few times. We went into the third period tied at zero, a rarity for this sometimes defensively-challenged team, but a four minute power play helped the Isles break the deadlock, with an incredible goal from Cal Ritchie.

Sorokin was locked in all night, and earned his franchise-record tying 25th shutout, matching Chico Resch’s total. He was absolutely the best player for the Isles tonight, tracking the puck well and making key saves, keeping the team in the game all night despite Tampa putting 32 shots on him.

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

The first period was pretty uneventful, with Sorokin turning away all nine of the Lightning’s shots. Max Shabanov left for the locker room for a little bit, but returned to the bench and seemed fine the rest of the game, so it must have been something minor.

Sorokin took some contact early in the second, with a Lightning player driving the net and Mayfield falling backwards on top of Sorokin, but he was fine and continued his strong play for the rest of the game.

Marc Gatcomb had some solid chances on Jonas Johansson, but couldn’t convert. Casey Cizikas drew a tripping penalty, sending Victor Hedman to the box, but the Isles couldn’t convert.

Shortly after, Anders Lee took a high sticking penalty, but the Isles killed that.

Lee and Anthony Duclair hit the post on shorts that beat Johansson, and then Bo Horvat took a hooking penalty, which the Islanders killed.

In the third, Adam Pelech took a shot that produced a healthy rebound that just skipped past Shabanov, who would’ve had an empty net.

Pelech hit Curtis Douglas against the boards and while it was very clearly a routine hit, Douglas must have caught the boards strangely, because he struggled to get up after the hit and left the game.

Cizikas took a high stick to the face, and Brandon Hagel was called for a four minute double minor after some discussion. Kyle MacLean had a hand on Hagel’s stick, and appeared to influence its movement, but still, the onus is generally on the player to control his own stick.

Simon Holmstrom hit yet another post, but then the Islanders would finally break through, as Cal Ritchie scored a between-the-legs goal in tight, banking the puck off Johansson and into the net to make it 1-0.

View Link

With just under three minutes left, Tampa pulled Johansson for the extra skater, and spent nearly that entire time in the Isles’ end. Sorokin made some strong saves, and then Cizikas, for the second game in a row, scored into the empty net to seal the win, 2-0.

View Link

Up Next​

Next, the Islanders will stay in Florida, heading down to take on the Panthers as the dads and mentors trip continues.

Source: https://www.lighthousehockey.com/ga...ning-ritchie-sorokin-franchise-record-shutout

 

[New York Islanders]

Islanders News: Knight time

The Islanders return home for another meeting with a recent Cup champ as the spicy mustard-wearing team from Vegas visits Long Island.

First Islanders Goal picks for tonight go here.

Islanders News​

• Previewing tonight: The Golden Knights are 14-6-8. [Isles]
• If (and when) J-G Pageau returns to the lineup, that forces some decisions that trickle throughout the lineup. [Newsday]
• Inside the Isles’ dads trip. [Isles]
• Alright, alright calm down ladies, Cal Ritchie’s dad is in the house. [Isles]
• In the latest Islanders Anxiety podcast, Dan and Mike discover the latest script turn from this past week. [LHH]
• Patrick Roy wasn’t demoting Max Shabanov, just trying something different, when he swapped him with Simon Holmstrom after Shabanov’s mistake on the Verghaeghe goal. [Post]
• Prospect Report: Quinn Finley racking up points and Kashawn Aitcheson, Victor Eklund and Tomas Poletín getting World Junior camp invitations. [Isles | THN]
• Ilya Sorokin was named NHL First Star of the Week. [Isles]
• Benoit Hogue, Josh Bailey and Matt Martin are among the Isles alums who will face the “Shoresy” crew. [Post]

Elsewhere​

Five games in the NHL last night, including the Leafs shutting out the Lightning — so how impressive were the Isles’ last two wins, really? — and the Red Wings shutting out the Canucks.

• NBC gets Jon Hamm to do a fun Olympic promo with a nod to 1980 and the rivalry with Canada. [NHL]
• Speaking of which, the latest rink report in Italy is “positive.” [NHL | Sportsnet]
• If the Flames aren’t careful, they’re going to play themselves out of the bets lottery odds. [Sportsnet]
• Noah Dobson premature celebration of a buzzer-beater tying goal that wasn’t sparks a premature ovation in Montreal:

Jordan Binnington and the Blues hang on for the 4-3 win over the Habs pic.twitter.com/jCAnLBVMis

— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) December 8, 2025

Source: https://www.lighthousehockey.com/islanders-news-headlines/43471/islanders-news-knight-time

 

[New York Islanders]

Islanders 5*, Golden Knights 4 (*SO): Two points the hard way

The Islanders overcame a 2-0 deficit, killed off a 4-on-3 penalty in overtime, and bounced back from a few setbacks to earn two points in a 5-4 shootout win over the Vegas Golden Knights.

For a run of schedule that we thought might be disastrous, the Isles took two points from the Avalanche, Lightning (twice) and Golden Knights to temporarily put themselves back in a regular playoff position in the ever-congested East, where both wild card holders have games in hand.

Ilya Sorokin (32 saves) stood on his head again, Bo Horvat scored two more goals to bring his season total to 19, and Matthew Schaefer continued his sterling rookie season with his 14th assist.

