RSS Islanders Team Notes

[New York Islanders]

Islanders Gameday: Next mountain’s in Colorado

The Islanders are riding a 4-0 start to a seven-game stretch away from home that includes three consecutive overtime wins, which is both inspiring and classic “that’s the luck of the draw” kind of muddied reflection of where they are.

The East is a mashup of meh-ness but the Islanders now find themselves in wild card position, a wild (sorry) turn after an 0-3 start.

And even if the NHL’s current overtime regime obscures rather than reveals teams’ nature, how the Isles got there says a little something. Rebounding from a late equalizer in Jersey, equalizing late (after blowing a 2-0 lead) in Vegas, and then forcing overtime again in Utah with a late kick goal by Jonathan Drouin, setting up yet another of what will surely be more Barzal-Schaefer highlights.

This team right now is fun and at least doesn’t throw in the towel even when they’re outmatched, as they will be tonight against the NHL-leading 12-1-5 Avalanche. To ease their arrival, Brock Nelson had several over for dinner.

First Islanders Goal picks go here.

Islanders News​

• Takeaways from the win in Utah: David Rittich continues to uphold his end as backup. [Isles]
• Day-to-day: Travis Mitchell has been returned to Bridgeport, which means Scott Mayfield will be back (and we’d assume, in the lineup) after departing for the birth of his child. [Isles]
• UPDATE: Indeed, Mayfield returns to the lineup and Max Shabanov does, too, bumping Tsyplakov. [Isles]
• The Skinny: “Matthew Schaefer is the youngest player in NHL history to score an overtime goal. … Schaefer is the first 18-year-old defenseman in NHL history to score an overtime goal… he is the first 18-year-old defenseman to score seven goals in his first 18 (Bobby Orr is the only other 18-year-old defenseman with at least six). [Isles]
• Brock Nelson is grateful for his time on Long Island and the friends he made along the way. [Newsday | Post | THN]
• Post hyperbole about Schaefer: What an experience | Oh, sure, he’s like Doc Gooden

Elsewhere​

Thirteen games in the NHL last night.

• The Leafs suck; how can Craig Berube get through to them? [Sportsnet]
• They want to make changes but don’t want to trade young guys/prospects. [Sportsnet]
• Leafs escapee David Kampf has landed on a $1.1 million deal with the Canucks. [TSN]
• Injury alerts: Drew Doughty, Charlie McAvoy (after a Noah Dobson shot to the face), Thomas Harley [Sportsnet]

Source: https://www.lighthousehockey.com/is...nders-gameday-news-colorad-avalanche-schaefer

 

[New York Islanders]

Colorado 4 (EN), Islanders 1: Beaten but not Avalanche’d

With the Islanders riding a three-game overtime win streak, if you were expecting a back-to-earth reality check against the league-leading Avalanche in Colorado, that’s not exactly what they received.

Though the Isles lost, 4-1, the game was close until the end — an empty netter plus a garbage-time deflection goal by Brock Nelson inflated the score — and Avalanche goalie Scott Wedgewood’s saves, particularly agains the Isles power play, were major factors.

The Isles exited with zero points, and their only goal was off a fortunate skate deflection (Emil Heineman), but also…they kind of hung right there with a team that’s now won six in a row and has points in 10 straight?

Patrick Roy called it their best performance of the previously 4-0 road trip and he’s arguably not wrong. This is going to be an interesting team to follow as it evolves this year.

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

Brock Reunion, Part 1​

Miss you, Brock, and wish you well. “It’ll be funny lining up against some of the guys I grew up with.”

MSG had some fun bits with him before the game, including getting him to suspect J-G Pageau would be the first to chirp him. And then the next clip is his full pre-game, where he admitted it takes a bit for him to realize Isles highlights with #29 are now Jonathan Drouin, not him.

Brock Nelson thinks JGP will be the first to chirp him tonight as he faces the Islanders as an opposing team for the first time in his career.@Shannon_Hogan | #Isles pic.twitter.com/NCGQ64J2Ad

— Isles on MSGSN (@IslesMSGN) November 17, 2025

"I try to approach it like any other game. I think it's a big game. Obviously, they're playing well, and we're on a roll, and we want to keep things going."

Brock Nelson is facing his former team for the first time since being traded.

Full presser pic.twitter.com/1EwJ6FrcSV

— DNVR Avalanche (@DNVR_Avalanche) November 16, 2025

And Avs rights holder Altitude also got some sentiments about facing his old mates:

“Every little play matters, every second counts” – Brock Nelson pic.twitter.com/5spCeWqgRf

— AltitudeTV (@AltitudeTV) November 17, 2025

Where will these teams be when Brock returns to Long Island with the Avs later this season?

Speaking of Drouin though:

Jonathan Drouin on realizing that he wouldn’t be able to sign in COL and would have to go the Free Agency route:

“Yeah, it sucked… I enjoyed my time in Colorado. I would have loved to stay here for the rest of my career, but the business side of it doesn't allow it sometimes”

— Jesse Montano (@jessemontano_) November 16, 2025

Other Notes​

• Scott Mayfield (attending childbirth) and Max Shabanov (injury) each returned to the lineup. Shabanov looked active and was on PP2.
• Speaking of Shabanov, at least for one night he added more to that makeshift fourth line with Cal Ritchie (also facing his former team, albeit with less history) and Casey Cizikas than Max Tsyplakov has.
• This one could’ve gone either way a few times. The Isles weren’t in pole position by any means, but it hurt that they gave up the equalizer and then the go-ahead (ultimately game winner) in a 1:19 span early in the second. It could’ve gotten worse there, but for a few big Ilya Sorokin stops.

Up Next​

Two games left in this Carmen Sandiego road trip, Tuesday in Dallas and Thursday in Detroit.

