News Islanders Team Notes

Islanders Anxiety - Episode 325 - Show Us Your Spirit

Islanders_Anxiety_Art___2023.0.jpg


Younger, yes. Faster, yes. Better, obviously. But that can’t be all.

Mike and Dan put as much effort into recapping the Islanders’ first two post-trade deadline games as the players put into playing them.

Instead, they spend more time lamenting just how old, slow, sloppy and depressing the team looked in both, one of which was an actual win. One night after Ilya Sorokin stole two points in San Jose, the Islanders slept through a game against the Ducks that was as sad as it was boring. If this roster still wants to make the playoffs without Brock Nelson, they sure as hell didn’t look like it.

But according to GM Lou Lamoriello in an illuminating West Coast press availability, that’s exactly what the plan is. Lamoriello knows his team needs to get younger and faster, but still wanted to bring back Nelson and Kyle Palmieri. He promised bigger moves this summer, but that’s a song we’ve heard before. While the sentiment is right, the future is as muddy as ever.

We also look ahead at the final California game and two home dates that follow, and discuss another trade that didn’t happen that we hope derails a couple of other teams’ seasons.

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

REFERENCES



Subscribe to our Patreon! Members get ad-free episodes of all our shows, bonus podcasts, written posts, discounts and much more. Or follow us for free to get announcements and our weekly release calendar.

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.


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:

Click to expand...

Source: https://www.lighthousehockey.com/20...t-sharks-ducks-lamoriello-post-trade-deadline
 
Kings 4 (EN), Islanders 1: Disallowed goals, ineffective power play sink Isles in LA

New York Islanders v Los Angeles Kings

Hey, what happened to that goal? | Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

Two slightly controversial disallowed goals contribute to an anemic 0-for-8 power play as the Islanders fail to make the most of their chances.

The sad part is the two goals overturned for questionable goaltender interference are maybe not even the most frustrating part of tonight’s game. Yeah, the New York Islanders are missing some real power play weapons at this point. But 0-for-8, along with giving up an unfortunate shorthanded goal... it’s hard to blame the disallowed goals entirely.

The suddenly-healthy Isles defense may have taken a hit, too, as Adam Boqvist left the game early in the second period after a big hit, so they played most of tonight with just five defensemen.

If this road trip is any indication, this might be a rough rest of the season.

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

While the first period started promisingly for the Islanders, with an early Drew Doughty tripping penalty, the Kings quickly took over, putting 15 shots on Ilya Sorokin. Late in the first, Vladislav Gavrikov scored to put the Kings on the board.

But the Islanders played a strong second period despite the scoreline. Adam Boqvist went down early after a big open ice hit from Kevin Fiala. No penalty was called on the play despite the hit looking high.

Anders Lee tied the game, going five-hole on Darcy Kuemper with a goal that was fairly un-Anders-like.

But unfortunately, Phillip Danault would get it back for LA immediately, making it 2-1.

Alex Turcotte took a high sticking penalty, and Anthony Duclair scored on the power play, picking up a loose puck after Kuemper’s save on Simon Holmstrom. However, the Kings challenged for goaltender interference and won, taking the goal off the board and helping them kill the penalty.

Joel Edmunson went to the box for a delay of game penalty, sending the Isles to the power play once again, but Tony DeAngelo’s stick broke, setting up a Quentin Byfield breakaway to make it 3-1 Kings.

Then, Lee drew a penalty and scored quickly on the power play, but the Kings won a second goaltender interference challenge, taking that goal off the board, too.

Early in the third, the Islanders were on the power play again when Warren Foegele was called for hooking, but the Kings killed that without any coach’s challenge assistance.

Alex Laferriere was called for hooking halfway through the third, and then Byfield put the puck over the glass to gift the Islanders a 5 on 3 that they couldn’t convert on. Then, Edmunson would put the puck over the glass, giving the Isles a second gift power play, which, even with Sorokin pulled, they couldn’t score on. Drew Doughty ultimately sealed the game with a shot that bounced at the right angle to slide into the empty net, making it 4-1 Kings.

Up Next​


Next, the Islanders head home to UBS Arena to take on Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers on Friday night.
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Source: https://www.lighthousehockey.com/20...v-lee-danault-byfield-doughty-sorokin-duclair
 
Islanders Gameday: Measuring up to the Cup finalists

New York Islanders v Edmonton Oilers

Knew how it would end. | Photo by Andy Devlin/NHLI via Getty Images

The Islanders return home from a long Western trip to face a couple of top teams.

After a California road trip that...should’ve gone better, the Islanders return home for a tough stretch where they host both of last season’s Stanley Cup finalists.

Anything can happen on any given day in the NHL, of course: their opponent after the Oilers and Panthers is the Penguins, who went 1-9 to sink their season before the 4 Nations but have now reeled off three meaningless wins in a row. But the Islanders find themselves in a fix of their own making, a position that most outside of their management team would’ve predicted they’d be in before this season even started.

We’re currently living in a world where, because Max Tsyplakov had a couple of costly turnovers in a game where they needed someone to try to make a difference, tonight against the Cup runners-up the Isles may field a lineup like this [NOTE: Later reports indicated this was just a practice day thing and not tonight’s intended lineup]:


Lines and pairs and scratches:

Duclair-Horvat-Palmieri.
Lee-Pageau-Holmstrom.
Engvall-Cizikas-Fasching.
Martin-MacLean-Gatcomb.
Romanov-DeAngelo.
Dobson-Pelech.
Mayfield-Pulock.
Sorokin.
Hogberg.
Perunovich, Reilly, Tsyplakov.#NHL #Isles

— Denis P. Gorman (@DenisGorman) March 13, 2025​
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Leave your First Islanders Goal / shutout picks here.

Islanders News​

  • Previewing tonight: The Oilers are going to eat them up, I suspect. [Isles]
  • But the Oilers’ two stars can’t save that team alone, surely. [Sportsnet]
  • More on Patrick Roy and Tsypkaov. (I don’t mind the honest and constructive criticism, but scratching him for a lineup that includes Martin-Fasching-Gatcomb would have been a bit much.) [Newsday]
  • The post-Nelson, Barzal-injured forward situation is a mess, so why do this? [Post]
  • Well what do you know, Adam Boqvist was held out of practice after the unpenalized hit that knocked him out of the Kings game. [Isles]
  • Vote for a fan appreciation t-shirt design. [Isles]

Elsewhere​


Thursday’s scores included the Devils beating the Oilers, 3-2, the Smurfs winning in OT over Minnesota, and the Senators winning again over Boston.