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

Vegas got the first goal midway through the first period on a perfectly placed rebound to Noah Hanifin, and then prodigal Toronto son Mitch Marner doubled their lead by the 16-minute mark. It felt a little unfair for the Isles to be down 2-0 based on the frenetic first period play — 25 total shots on goal between the two teams — but Bo Horvat eased fears by scoring a 4-on-4 goal with 27 seconds left in the period.

Only one of them got a point on the play, but it was a perfect example of how Mat Barzal and Schaefer’s mobility and chemistry opens space and creates opportunity. The two exchanged the puck down low and swapped places before Schaefer moved it to Pulock who set up Horvat for his one-timer from the top of the circle.

What a shot from Bo Horvat after an excellent sequence. #Isles pic.twitter.com/uj33njguCf

— Rob Taub (@RTaub_) December 10, 2025

If that one gave the Isles a spiritual boost going into the intermission, it took a bit to cash in on the momentum. An early power play failed to open the period, but the fourth line — today constituting Casey Cizikas, Marc Gatcomb and Kyle MacLean doing smart, tenacious things — cashed in with a great shift resulting in a goal down low involving all three of them. (The nice exchange by MacLean almost makes up for the terribly timed high stick he took later in the game at the end of regulation.)

What a damn pass from Cizikas to Gatcomb. Wow. pic.twitter.com/tYzsYZxekh

— Rob Taub (@RTaub_) December 10, 2025

Ten minutes later on a swift counterattack, the Isles got a go-ahead goal from a rushing Simon Holmstrom late in the period. That sent them to the third period with a 3-2 lead that they looked like, well, not that they’d hold it but that they might still come out on top.

Both were true. They did not hold the lead, and in fact they lost a one-goal lead twice in the third period.

Ivan Barbashev tied it at 3-3 early in the third, but Bo Horvat put them on top again — on the high-slot one-timer of course — on a nicely worked power play at 10:15.

Horvat on the PP and the Isles go up, what a game! pic.twitter.com/pFLnfcjogK

— NHLonTNT (@NHL_On_TNT) December 10, 2025

The next five minutes or so were played carefully but well, with the Islanders disrupting Vegas in the neutral zone often enough to avoid the hair-raising shell till time wound down.

But an Adam Pelech puck-over-the-glass penalty with 2:21 left created the painful drip to a hearbreaking equalizer. The Isles penalty kill hung in there for a long, long time — largely thanks to Sorokin — but Pavel Dorofeyev finally cashed in on his umpteenth chance. Sorokin had robbed him on several golden chances and the Isles actually killed off that penalty, but Mitch Marner made a great stop along the boards to prevent the clear, and when a Pelech shot block caromed just so to Dorofeyev, it was an easy lift to tie it with 14 seconds left.

Worse, with overtime inevitable, MacLean swung high at a puck and hit Bret Howden in the side of the helmet instead; Howden made the most of it, the refs convened to see if anyone saw it, and the Isles were going to be shorthanded for nearly two minutes of OT. Patrick Roy was livid on the bench because the refs overlooked Zach Whitecloud pulling Cizikas down on a mutually assured collision in the corner a half second before that.

Could’ve let it all go but “I’ve seen it given,” as the Brits say.

Anyway, the Isles were disciplined on the 4-on-3 OT PK, Vegas was curiously overly patient, and the Isles made it to the 3-on-3 stretch, though no one scored.

In the shootout, no one converted until Emil Heineman in extra-extra time for the clincher.

Errata​

• Mitch Marner’s shootout try was all razzle dazzle, and it looked like it tested Sorokin’s groin uncomfortably, even though the puck just rolled away. Sorokin stayed prone for a bit, not sure if in discomfort or just resting.
• With J-G Pageau back — and taking up key PK and faceoff roles like he never left — Max Tsyplakov became the odd man out. Tonight at least, the fourth-line combo with MacLean was in sync. Barring injuries, my money’s on Anthony Duclair being the next one to come out for Max the Elder.
• With the OT and then some, Pulock logged 29:12, including 4:55 of PK.
• The Isles don’t win this one without some outstanding stops from Sorokin (even in giving up four), but their approach was exciting. They kept the pace up and were assertive in disrupting Vegas’ attack. It’s a helluva lot more fun than sitting in a shell and waiting for the Eichel-Marner barrage.

Up Next​

The surprising Ducks visit Thursday — count on lots of goals — followed by the final meeting with the Lightning on Saturday.

Source: https://www.lighthousehockey.com/ga...-vs-golden-knights-bo-horvat-sorokin-heineman

 

[New York Islanders]

Islanders Gameday News: Here come the Ducks

They’re not your father’s Ducks! Or at least not your older brother’s Ducks, or something.

Tonight the Islanders host a Fairly Strong Ducks of Anaheim team that is first in its division at a very respectable 19-10-1. After years of “very tough negotiator” Pat Verbeek at the helm, it seems he just needed to hire a Hall of Fame coach — like Lou bringing in Barry Trotz — to put things right in the orange half of SoCal.

Anaheim has a league-best 11 comeback wins following their latest, featuring an equalizer with .01 seconds left in Pittsburgh (teehee). They’re doing it while still dressing ol’ friend Ross “the Boss” Johnston for 29 games — three off his single-season high in six full years with the Isles — as well as revived former Smurfs Jacob Trouba and Chris Kreider. (In fact, in 2+ seasons with the Ducks, Johnston has already surpassed his GP total across seven seasons on Long Island.)

They also have a bunch of young punks doing sterling things, none of whom is Trever Zegras.