Source: https://www.lighthousehockey.com/ga...-vs-islanders-brock-nelson-wedgewood-shabanov

 

[New York Islanders]

Islanders Anxiety – Episode 347 – A Heartening Week

Mike and Dan are in good spirits as the Islanders win four of the first five games of their road trip and show signs of excitement.

The seven game gauntlet through several Stanley Cup contenders loomed large on the schedule. But after three electric overtime games, the Islanders were making believers out of many. While not perfect by any means, they were playing fun games and picking up points, beating heavy hitters like New Jersey and Vegas, as well as surprising Utah, with timely goals and great goaltending. Even a loss in Denver to a stacked Avalanche team couldn’t bring them down. Despite the defeat (and a goal against by an old friend), it was one of their most complete games of the season and showed that they can play with the NHL’s elite.

But the job’s not done. Two more road games close out the trip before back-to-back matinee games at home. The names might not be as daunting, but the Islanders need to keep up this pace if they want to stay alive in the crowded Eastern Conference. They also might need to make decisions on what they want the bottom of their line-up to look like. Because right now, it’s a bit of a mess and some of these guys are real psychos.

Finally, they discuss a surprise article about former Islanders GM Lou Lamoriello, who is apparently still working with the team but away from the hockey department. It feels good to know Lou is still around and offering council and protection, but letting the new kid do his thing.

REFERENCES

• Here’s Pierre LeBrun’s article on Lou. Good for him.
• This is what we assume his “own office separate and at a different location from the Islanders’ team headquarters” is like:

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PLUGS!​

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• 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...rzal-pageau-schaefer-overtime-goal-lamoriello

 

[New York Islanders]

Islanders 3, Stars 2: Ritchie’s first goal overshadowed by Romanov injury

Well that was one of the most up and down third periods of hockey in a long time.

A 1-1, penalty-free game after two periods quickly devolved after Bo Horvat gave the Isles a 2-1 lead, then took a high-sticking double minor that also earned him a misconduct penalty. Kyle Palmieri scored short handed to give the Isles a two-goal cushion, but with the net empty, Jason Robertson would make it 3-2. And then Mikko Rantanen hit Alex Romanov in a dangerous spot behind the net, earning himself a five minute major, a misconduct penalty, and a probable upcoming suspension, as Romanov had to be helped off the ice.

Just thirty seconds later, the game ended with an overturned Dallas goal after goaltender interference, and an Islanders win that’s hard to get too excited about.

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

The Islanders started slow in the first period, and needed David Rittich’s excellent play to help bail them out from a few key Stars chances. Towards the end of the period, the Isles started to get into the game, and they’d bring that momentum into the second period.

Halfway through the second, Cal Ritchie scored his first goal and point as a New York Islander on a nifty little one-time play he helped set up. He got the puck from Ryan Pulock, made a cross ice pass to Anthony Duclair, then headed for the slot where Duclair passed the puck back to him, and he one-timed it past Jake Oettinger to give the Isles the lead.

View Link

But the lead would be short lived, as Jason Robertson tied it up two mins later, sneaking the puck past Rittich short side.

Despite some chances late in the second, the Isles couldn’t convert, and we headed to the third period tied up at 1.

What looked like a harmless puck pushed behind the net turned into a great opportunity for Bo Horvat, who had the puck bounce right to him in the slot where he made no mistake, scoring his 13th of the season and giving the Isles a 2-1 lead.

View Link

But just a few minutes later, Horvat was called for a double minor for high sticking, and also received a 10 minute misconduct penalty to go along with it, taking him out for the rest of the game. It was a… controversial call, to say the least.

And then, Kyle Palmieri quickly scored short handed on a 2 on 1 with Casey Cizikas, extending the Islanders’ lead to 3-1.

View Link

The high sticking penalties started flying after that, with Jamie Benn sent to the box to give us some 4 on 4 time, and later Matthew Schaefer after both penalties had expired. We got 4 on 4 hockey again when Jason Robertson was called for hooking, and shortly after that penalty expired, Dallas pulled Oettinger for an extra skater, and Robertson picked up his second goal of the game to make it 3-2.

And then, Mikko Rantanen pushed Alex Romanov into the boards behind the Isles net while chasing a puck, and it was immediately clear that Romanov was seriously injured. He was able to get up with some help, and obviously did not return to the game. Rantanen received a 5 minute major penalty and a misconduct penalty, and the league will almost certainly be taking another look at the hit for supplemental discipline.

Then, Wyatt Johnston appeared to score with just 0.2 seconds left on the clock, but David Rittich was knocked to the ice and immediately angry over what he believed to be goaltender interference. An automatic review by the league was triggered, and the play was determined to be goaltender interference, which meant no goal, a faceoff at center ice, and the Islanders picked up the win against another tough opponent.

With the win against Dallas, the Islanders are 5-1 on the Road Trip of Doom, and currently sit in a wild card spot.

Up Next​

Next, the Islanders will close out the road trip in Detroit, taking on the Red Wings at Little Caesars Arena on November 20th.

Source: https://www.lighthousehockey.com/game-recaps/43230/islanders-vs-stars-ritchie-rittich-romanov-injury

 

[New York Islanders]

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Source: https://www.lighthousehockey.com/ge...house-hockey-will-have-activity-notifications

 

[New York Islanders]

Islanders News: Riding a road high, waiting for Romo news

Tuesday night had a chaotic, disheartening ending to what otherwise should’ve been an uplifting evening as the Isles took four of six points from a run through Vegas, Colorado and Dallas. (Six of eight when you include Utah, no slouches themselves, though that effort was less impressive.)

The Isles’ win over the Stars in a tough building brings their road trip to 5-1 thus far with one more to go. There were some real bright points to their play and how they responded to different situations, they were opportunistic and David Rittich again delivered as a plus backup goalie.

