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NHL Playoffs Sunday: So many games

Washington Capitals v Montreal Canadiens - Game Three

Keep up the bad blood! | Photo by Reuben Polansky-Shapiro/NHLI via Getty Images

You can stay on your couch all day and night as four teams try to even the series at 2-2.

Sunday offers a classic, end-to-end slate of playoff games with four series all at 2-1 and the home team trying to even it up. It all starts at 1 p.m. EDT with Blues-Jets Game 4 all the way to the fourth game, a 9:30 start for the Oilers-Kings Game 4.

In between, the Devils and then the Canadiens will try to even their series against the Hurricanes and Capitals, respectively (but not respectfully).

Hopefully they exceed Saturday’s games, which featured a couple of overtimes and a couple of blowouts.

  • The Senators did not go quietly, finally winning an overtime in their third consecutive try to avoid a sweep with the Leafs. [NHL]
  • Gabriel Landeskog had a goal and an assist as the Avalanche eased into a 2-2 tie in the series. [NHL]
  • Vegas won in overtime on a chaos goal in Minnesota to tie that series 2-2. [NHL]
  • The Lightning got on the board with a 5-1 Game 3 win in Florida. [NHL]

Story lines for today:

  • The Jets hope to avoid the slow starts they’ve had with the Blues jumping them (but not always scoring) early in the prior three games. [NHL]
  • Logan Thompson is a gametime decision in goal after being taken out of Game 3 via friendly fire. [NHL]
  • Same Montembeault is also questionable in the Habs net, leaving Game 3 with an injury. [NHL]
  • Arber Xhekaj’s presence in the Habs lineup may have helped trigger that Game 2 brawl. [Athlon Sports]
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Source: https://www.lighthousehockey.com/2025/4/27/24418729/nhl-playoffs-sunday-so-many-games
 
NHL Playoff News: The good series are good, the others...are also on TV

Winnipeg Jets v St Louis Blues - Game Four

Perhaps you can help. | Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images

A busy weekend saw a few series reach fever pitch, while the others descend into meh.

Only two NHL playoff games tonight — a Game 3 and a Game 4, because NHL scheduling is hard — but they should be good ones.

The Lightning will try to even things up in a Battle of Florida that has seen the road team take the first three games, then in the late game the Avalanche and Stars meet in a pivotal Game 5 of a tied series, just as Bossy intended.

Unfortunately, Sunday’s epic slate of games did not produce #maxchaos 2-2 ties in every series. The Blues eased past Winnipeg in the early game to tie that series 2-2, but then the Devils and Canadiens each lost 5-2 (ENG included) in the middle games, to fall behind in their series, 3-1. Neither of those results were a surprise, but still: disappointing.

In the late game, the Oilers redeemed things by erasing a 3-1 deficit — the first multi-goal lead overturned for a win in this postseason — by tying it in the final minute and blitzing the Kings in overtime until Darcy Kuemper finally broke. That series is now 2-2 and the Kings are at risk of falling to the other Gretzky team for a fourth year.

Some links follow on a bit of those contests, but first a wee bit of Islanders half-news:

  • Jakub Skarek’s time in the org is probably over or should be, and there’s rumored interest from a team in Finland. [THN]

NHL Playoff News​

  • It’s not really his fault — there were deflections and screens and such — but Connor Hellebucyk’s playoff history is following him again after getting chased from both games in St. Louis. Whether he bounces back may define the series. [Sportsnet]
  • Tom Wilson injured a guy with a check {Dog Bites Man} ... and it might have been clean?! {Man Bites Dog} [Sportsnet]
  • Rod Brind’Amour feels wronged {Dog Bites Man} ... and it might be justified?! {Man Bites Dog}, as Frederik Andersen was knocked from the game after a reckless crease crash by Timo Meier. [ESPN]
  • Matthew Tkachuk will not receive additional discipline for his five-minute major hit on Jake Guentzel. [ESPN]
  • The Leafs failed to get the sweep but liked the way they played in Game 4 and think they’ll keep that up in Game 5. Can we see a fourth OT??? [TSN | NHL]
  • Likewise, the Avalanche are hoping to keep their good vibes going as they try to pull ahead in their series. [NHL]
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Source: https://www.lighthousehockey.com/20...s-blues-jets-oilers-kings-capitals-hurricanes
 
Islanders Anxiety - Episode 333 - Loose Lips Sinking the Ship

Islanders_Anxiety_Art___2023.0.jpg


Bring back Kinger and Greg.