The Isles, of course, are in the tightly condensed East, where their 37 points would be enough for first in the Atlantic and put them two points off the conference lead, alas only third in the Metro.

First Islanders Goal picks for tonight go here.

Islanders News​

• Predicting the Islanders could be buyers if they keep this up. [NHL]
• Island Ice podcast: On shootouts, Simon Holmstrom and J-G Pageau. [Newsday]
• With Pageau back, Max Tsyplakov stepped out, but Patrick Roy had encouraging words. [Post]
• Kudos to Bruce Bennett, longtime photographer who should’ve gotten more credit. [THN]

Elsewhere​

Only four games in the NHL last night, with the Rangers somehow being shut out in Chicago, and the Wings winning to move to first in the Atlantic.

• Meanwhile, in Toronto, apparently a demotion to third line for William Nylander is. a big deal. [TSN]
• Alert your fantasy managers: Connor Hellebuyck is skating again. [NHL]
• Winter Classic participants are excited for warm-ish weather in South Florida. [NHL]
• The Canadiens are struggling and recalled three plays, including a goalie. [TSN]
• Bourne: What will the U.S. Olympic roster look like? [Sportsnet]
• Kyper: Trade rumors and speculation. [Sportsnet]

Source: https://www.lighthousehockey.com/islanders-news-headlines/43498/islanders-ducks-news-pageau-darche

 

[New York Islanders]

Islanders 5, Ducks 2: Two points, two PPG, but Horvat hurt

The Islanders kept rolling and kept pace in the East with a 5-2 win over the Anaheim Ducks, buoyed by a 3-0 first period including two Anders Lee power play goals that sent him ahead of Brock Nelson in the all-time franchise rankings.

The win was tempered by the sight of Bo Horvat going down, quite uncomfortably and splits-like, in the second period and leaving the game for good. Patrick Roy said afterward that Horvat is “day to day,” so hopefully they’ve got a strong indication of no structural damage to the Isles’ leading scorer.

David Rittich made 31 saves and had one attempt at an empty net goal (clairvoyantly predicted by Thomas Hickey on another night of great color commentary), and Travis Mitchell opened scoring with his first NHL goal.

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

Errata​

• Tony DeAngelo had two good assists on Lee’s goals, simply sending tippable pucks toward the net for Lee to do as he does in his office. One was a tip-in, the other one was deflected on its way to Lee’s body, allowing the captain to retrieve it and slip it around Ville Husso.
• Speaking of slipping around Husso: the pivotal goal came with the Islanders leading only 3-2 after giving up an early shorthander in the third. Simon Holmstrom took a neutral zone outlet, spun without breaking stride, then burst around Olen “don’t call me Rene” Zellweger before using his long reach to get around Husso. Both Ducks probably should’ve handled it better, but nobody expects the Simon stick extension.
• Up 3-0, possibly a little unfair to the Ducks based on play and the fact that the Isles were getting all the power plays, the Isles had a couple golden chances to bust the game open. But Adam Pelech’s point shot rang the post shortly after a great combo with Max Shabanov and Emil Heineman sent the Isles winger through the slot before he lost the handle. It felt like missing those might haunt them, and they almost did as the Ducks got one back in the second and another early in the third.
• Fun to hear Cal Clutterbuck talk about battling Radko Gudas (after replays of Marc Gatcomb stapling him to the boards) and his own approach to empty net goals — shooting hard from distance rather than trying to place them — after Lee’s attempt at a hat trick from center ice went just wide.
• So Lee had to settle for a four-point night; Holmstrom had three.
• This was or very well could’ve been a close game. The Ducks missed some golden chances early and Rittich also pulled out some saves to keep it 0-0 and later to keep it 3-0 for a while. Overall, well played game by the Isles though.

The Holmstrom goal, simply a beauty and at a perfect time:

Simon Holmstrom's 3rd point of the game is a beaut!@brendanmburke | @Thomas_Hickey14 | #Isles pic.twitter.com/w9qBIhPyiJ

— Isles on MSGSN (@IslesMSGN) December 12, 2025

The Horvat injury (trigger warning for those with groins or ankles):

Bo Horvat was hurt on this play pic.twitter.com/iV0niJna9s

— Rob Taub (@RTaub_) December 12, 2025

Up Next​

It’s Pat LaFontaine Night on Saturday, and even Billy Smith (who was in attendance tonight, next to Bryan Trottier) will be there. It will be the third meeting in two weeks with the Lightning, who are suddenly stumbling and will want revenge to avoid the season sweep.

Source: https://www.lighthousehockey.com/game-recaps/43501/islanders-vs-ducks-horvat-injury-lee-mitchell

 

[New York Islanders]

Weird Islanders: The Podcast! – Episode 76 – Mathieu Schneider (with guest Joe Buono)

We welcome back our friend Joe Buono of IslesFix to rediscover Mathieu Schneider, an excellent defenseman who made a big impact on the Islanders in a surprisingly short period of time.

The “other” piece of the disastrous Kirk Muller trade, Schneider was a born-and-bred New Yorker and the rare player who actually looked forward to coming to Long Island in the mid-1990’s. After winning a Stanley Cup with the Canadiens and gaining headlines for calling out NHL commissioner Gary Bettman before the 1995 lockout, Schneider seemed like a big get for the Islanders and was a popular player among fans, many of whom were also members of the Jewish faith. He was their All Star Game representative in 1996 and an alternate (and sometimes temporary) captain. Then, just like that, he was gone in another big trade that sent yet another All Star away (but at least brought back a couple of future ones).