However, the late and avoidable injury to Alex Romanov was a major downer. (Suspension for Mikko Rantanen coming? Letting him off because he’s “not like that” and was tied up with Scott Mayfield? Knowing the NHL, it will depend on Romo’s prognosis.) The way they played shamefully with a late power play that should’ve killed the game, to the point they nearly gave up the equalizer, was a sour point. The goalie interference on Dallas’ would-be equalizer was obvious, but the Isles should’ve never been in that position to let it be so close.

But Patrick Roy showing fire, Scott Mayfield showing restraint and Rittich delivering again and getting all pumped up at the horn were memorable moments for a team completely defying expectations on this road trip.

Islanders News​

• About last night: Crazy, up-and-down, overshadowed by the apparent Alex Romanov injury. [LHH] Rittich stood tall. [Newsday]
• Takeaways: Good goalie-ing and a first goal for Cal Ritchie. [Isles]
• ‘‘it looked — at least for a while — like the Islanders may not have enough moxie in their game to get out of Dallas with two points, may have been the toughest.“ [Post]
• The Romanov injury, and Patrick Roy’s comments afterward, which were a little cooler than how enraged he (understandably) appeared on the bench. Also quotes from both sides. [TSN]
• Simon Holmstrom missed the game with illness, but Roy said Max Shabanov’s return showed he’s ready for a more prominent role. [Isles]
• Talking about whether Bo Horvat or even Matthew Schaefer (?!) are in the mix for Olympics consideration. [Post]

Elsewhere​

Last night’s NHL scores included the Wings beating the Kraken and the Devils falling in Tampa.

• Nick Cousins is dive-shamed by the NHL. [Sportsnet]
• Hilarious: A series of games with NHL alumni playing against Shoresy actors. [NHL]
• Drew Bannister discusses the trend of defensemen getting even more involved in offensive plays. [NHL]
• Islanders legend Zdeno Chara talks about working with one of those other teams he briefly played for, the Bruins, if memory serves. [ESPN]
• Leafs GM gives Leafs coach the old vote of confidence. [ESPN]

Source: https://www.lighthousehockey.com/is...news-riding-a-road-high-waiting-for-romo-news

 

[New York Islanders]

Islanders Gameday News: Romanov on IR, last mile in Detroit

The Islanders finish their long and surprisingly successful road trip tonight in Detroit, back in the Eastern time zone and oh so lose to returning home for a weekend of back-to-back afternoon games. A win tonight would put them in the non-wildcard proper playoff section of the Metro for the moment.

Just half a year after their captain appeared to question GM Steve Yzerman’s lack of additions during yet another playoff-less season, the Red Wings find themselves first in the division at the quarter pole. Will it last? Heh.

First Islanders Goal picks go here.

Site News

• You can now see notifications for when there are replies to your comments and such. The bell icon will give you a number to guide you. Have fun out there.
• Also, apologies that we’ve not had a new thread or bits post each day; it’s going to vary by day, content, availability, phases of the moon. Yesterday’s went up late but that was intentional, following another late game where post-game conversation was still going on in the morning.

Islanders News​

• As expected, Alex Romanov was placed on IR. I’d speculate there’s a fracture but maybe we’ll hear more later. [Isles | Newsday]
• Cal Ritchie is starting to make progress in his game. (Psst…better linemates probably helps!) [Post]
• Previewing tonight: Will Simon Holmstrom be back? [Isles]

Elsewhere​

Just four scores last night, including the Bruins falling in regulation and Buffalo going back to losing, providing Calgary some much-needed therapy.

• The Oilers are basically having the mirror opposite seven-game road trip as the Islanders. Their team defense and goaltending is performing bottom-five, which doesn’t help. [Sportsnet]
• Injury news: Charlie McAvoy did have facial surgery, is out “indefinitely.” Ouch. [NHL]
• First Jack Hughes gets hurt at team dinner, now Eetu Luostarinen — who is not actually a mouthwash brand — gets burnt in a “barbecue accident.” NHL players, they’re just like us! [TSN]
• Adam Lowry agrees to a five-year, $25 million extension. [NHL | Sportsnet]
• Some favorite moments through the first quarter include Matthew Schaefer’s instant rise and connection with Isles fans. [NHL]
• Bourne: Seven takeaways from the first quarter of the season, like the entire East being a muddled mess and the Avalanche ready to claim the Cup now. [Sportsnet]

Source: https://www.lighthousehockey.com/is...meday-news-romanov-on-ir-last-mile-in-detroit

 

[New York Islanders]

Islanders 5, Red Wings 0: Shabanov’s career night caps 6-1 trip

The Islanders have turned their traditional season-ending western road trip into…something else entirely. Thoroughly dispatching the Red Wings in Detroit, the Isles finished the seven-game stretch with a 6-1 record that has launched them up the standings. At the quarter pole, they’re suddenly in a non-wild card playoff position and just a couple points off the Eastern Conference lead.

All of the things that have been highlights for the Isles during this run were in effect, including rock-solid goaltending (Ilya Sorokin with a 29-save shutout tonight), responsible defensive support from the forwards, and great waves of speedy offense through the neutral zone.

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

As a bonus, and continuing from the last couple of games: Great play from Calum Ritchie and Max Shabanov alongside Casey Cizikas. Ritchie and Shabanov assisted on each other’s goals to give the Isles a 2-0 lead early in the first and they never looked back.

View Link

Joining that line at the beginning of a change, Mat Barzal extended the lead early in the third with a shot from the slot assisted by Cizikas and Shabanov. Bo Horvat, who had several good chances throughout the night, scored on a great faceoff set play two minutes later, and the Isles were up 4-0 just five minutes into the second period.

With the game out of reach in the third, Max Shabanov made it 5-0 with a stunning 1-on-2 move after yet more good neutral zone pressure from Cizikas and Ritchie. Shabanov joined rare air in having a four-point game as a rookie: Mat Barzal, John Tavares, Pat LaFontaine and Billy Carroll were his precedents.