  • The Leafs also lost to Florida for familiar reasons. [Sportsnet]
  • Dougie Hamilton is out the remainder of the regular season. [NHL]
  • Elias Pettersson — the really well paid one — is finding his footing again in Vancouver, maybe. [TSN]
  • The GMs want clarity on the signing windows for NCAA and CHL draftees, and the league is also talking about expanding the regular season to 84 games, and keeping next year’s All-Star Game (on Long Island) even though it’s an Olympic year, too.
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Source: https://www.lighthousehockey.com/2025/3/14/24385531/islanders-gameday-oilers-panthers
 
Oilers 2, Islanders 1 (OT): Draisaitl’d again

Edmonton Oilers v New York Islanders

View from the bottom. | Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images

The Isles delivered an entertaining effort but lost to a Draisaitl OT goal for the second time this season.

The Islanders lost to the Oilers, as you might expect, with Leon Draisaitl delivering the critical blows, as you might expect, but...it was a pretty good, entertaining game!

Draisaitl scored both goals and extended his points streak to 17. Speaking of 17, that’s how many of Ilya Sorokin’s 33 saves came in the first period.

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

The Isles survived that poor first period — outshot 17-6 but scoreless, for the grace of Ilya — and rebounded in the second with a strong effort, though Draisaitl had the only tally to make it 1-0 for Edmonton.

A strong pushback continued into the third, with Bo Horvat tying it 1:21 in on a partial break of his own creation after a shot block. That set up a tight rest of the period with each team having a few chances and clamping down to force overtime.

Pierre Engvall had a very noticeable game and was rewarded with some overtime shifts, where he was effective. At the tail end of one after some good work in their zone, Oilers goalie Cal Pickard pounced on a loose puck to advance it to Connor McDavid, who sent Draisaitl in on an uncontested breakaway to pot the winner.

It’s the second time this season that the Islanders have lost to the Oilers on a Draisaitl OT goal. But this one was somehow less frustrating, at least to these eyes, thanks to low expectations and a surprisingly competent effort.

The outcome of one standings point of course only further buries their wild card attempt, but they’ll see it as a consolation coming after two regulation losses.

Up Next​


After falling to the Cup runners-up, now the Cup-winning Panthers are next on the docket, visiting Long Island on Sunday night.
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Source: https://www.lighthousehockey.com/2025/3/14/24386265/oilers-vs-islanders-overtime-draisaitl
 
Islanders 4 (EN), Panthers 2: Stunning 3rd-period comeback

Florida Panthers v New York Islanders

Job well done. | Photo by Rich Graessle/Getty Images

The Isles didn’t let up and were rewarded with a boisterous win over the Cup champs in Mike Reilly’s return.

What a stunning and unexpectedly electric Sunday night at UBS Arena.

Facing a 2-0 deficit entering the third period against the reigning Stanley Cup champs, the New York Islanders overcame what seemed like a “nice try, but not in the cards” night to pull off a comeback 4-2 win.

The Isles had a really good first period but could not get on the scoreboard; when the Panthers got goals from stalwarts Sam Reinhart and Aleksander Barkov within the first five minutes of the second, it definitely felt like one of those nights. That Barkov’s came on the first power play of the night against the Isles’ again-struggling PK just added to that foreboding.

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

But the Isles didn’t let up in the third, steadily chipping away to get on the board six minutes in, tie it 12 minutes in, then add a shocking go-ahead goal 17 seconds later on a rare highlight reel run by Noah Dobson.

Simon Holmstrom capped the game with an empty netter from his own zone with seven seconds to go.

As a bonus, the game also saw the healthy return of Mike Reilly, out since Nov. 1, now recovered after a heart procedure. He was in the starting lineup and the crowd gave him a loud, heartwarming (no pun intended) welcome back, and he even had an assist, sending Max Tsyplakov off to the races with a great breakaway-springing bank pass. Reilly replaced Adam Pelech, who’s considered day to day.

Here’s Marc Gatcomb getting the Isles on the board at 6:29, finally, with some tenacious work:


This was something else from Gatcomb #Isles pic.twitter.com/l6rg8K9Yxz

— (@IslesFix) March 17, 2025​
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Here’s the nifty move by Tsyplakov (who was lined up with Gatcomb and Kyle MacLean), after a heads-up pass by Reilly from deep in his own zone:


Tsyplakov breakaway beats Vanecek and it's 2-2 with 7:44 to go in the third. pic.twitter.com/K0F4bDaKv3

— The Elmonters (@TheElmonters) March 17, 2025​
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And just 17 seconds after Tsyplakov tied it, here’s Dobson going the distance, showing a flash and assertiveness that we just do not seen enough from the pending RFA. Great anticipation to break up the pass in the neutral zone and push the accelerator:


#Isles take a 3-2 lead 17 seconds later.

Huge comeback.

Noah Dobson showing his skill! pic.twitter.com/2AIZXMTgLw

— The Elmonters (@TheElmonters) March 17, 2025​
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And this was not a case where Ilya Sorokin had to carry them all night — total shots on goal were 34-24 for the Isles — but he was good late as they held on to the one-goal lead. Simon Holmstrom got the empty netter as he supported J-G Pageau on one more defensive zone faceoff.

For a Sunday night with a team that has felt out of it, this all made for a pretty boisterous atmosphere.

The result of course keeps the Isles in barking distance of the wild card positions — the current wild card holding Rangers lost in regulation to the Oilers, a couple days after the Isles at least harvested an OTL point off them. So those Smurfs are four points ahead but with two more games played. But the persistent challenge remains that there are three other teams all in that mix above the Isles in points as the night came to an end.

Still, performances like this will keep things interesting for a while, at least on paper. (I know I shouldn’t rule out something even more than “interesting” because anything can happen, etc., but this team has not built a lot of hope this season, despite their internal belief.) Their good start and their persistence after things weren’t going their way was what you want to see.

Up Next​


The Isles head to Pittsburgh to meet the Penguins on Tuesday night. The Penguins are just two points behind, though with three more games played. They’ve been picking up some wins lately — four in a row now — to make them look closer than they really are, as well as a dangerous foe right now.
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Source: https://www.lighthousehockey.com/20...-vs-panthers-comeback-dobson-tsyplakov-reilly
 
Islanders Gameday: Mike Reilly returns vs. Panthers

Anaheim Ducks v New York Islanders

Welcome back. | Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images

The defenseman takes a bit step in his comeback.

The Islanders host the reigning Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers on Sunday night, but the big news is a return for a guy who has been through some health scares.

Mike Reilly, the defenseman who last played on Nov. 1 when he took a hit to the head, only to discover a heart condition upon further examination, will be in the lineup.

Adam Pelech will be out, making room for Reilly.

Leave First Islanders Goal picks here.

Reilly’s appearance as ready to go was a pleasant shock for teammates:

“It’s almost like they couldn’t believe it, some guys didn’t know until I got on the ice,” Reilly said with a smile when asked about the team’s reaction. “I’m obviously excited. In the past couple of months, I was at the rink almost every day even when the team was on the road. The last two weeks it was special to be back with the guys.”
Click to expand...