Mike and Dan discuss some of the news leaking out of the Islanders lately about GM interviews and misguided decisions.

Since letting go of Lou Lamoriello, a lot of names have popped up around the Islanders’ vacant general manager (and possibly team president) role. While some names are new and intriguing, some are old and tired. But without Lamoriello keeping a lid on things, any name getting out is new territory. We discuss a few of the names and throw in a few of our own should the team look to make two new hires.

We also make clear our feelings about the team letting go of longtime radio voices Chris King and Greg Picker. There’s no monetary reason for letting two valuable resources get away and the organization should bring both back in some capacity, even if they switch to a radio/TV simulcast model.

In the second half, we look around the Metro Division as more teams make coaching changes (or wait to make its own decision on the other side of the continent). While one rival makes sure we all know how much everyone loves each other, the other doubles down on a GM everyone seems to hate. It’s a shame we can’t fully enjoy the chaos but that won’t stop us from trying.

To support Brian Compton in the Walk MS: Long Island 2025 on May 17, click here.

REFERENCES


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


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/20...the-ship-gm-interviews-chris-king-greg-picker
 
NHL Playoff & Islanders News: Lightning falter, GM search anticipation

Tampa Bay Lightning v Florida Panthers - Game Four

You got away. | Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images

We wait for GM search smoke signals while another intriguing coach hits the market.

All of the Eastern Conference series are now 3-1 after Tampa Bay inexplicably erased their own inspiring two-goals-in-11-seconds surge by conceding two goals in 11 seconds late in Game 4 against the Panthers.

Out west, by contrast, every series reached 2-2 before the Stars were the first to three wins last night in Game 5.

Granted, it’s still hockey — playoff hockey at that — so any of these series could’ve easily turned a different direction. Ottawa could’ve won two OT games instead of losing two before finally getting one and avoiding the sweep. L.A. could have and probably should have gone up 3-1. Anything could happen in any game in the Vegas-Wild series.

But overall, things are playing out close to expected, with the East featuring also-rans while the West is filled with “any of these teams could go all the way” wars. Even the lowest-seed Blues were one of the league’s top teams over the second half.

Anyway, tonight features four games, with two Eastern series that could end (Toronto, Carolina) and two Western series that will break their 2-2 ties (Vegas-Minnesota, L.A.-Edmonton).

Islanders News​

  • As teams get eliminated, GM candidates will become available (and at least one coach, too), so the Isles can’t afford to wait too long to make their moves. [Newsday]

That, and the question of whether the new GM will want to tear down or retool and want a new coach or keep Patrick Roy leads us to...

Elsewhere​

  • ...Mike Sullivan is out as Penguins coach. Apparently he wanted a faster approach to the rebuild, and Kyle Dubas wants to go slow and patient. [PensBurgh]
  • What’s next for the Penguins? Well, that’s a bad headline because it doesn’t talk a bit about that; it does say Sullivan has his pick of teams and will be missed by the Aging 3. [Athletic]

(Let us take a moment to reaffirm that the Penguins have not won a playoff series since 2018, a run of horror initiated by the Islanders’ 2019 sweep. Ahhh, delicious.)

  • The Lightning must “turn the page” after an excruciating late loss to the Panthers, this after they rallied quickly after Aaron Ekblad’s uncalled headshot on Brandon Hagel. [NHL]
  • The three Vezina finalists were announced, and each is facing first-round angst: Connor Hellebuyck is under fire again after getting pulled two games in a row; Andrei Vasilevskiy was victim to that shocking late loss last night in Florida; and Darcy Kuemper was standing on his head but even that wasn’t enough to keep the Kings from blowing Game 4 and a shot at a 3-1 lead. [Sportsnet]
  • As far as “I’m confident and will be better” statements go, Hellebuyck’s was not exactly Shakespeare: “I’ve studied goaltending extremely hard. I’ve probably studied the most out of anyone in this world, so I know what to do...” Okay. [Sportsnet]
  • Craig Berube called Artem Zub’s chicken-wing elbow on the Kid Who Didn’t Win the Calder a headshot. Toronto’s #91 will be fine though. [TSN]
  • The NHL fined Montreal’s Arber Xhekaj and Washington’s Dylan McIlrath for warmup shenanigans. [TSN]
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Source: https://www.lighthousehockey.com/20...-news-lightning-falter-gm-search-anticipation
 
Islanders & NHL News: No All-Star Game; Leafs fall, Devils done, Kings falter, Wild fall

New Jersey Devils v Carolina Hurricanes - Game Five

The first victorious handshake of spring goes to the worst uniforms of this postseason. | Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images

The first round is nearing its climax, and then we will have to worry about teams we hate advancing.