View Link

Shortly afterward, Mason Appleton and Ben Chiarot resumed their roles as sore-losing village idiots, attacking Scott Mayfield and J-G Pageau after what ended up being an interference minor on Mayfield plus a roughing and 10-minute misconduct, while Appleton had to be escorted off the ice yet received nothing.

Chiarot only got 2 and 10 despite horse-collaring Mayfield by the visor repeatedly and throwing punches at Pageau for having the nerve to protest. Chiarot was in a foul, silly mood throughout the blowout, so it was just as well that he was finally sent home to sulk.

The Isles killed that penalty with the help of some razor-thin arm saves by Sorokin, and then they went about finishing the game with just five defensemen.

What a finale, what a trip.

Up Next​

The Isles are back to back at home this weekend against two very beatable opponents in the Blues and the Kraken. If they manage to sweep those matinees…what will we make of them?

Source: https://www.lighthousehockey.com/game-recaps/43275/islanders-vs-red-wings-shabanov-sorokin-shutout

 

[New York Islanders]

Islanders Gameday: Visiting the Stars

How do you get to Texas, the old joke goes: Go south till you smell it, then west till you step in it.

The Islanders are in Dallas tonight where they’ll step in it, alright. The Stars are a perennial contender off to another great start, 12-4-3, and of course the Isles lost both games to them last year. In the West, their .711 points percentage trails only the Colorado Avalanche, who just defeated the Isles in a closer-than-the-score 4-1 final Sunday.

First Islanders Goal picks go here.

Islanders News​

• Previewing tonight: Same lineup, presumably. [Isles]
• Lou speaks, Lou advises, Lou is happy to be in a different role away from daily hockey ops. [Athletic | Post]
• With a 4-1 start to the road trip, is the Isles’ system evolution paying off? [Newsday]
• Will Max Shabanov’s return help Calum Ritchie generate some offense? [THN]
• Touching gesture in Colorado between Matthew Schaefer and a young cancer survivor. [THN]
• Prospect report: Cole Eiserman prepares to return. [Isles]

Elsewhere​

Last night’s NHL scores include the Oilers losing 5-1 in Buffalo.

• You now that result brings out the usual Spector column. [Sportsnet]
• Jamie Benn could make his season debut for Dallas tonight; Charlie McAvoy may need surgery after a puck to the face. [NHL]
• Jonathan Quick on why he sparked a post-game brawl. [TSN]
• Is the Leafs’ season beyond saving? All I know is it starts with me. [Sportsnet]

Source: https://www.lighthousehockey.com/islanders-news-headlines/43222/islanders-gameday

 

[New York Islanders]

Islanders vs. Blues Gameday News: Is this team…good?

For those who went into this Islanders transitional season with low or at least cautiously tempered expectations, the last eight games have been startling, confusing and pretty damn fun. I say eight games, because the 6-1 road trip, which started with some “not great but pulled it off” wins and steamrolled into some “that was actually really good” victories, immediately followed a lifeless and troubling home loss to the Wild.

The East appears wide open this year, if the narrow span of points from first to second-last after one quarter is any indication. The Isles return from their late-night party march through Western foes in a playoff spot and two points off the conference lead.

It’s an unexpected spot that has us asking fun questions: Is this improvement real? Is it sustainable? Is this team…{gasp} actually kinda good?

Certainly offseason upgrades — Emil Heineman and Matthew Schaefer each providing better contributions than any expected — and the steadying of Ilya Sorokin’s play have certainly made a difference and are evidentiary pieces that there’s something real here.

On the other hand, “That’s so Islanders” is a self-flagellating quip many of us are prepared to pull out at the first sign of trouble.

Odds are this will be an up-and-down ride as teams in this broad middle alternately get hot or cold. Having survived and even thrived on the western trip, a big opportunity now presents itself with seven straight at home. However it goes, this team is currently fun again. Enjoy.

First Islanders Goal picks go here.

Islanders News​

• Speaking of fun: 16 Stats leads off with Schaefer: no longer sheltered, but still more than holding his own. “The thought alone feels ludicrous, but Schaefer’s start to the season has become undeniable. He is not just great for an 18-year-old defenseman; he is just flat-out great.” [Athletic]
• Also, why Schaefer is the lead Calder candidate at the 1st quarter. [Athletic]
• Previewing tonight today: It’s a 3:30 start, and Hockey Fights Cancer. The Isles are 7-1-1 in the Blues’ last nine visits to our various coliseums, centers and arenas. [Isles]
• With a hot team and a back-to-back weekend, Islanders leaders are hoping the building will be rocking. (Spectator sports tip: Lower some prices, and it might just be so.) [Newsday]
• Schaefer will spend his first U.S. Thanksgiving with the Martins, and also a fan of the last-place Rangers. [Newsday]
• Returning from a long trip, at least the Isles should already be readjusted to EST since they thumped Detroit in their final stop. [Post]
• They featured this on the last game broadcast, but the improved PK has been a difference. And a team effort. [Isles]
• Calum Ritchie is enjoying picking Casey Cizikas’ brain, often between shifts. [Isles]
• Their new linemate Max Shabanov is in good form and his Russian mate Sorokin says he should do that every game. [Post]
• The Skinny: Ilya Sorokin is now one shutout away from a tie for first in franchise history. [Isles]

Elsewhere​

Last night featured just four scores, but one of them was the Penguins getting shut out by the Wild, and another featured nine Sabres goals against the Blackhawks.