Along with Joe, we discuss Schneider’s high standing among fans of this time, some of his standout moments on the ice and the quietly impactful NHL career he had a for a long list of teams and even after retirement. We also run down some other Islanders All Stars who were weird for various reasons.

Thanks again to Joe for coming on, it’s always a pleasure talking to him. If you’re not already signed up for the IslesFix newsletter for some reason, fix that immediately.

WEIRD BONUS MATERIAL

• Matheiu Schneider was a rare prospect in his time because as an American (and a New Yorker!), he opted to play Junior hockey in Canada. Here’s an interview from Sportsnet – nearly ruined by Ron McLean’s cringiness – where he talks about his earliest days in the game and winning the Stanley Cup as a Canadien.
• Here’s a short article from Schneider’s trade to the Island.
• Unlike the guy he was traded with, Schneider was happy to be an Islander and received a warm welcome from the fanbase. It was a far cry from how things ended in Montreal, with language tensions and a fight in practice with the Habs’ starting goalie, Patrick Roy!
• He also reveals in the article that he apologized to Gary Bettman for this, sported during the 1995 lockout. That gag is even funnier when you find out that Schneider spent 12 years with the NHLPA and left the organization months after Marty Walsh took over as director.
• Here’s a goal you don’t see anymore: a defenseman scoring from center ice.

• Maybe Schneider’s most memorable goal as an Islander was this OT game-winner over Buffalo. Check out the ultra-rare “C” on his jersey.

• He played less than a season in the Fisherman jersey but Schneider did represent the team in the 1996 NHL All Star Game in Boston. Who the hell boos an Islander at the All Star Game?
• When he was traded away from the Islanders, Schneider was barely mentioned. Wendel Clark and Kenny Jonsson were the headliners for their respective sides.
• It took a while but Schneider has received accolades for his career post-retirement. He was named to the US Hockey Hall of Fame in 2015 and to the The National Jewish Sports Hall of Fame in 2024.

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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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Source: https://www.lighthousehockey.com/ny...t-joe-buono-kirk-muller-weird-isles-all-stars

 

[New York Islanders]

Islanders Gameday: One more with the Lightning amid NHL trade frenzy

The Islanders franchise finally gives Pat LaFontaine his due this afternoon (3:3o start) with induction into their Hall of Fame if not a number retirement — never mind your Sims, Ladds and Berubes who’ve worn #16 since — and they face the Lightning for the third time in two weeks. But across the NHL, league news is dominated by a couple of big trades that broke on Friday.

More on those further down the page, but first we’ve got a chance to celebrate a great and (hopefully) sweep the Bolts.

First Islanders Goal picks go here.

Islanders News​

Our Islanders Anxiety lead Dan is a classic, #1 LaFontaine fan, and he’ll be there today. For me, my experience was a little more conflicted: I loved LaFontaine, but at the time of LaFontaine’s (completely understandable in retrospect) walkout and trade demand, I felt betrayed. (Brent Sutter’s concurrent trade also hit me in the gut, but somehow I cut all Sutters except Darryl more slack.) Anyway, to have Pierre Turgeon come back in return — back when blockbuster like-for-like trades like that were more common — and for Turgeon to be such a key part of the breakout 1993 team, that really helped heal the wound.

Anyway, relive, bask in the nostalgia: “Now you know why they win,” said LaFontaine’s dad after his first game, when Bob Nystrom stood up for him against the Leafs. A nice, lengthy feature on LaFontaine:

• LaFontaine’s Isles mentor Bryan Trottier (great photo of the two of them here) and rookie peer Patrick Flatley reflect on his impact. [Isles]
• For today (and then some) Bo Horvat is out, but Jonathan Drouin should be back in. [Newsday | Isles | Post]
• Previewing tonight: Special teams have sure helped December get off on the right foot. [Isles]
• Semi-updates on Ethan Bear and Isaiah George, each out with injuries for quite a while in Bridgeport. [THN]
• Weird Islanders: Talking about Mathieu Schneider, who had a storied career with 10 teams. (It’s weird, no pun intended, to think his Isles tenure was so short.) [LHH]

Elsewhere​

There were only two games yesterday, neither of which affect the Isles, but it was a blockbuster news day thanks to two massive trades — one of, um, er, inconsistent goalies that absolutely no one fears, the other of the top trade name on the market.

• The Oilers (or at least Stan Bowman) believe the long-awaited answer to their goalie issues is…Tristan Jarry? I am here for it. [NHL]
• Why the Oilers did this. (Or should be: “Why did the Oilers do this???“) [Sportsnet]
• The Penguins upgraded their D in the deal, so they can waive Matt Dumba. [TSN]
• Bill Guerin swung big for Quinn Hughes, giving up a first-rounder and three recent first-round picks. [Athletic]
• It’s a terrible day for the Canucks franchise, but they realized Hughes was never going to sign another extension, and they acted swiftly. [Athletic]
• The Sabres are reportedly discussing replacing Kevyn Adams as GM. Finally. [Sportsnet]
• Victor Hedman will have elbow surgery but should be healthy for the Olympics. [TSN]
• Working on a comeback via the AHL, goalie Laurent Brossoit makes empty net goals look easy. [Sportsnet]
• “It’s just hard,” says Steve Yzerman — refering to picking an Olympic roster, not to getting his team into the playoffs at least once this decade. [NHL]

Source: https://www.lighthousehockey.com/is.../43508/islanders-gameday-lafontaine-lightning

 

[New York Islanders]

Islanders 3*, Lightning 2 (*SO): Into 1st with an Emil finish

The Islanders found themselves momentarily in first place in the Eastern Conference by total points (if not pts. percentage) on Dec. 13, 2025, after sweeping the Tampa Bay Lightning with the third win over the previous first-holders in the past couple of weeks.