Tuesday was another lovely night in the first round of the NHL playoffs, with two overtimes, one series elimination, and two teams left feeling a self-choke is very much within reach.

The Leafs, who took a 3-0 series lead thanks to two overtime victories, failed to close out the series at home and now face a Game 6 in Ottawa. The Devils, after blitzing to a 3-0 lead, went into a shell that lasted all the way through the first OT (miraculously without giving up the winner) before the Canes knocked them out on a power play in the second OT. (Jacob Markstrom made the save of the first round late in regulation, but it will be forgotten.)

Out west, the Kings had another bizarre goalie interference challenge and lost their third in a row, giving the Oilers a chance to deposit them again at home. And the Wild took Vegas to overtime but conceded quickly to fall behind in that series, 3-2.

Islanders News​

  • Gary Bettman admits there will not be an All-Star Game but rather an Olympic “kickoff” at UBS Arena and environs.
  • On the latest Islanders Anxiety, Dan and Mike react to the media scramble for GM candidates, the dismissal of the radio team and Mike Sullivan’s firing in Pittsburgh. [LHH]
  • The draft lottery will be Monday, May 5. The Islanders have a 3.5% chance. [NHL]
  • Clean out day revisited: Max Tsyplakov on his first season in North America. [Isles]
  • Prospect Report: Some guys did some things in their postseasons. [Isles]

Elsewhere​

  • Some justice: Brandon Hagel is out for Game 5, so his concusser Aaron Ekblad gets suspended for two games. [NHL]
  • Rick Tocchet sounds like he wants to be closer to family, declines to return as Canucks coach. [NHL]
  • Tocchet’s departure — apparently turning down a five-year deal — stings for the Canucks, who already have enough drama. [Sportsnet]
  • Facing elimination, the Avalanche give Mackenzie Blackwood the ol’ goalie vote of confidence. {John Candy face: “Sure...sure.”} [NHL]
  • A theory: Kyle Dubas, hired to be GM in Pittsburgh, was too passive and acted like his predecessor Ron Hextall in making ill-advised “we’re still in it” signings, but NOW he’s ready to tell Fenway Sports Group their Bahstuhn coach is out and to tell Sidney Crosby he doesn’t have his favorite coach anymore. [Athletic]
  • Hughes, Makar and Werenski are the Norris finalists. [NHL]
  • There are a lot of coach openings around the league, but some of them are terrible. [TSN]
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Source: https://www.lighthousehockey.com/20...leafs-fall-devils-done-kings-falter-wild-fall
 
Islanders & NHL Playoff News: Lightning, Canadiens go home

Florida Panthers v Tampa Bay Lightning - Game Five

You guys couldn’t go more than five games?! | Photo by Mark LoMoglio/NHLI via Getty Images

Also: Some Islanders will go to the World Championship, probably.

The first round is starting to wind down, which is sad, and the pretenders are falling away.

Wednesday night the Canadiens were knocked out by the Capitals, 4-1 for the series, but the young and long rebuilding squad can at least go away with “At least you made it!” ribbons.

The Lightning were also knocked out, by their Florida rivals and defending Stanley Cup champions, casting another shadow over the two-time champs’ window. They went all in at the trade deadline, and they’ve paid handsomely to extend a window for a group that no longer includes Steven Stamkos but includes return engagements with Yanni Gourde and Ryan McDonagh.

The Eastern Conference has generally been a disappointment this round, though that’s no surprise given its top-heavy makeup this season. The Battle of Ontario would definitely be an exception if Ottawa can keep that series alive tonight and really turn the screws by forcing Toronto to a Game 7 after it held a 3-0 lead.