• Don Maloney, the architect of one of the uglier trades in Islanders history, has not given up on this Flames season. [Sportsnet]
• The Blues are baaaaad and overly reliant on their top 4 D. [Athletic]
• Ruh-roh for the Jets: Connor Hellebuyck has knee surgery, out 4-6 weeks. [NHL]
• The Blackhawks are bringing back black alternates and pretending that they harken to a great era in franchise history. (They missed the playoffs nine out of 13 seasons and traded away Jeremy Roenick and Chris Chelios in their first None More Black era…but I’m sure they sold a lot of jerseys!) [NHL]

Source: https://www.lighthousehockey.com/is...slanders-gamedan-news-blues-schaefer-shabanov

 

[New York Islanders]

Blues 2, Islanders 1: Flat, quiet afternoon

The Islanders came home from their rousing 6-1 road trip to start a seven-game homestand but could not keep their groove going in a 2-1 loss to the St. Louis Blues.

It wasn’t an awful game, just a frustrating one against an opponent that has really struggled but has been inching its way back to where it wants to be, with a goalie who turned in a strong performance. A goal conceded in the first minute kept the home crowd from getting too lively and maybe kept the Isles a little flat for much of the afternoon, and they recovered too late.

Their only penalty kill of the day was a scary one, requiring multiple good saves from Ilya Sorokin off golden setups by the Blues late in the first period. They weren’t far from heading into the first intermission trailing by a couple of goals.

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

Late in the second period the Blues finally did put the Isles in a 2-0 hole, although the Blues’ struggles have been marked by giving up just such leads in the third period. All was not lost. Still, even with that omen in their favor, it took the Isles until 16:40 of the third, with Ilya Sorokin pulled for a sixth attacker, to finally get on the board and make the Blues sweat.

For a moment, it looked the Isles might complete the late comeback on a chaotic sequence where the shot deflected in off Justin Faulk, who high-sticked Jonathan Drouin drawing a four-minute minor, but was also battling Kyle Palmieri — who himself entered the crease on his own and then crashed off Faulk and into Jordan Binnington.

That caused the refs to immediately wave off the goal for goalie interference, while also giving Faulk a double-minor for high-sticking. The Isles did not challenge, almost certainly the right decision.

Absolute CHAOS on Long Island:

• The Islanders tie the game
• The goal is immediately waved off for goalie interference
• Justin Faulk is injured on the play but ALSO receives a double-minor for high-sticking while laying on the ice

WHAT?! pic.twitter.com/FV5Mr099AW

— Gino Hard (@GinoHard_) November 22, 2025

The Isles pulled Sorokin again to make that a 6-on-4 opportunity, but they could not solve Binnington again. A one-timer by Bo Horvat was probably their closes chance, but Binnington got across the crease to glove it.

Overall, it just wasn’t their day. The third pair was victimized for a 2-on-1 with Scott Mayfield caught out after a pinch on the opening goal, and Tony DeAngelo was too passive on Pius Suter in front of the net in allowing the Swiss to bang in the rebound for the second goal. And they ran into a goalie who has a .880 save percentage this season but decided to turn in one of his stellar efforts this afternoon.

Up Next​

Both Patrick Roy and various Isles in the postgame pledged to come out better tomorrow afternoon, when Lane Lambert and the Kraken visit.

Source: https://www.lighthousehockey.com/game-recaps/43306/blues-vs-islanders-anders-lee-binnington

 

[New York Islanders]

Islanders vs. Kraken Gameday: Welcome back, Lane

The Islanders complete a back-to-back weekend of home matinees when Lane Lambert and the Seattle Kraken visit.

Both played yesterday, the Kraken winning in OT in Pittsburgh and the Islanders losing at home to the Blues. Hopefully the Isles can deliver a better show for home fans today.

First Islanders Goal picks go here.

Islanders News​

• Meanwhile, news for Alex Romanov is the worst: out five to six months, requiring shoulder surgery. [Isles]
• Not Islanders news, but of interest: The “not that kind of player” Mikko Rantanen who delivered the shove from behind on Romanov just got another game misconduct for checking from behind. (Scott Mayfield was not in the vicinity to be blamed for this one.) He gets a one-game suspension this time — but not for the hit, rather for getting two game misconducts in the first 41 games. [Sportsnet]

Mikko Rantanen receives a five-minute major and a game misconduct for this hit on Matt Coronato.

Coronato went down the tunnel following the hit. pic.twitter.com/Yr0rrVSYXW

— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) November 23, 2025

• Takeaways from yesterday: didn’t like the start, of course. [Isles]
• “Lack of jump” following road trip. [Newsday | Post]
• The Skinny: Mat Barzal passed John Tonelli on the franchise assist list; Emil Heineman’s points streak ended. [Isles]
• Previewing today: David Rittich gets the start. [Isles]
• Lambert’s Kraken are running hot at 11-5-5. Maybe he needed some time and perspective before his next head coaching gig. He remains as verbose and animated a public speaker as ever…:

Lane Lambert asked about his reaction to being let go as #Isles coach says “surprise.”

— Andrew Gross (@AGrossNewsday) November 23, 2025

#SeaKraken coach Lane Lambert did say his season as associate coach with Maple Leafs was a good experience for him and allowed him to reflect upon his #Isles tenure.

— Andrew Gross (@AGrossNewsday) November 23, 2025

“There’s no question that we’re going to be right back at it here in not too many hours, so we just have to make sure we focus in and be good with our structure tomorrow.”

Hear more from #SeaKraken coach Lane Lambert ahead of a quick turnaround vs. the Islanders on Sunday. pic.twitter.com/xBIbPdX42p

— Seattle Kraken (@SeattleKraken) November 23, 2025

Elsewhere​

Twelve total games yesterday, including the Devils losing in Philadelphia. The Metro whole East is going to be funny this year.