Like the previous two games with the Lightning, it was close, nerve-wracking and could’ve gone either way — this one arguably should’ve gone the other way based on how the Lightning controlled play after falling behind 2-0 in the first period.

Tampa chipped away to force overtime, which was a back-and-forth 3-on-3 session, before Emil Heineman converted the decisive tally for another game-winner. What a shot, that guy; and what a shootout performance, worthy of the number 51.

(Speaking of legendary numbers, Pat LaFontaine was honored in a sweet ceremony today with overdue induction into the Islanders Hall of Fame, celebrating with family. The past two times he was involved with the org, ownership issues always sent it sideways; so it’s nice to have a stable group in place that sought to bring him into the fold.)

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

#Isles G Ilya Sorokin said he got emotional during Pat LaFontaine's pre-game speech when he talked about his son-in-law's passing and his wife's health issues. Sorokin said he shed tears. Asked him how he composed himself to play. Sorokin said he was a "professional" and had time

— Andrew Gross (@AGrossNewsday) December 14, 2025

Befitting the day’s honoree, the Islanders’ two goals, and the winning shootout tally, were by their most recent and exciting additions.

Matthew Schaefer opened scoring three minutes into the game on a 4-on-3 power play, swapping places with mobile running mate Mat Barzal to create some space and then shooting from a dangerous spot after a give-and-take with Anthony Duclair.

Duclair picked up another assist after leading a left-wing rush and then feeding Calum Ritchie to double the lead at the midway point of the first.

Calum Ritchie doubles the lead! pic.twitter.com/VDNUbWeQPE

— Islanders Videos (@SNY_Islanders) December 13, 2025

And later, Heineman was the shootout hero with his sizzling shot (Barzal also converted on his attempt).

YOU DON’T TRADE A PLAYER LIKE EMIL HEINEMAN! pic.twitter.com/k3FhvENLg8

— Rob Taub (@RTaub_) December 13, 2025

When asking how the Islanders are here, at this point of the season, and with season-ending injuries to Alex Romanov and Kyle Palmieri and with leading scorer Bo Horvat out of the lineup, those three 2025 additions are big part of the answer.

Of course the team’s play has also stabilized, led by the goaltending. They were faaaaar from the team in control today, but Ilya Sorokin (32 saves) had another great afternoon — and a timely post as the Isles hung on as regulation wound down. And even when things looked lopsided (shots: 34-17 for Tampa, attempts about double that), the Isles’ were disciplined in defense rather than running around with their hair on fire.

And, finally, it makes a huge difference that they’ve been coming out on the right side of the OT/shootout coin-toss ledger. Last season, that was an unending problem, this season Patrick Roy describes their confidence after the 60th minute as “night and day.”

It’s not a recipe to win every night, but it can work every now and then — including three meetings that must’ve frustrated the hell out of the Lightning.

Up Next​

The Islanders’ peek into the Eastern penthouse (41 points) came of course before the evening games, with both Washington and Carolina (40 points each and games in hand) playing later.

But it’s definitely something that they’re here, and this far into the season, all while weathering their own share of injuries.

The next few days are a little lighter, as they travel to face the Red Wings on Tuesday before coming back for a back-to-back Friday with the Hughes-less Canucks and Saturday in Buffalo.

Source: https://www.lighthousehockey.com/ga...3-lightning-2-so-into-1st-with-an-emil-finish

 

[New York Islanders]

Islanders Anxiety – Episode 351 – A Great Long Island Night

Mike and Dan recap the Islanders’ week of winning shootouts (!) and the big trades that went down in the NHL before the weekend.

When was the last time the Islanders won two shootouts in the same week? With the same guy scoring both game-winners? Feels like never. We talk about the wins (and blown leads) against Vegas and Tampa Bay, and the big win over Anaheim in the middle. We’re glad for the return of Marc Gatcomb and happy to be fully rewired into this fun, proud version of the Islanders. It was a fun week to be an fan, and even more fun to be in the building as they inducted Pat LaFontaine into the team’s Hall of Fame, and Mike and his family celebrated his dad’s birthday.

We also look ahead to a week of winnable games and discuss the Penguins and Oilers swapping goalies and the Minnesota Wild getting Quinn Hughes.

REFERENCES

• Here’s the Pat LaFontaine ceremony from Saturday. Check out the Islanders site and YouTube for more examples of his greatness.

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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...ong-island-night-emil-heineman-pat-lafontaine

 

[New York Islanders]

Islanders & NHL News: LaFontaine, NHL trade reactions

It was fun while it lasted, that moment atop the East (by points) on Saturday afternoon before the Hurricanes swept their weekend back-to-back with the Flyers, who also earned points in each by making it to overtime. With a couple of more games played than several peers, Isles have just one game over a five-game span before things pick up a little again before the holiday break.