It’s great to see, and it’s one of those happy stories that sprinkle some fun into the late season chapter where the Islanders’ outside wild card chances are descending further and further each day.
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Source: https://www.lighthousehockey.com/20...nders-gameday-mike-reilly-returns-vs-panthers
 
Islanders Anxiety - Episode 326 - And That Just Went In

Islanders_Anxiety_Art___2023.0.jpg


It’s really been something watching Patrick Roy’s spirit break in real time.

Mike and Dan don’t know how to feel about the Islanders taking three points from last year’s Stanley Cup finalists in this very weird season.

In playing Edmonton tough before losing in overtime and beating the Cup champion Panthers, the Islanders showed a level of grit and skill they could have used in November instead of in March where they’re still a longshot to make the playoffs. Performances by Noah Dobson, Pierre Engvall and Max Tsyplakov remind us of just how unreliable some players can be when they’re counted on the most.

But the games were enjoyable in the moment, especially if you flew from Poland to watch one.

In the second half, they look ahead towards some games that could (once again) get them closer to the playoffs (but probably won’t) and welcome back old favorite, Master Leaf Theatre. This time, the Leafs writers are distraught over bad coaching, losing a large locker room voice and possibly Mitch Marner. At least one shirtless guy is having fun (as are we).

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

REFERENCES

Master Leaf Theatre readings:



Subscribe to our Patreon! Members get ad-free episodes of all our shows, bonus podcasts, written posts, discounts and much more. Or follow us for free to get announcements and our weekly release calendar.

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.


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:

Click to expand...

Source: https://www.lighthousehockey.com/20...in-oilers-panthers-master-leaf-theatre-reaves
 
Islanders 4 (EN), Penguins 2: Replaying the hits

New York Islanders v Pittsburgh Penguins

Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images

Four unanswered goals from Palmieri, Dobson, Engvall, and Holmstrom lead the Isles to another comeback win.

Genuinely, you’ve seen this one before. From the “random guy on the Penguins scores his first NHL goal against us” to “coach’s challenge on goaltender interference” (the Isles actually lost this one) to “epic third period comeback”, it really was a peak New York Islanders game.

Much like the game against Florida, the Isles played a strong first period but couldn’t get anything in the net. But instead of two goals against in the second, they came in the first, but that still ended with the same scenario: down by two going into the third.

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

But then just seventeen seconds into the third period, Kyle Palmieri opened up the scoring, with a friendly assist from (Islanders legend) Tristan Jarry’s back. Palmieri hit the post, but then the puck bounced in off Jarry, making it a one goal game.

Just five minutes later, Noah Dobson would score his second in as many games. After a pretty passing play, Bo Horvat’s backhand shot was saved by Jarry, but a diving Dobson in front of the net was able to pick up the loose puck and put it in, tying the game.

Then, Erik Karlsson attempted to play the puck to safety from the neutral zone, but Pierre Engvall beat out Ryan Graves and shot the puck past Jarry to give the Islanders the lead.

The Islanders then killed a penalty shortly after (Ryan Pulock for holding), with Ilya Sorokin making some key saves.

And then, in another repeat from last night, Simon Holmstrom would score his 16th of the season into the empty net, sealing a 4-2 Islanders win on the road.

Suddenly, the Islanders are climbing up on a playoff spot. It’s funny watching this happen constantly in the Eastern Conference. For the past couple of years, it’s like no one really wants to be in the wild card race... except maybe the Islanders. I guess we’ll see what happens, but either way, third period comebacks are fun!

Up Next​


Next, the Islanders head back to UBS Arena to take on the Montreal Canadiens, one of the teams ahead of them for a wild card spot, with three more points in the same amount of games played. A regulation win would be a big swing for the Isles.
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Source: https://www.lighthousehockey.com/20...dobson-engvall-holmstrom-sorokin-comeback-win
 
Islanders Gameday News: Clash of the also-rans

New York Islanders v Pittsburgh Penguins

Let’s buckle down and pretend there are stakes! | Photo by Joe Sargent/NHLI via Getty Images

The Isles aim to keep hope alive against a Penguins team enjoying a stress-free wee win streak.

The wild card scene in the east is starting to clarify a bit, as the Ottawa Senators are pulling away in the first wild card spot, five points ahead of the Rangers and with two games in hand.

After them, it’s the Rangers with 72 points in 68 games, followed by the Canadiens (71 in 66), Red Wings (70 in 67), Blue Jackets (70 in 67), Bruins (69 in 69) and Islanders (68 in 66).

After that group, of course, is tonight’s opponent. The Pittsburgh Penguins have won four in a row and have 66 points in 69 games. They’re not really there, given they have just 13 games to go, but a regulation win tonight would pull them even with the Islanders to be both a nuisance and subscriber to false hope.

The Red Wings and Rangers are also in action tonight, so how much an Isles win moves the needle is dependent on other results, which of course is why they remain far away despite looking close.

First Islanders Goal picks go here.

For tonight, Adam Boqvist and Alex Romanov are both dealing with “illness,” per the Isles via Andrew Gross:


#Isles morning skate (no Romanov)
Holmstrom-Horvat-Palmieri
Lee-Pageau-Duclair
Engvall-Cizikas-Fasching
Tsyplakov-MacLean-Gatcomb
Extra: Martin
Pelech-DeAngelo
Dobson-Pulock
Reilly-Mayfield
Extra: Perunovich
Sorokin
Hogberg
Absent: Romanov, Boqvist

— Andrew Gross (@AGrossNewsday) March 18, 2025​
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Islanders News​

  • Previewing tonight: The Isles are 8-3-0 in their last 11 against the Penguins, but they were swept in a back-to-back in December, which certainly affects where they stand today. [Isles]
  • Takeaways from the comeback win over the Panthers: Good start, steady persistence even after falling behind. And a big return for Mike Reilly. [Isles]
  • The Skinny: Ilya Sorokin has passed Kelly Hrudey for fourth all-time in goalie games played for the Isles, and is the first to record four straight 25-win seasons (shootout/OT asterisk applies). [NYI Skinny]
  • Sorokin should add to those totals, as he’s unlikely to get much rest down the stretch. [Post]
  • What’s this?! A new Identity Line?! Marc Gatcomb, Kyle MacLean and Max Tsyplakov. [Newsday]
  • That Noah Dobson interception and run to goal? The Isles could use more of that. [Post]
  • Prospect Report: Cole Eiserman scored the big OT winner to advance with BU, while Cameron Berg’s North Dakota also advances. Danny Nelson and Notre Dame’s season is over. Eiserman’s shot probably shouldn’t have gone in, but then Eiserman has the kind of shot that goes in when you think it shouldn’t. [Isles]
  • Stan Fischler has rave reviews for Ken Morrow’s new autobiography. [Isles] And Andrew Gross talks to Morrow’s co-author, longtime hockey scribe Allan Kreda. [Island Ice]

Elsewhere​


Monday’s scores included the Bruins falling to Buffalo in overtime, and Columbus losing its fourth straight, to New Jersey.