• The Sabres are preparing to terminate Alexandar Georgiev, who will head to the KHL. [TSN]
• The Blues are preparing to terminate Alex Texier, but supposedly nine teams will likely show interest in him at a cheaper rate. [TSN]
• Revisiting 32 preseason predictions, like “this is Roy’s last season on Long Island.” [ESPN]
• The Leafs hang their returning goalie out to dry. [TSN]

Source: https://www.lighthousehockey.com/is...islanders-vs-kraken-gameday-welcome-back-lane

 

[New York Islanders]

Islanders 1*, Kraken 0 (*SO): Shutouts for everybody

If a game takes place on Long Island with no goal and almost no penalties, does it make a sound?

The Islanders and Kraken faced off to a stalemate that went all the way to extra-extra time in the shootout before the Isles prevailed for the extra point. It goes down as a 1-0 win for the Isles, though Joey Daccord and David Rittich allowed no actual goals and each are credited with shutouts.

The building finally got to celebrate in the last two shootout attempts — the “yyyEEAH” very audible, a pent-up release and relief — as Bo Horvat had to finish to convert to tie the breakaway contest, then Kyle Palmieri sniped the decisive winner.

The Isles nearly doubled the Kraken in shots and probably would’ve felt most robbed if they were the team that left this one with zero points, but overall it was a tightly played contest. Bo Horvat hit a crossbar and the Isles had a few other close chances and scrambles on Daccord, while Rittich was strong when needed, helped at least once by his post on a wide-angle shot.

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

Not sure anyone who saw the Isles under Lane Lambert and then under Patrick Roy last year would ever imagine these two coaches’ teams playing to a scoreless draw, but there you have it.

For Rittich in particular, it continues a strong run of providing absolutely critical backup goaltending for Ilya Sorokin. Both have been very good lately, prompting no need to overuse Sorokin.

#Isles David Rittich jokes at one point in game he had more touches on the puck with his stick than saves.

— Andrew Gross (@AGrossNewsday) November 24, 2025

Full video of Rittich’s post-game availability here.

Other Notes​

• After a quieter game yesterday by his quickly established and lofty standards, Matthew Schaefer was an active beast throughout, logging over 27 minutes (that’ll go in the Skinny) with four shots on goal and five more attempts.
• There were two penalties called — okay three when counting the rare but late OT call — but nothing happening. Max Shabanov drove the net to draw a slash late in OT, but that only gave the Isles under 20 seconds of 4-on-3 to try to win before the shootout.
• Horvat’s afternoon was good if scoreless, too, and his shootout conversion was an authoritative, top-shelf laser when they absolutely needed it to stay alive.
• Speaking of which, Frederick Gaudreau was the only Kraken to “beat” Rittich all afternoon, although it was in a circus drill that has no real-life hockey analogy. The “shootout specialist” approached so slowly I was able to catch a cat nap and startle myself awake before he’d shot. It was a bit of appropriate karma that Horvat’s insta-strike followed a slow approach.

Horvat pic.twitter.com/Umf2fIe9Cg

— YESUV (@IslesWhiteSUV) November 24, 2025

Lovable Things​

"He's a gamer" – Kyle Palmieri on goalie David Rittich's shutout performance for the #Isles.@Shannon_Hogan | @NYIslanders pic.twitter.com/2dhdnlpxuq

— Isles on MSGSN (@IslesMSGN) November 24, 2025

#Isles Patrick Roy with some good-natured ribbing of Mathew Barzal after praising his performance (six shots in 24:00). Roy asked about his faceoff numbers for the game and was told Barzal went 2-of-12. Roy broke into a wide grin. "That's pretty good for him. Just kidding."

— Andrew Gross (@AGrossNewsday) November 24, 2025

Group in UBS Arena stands late after game sees Matthew Schaefer talking to some people across the ice. They start chanting his name. Schaefer, walking into the tunnel to the #Isles room, turns around, raises his arms in victory and blows kisses to the group.

— Andrew Gross (@AGrossNewsday) November 24, 2025

Up Next​

The busy Olympic-year schedule does not let up. This seven-game homestand continues with the Bruins on Wednesday, then a Friday post-Thanksgiving afternoon with the Flyers, then 1 p.m. on Sunday with the Capitals.

All three of those teams currently trail the Islanders in the standings, though not by much…

Source: https://www.lighthousehockey.com/game-recaps/43331/islanders-vs-kraken-rittich-daccord-shutouts

 

[New York Islanders]

Islanders Anxiety – Episode 348 – Something is Happening Here

Mike and Dan recap a wild, emotional week in which the Islanders cap off an epic road trip in style before struggling to find their game again at home.

The gauntlet that seemed like it could sink their season instead saw the Islanders surge into a playoff berth with a tense win in Dallas and an unexpected blowout in Detroit. While the victory over the Stars took everything they had and came with casualties, the romp over the Red Wings served as a coming out party for a new folk hero. Max Shabanov went from mystery man to possible Weird Islander to a masked, rouge hero growing in confidence. A return game against St. Louis was less than triumphant, but the follow-up against Seattle got them two huge points despite exactly zero (0) goals being scored in regulation. It’s all been a bit strange but as long as they keep climbing and winning, we can keep smiling.

The week ahead contains more tough games including one against a team that’s already roughed them up. American Thanksgiving is supposed to be the unofficial time when NHL teams show us what they can be. The Islanders have the chance over the next seven days to prove they’re for real, especially in front of their own fans.

To close this episode out, we give thanks for things we’re grateful for, like the stumbles and struggles of our enemies. The Rangers and Maple Leafs are not having a good time right now, and we turn back the clock for a fun new Master Pens Theater.

As always, we’re thankful for you all for listening and supporting us. A new episode of Weird Islanders: The Podcast! releases on Friday, and be sure to check out the Patreon that day for a cornucopia of bonus content for it.

REFERENCES

• Great stuff from “Captain NO B.S.” J.T. Miller (and from Rangers Redditors)
• This Auston Matthews guy seems to disappear during the season a lot, according to Nick Kyprios.
• Hey, maybe this kid has somethi…nope, he’s gone. Never mind.
• Master Pens Theater theme is “The Rule” by Kevin MacLeod, available at FreeMusicArchive.org.