After getting by the Lightning once again, they are bound for Detroit where they take on the Red Wings Tuesday. The Wings are tied for first (by points) in an Atlantic Division that looks like it’s going to be the weaker one in the East this year.

Islanders News​

• Takeaways from the shootout win over the Lightning: Good night for game-saver Ilya Sorokin and Anthony Duclair, who each received Patrick Roy’s praise. [Isles]
• Sorokin got the Iron Man mask. [Isles]
• The Skinny: “ Heineman is the first Islander to score the deciding goal in consecutive Islander shootouts since Kyle Okposo did so in three straight shootouts in November 2014, and is currently the only player in NHL history to take at least three shootout attempts and score on all of them.” [Isles]
• Scenes and reactions from Pat LaFontaine’s team hall of fame night. [Isles | Newsday photos]
• LaFontaine: “It really feels like a family….It feels like home again.” [Newsday | Post]

NDRedEagle and an illustration by MFIsles on the trade tree connecting LaFontaine and Heineman:

You are NOT wrong. Dobson stemmed from it, sicko stuff pic.twitter.com/Jzd3W36Z0L

— MF Isles (@MF1sles) December 14, 2025

Elsewhere​

Weekend games: 13 finals on Saturday, another six on Sunday, including the Sabres winning their third straight.

• Quinn Hughes made his Wild debut, received an ovation from fans, scored a goal and said he might like it there. [Sportsnet]
• The Canucks’ mindset has changed after moving Hughes. They beat Quinn’s former future team in the Devils and will visit the Isles Friday. [Sportsnet]
• Zeev Buium knows the deal, felt appreciated by the Wild and understands why the just-turned-20-year-old was sent in the deal to get Hughes. [ESPN]
• Devils, Red Wings, Rangers also reportedly made bids for Hughes. [TSN]
• Going deeper on some goalie stats comparing Stuart Skinner and Islanders playoff hero Tristan Jarry. [NHL]
• The Oilers stunk in Calvin Pickard’s latest start, and the backup reflects on losing his tandem-mate (whom the Oilers will face in Pittsburgh on Tuesday). [Sportsnet]
• Rinse, repeat: Craig Berube calls out Leafs after no-show vs. the Oilers. [Sportsnet]
• Connor Bedard may be out a bit. [Sportsnet]
• Emergency backup anthem singer nails it. [NHL]

Source: https://www.lighthousehockey.com/is...ders-nhl-news-lafontaine-hughes-skinner-jarry

 

[New York Islanders]

Red Wings 3, Islanders 2: DeBrincat scores twice to sink Isles

After two games against Detroit where the Isles piled on the goals, the Red Wings got their revenge in a tight matchup. Some ill-timed penalties helped the Red Wings get back in the game after an early Islanders goal in the first period.

The Isles struggled overall tonight, and if not for Ilya Sorokin continuing his streak of great play, this could’ve had a much more lopsided scoreline. But ultimately, they’d come up short in taking even just a point on the road.

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

After some concern earlier today, Mat Barzal did play in tonight’s game, and assisted on the opening goal, Emil Heineman’s 11th of the season.

View Link

The Islanders struggled in the neutral zone, and Ilya Sorokin made some incredible saves to keep the Islanders in it.

Cal Ritchie’s line struggled a lot, matched up with Detroit’s top line, and that group along with Travis Mitchell and Scott Mayfield were hemmed in at multiple points in the period and the game.

In the second period, Sorokin had to come up big again as Detroit took advantage of the Isles in the neutral zone.

Simon Holmstrom put a shot off the post after the Islanders got away with having too many men on the ice, and Mat Barzal drew a penalty near the end of the period, sending Simon Edvinsson to the box for hooking.

The Islanders couldn’t convert on that, and the Red Wings killed off the remaining 10 seconds of the penalty in the beginning of the third period.

Axel Sandin-Pellikka tied the game, taking advantage of the Ritchie line that had struggled all game.

Then, Matthew Schaefer was called for holding, and Alex DeBrincat made it 2-1 on the power play.

The Red Wings continued to get chances to extend their lead, and Sorokin kept the Isles in it.

Scott Mayfield tied the game, cutting into the slot and scoring his first of the season.

View Link

Unfortunately, Mayfield was also called for a tripping penalty with 3:10 left, which DeBrincat scored on again, giving the Red Wings a late lead.

The Isles pulled Sorokin for an extra skater but couldn’t find the tying goal, and ultimately fell to the Red Wings in regulation, 3-2.

Up Next​

Next, the Islanders head back home to UBS Arena to take on the struggling Vancouver Canucks, coming off a 3-0 win against the Rangers.

Source: https://www.lighthousehockey.com/ga...red-wings-sorokin-debrincat-heineman-mayfield

 

[New York Islanders]

Islanders & NHL News: Points left on the board

The Islanders suffered a regulation loss in Detroit last night through some untimely penalties and failure to stop Alex freaking DeBrincat on the ensuing power plays. They had a 1-0 lead entering the third, got the equalizer (from Scott Mayfield!?) after falling behind 2-1, but Mayfield took a late penalty and the Wings cashed in again.

Frustrating, but the Isles weren’t great overall, and they were due for some bounces and percentages to not go their way and for Ilya Sorokin’s heroics to not be enough.