  • Against the odds, Tristan Jarry is back and performing competently after a demoralizing demotion to the AHL. It won’t last. [NHL]
  • With all their deadline shuffles, Conor Timmins is an intriguing addition for the Penguins. [PensBurgh]
  • At the GM meetings, they discussed video review because nobody knows what the hell goalie interference is. [NHL | Sportsnet]
  • Overall though, they’re happy with the game and the amount of offense that is unleashed most nights. [NHL] If only the office of player discipline had a clue about punishing head shots and checks from behind.
  • Gabriel Landeskog is joining the Avalanche on the road, maybe just maybe inching toward a return. [Sportsnet]
Click to expand...

Source: https://www.lighthousehockey.com/2025/3/18/24388383/islanders-gameday-news-penguins-tsyplakov
 
Islanders Gameday News: Homestand of wild card drama

New York Islanders v Montreal Canadiens

Follow the captain. | Photo by Vitor Munhoz/NHLI via Getty Images

Fresh off two big third-period comeback, the Islanders begin four games against motivated wild card chasers.

The Islanders’ unlikely “Don’t Call It A Comeback, We’ve Been Here Before” chase for a wild card spot continues tonight in what should be a pivotal game: The current wild card holding Montreal Canadiens are in town, three points ahead of the Isles with the same number of games played.

An Isles regulation win (ha) tonight brings them to one point behind Montreal for that second spot, while the Blue Jackets — same record as the Isles after losing four straight — host the Panthers and the Rangers host the Leafs.

This is the first in a four-game homestand, with all four games against teams (Calgary, Columbus, Vancouver too) in the very thick of their conference’s wild card race.

Leave First Islanders Goal picks here.

Islanders News​

  • Three Takeaways from the latest comeback win: You know the team is feeling it when even Pierre Engvall has swagger. [Isles]
  • The Skinny: “Joona Koppanen is the 15th Penguin to score his first NHL goal against the Isles.” That tracks. But also: “The Isles scored four goals in consecutive third periods for the first time since November 14-17, 1987, under Coach Terry Simpson.” [Isles]
  • The Isles are gaining confidence as Patrick Roy continues his upbeat message. [Newsday]
  • The Islanders may have “the edge” in the wild card hunt because they’re...used to sucking most of the season before making a final inspired surge to become first-round fodder. [Post]
  • Previewing tonight: “The Canadiens have also won two straight, beating Florida 3-1 on Saturday, and had a sizable comeback of their own on Tuesday...” [Isles]
  • Adopting a pet at an Isles game seems like “just one more damn thing” while you’re dealing with parking/train, kids, concessions, etc., but if it works then great! [Isles]
  • Enter to win seats on the glass! And if you win...please actually sit there so we don’t get that Toronto “still at the caviar bar” effect. [Isles]

Elsewhere​


Wednesday’s NHL scores were few and insignificant to our purposes.

  • Gary Bettman says the NHL is reimagining the All-Star Game format for 2026 on Long Island. [NHL]
  • Also from the GM meetings: The move to a decentralized draft might be short-lived, if teams decide they don’t like it. [Sportsnet | NHL]
  • Oh, and fine: Here’s everything Bettman spoke about. [Sportsnet]
  • Good riddance: The Hurricanes have quietly won seven in a row since trading Mikko Rantanen. [NHL]
  • I know Boomer Esiason’s opinion is very important to you, so you should know that he thinks Peter Laviolette has “gotta go.” [Post]
  • The Darryl Sutter origin story is the origin story for all six (seven, including Gary) Sutter and their wind-resistant ears. [NHL]
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Source: https://www.lighthousehockey.com/20...gameday-news-wild-card-canadiens-blue-jackets
 
Islanders 4, Canadiens 3 (OT): Horvat’s two goals puts Isles two points back of wild card

Montreal Canadiens v New York Islanders

Bo knows drama. | Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images

Also: I mean Ilya Sorokin, two assists.

The Islanders won their third game in a row and it was a big one, though their coughing up a two-goal third-period lead meant it wasn’t as rewarding as it could’ve been. By going to overtime, they allowed the wild card-holding Montreal Canadiens a standings point despite prevailing 4-3 on Bo Horvat’s OT winner.

That, combined with other results on the night, brought the Islanders up to two points behind the Canadiens (in the second wild card spot) and tying the Rangers (who lost again) while pulling a point ahead of the Blue Jackets (who lost in OT).

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

In a fun bit of trivia, Ilya Sorokin was credited with two assists, each on Horvat goals where the Isles center skated the length of the ice. The second, the overtime winner was a little more impressive: Horvat came all the way back to the Isles net to check elusive Habs defenseman Lane Hutson’s scoring attempt, then circled the net to accept Tony DeAngelo’s outlet after Sorokin’s pokecheck.

That created a 2-on-1 for Horvat, who looked off Kyle Palmieri and whipped a great shot high inside the near post to finish the game.


Horvat gets the Isles a HUGE extra point with the OT winner pic.twitter.com/UPNl3QnAYg

— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) March 21, 2025​
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No matter where they are or what the stakes, that collective crowd roar of “Yyyy-EAAHHH” on a sudden death winner always thrills.

First Period​


The Canadiens appeared to have a gameplan of puting multiple bodies in front of Ilya Sorokin, and sometimes throwing their actual bodies at the Isles goalie. He fought through traffic and interferences to make some big saves in the first four minutes until Brendan Gallagher took a penalty.

In a shock, the Islanders power play converted. Anders Lee bounced Alexander Carrier the hell out of the way to win possession in the corner, quickly feeding Anthony Duclair at the doorstep. Duclair shoveled a shot in one motion that somehow lobbed over Sam Montembeault to give the Isles an early 1-0 lead.

Montreal tied it about six minutes later on a nothing play where Sorokin and Noah Dobson were outworked. It was a soft point shot and Sorokin left a simple rebound — whether he checked out or whether he was leaving it for Dobson was unclear. But Dobson was soft on his man coming from behind the net, and Joshua Roy had an easy slap to put the puck in.

In the second period, the Canadiens appeared to take a 2-1 lead when Nick Suzuki took a pass at the Isles blueline for a breakaway to beat Sorokin. But the Islanders challenged and he was just barely offside when he received the puck. It was one of those rare offside reviews that directly affected the goalscoring play, as opposed to some random zone entry 15 seconds prior.