The West has been better, and its only game last night was the most physical series of these playoffs: Connor Hellebuyck rebounded from two tough games and the Jets held serve at home to take a 3-2 series lead over the Blues. But even that game wasn’t that great, other than its continuing anything-goes physicality. Winnipeg controlled play the whole game, with the Blues only getting a few moments to make it a game before falling, 5-3.

Tonight, in addition to the drama in Ottawa, the Wild, Avalanche and Kings all face elimination.

Islanders-ish Things​

  • Bo Horvat, Noah Dobson and some Rangers shithead are expected to go to the Worlds. [Newsday]
  • More milking clean-out day interviews: Mat Barzal said watching from the IR sucked. [Post]

NHL Things​

  • The Jets did not miss a beat, but Mark Scheifele left the game after taking two big hits (the second of which he initiated himself) in the first period. That could be big if it’s more than a day-to-day. [Sportsnet]
  • The Leafs are hearing “more noise” as they threaten to choke against the Sens. [NHL]
  • Utah announced the first phase of its arena renovations, trying to turn a basketball-only venue into one that handles both sports. [NHL]
  • A rare mid-playoffs contract announcement as Taylor Hall re-ups with the Hurricanes for three seasons. [TSN | NHL]
  • Some guys will coach Canada at the World Championship. [TSN]
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Source: https://www.lighthousehockey.com/20...l-playoff-news-lightning-canadiens-eliminated
 
NHL News: Three more teams down, two to go; Smurf Sullivan

Toronto Maple Leafs v Ottawa Senators - Game Six

“IN THIS FAMILY WE HUG.” | Photo by Chris Tanouye/Getty Images

The Rangers’ coaching search was disappointingly swift.

Thursday night in the NHL playoffs was a mixed bag. Colorado and Dallas were in a wild shootout (not the breakaway drill kind that follows the 3-on-3 exhibition), with the Avalanche eventually prevailing on a crazy fluke goal (plus two empty netters) to force a Game 7. Good job, Colorado.

Not so, the Kings, who were eliminated by the Oilers for the fourth consecutive time, completing a collapse after getting off to a 2-0 series lead. Bad job, Anchorman’s team. Now the Oilers feel all confident and stuff.

Same for the Wild, who gave Vegas a good run but that was all for them, and Marc-Andre Fleury. (In a bizarre decision, ESPN cut away from Fleury in the playoff handshake line for the final time in his career to show...the national anthem in Edmonton.)

The Senators at least can hold their heads high after taking the Leafs to OT in three games and giving them a scare by tying Game 6 late before Toronto ultimately advanced.

Islanders News​

  • More people news, but someone dear in Islanders Country: Brian Compton pens an essay about his MS diagnosis and journey. Walk with him or contribute to his walk May 17. [NHL]
  • In a different turn on Weird Islanders, the guys talk to outstanding hockey scribe Allan Kreda about his Ken Morrow book and several of the characters encountered along the way. [LHH]
  • Confirmed now: Bo Horvat and Noah Dobson will represent Canada in Simon’s country. [Isles]
  • Probably too nice a guy for team management and threatening to fight other GMs in a barn, Kyle Okposo will join NHLPA staff. [AP]
  • Joe Micheletti — he was an Isles broadcaster for a while before switching to the lesser side — calls it quits, too. [Post]

Elsewhere​

  • Tonight, the Jets have a chance to cast away some demons and knock off the Blues. They’ll have to do it without, and rally for, #1 Josh Bailey fan Mark Scheifele. [NHL]
  • Jim Montgomery and Scott Arniel, at least very respecting colleagues if not outright friends, trade barbs over the Scheifele injury. [Sportsnet]
  • The Jets have recalled from the WHL prospect Brayden Yager, who could make his NHL debut in a critical playoff game. They acquired him in that Roarty Toarty McGroarty trade with the Penguins. [TSN]
  • Blue shirts, red pants, there’s a new Papa Smurf in town: Longtime Pittsburgh coach Mike Sullivan wastes no time in joining the Rangers as head coach, where he’ll get to face the Penguins on the regular. [NHL]
  • Other coaching carousel rumors, and how the Canucks gig is filled with questions. [Sportsnet]
  • The Utah Mammoth will not confirm that Mammoth is the new name of their Mammoth Hockey Club. [ESPN]
  • The Gaudreau family channels some of its immense grief into a special playground. [Sportsnet]
  • Jon Cooper concedes it’s now the Panthers’ time. [ESPN] His boss says he’ll stay on as Lightning coach though. [TSN]
  • Speaking of which: Two Selke finalists from the same team? All three from the same state/rivalry? What’s going on? [TSN]
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Source: https://www.lighthousehockey.com/20...ws-playoff-eliminations-mike-sullivan-rangers
 