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PLUGS!​

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

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

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

All Islanders Anxiety podcasts are available on:

• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify
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• I Heart Radio
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• And everywhere podcasts are found

Source: https://www.lighthousehockey.com/is...hing-is-happening-here-stars-romanov-shabanov

 

[New York Islanders]

Islanders News: Injury shadows

The Islanders bounced back from a weaker home return performance against the Blues to pull out a shootout win in the double-shutout meeting with the Kraken, but hanging in the background is injury news to two significant players.

Alex Romanov was not having a good season thus far, but the 5-6-month prognosis removes any chance of him returning this regular season to the important role and contributions he had last season. As odd as it sounds, it may not have an immediate impact but it should have a long-term one. We’ll see how things shake out with Adam Boqvist getting a regular turn or, if that doesn’t work out, Marshall Warren maybe getting another look, or maybe a different option such as NHL vet Ethan Bear.

The other significant news has a shorter “week to week” prognosis, but that could still be a longer-term concern for a 33-year-old whose injuries have impacted his effectiveness over the last few seasons. Pageau was off to a really good start this season, showing life, being a great penalty killer, resuming his shorthanded bromance with Simon Holmstrom. You hope this isn’t a lingering thing.

On the bright side, the Pageau injury would seem to cement that Calum Ritchie will be here to stay, a big step for him and important development for the Isles if he keeps it up.

Islanders News​

• Prospect Report: Tomas Poletin and Jacob Kvasnicka accumulating goals. [Isles]
• Reading into Warren being returned to Bridgeport. [Newsday]
• A giant and frighteningly realistic Barzal Bobblehead. Teammates react. [Isles video]
• Islanders Anxiety podcast: Something’s happening here. [LHH]

Elsewhere​

Last night’s scores include the Blue Jackets losing to the Capitals and the Rangers winning, unfortunately (of course the Blues beat the Isles in regulation and then wilt in Manhattan). Oh and Logan Cooley scored four.

• Barry Trotz sounds pretty disgusted with the players he’s got, not with the coach he likes. [NHL]
• In which a reporter lobbies for a GM (Craig Conroy) to be extended “immediately.” [Sportsnet]
• Power rankings: It’s Thanksgiving week in the U.S., but north of the border it’s panic week for most Canadian franchises. [Athletic]
• The reeling Canucks are open for business on their veteran players. [Sportsnet]

Source: https://www.lighthousehockey.com/islanders-news-headlines/43348/islanders-news-injury-shadows

 

[New York Islanders]

Islanders Gameday News: Take 2 vs. the Bruins

The Islanders continue their homestand (1-1 thus far, thanks to the shootout) with a Thanksgiving Eve visit from the Bruins, who just lost to the Sharks.

The Bruins visited earlier in the month, prevailing in a 4-3 (shootout) shortly before the big road trip that may have turned the Islanders’ season around. Time to take two points this time around.

First Islanders Goal picks go here.

Islanders News​

• Previewing tonight: Expect Emil Heineman and Cal Ritchie to help fill in on the PK during J-G Pageau’s absence. [Isles]
• Day to day: Casey Cizikas is the latest injury concern, but they say he only missed practice for “maintenance” and he should be good to go tonight. [Isles]
• Gross: An overdue win over the Bruins would help show the Isles are for real. [Newsday]
• Patrick Roy believes the power play is turning a corner. [Post]
• Mat Barzal isn’t worried about how many points he’s getting, he’s worried about whether he’s helping influence wins by impacting chances, limiting turnovers, covering the ice as a center. [Post | THN]

Elsewhere​

• Only one game in the NHL last night, but it was a doozie that checked off all the narratives for the Oilers, who returned home from a long road trip to get blown out by the Stars: bleeding defensively, goaltending questions, you name it. Four goals against in the first period, pulling Stuart Skinner afterward only to allow four more against Calvin Pickard. [Sportsnet]
• Fifteen games tonight, however; which will be the ones to watch? [NHL]
• Nick Kypreos’ first trade board of the season has lots of names and reasons. [Sportsnet]
• What’s happening Barry Land? The Predators are off to an even worse start than last year, and Barry Trotz has had to refute a report of a “toxic” culture. “I know toxic,” which maybe isn’t the defense he thought it was. [Sportsnet]
• Speaking of, Insider Trading covers potential firesales in Nashville and Vancouver. [TSN]
• Mailbag: After a hot start, are the Penguins “who we thought we are”-ing? [NHL]
• Is this final the end for Milan Lucic? Released from his AHL PTO by the Blues. [TSN]

Source: https://www.lighthousehockey.com/islanders-news-headlines/43353/islanders-gameday-news-bruins-barzal

 

[New York Islanders]

Bruins 3, Islanders 1: Stymied and swept by Swayman

The Islanders fell to the Boston Bruins for the second time this month and the third time this season, an odd sweep (two regulation losses, one shootout) at the hands of a team that has been up and down and missing its top defenseman.

It was an odd game. The Islanders outshot Boston 45-14 (!), but in danger and control it was not that lopsided. This was not quite a case of the Isles getting robbed by a goalie — though Jeremy Swayman was solid throughout — but more of a team that has their number, that stymied their attack, controlled rebounds, protected the house, did enough to win a road game, yada yada.

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

The Islanders got things started nicely after a great exchange involving everyone in the offensive zone before Mat Barzal tucked it in. That made it 1-0 just 4:41 in, but less than two minutes later, some guy who goes by the name of Alex Steeves tied it up on the first of his two goals in the game.

The go-ahead goal by Tanner Jeannot came in the first minute of the second period, after a baker’s dozen of odd bounces as players from both teams scrambled in the slot. Jeannot settled the puck and rifled over the shoulder of Ilya Sorokin, who never had too much to do.