So instead of a 2-1 deficit, a miracle happened: a second Islanders power play goal in the same game. It was the result of some good, quick around-the-zone work, too, concluding with a sizzling Simon Holmstrom (!) one-timer.


Simon Holmstrom unleashed one! 2-1 #Isles pic.twitter.com/jjd0Vifd46

— (@IslesFix) March 21, 2025​
Click to expand...

Third Period​


The Isles began the third period on a high note, with Bo Horvat charging down the left wing and willing a shot past Montembeault for a two-goal cushion just 2:31 in.


Vintage Bo Horvat. What a goal! #Isles pic.twitter.com/oz6KctIs6m

— Rob Taub (@RTaub_) March 21, 2025​
Click to expand...

But the Isles would burn through that cushion. Kyle MacLean took a tripping penalty soon after, and Patrik Laine got one back on the ensuing power play after a yard sale of bodies — Adam Pelech being one of them, naturally — created an open lane for Laine’s one-timer. The Isles challenged for goalie interference and lost the challenge, but they killed off the ensuing penalty.

Though the Canadiens continued to press the 3-2 deficit, it was a broken play and counterattack that led to the tying goal at 14:16.

On a broken play in the Canadiens zone, J-G Pageau bobbled the puck, then resettled it, but that was enough for the Habs to read his flubbed backhand pass attempt, sending Brendan Gallagher sprinting on an uncontested breakaway. Mike Reilly blew a tire in pursuit to add poetry to the replay, but he wouldn’t have caught Gallagher, who put a shot over Sorokin’s gloveside shoulder.

The two wild card chasers played it mostly carefully the rest of the way, though there were some hairy moments on the way to overtime.

Overtime itself was a careful possession game with mostly outside opportunities for either side, each being very guarded whenever they lost possession.

Up Next​


On Saturday afternoon the Islanders host the Flames, who themselves erased a two-goal third period lead to beat New Jersey tonight. The Flames are in every bit as thick of a wild card race out West, so it should be a similarly high-stakes, intensely contested meeting.
Click to expand...

Source: https://www.lighthousehockey.com/20...-vs-canadiens-overtime-bo-horvat-ilya-sorokin
 
Weird Islanders: The Podcast! - Arnie Brown (with guest Greg Prato)

Weird_Islanders_art.0.jpg


Arnie Brown walked so that Kirk Muller and Dan Boyle could run.

With author Greg Prato, Mike and Dan travel back to the Islanders’ inaugural 1972 season to learn about Arnie Brown, a former Ranger who did not enjoy his short stay on Long Island.

The original Islanders were worse than bad. They were, at the time, the least successful team in NHL history. When he acquired the 31-year-old Brown in October of 1972, Bill Torrey was probably looking for a veteran leader and someone who knew how to play defense. What he got was a combative malcontent who openly wanted to be traded and was ready to play the heel, often to hilarious ends.

But Brown’s eventual trade months later led to the acquisition of not one but two Islanders legends - one four decades later.

Prato tells us about his indispensable book “Dynasty: The Oral History of the New York Islanders, 1972-84” as well as his latest, “Hapless Islanders: The Story Behind the New York Islanders’ Infamous 1972-73 Season” and some of the stories surrounding that season. Along the way we discuss names like Ernie Hicke, Brian “Spinner” Spencer, Denis DeJordy and...uh... Tony Orlando and Dawn? It’s a wild ride in the Wayback Machine.

Thanks again to Greg for coming on. Order “Hapless Islanders” from Amazon today and also pick up a copy of “Dynasty” if you don’t already have it. And check out his music writing at Allmusic.com and Ultimateguitar.com among other outlets. Here’s the brand new interview he published with the great Alex Lifeson of Rush.

WEIRD BONUS MATERIAL!

  • By the time he was 15, Arnie Brown was being scouted by the Leafs. He played with the Marlies at 20 after Punch Imlach got into a dispute with his junior team, St. Michael’s Majors.
  • Brown was traded from Toronto to the Rangers in a massive trade in 1964. He wasn’t thrilled at the time but he ended up playing with Hall of Famers Harry Howell and Brad Park. Not a bad gig.
  • His best season with the Rangers was 1969-70, when he scored 15 goals. This vinyl record of “The Rise of the Rangers,” narrated by Marv Albert, captures a couple of them.
  • After getting traded to Detroit and spending a couple of disappointing seasons as a Red Wing, he was sent to the expansion Islanders in October of 1972. He was… not happy on Long Island. At all. He was booed by their own fans (who he tried to physically fight) and once said, “The league is laughing at us, the fans are laughing at us. But they created us, and they’re laughing at themselves.” After constantly asking Bill Torrey to trade him, he was sent to the Islanders’ expansion cousin Atlanta Flames shortly after that quote. Shocking.
  • He was eventually part of the Michigan Stags of the WHA, who moved to Baltimore halfway through their first and only year of existence. He finished with the Vancouver Blazers.
  • The NHL paid tribute to Brown when he passed away in 2019.
  • We touch on a few other inaugural Islanders as well including Ernie Hicke, the man Brown was traded for. Hicke was critical to an important early Islanders trade - the one that brought J.P. Parise to Long Island and led directly to them beating the Rangers in their first playoff series that Spring.
  • Here’s Hicke fighting Boston’s Bobby Schmautz, a pretty tough customer in their era:

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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  • 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.

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:

Click to expand...

Source: https://www.lighthousehockey.com/20...e-64-arnie-brown-guest-greg-prato-ernie-hicke
 
Islanders Gameday News: Hogberg to start vs. Flames

San Jose Sharks v New York Islanders

Believe in Hog. | Photo by Mike Stobe/NHLI via Getty Images

The Islanders look to extend their win streak against their mirror image from the West.

The Islanders take their three-game win streak and unlikely wild card push into a late afternoon meeting with the Flames, who are in an identical position in the Western Conference. Calgary is currently two points behind the Blues for the second wild card out there, coming off a third-period comeback win in Newark that helped them keep pace with St. Louis.

After doubting and dismissing this team for weeks, I think I finally get them: as with the stretch run during the last couple of seasons, they like high-stakes hockey. They thrive and step up then. (Especially if their goalie is on fire.) They’re a bubble team by talent, and being close to the prize brings out their best. Which, of course, is the equivalent of a first-round also-ran, but hey...

Patrick Roy thinks Alex Romanov will be able to return tonight, and Marcus Hogberg will get the start.

First Islanders Goal picks go here.