Weird Islanders: The Podcast! - Morrow, McKendry & Marini (with guest Allan Kreda)

Weird_Islanders_art.0.jpg


The least Weird Islander ever appreciated the efforts of everyone he played with.

Along with author Allan Kreda, Mike and Dan celebrate Ken Morrow and some of the Weird Islanders he played with in his incredible career.

Morrow was the exact opposite of a Weird Islander - he was a reliable, steady presence for a decade as the Islanders dominated the NHL. Even off the ice, the lanky defenseman is far more normal and humble than a gold medalist and a four-time Stanley Cup champion should be. But as we trace Morrow’s career throughout his memoir - Miracle Gold, Four Stanley Cups, and a Lifetime of Islanders Hockey - we learn about some of the other characters that played roles, including former Olympic teammates, fellow Bowling Green alums, various Hall of Famers and a couple of short time Islanders that he mentions in the book.

Kreda reveals how the book came about, what Morrow is like as a person and a player and his importance in Islanders history. But as a journalist that’s followed the Islanders and covered them for a number of outlets, Kreda also tells us about players like Alex McKendry and Hector Marini, who managed to score massive goals during the dynasty run and get their names on the Cup despite not being around long.

It’s not often that we get to talk about Islanders greats on this show, and it was equally satisfying to get a couple of perfect Weird Islanders in there as well. This episode is very special and we can’t thank Allan enough for coming on. You should buy Miracle Gold today from wherever you can.

WEIRD BONUS MATERIAL!

We talk a lot about Ken Morrow (naturally), so let’s focus on our two Weird Islanders:

  • The story of Alex McKendry is one of a man making the most of his opportunity, in this case, an injury to Mike Bossy. McKendry scored twice against the LA Kings in Game 4 of the Islanders’ first round playoff series of the 1980 playoffs en route to their first Stanley Cup.
  • Before that, McKendry was an All Star for the Islanders’ minor league team in Indianapolis.
  • Fun fact: in parts of three seasons with the Islanders, McKendry wore three different numbers (20, 17, 18)
  • He was enshrined in the Barrie, ONT Sports Hall of Fame in 2014.
  • Hector Marini was brought up from the CHL in 1981 to add some enthusiasm to the defending champions roster. He also immediately brought points and chants of “Hec-tor!” from the Coliseum crowd.
  • Like McKendry the season before, Marini made the most of his opportunity to run with the big dogs:



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/20...mckendry-hector-marini-guest-allan-kreda-book
 
NHL News: Lottery Day, Game 7 collapses, 2nd round begins

St. Louis Blues v Winnipeg Jets - Game Seven

Now imagine the scene if the home team still wore white. | Photo by Darcy Finley/NHLI via Getty Images

The NHL Draft Lottery is live Monday night.

The NHL Draft Lottery is live tonight. The league is making a big deal of holding the drawing itself live — rather than just the reveal to various GMs after the complex lottery ball process is complete. It will be televised at 7 p.m. EDT, with the Islanders having a 3.5% chance at the #1 pick.

Help us, insider John Collins!

Meanwhile, it was an epic weekend of Game 7 collapses to finish out the first round of the playoffs. What could be better than Saturday, when the Avalanche blew a 2-0 third-period lead while allowing castaway star Mikko Rantanen to cap the Stars’ comeback with an empty netter for the hat trick?

How about a double overtime that followed the Jets scoring twice with the goalie pulled in the final two minutes to tie the Blues, then win before whiteout-clad GO-JETS-GO fans in Winnipeg?

As disappointing as most of the Eastern Conference first round series were, these two Western Conference rounds delivered the goods.

Now the Jets and Stars — one of them worse for wear with injuries — face each other in the second round. But they get a couple of days off to make the transition, at least. No crap like when the Islanders finish a long series and then have to turnaround to face some rested team in 36 hours.