Islanders News​

• If not for Sorokin, it wouldn’t have been that close and down to the wire. The Isles (particularly the Ritchie line and their bottom pair) were hemmed in for several stretches. [LHH]
• Patrick Roy: Pretty upset with taking a late penalty. [Newsday] It was a sloppy effort. [Post]
• Max Tysplakov has done nothing wrong and is keeping a good attitude while being a scratch, Roy says. [THN]
• Travis Mitchell took a long journey to get to play in the NHL in his home. [Newsday]
• The Isles’ business head admits they really need to grow the fanbase. [Newsday]

Elsewhere​

Last night’s scores…

Sometimes, in bad Islanders seasons of yore, I’ve kept myself entertained in a Playa Haters’ Ball kind of way by just enjoying the suffering of other teams I hate (or whose media/fanbases are nauseating).

This Isles season has been far from miserable, but…there’s still so many playas out there to deliciously hate. For example:

Last night was the Meeting of the Unwanted Goalies, with Tristan Jarry and Stuart Skinner facing off within a week of their being traded for one another. (Dan and Mike had some hilarious riffs on this trade in their last Islanders Anxiety podcast, beginning around 1:14.)

The Oilers won, 6-4, as Leon Draisaitl passed 1,000 points and both he and Connor McDavid had foure points. They got out to an early 2-0 lead through a 5-on-3 and a 5-on-4 with McDavid simply torching the Penguins’ defense. Blame Skinner. Jarry then let the Penguins hang around throughout the game until an empty netter made it 6-3. Except…like a warning shot fired across the bow of this spring’s playoffs, the Penguins got one more on Jarry as time wound down. That led to this unintentionally hilarious synopsis at Oilers Nation:

Like his start on Saturday, Tristan Jarry was robbed of a .900 save percentage in the final minute of the game, as the Oilers stopped defending. He stopped 26 of 30 shots for an .867 save percentage, with the second goal being rather weak. Still, he outdueled Stuart Skinner, who allowed five goals on 22 shots.

Moral victories!

In other Haters’ fun, the Rangers were shut out at home AGAIN. This time by the Canucks, who’ve won two in a row since trading Quinn Hughes. Money quote from the Smurfs, who outshot Vancouver 23-14 (zzz):

“I don’t remember a time throughout that entire game that we weren’t in their end; that’s not good enough,” Rangers center Vincent Trocheck said. “We need to score goals. We ended up with 23 (shots). It’s not 40 shots, but I’d love to see the possession time in zone. I feel like it was the entire game. We have to score goals.”

• The Canadiens put Sam Montembeault in the AHL on a conditioning assignment. [Sportsnet]
• Looking back at the bad and the bad of the Kevyn Adams era in Buffalo. [Sportsnet]
• Update your fantasies: Connor Bedard will be out a month at least. [NHL]
• Roster freeze is coming up Friday. A couple of waiver claims of Some Guys by St. Louis and Boston. [TSN]
• New Sabres GM is focused on character. [AP]

Source: https://www.lighthousehockey.com/islanders-news-headlines/43546/islanders-mayfield-sorokin-tsyplakov

 

[New York Islanders]

Islanders Gameday: Barzal questionable for midweek in Motown

The Islanders are in Detroit for a one-off trip before coming back to New York for a back-to-back. With a rare off day during a semi-breather in their schedule, there was no practice on Monday, but today’s morning skate revealed one lineup concern: Mat Barzal is a game-time decision.

The Red Wings (18-12-3, 39) are two points behind the Isles, but both currently occupy second place in their respective divisions. They are starting former Duck John Gibson in net.

First Islanders Goal picks go here.

Islanders News​

• Day-to-day: The Barzal news, plus Travis Mitchell plays in his home state, and Ilya Sorokin will be in net opposite Gibson. [Isles]
• Mitchell’s waiver exemption is about to expire. [THN]
• Are the Islanders actually kinda good? And why even if they are, that shouldn’t change their long-term plan with pending UFAs. [Athletic]
• Islanders Anxiety, with less anxiety: Dan and Mike talk shootout wins, NHL trades and the joy of attending Pat LaFontaine Night. [LHH]
• The Isles are way better in overtime this season (shootout too), so there’s a little bit Schaefer Effect and a little bit OT-is-a-crapshoot. [Newsday]
• Marc Gatcomb is forcing Patrick Roy to make room for him. [Post]
• Prospect Report: Kvasnicka and Romano point parade. [Isles]
• One more note from LaFontaine: He’s enjoying the speed in the Roy-led Isles’ game. [Post]

Elsewhere​

Monday’s scores included the Lightning and Rangers (teehee) losing again.

• Also tonight: Stuart Skinner is looking forward to facing his old mates so soon; his first Penguins start will include his old Oilers mask and his old Oilers teammates trying to beat him. [NHL]
• On the other side, Tristan Jarry is ready for his “weird” homecoming. [NHL]
• The Sabres finally fired Kevyn Adams, replaced him with GM-in-waiting “senior advisor” Jarmo Kekalainen. [NHL]
• Darcy Kuemper is on IR. [Sportsnet]

Source: https://www.lighthousehockey.com/islanders-news-headlines/43534/islanders-gameday-red-wings-barzal

 

[New York Islanders]

Islanders News: Mitchell returned as Isles await Canucks

It’s been a weird week, having two separate two-day gaps between games. We’ll make up for it this weekend with the back-to-back against the last-place Canucks (West edition) and the last-place Sabres (East edition).

Don’t Avery this up, Isles.