Islanders News​

  • Previewing tonight, Casey Cizikas: “This time of year, it’s arguably the best hockey. Everyone is fighting for the same thing. That’s what brings the best out of the group here.” [Isles]
  • Patrick Roy led an intense practice Friday, and Hogberg’s start is part of managing a busy load for Ilya Sorokin. [Isles]
  • Six years after his draft day and with Lou Lamoriello saying scouts were confident he could be a top-six forward, the selection of Simon Holmstrom is paying off. [Newsday]
  • The Skinny: “Ilya Sorokin is the first goalie in Islander history with a multiple-assist game and the first Islander goalie with a goal and an assist in the same season. Sorokin also joins Ron Hextall (December 1993) as the only Islander goalie with three points in a month.” [Isles]
  • The Islanders have signed tall NCAA free agent Gleb Veremyev. [LHH | Isles | Colo. Springs Gazette]
  • Left for dead by many (including me, I confess), how are the Isles still hanging around? [Athletic]
  • There’s a two-sport star out of Edina, Minnesota, who could learn from Anders Lee. [NHL]

Elsewhere​


Friday’s only NHL game was the Penguins knocking off the Blue Jackets in regulation, keeping Columbus a point behind the Isles and three behind the wild card.

  • Now the Oilers will be without Draisaitl AND McDavid for at least a week. [NHL]
  • Connor Bedard sees positives for the Blackhawks despite them being a depressing black hole. [NHL]
  • John Tavares fends off Father Time. Probably good he moved on, not sure those kids’ names would fly on Long Island. [NHL]
  • J.T. Millers is facing the Canucks for the first time since the trade, so he’s saying all the right things about his time in Vancouver. [Sportsnet]
  • The number of words and stats spilled over whether the Leafs can ever, ever finally break through is astouning. [Sportsnet]
  • The Red Wings signed a Czech “standout” who went to U. of Maine and played a few seasons in the North American minors. This is news. [TSN]
Click to expand...

Source: https://www.lighthousehockey.com/2025/3/22/24391407/islanders-gameday-news-marcus-hogberg-romanov
 
Flames 4, Islanders 3 (OT): Isles manage just a point after giving up late lead

Calgary Flames v New York Islanders

Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images

While the three-game win streak comes to an end, the Isles still maintain their five-game point streak with the OT loss.

Well, there were a lot of positives to takeaway from this one despite the result. Max Tsyplakov, who’s been in a bit of a late-season rut, picked up two primary assists this afternoon on some great passes. Noah Dobson also picked up two more assists, his third multi-point game in a row, and his seventh point in his last four games.

Marcus Hogberg had a strong game as a backup, and he really had no chance on Huberdeau’s bouncing deflection that tied the game at 3-3 late in the third.

The point tonight leaves just one point behind Montreal, who currently occupy the second wildcard slot.

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

First Period​


Long Island’s own (and an Isles fan growing up) Matt Coronato opened the scoring for Calgary in front of his family just 36 seconds into the period.

Tony DeAngelo picked up a pass from Simon Holmstrom and while turning, put the puck towards the net. It bounced off a Calgary defender and right to Bo Horvat, who put it past Dan Vladar to tie the game.

Shortly after Horvat’s goal, Joel Hanley took a tripping penalty, but the Isles couldn’t convert on the power play.

Then, Noah Dobson passed the puck off to Max Tsyplakov, who made a great cross-ice pass to Marc Gatcomb, setting up Gatcomb’s goal to give the Isles the lead.

Second Period​


Kyle Palmieri went to the box for hooking early, but the Isles killed the penalty. Just a few minutes later, Coronato would score again to tie the game.

Adam Pelech was called for crosschecking, but the Isles killed that penalty, too, as they struggled to get momentum in this period, ultimately being outshot 13-6 in the frame.

Third Period​


Tsyplakov picked the puck up behind the net, shot it at Vladar, and the rebound went write to Kyle MacLean, who gave the Isles the late lead, 3-2.

But... that lead would be short-lived, as Jonathan Huberdeau deflected Rasmus Andersson’s shot past Marcus Hogberg to tie it back up at 3.

Despite some chances at the end, this one would go to overtime.

Overtime​


A back and forth overtime had great chances for both sides, but it would be Nazem Kadri who won it for the Flames.

Up Next​


Next, the Islanders host the nosediving Columbus Blue Jackets (they’ve won just two games this month out of ten so far) for another shot at two points at UBS Arena on Monday at 7:30pm EST.
Click to expand...

Source: https://www.lighthousehockey.com/20...-maclean-coronato-kadri-hogberg-overtime-loss
 
Islanders sign NCAA free agent forward Gleb Veremyev of Colorado College

COLLEGE HOCKEY: OCT 21 Colorado College at Arizona State

See you soon-ish? | Photo by Zac BonDurant/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

A large Jersey boy joins the pipeline.

The New York Islanders have signed another NCAA free agent, inking forward Gleb Veremyev of Colorado College to a two-year entry level contract that takes effect nexxt season.

A New Jersey native and son of immigrants from Russia, Veremeyev just completed his junior season after taking the USHL route to college hockey, though his freshman season was interrupted by an ACL injury.

The tall (6’4”), apparently high hockey IQ center was approached by NHL teams last year but decided on one more season of NCAA hockey. “Thought I had the best fit with the Islanders, obviously and here we are today,” he told the Colorado Springs Gazette.

The Daily Faceoff said Veremeyev “reminds scouts of David Steckel,” which...I mean that does not scream “exciting prospect!” but we’re talking about an undrafted college free agent, so any level of dependable NHLer would be a good outcome here.

But the first destination is AHL Bridgeport, and hopefully that’s a better experience than whatever the hell they’re doing there thi sseason.
Click to expand...

Source: https://www.lighthousehockey.com/20...-agent-forward-gleb-veremyev-colorado-college
 
Islanders Gameday: Another wild card foe arrives

Columbus Blue Jackets v New York Islanders

Look out, Pierre is watching you. | Photo by Mike Stobe/NHLI via Getty Images

The chase continues, but the Blue Jackets aim to stand in the way.

As good as the Islanders’ results have been this month, they are still digging themselves out of their early season hole and still have to keep up this pace and then some to pull off another late-season run to the wild card.

Tonight brings the Columbus Blue Jackets, who are 2-7-1 in their last 10...and only two points behind the Isles. And the Isles, of course, are still two points and two teams back of the second wild card spot with 13 games to play.

First Islanders Goal picks go here.

Islanders News​

  • Three takeaways from the OT loss to the Flames: Good second period, gotta close that out, not the only team Calgary’s done that to. [Isles]
  • But make no mistake, it stung. [Post]
  • The Skinny: “The Isles are 4-0-2 in their last six home games and 10-2-2 in their last 14 home games.” [Isles]
  • The Isles are on a good run but have secured nothing yet, so they know they’ve gotta keep it going against the Blue Jackets. [Newsday]
  • Max Tsyplakov has added some skill and competence to the Isles fourth line. [Post]
  • Simon Holmstrom is getting a regular run with better linemates and continues to strengthen the coach’s trust. “It’s not just his offensive threats, it’s his all-around, 200-feet game.” [Isles]
  • As expected, new NCAA signing (starting next year) Gleb Veremyev is Bridgeport-bound, and also Jesse Pulkkinen will head there, now that his Finnish season is over. [THN]

Elsewhere​


Sunday’s NHL scores include a variety of games that don’t really affect the Isles.