After the lottery, the second round begins tonight with a rematch of the Panthers and Leafs. That series should be great, and of course will be filled with all the narratives.

Islanders News​

  • Andrew Gross: Collins is well suited to find the Isles’ next GM. And fast (please?). [Newsday]
  • With the Avalanche out, Brock Nelson’s season is done, his future up in the air. Here’s how he did after the trade. [THN]

Elsewhere​

  • The Jets missed Mark Scheifele for the final two games, and top D Josh Morrissey left Game 7. Meanwhile, the Stars are getting healthier, with Jason Robertson and Miro Heiskenen each expected to return in Round 2. [NHL]
  • The Panthers will be worried about the Leafs’ power play. [NHL]
  • The Oilers enter round two vs. Vegas a “transformed” team. [Sportsnet]
  • Matthew Schaefer will maybe go to the team that wins the lottery tonight? He’s the favorite, though not consensus. [NHL]
  • The Schenn brothers were on opposite sides of the handshake line. [NHL]
  • Nathan MacKinnon will head to the worlds...probably couldn’t pass up a chance to play with Bo Horvat and Noah Dobson. [Sportsnet]
Click to expand...

Source: https://www.lighthousehockey.com/20...lottery-day-game-7-collapses-2nd-round-begins
 
Islanders GM Search Continues...

Chicago Blackhawks v New York Islanders

Do you remember? | Photo by Bruce Bennett Studios via Getty Images Studios/Getty Images

This headline will self-destruct in 3...2...1...

The NHL insiders are all over the Islanders’ GM search, with New York NHL beatwriter extraordinaire Arthur Staple checking with an update, which overlaps and in one case updates prior info from national writer (and his Athletic colleague) Pierre LeBrun. As of mid-day Wednesday:


Another #Isles search update -- we'll just keep ringing these up every 24 hours:

-- Ken Holland believed to be a no on NYI job for now
-- As @PierreVLeBrun reported, MTL not letting Jeff Gorton go for now
-- Marc Bergevin next in line for NYI?

Let's see what changes by tomorrow

— Arthur Staple (@StapeAthletic) May 7, 2025​
Click to expand...

Earlier in the day, an article from LeBrun had Holland as a “serious candidate” who already interviewed. Several have Marc Bergevin as a top candidate, complicated by the fact the GM job with Bergevin’s Kings just came open, and it’s not clear whether he’d be a candidate (and interested) there.

As an insider who has played and worked for a lot of teams, Marc Bergevin would bring that I Too Briefly Played for the Islanders energy, while connecting with Long Island's important Francophone population.

— Lighthouse Hockey (@lhhockey.bsky.social) 2025-05-06T20:08:41.359Z
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One thing that seems clear is former Rangers head Jeff Gorton, in an executive VP role with the Canadiens, is not available or will not be made available. Maybe the allure of continuing what he’s building with the Habs beats the temptation to stick it to his redpants former employers in the Big Apple.

Meanwhile...

Elsewhere​

  • ...Utah confirms they are the Mammoth. The logo has lots of details and an easter egg of Utah’s tetris shape. [NHL | SL Trib]
  • Two games tonight: The Panthers hope to refocus after needing a big comeback to force the unsuccessful OT in Game 1. ... and the Jets and Stars kick off, with each being cagey “game time” about their key injuries. That’s Jason Robertson for the Stars (Pete DeBoer wasn’t asked about Miro Heiskanen’s chance of returning tonight), Mark Scheifele and Josh Morrissey for the Jets.
  • Aaron Ekblad returns from his latest suspension, and responds to Brandon Hagel thinking he targeted his head. [Sportsnet]
  • Joseph Woll must take the reins for Game 2 at least for the Leafs. [Sportsnet]
  • Eric Staal joins the Sabres front office. God help him. [NHL]
  • Blues GM Doug Armstrong does not expect Torey Krug to be able to play again after “very invasive” ankle surgery. [NHL]
  • Wild GM Bill Guerin says he’s not worried about Kirill Kaprizov getting to free agency. [NHL]
Click to expand...

Source: https://www.lighthousehockey.com/2025/5/7/24425624/islanders-gm-search-continues
 
Islanders Anxiety - Episode 334 - He is a Billy Joel Song

Islanders_Anxiety_Art___2023.0.jpg


Let’s not overthink this.