Islanders News​

• They don’t want to use it as an excuse, but Andrew Gross writes that Bo Horvat’s absence was evident in the loss to Detroit. [Newsday]
• After playing nine games that feel like they flew by, Travis Mitchell has been sent back to Bridgeport (and just before his waiver exemption would expire). Who’s the next guy to get a call and a chance? [Post | THN | Isles]
• You just don’t trade a guy like Emil Heineman, who’s been huge for the Isles thus far. [Post]
• The meanings behind Ilya Sorokin and David Rittich’s masks. [Isles]
• Harvesting some Isles fans’ reactions to the business ops head describing what’s needed to grow the fanbase. [Newsday]
• Kashawn Aitcheson is hoping his play draws a Team Canada WJC spot. [Isles]

Elsewhere​

Five NHL games last night, including the Red Wings falling to Utah and the Hurricanes breezing by the Predators.

• The art of receiving, handling and distributing the puck under pressure on the boards. [Athletic]
• The ice trucks have arrived in Miami for the Winter Classic. [NHL]
• Auston Matthews is under increasing scrutiny in Toronto, with the fanbase sure to follow. [Sportsnet]
• The Penguins are about to escape Fenway. [Sportsnet]

Source: https://www.lighthousehockey.com/is...ers-news-mitchell-returned-bridgeport-canucks

 

[New York Islanders]

Islanders Gameday: Canuck remnants visit on a high note

The Vancouver Canucks, who signed J.T. Miller long term, leading to trading Bo Horvat here, leading to some weird intra-room soap opera between Miller and Elias Pettersson in their wake, leading to the team descending and Quinn Hughes seeking other pastures…they now visit Long Island with the remnants of those decisions and a chance to sweep the metro area after winning both their games (Rangers, Devils) since the big Hughes trade.

The game is being billed as a meeting of two defensemen Calder candidates, as 18-year-old Matthew Schaefer will see 20-year-old Zeev Buium (a prize in the Hughes trade) on the other side.

First Islanders Goal picks go here.

Islanders News​

• Travis Mitchell was sent back to Bridgeport and Marshall Warren was recalled in his stead, but Adam Boqvist will first get another crack at playing on his offhand side next to Scott Mayfield. [Isles | @AGrossNewsday]
• That’s all part of them still trying to figure out how to plug the hole from Alex Romanov’s seasonlong injury. [Newsday | Post]
• Also in those notes, it’s a back-to-back, so Ilya Sorokin starts tonight while David Rittich is scheduled to start tomorrow in Buffalo. And Horvat remains out but might travel with the team to Buffalo.
• Roy doing some video with Cal Ritchie after his line struggled defensively in Detroit. [THN]
• Players and friends making their visits, toys in hand, to pediatric hospitals. [Isles]

Elsewhere​

Thursday’s slate of 10 games had the Bruins, Penguins and Flyers among the losers, with Ottawa, Washington and surging(???) Buffalo picking up wins.

• Speaking of which…some underlying metrics suggesting the Sabres may be poised for a rebound, even pre-Adams firing. #sellthathope [NHL]
• They just lost Conor Timmins to a broken leg, however. [ESPN]
• And Craig Berube sounds at wit’s end to explain his lifeless Leafs. [Sportsnet]
• 10 questions ahead of Olympic roster reveals. [NHL]
• Macklin Celebrini took a pass and spun to score and become the fastest Shark to 50 points in a season. [ESPN]

Source: https://www.lighthousehockey.com/is...-gameday-canuck-remnants-visit-on-a-high-note

 

[New York Islanders]

Canucks 4 (EN), Islanders 1: Nothing doing

The Islanders’ five-game home win streak ended with a very forgettable performance against the Vancouver Canucks, who swept their visit to the metro area and moved to a perfect 3-0 in the post-Quinn Hughes era.

After the Isles finally got on the board with Ilya Sorokin pulled with over five minutes to go, Kiefer Sherwood completed his hat trick into the empty net to attain the 4-1 final.

The Isles wasted a minute-long 5-on-3 early, then fell behind, 1-, 2- and 3-0 in the first period. They never looked to be back in it after that. Not much to say or take away from this one.

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

• Adam Boqvist got another trial on his off-hand on the third pairing, and his turnover behind the net led directly to the Canucks’ opening goal. He and Scott Mayfield were by far the most underwater pair in terms of possession and chances.
• Patrick Roy was asked about Boqvist after the game and said it’s a tough position he’s in, coming in and out of the lineup on his off-hand side, and he “did some good things.” Roy redirected to it being a tough game for everyone.
• He also said the bad 5-on-3 kind of typified a disconnected night of forced passes and missed coverages in transition.
• In a bit of trivia, Barzal’s assist moved him past Patrick Flatley (488 points) for 15th on the franchise ranking, and he has at least a point in all of his 12 career games against the Canucks, which puts him in McDavid, Lemieux and Bossy territory for that specific bit of “first 12 games” trivia. Barzal also drew two penalties.

The Islanders have now lost two in a row and neither game looked particularly good. The ebbs and flows of a season, especially in the 2025-26 incarnation of the Eastern Conference.

Up Next​

It’s off to Buffalo for the back end of this back-to-back. Like the Wings and Canucks, the Sabres are in good form right now having won four in a row.

They’ll still be without Bo Horvat, who Roy confirmed would not make the trip upstate.

Source: https://www.lighthousehockey.com/game-recaps/43558/canucks-vs-islanders-sherwood-hat-trick