  • Montreal is abuzz because it’s been four years since they’ve seen the playoffs. [NHL]
  • How backups to clear #1s handle their (lack of a) job. [NHL]
  • Using EDGE stats to compare Quinn and Luke Hughes. [NHL]
  • Brady Tkachuk drives the Senators. [Sportsnet]
  • The Canucks have recalled Aatu Raty on emergency conditions, so maybe he gets an appearance against the Isles this week? [TSN]
  • Old runningmate Nicklas Backstrom is enjoying watching Ovechkin’s record chase. [NHL]
  • The Jets had a chance to clinch a playoff spot but lost, but coach Scott Arniel began tinkering with some adjustments for the postseason. [Sportsnet]
  • Seth Jarvis had a scary crash into the boards but Rod Brind’Amour is optimistic that he’ll be alright. [TSN]
  • Pat Maroon is retiring before he hits an offseason without any offers. [NHL]
  • Thatcher Demko is nearing yet another return for the Canucks. [Sportsnet]
Click to expand...

Source: https://www.lighthousehockey.com/2025/3/24/24392638/islanders-gameday-news-blue-jackets
 
Islanders Anxiety - Episode 327 - You Can’t Kill This Team

Islanders_Anxiety_Art___2023.0.jpg


Seriously: Who are these guys?

Mike and Dan discuss the Islanders’ latest point streak and unlikely reappearance in the Eastern Conference playoff race.

With a makeshift lineup full of forgotten players and total nobodies, the Islanders have risen from the ashes through hard work and (finally) a little luck. They came from behind to beat the Penguins, toppled the Habs in overtime (not that anyone from Montreal even noticed them) and gave away a point to Calgary while not playing their best. It’s a feel good story that only we’re paying attention to and is still also frustrating to watch unfold.

It continues this week with a huge game against Columbus, a game against a Western Conference counterpart in Vancouver and then a rough back-to-back in Tampa and Raleigh. More points means fighting another day. Lost points might mean game over but with this season, who knows.

We also talk about the newest Islanders signee - Colorado College forward Gleb Veremyev - and how the once bereft farm system suddenly looks a little better (even while Bridgeport remains terrible).

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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  • 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.


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...canadiens-flames-pierre-engvall-gleb-veremyev
 
Islanders News: Palmieri calls it like he sees it

Columbus Blue Jackets v New York Islanders

“YOUR MOTHER WEARS COMBAT BOOTS.” | Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images

This stupid league.

The NHL playoffs are going to be an ugly, anticlimactic mess if that’s what passes for goalie interference. We are going to have another Brett Hull 1999 toe-in-the-crease OT moment in a high-stakes, made-for-TV game that goes phhhhhht because this league, in the year of our Bossy 2025, cannot get goalie interference right.

Monday night’s 4-3 shootout loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets could’ve been a standard, garden-variety frustrating missed opportunity by the Isles. They blew a 2-0 lead. They gave up a shorthanded goal to a spirited captain who just returned from missing most of the season. After their own captain regained the lead with a won’t-be-denied dogged shift, they gave it up again getting hemmed in their own zone for faceoff after icing after faceoff.

Instead, they had this riveting moment where the Isles appeared to score the winner with 9 seconds left, only to have it emphatically — with a puzzling degree of enthusiasm and certainty on such a borderline (at best) call — waived off, and upheld by Toronto after lengthy review. When the opposition goalie (who initiated the brief contact) does not look the least big aggrieved after giving up the backbreaking game-winner with 9.6 ticks left on the clock, you maybe don’t have interference.

But in the NHL, you do. Sometimes. Randomly. My Bossy, we’re going to have some goalie embellishments this postseason.

I’m not bitter because of this potential effect on the Islanders’ playoff chances — again, the Islanders shot themselves in other ways after a strong first period Monday, and I’m pretty meh about their playoff push. I’m bitter because I’m really looking forward to some great hockey matchups in the playoffs this year, but I know my enjoyment is going to be watered down by the constant fear that: 1) a pivotal moment will be reversed because someone’s airborne toenail was offside 15 seconds prior, or 2) someone sneezed near the crease, which will be judged a crime on even days and every third Thursday unless challenged by the wrong coach on the fifth Monday of Lent.

I’d honestly feel the same if the teams were reversed last night. My sense of foreboding has built all season as I’ve observed the shifting, inconsistent winds and projected out how it’s going to be when the playoffs arrive. But last night set my dread in stone. There’s gonna be a guy who’s butt hovers over the edge of the crease, the goalie initiates contact to push him away, and after he resets, a deflection goes in. How the league calls that scenario with a playoff outcome on the line will either be stupid, or inconsistent...or both.

Islanders News​


Palmieri called it what it was.


Kyle Palmieri was not happy about the no goal call on this sequence in the final seconds of the third period, calling it "fucking embarrassing" in postgame#Isles pic.twitter.com/XkVbI5Zwy8

— Hockey Daily 365 l NHL Highlights & News (@HockeyDaily365) March 25, 2025​
Click to expand...

Palmieri getting the refs attention at the end of the game to clap for them has me dying #isles pic.twitter.com/sl410xCYGR

— Patrick (@Engballs) March 25, 2025​
Click to expand...

Palmieri called no goal call on his potential winner late in the third “fucking embarrassing.” Says he felt like refs couldn’t wait to wave the wave the goal off.

— Andrew Gross (@AGrossNewsday) March 25, 2025​
Click to expand...
  • The Islanders have been fairly reserved about all the stupid-ass, inconsistent goalie interference and non-interference rulings they’ve experienced this season. Monday night, they let loose on the “fucking embarassing,” “afraid” Toronto situation. [Post | Newsday]
  • The main story of the Islanders’ season remains the same: special teams failing them. Whoa, that power play. [Post]
  • Oddly, the NHL’s web story on the shootout did not include Islanders’ reactions to the goalie interference ruling. [NHL]
  • J-G Pageau has stepped up after Brock Nelson’s departure. [Newsday]
  • With Kyle MacLean ill, Adam Boqvist got a second emergency run at forward. “It’s not easy.” It wasn’t only on him, but he was a factor when they were hemmed in for multiple icings leading to the tying goal. [Post]
  • Before Monday’s game, Dan and Mike talked about the points streak and where the hell these guys came from. [Islanders Anxiety]
  • Wade Flaherty recalls giving up Wayne Gretzky’s final goal. Kyle MacLean’s dad was involved, too. [NHL]

Elsewhere​


Only four scores Monday but the relevant ones were unkind, with Columbus and Detroit each picking up two points.