Holy shit. The Islanders won the draft lottery and Mike and Dan know exactly what they need to do (Draft grifters and prospect perverts be damned).

Despite having a 3.5% chance of winning and no general manager in place, the Islanders walked out of the 2025 NHL Draft Lottery with the first overall pick in this season’s draft. As Isles legend Ken Morrow - a man who only knows winning - looked on over a video call, his team got an instant ticket to erase the nonstop weirdness of this season from Hell. And of the available players at the top of this year’s draft lists - including big defenseman Matthew Schaefer and Saginaw forward Michael Misa - only one is from Long Island and grew up a die hard Islanders fan.

Boston College forward James Hagens should be the Islanders pick in June. This is an opportunity that comes around exactly never for this franchise. Being able to take a kid that already knows the team and its history should supersede whatever the grifters and talking heads have on their lists. If he doesn’t work out, then he doesn’t work out. But not taking him and seeing him succeed elsewhere would be worse than taking him and seeing him fail at home on his favorite team.

In the second half, we discuss the other weirdness of the day, including the governor of New York being mad that the 2026 All Star Game at UBS Arena won’t be an actual All Star Game, and the Kings saying good bye to their GM, which might impact the Islanders’ search for one.

Monday had the feeling of a momentous day in Islanders history. Only time will tell which way it went.

To support Brian Compton in the Walk MS: Long Island 2025 on May 17, click here.

REFERENCES


New York Gov. Kathy Hochul sent this open letter to Gary Bettman today regarding the NHL replacing the 2026 ASG at UBS with an Olympic kickoff event.

TLDR: She's not happy. pic.twitter.com/sWgLezpEO2

— Ethan Sears (@ethan_sears) May 5, 2025​
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PLUGS!​

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Source: https://www.lighthousehockey.com/20...song-win-draft-lottery-just-take-james-hagens
 
Islanders & NHL Playoff News: Leafs up two, Sheifele returns in Jets loss

Chicago Blackhawks v New York Islanders

Marc played a long time, for a lot of teams. | Photo by Bruce Bennett Studios via Getty Images Studios/Getty Images

We’re just waiting and debating, debating and waiting here...

Good morning. We highlighted (and debated, and debated) the latest scuttlebutt on the Islanders’ GM search yesterday, but maybe there will be some more nuggets today after this posting.

Meanwhile, in the season’s-not-over section of the NHL, the Leafs went up 2-0 in their series with the Panthers when Mitch Marner scored a go-ahead goal just 17 seconds after the Panthers had tied the game at 3-3.

And in the series opener, MIkko Koskinen scored another hat trick — he had a hand in 12 consecutive Stars goals across two series — as the Stars took Game 1 by a hair in Winnipeg. Mark Scheifele did return, however (as did Jason Robertson for the Stars), and he scored a big goal after an outstanding Jets forecheck forced the Stars D into a collective cough-up.

Islanders News​

  • Having the #1 pick makes this GM choice even more critical — for the plan going forward, as much as for the choice itself. [Newsday]
  • Pretty much every draft story now involves the Islanders, since they won the lottery. This one is about what risks (if any) there are in taking Matthew Schaefer first overall, since he missed so much time with mono and a broken clavicle. [Athletic]
  • Maybe the biggest risk of all is that he probably had Leafs sheets as a kid. [@IslesFix]
  • Marc Bergevin is one rumored candidate, and this is an intersting piece from a while back with him reflecting on his time in Montreal. [Athletic]

Elsewhere​

  • ICYMI, the Mammoth. [NHL]
  • Thrust into the spotlight, Woll delivered. [Sportsnet]
  • Tonight: Heh, the Capitals “need to get back to their identity.” I’m afraid this is your identity, fellas. [NHL]
  • And Alex Pietrangelo and Pavel Dorofeyev were not ruled out for Vegas in Game 2 vs. the Oilers. [NHL]
  • The Worlds begin Friday in Sweden; I know you’ll be following. [TSN]
  • Why the timing of Kirill Kaprizov’s UFA status (2026) could make him the highest paid player, at least by AAV. [Sportsnet]
  • A neuroscientist expresses concern about Anthony Stolarz receiving two apparent blows to the head but not be removed until he started vomiting. [TSN]
  • This is NHL hockey officiating in a nutshell: Dallas is already on a power play, so we can’t dare put them on a 5-on-3 just because of this (the ref sent them both off, somehow):

DeMelo RIPS OFF Hintz's helmet pic.twitter.com/2CwjOIvRc4

— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) May 8, 2025​
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And this:


Evan Rodrigues just got a two minute penalty for embellishment for this.