It was one of those games that could’ve gone the other way at any point, but somehow just got more frustrating as that looked increasingly unlikely, even with a {checks post-game stat updates} 23-3 shot differential in the third.

The Isles had four power plays, including two in the second period, and generally rotated and moved the puck around impressively. But they could not crack the interior and their best one-timer opportunities always misfired or otherwise fell short. A shorthanded goal on their final power play (by that Steeves guy) proved to be the backbreaker midway through the third period.

Up Next​

The season-ending seven-game homestand that could undo their season-saving seven-game road trip continues after Thanksgiving when the Flyers visit. Thus far they’re 1-2 with two close regulation losses to two teams that were due for good efforts to refocus from recent struggles.

The loss drops the Isles back into the wild card spot, just one point ahead of Philadelphia — but of course the entire Metro and East is tight, so this will be a see-saw all season as long as the Isles hang in.

Happy Thanksgiving, everybody! See you on the other side.

Source: https://www.lighthousehockey.com/game-recaps/43361/bruins-vs-islanders-swayman-barzal

 

[New York Islanders]

Islanders vs. Flyers game thread

Sorry for the late posting, thought I’d get back in time for this early start time to get a gameday post up.

Alas, David Rittich and the Islanders also got off to a late start…

First Islanders Goal picks go here.

Source: https://www.lighthousehockey.com/game-threads/43367/islanders-vs-flyers-game-thread

 

[New York Islanders]

Weird Islanders: The Podcast! – Episode 75 – The Last Days of Bedlam Special (with guest Pinholes Graham)

Mike and Dan welcome back YouTube hockey documentarian Pinholes Graham to discuss his great film on the 2006-07 Islanders season, The Last Days of Bedlam.

The 2006-07 Islanders defy belief. From shocking front office upheaval to a roster of mostly mercenaries to two surprise trades to a heroic performance by a relative nobody, that squad had more drama than most teams see in decades. The Last Days of Bedlam explores that season as well as its previous context and the cascade of emotions Islanders fans went through game-after-game, month-after-month and even after the season was over.

Together with Pinholes, we get his takes on some Weird Islanders we’ve spotlighted from that season before, like Ryan Smyth, Marc-Andre Bergeron, Deron Quint and Wade Dubielewicz. But we also dive into some short-timers that haven’t come up yet, like goalie Mike Dunham (who still gives Dan PTSD) and defenseman Sean Hill, who was hit with one of the most bizarre and bizarrely-timed suspensions in NHL history.

Stay tuned to the end for a special bonus excerpt from an upcoming episode of Weird Islanders: The Podcast! about another member of this team that we’ve been waiting to feature in his own episode since Season 1. And subscribe to our Patreon for mounds of additional bonus material from this episode including two extra conversations with Pinholes about “regular” Islanders that came up in the film, as well as four (4) related Season 1 Weird Islanders: The Podcast! episodes that are being presented to Patrons commercial free for the first time.

We thank Pinholes for not only coming on with us again but for giving all Islanders fans the great gift of The Last Days of Bedlam. We both excitedly recommend watching it before you listen to this podcast, if you haven’t seen it already. Or better still, watch it again and tell all your friends to watch it. More people need to experience the insanity and ecstasy of the 2006-07 Islanders season and this documentary displays that in a way no one ever has before.

WEIRD BONUS MATERIAL

• None. Just watch The Last Days of Bedlam and the rest of Pinholes’ documentaries at his YouTube channel.

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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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Subscribe to our Patreon! Members get ad-free episodes of all our shows, bonus podcasts, written posts, chats with us and much more.

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Visit our friends!

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

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

All Islanders Anxiety podcasts are available on:

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

Source: https://www.lighthousehockey.com/ny...holes-graham-ryan-smyth-mike-dunham-sean-hill

 

[New York Islanders]

Kyle Palmieri lost for season with ACL injury

The worst-case scenario has come true after Kyle Palmieri limped off the ice — while assisting on a goal! — during the Islanders’ shootout loss to the Flyers on Friday. The winger tore his ACL requiring surgery, meaning he’s out for six to eight months.

That puts him out for the regular season and it would take a double-miracle scenario (long playoff run, faster healing) to see him again in 2025-26. At age 34 he was having a standard Palmieri season — six goals and 18 points through 25 games through some streaky runs and dry spells, and adapting each time Patrick Roy mixed up lines.

The last we’ll see of him for quite some time is a memorable one:

Palms hurt, but makes heads up play on unsuspecting Flyer. Heineman scores his 10th pic.twitter.com/fr8ZnsTe4J

— YESUV (@IslesWhiteSUV) November 28, 2025

#Isles Anders Lee on Kyle Palmieri: "He's one of the toughest players I've played with. There was a gutsy play by him to battle through that pain. He didn't just take the puck. He got it and had some poise with it, too. I'm very impressed with Palms."

— Andrew Gross (@AGrossNewsday) November 29, 2025

For the Isles, that’s two primary if not top-role players now out for the season in Palmieri and defenseman Alex Romanov. (Pierre Engvall is also out for the year, though his season never really started and it didn’t seem he was in primary plans.)

This will test their depth and deployment, as they likely slot a left-shooter in on the right side and also have J-G Pageau out week to week.

Even before Palmieri’s injury, Kyle MacLean was back in the lineup Friday in favor of the scratched Max Tsyplakov, who continues to struggle to gain footing. Max Shabanov took a maintenance day Saturday (so did Mat Barzal), so his health bears monitoring. In the prospect pipeline, Calum Ritchie has already been called up and looks to be a fixture, previously pushing MacLean from the lineup.

Source: https://www.lighthousehockey.com/is.../43375/kyle-palmieri-injury-acl-season-ending