He's also in the locker room due to the hit and won't be in the box to serve his embellishment.

What a joke of a call. pic.twitter.com/Mx3qj1LzhI

— Jameson Olive (@JamesonCoop) May 8, 2025​
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Source: https://www.lighthousehockey.com/2025/5/8/24425985/islanders-nhl-playoff-news-leafs-jets-gm-search
 
Islanders & NHL Playoff News: Capitals-Canes split, Knights in the hole

New York Islanders v New Jersey Devils

Just felt like a glimpse of Maritnek. | Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images

Also: Some GM developments for the Isles will come sometime, surely.

If I have the time (I don’t), I’ll work up some profiles and report cards and haikus and other stuff so we don’t have to spend every day of the next seven weeks rehashing GM candidates and 1st-overall pick debates.

But for now we’re still on pins and needles about who will be in the GM seat to make the decision about the defenseman vs. the forward vs. (for some it’s no contest, for others it’s very much a consideration) the hometown kid.

Meanwhile, the playoffs carry on, and I admit I do not believe in the Capitals and I’m surely missing something about the Capitals but all season long they have struck me as very 2023-24 Rangers: a fortunate regular season team that will be stopped by a superior playoff team.

I’m also biased because when I see Tom Wilson’s face I want to punch it with a rust-bedazzled metal glove, when I see their uniforms I’m reminded of how they took a Clip Art ‘70s logo and “updated” it to the Windows 95 version, and how they still use the cringe-worthy RBK Edge template long after every other team except Columbus has moved on with something far better.

Pundits also act like their coach is a Jack Norris shoe-in, as if Winnipeg did not also defy preseason expectations, with an actual best-in-league trophy to show for it.

Islanders News​


In case you missed this in comments later in the day yesterday, heh:


#Isles GM search, daily update (subject to change within minutes, of course):

-- Nothing new on Holland/Gorton/Bergevin
-- Possibility that Lou Lamoriello stays on as an advisor to new GM
-- Could open door to a first-time GM with Lou still around to guide
-- Stay tuned...

— Arthur Staple (@StapeAthletic) May 8, 2025​
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A brief case for a non-old-boys guy:


Heard today from a friend,
unsolicited, who has worked very closely with Mathieu Darche for years in the Lightning organization. He said #Isles should hire Darche. So I asked him to tell me why and I have his OK to share it without using my friend’s name. pic.twitter.com/IdkGRS4GSv

— Chris Botta (@ChrisBottaNHL) May 8, 2025​
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So we wait...

Elsewhere​

  • The Capitals evened their series with a 3-1 win. Tom Dale Wilson was praised, despite massive and ever-present character flaws.
  • Vegas erased a two-goal third-period deficit and very nearly won it at the end of regulation. Incredibly, they had a five-minute major and game misconduct in OT from a shocking brainfart Nicolas Roy crosscheck to the face, which they killed off...only to give up a TWO-ON-ONE TO McDAVID AND DRAISAITL. You don’t wanna do that. Vegas is down 2-0 heading to Edmonton.
  • Justin Bourne on some of the small ways the Leafs are a different team this year under Craig Berube. [Sportsnet]
  • NHL Rules Court: Some fun ideas, but not really workable...maybe the game is in pretty good shape as it is? (Except for infinitesimal offside challenges, of course). [Athletic]
  • Big aspirations: Mike Sullivan hopes to make the Rangers the “most competitive team.” [NHL]
  • Reinstated by the NHL a couple of years ago, Joel Quenneville is back, hired by the Ducks. He discussed generally what he’s done since the bombshell exposure of the Blackhawks regime that in 2010 ignored and then gave a job rec to a sex assault predator. [AP | NHL]
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Source: https://www.lighthousehockey.com/20...s-nhl-playoff-news-capitals-oilers-knights-gm
 
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