  • Scott Laughton’s transition to the Leafs has not been smooth. [NHL]
  • Glenn Healy is proud of the progress the players alumni association has made in helping players, but a low-key great thing in this story is him calling Western Michigan “day care.” Put that on a recruitment billboard. [NHL]
Click to expand...

Source: https://www.lighthousehockey.com/20...ws-kyle-palmieri-disallowed-goal-blue-jackets
 
Islanders Gameday: Canucks latest desperate team to visit Long Island

New York Islanders v Vancouver Canucks

Bo knows Canucks. | Photo by Derek Cain/Getty Images

Vancouver completes a run of four straight meetings with wild card chasers.

The Islanders host yet another team chasing a wild card spot when the Vancouver Canucks visit Long Island tonight.

Last night, the Western wild card-pursuing St. Louis Blues did the Isles a solid by rattling and destroying the Montreal Canadiens, so it would only be right for the Isles to return the favor by dumping the Canucks in regulation.

Vancouver trails the Blues by five points for the last Western wild card spot, but the Canucks have two games in hand.

Meanwhile, how are the Isles (and Habs) here in the Eastern wild card race? Fellow chasers the Rangers (3-5-2 in their last 10), Blue Jackets (2-7-1), Red Wings (3-7) and Bruins (2-7-1) have all dipped hard.

First Islanders Goal picks go here.

Islanders News​

  • Prospect Report: Calum Ritchie was named Oshawa’s MVP (no surprise), while a couple of NCAA prospects’ teams are still alive. Cameron Berg’s North Dakota is not. [Isles]
  • The Skinny: “The Isles are 4-0-3 in their last seven home games (second-longest point streak in UBS Arena history) and 10-2-3 in their last fifteen home games (which started with a 6-0-0 stretch).” [Isles]
  • As noted yesterday...the Isles were pretty pissed and continually confused about goalie interference. (It seems an overzealous call on the ice ties Toronto’s hands, the way things are currently adjudicated.) [Athletic | Newsday | Post | AM NY]
  • ...but they also know they need to move on quickly from that disappointing loss. Another big meeting tonight. [Post]
  • Adam Boqvist had a nice game at forward against Columbus...keep him there instead of dressing Hudson Fasching? [THN]

Elsewhere​


Lots of relevant results in last night’s scores, including that Habs regulation loss plus the Rangers and Red Wings also losing in regulation. Ottawa lost in regulation too, if you want to put them back in your sights. Also, Winnipeg beat the Caps in OT in the battle of the league leaders.

  • The Capitals signed Jeff Chychrun to an eight-year extension with a $9M AAV. He’s 26 and would’ve been a UFA this offseason. (Implications for Noah Dobson are there, though Dobson is a pending RFA who could bet on himself on a short extension if the two parties don’t work something long term this summer.) [NHL | TSN]
  • The Flyers are in a 1-8-1 tailspin and John Tortorella blames himself for not getting them ready to play out the string: “I’m not really interested in learning how to coach in this type of season where we’re at right now, but I have to do a better job. So this falls on me, getting the team prepared to play the proper way until we get to the end.” [Sportsnet]
  • The Isles have had some come-from-behind OTLs lately, but they have company: Calgary just got their fourth comeback win in a row. [Sportsnet]
  • Barry Trotz reflects on how Nashville’s “fantasy hockey” UFA summer has not panned out. [Athletic]
  • The Oilers have maybe finally found a role for Jeff Skinner, or vice versa. [Sportsnet]
Click to expand...

Source: https://www.lighthousehockey.com/20...ay-canucks-news-goalie-interference-reactions
 
Canucks 5 (EN), Islanders 2: Isles fail to grab playoff spot with loss

Vancouver Canucks v New York Islanders

Photo by Mike Stobe/NHLI via Getty Images

Two nice goals weren’t enough to beat a Canucks team that seemed to have more urgency tonight.

With a chance to grab a playoff spot with a win tonight, the Islanders just couldn’t get it done. It was a weak game for Ilya Sorokin, who let in two soft goals back to back, resulting in Marcus Hogberg coming in for him in relief, but it’s not like the Isles gave much scoring support either. Depth scoring showed up again, with Casey Cizikas and Tony DeAngelo both getting on the board for the Isles, but the big guns couldn’t get past Thatcher Demko.

With the loss tonight, the Isles miss the opportunity to go back into a playoff spot for the first time since November.

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

Well, the Islanders started strong, with Bo Horvat forcing a good save from Thatcher Demko early on. Horvat was visible all period, but couldn’t get on the scoresheet despite additional good chances.

The Isles doubled up the Canucks in shots in the first frame, but things got tougher after that.

Kiefer Sherwood opened the scoring for the Canucks early in the second, and then Horvat was called for tripping.

But on that power play, JG Pageau picked up an errant pass and then got the puck to Casey Cizikas, who wristed it past Demko to tie the game.

Then Elias Pettersson (the defenseman, not the currently injured center) and Anthony Duclair were both called for roughing, leading to a 4 on 4 where Tony DeAngelo gave the Islanders the lead after picking up a loose puck in front of Demko.

Anders Lee nearly had a chance to extend the lead while on a 2 on 1 with Duclair, but Demko made the save.

Then, former Islander and major part of the Horvat trade, Aatu Raty, tied the game at 2, after getting in behind Max Tsyplakov and alone in front of Ilya Sorokin.

With just 20 seconds left in the second, Derek Forbort would give the Canucks the lead on a goal Sorokin probably would want back.

And speaking of goals he would want back, Teddy Blueger scored early in the third to make it 4-2, and so Sorokin was pulled for Marcus Hogberg. The two goals were given up on back to back shots.

Quinn Hughes was called for tripping, but the Isles couldn’t convert on the power play.

JG Pageau took a puck to the face off a Marcus Pettersson shot and didn’t return for the rest of the game. Hopefully he’ll be alright, but it was a scary sight to see him bleeding quite a bit.

The Isles’ best chance of the third was when Pierre Engvall put a shot off the post, but even with a late Pius Suter hooking penalty, giving the Isles a 6 on 4 opportunity with Hogberg pulled for an extra skater, they couldn’t get anything back.

Instead, after the penalty expired, Kiefer Sherwood put the puck into the empty net to make it 5-2 Canucks.

Up Next​


Next, the Islanders will have a few extra days off as they travel to Tampa Bay to take on the Lightning on Saturday afternoon. Depending on how the games go in the interim, it could be another opportunity at a playoff spot.
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Source: https://www.lighthousehockey.com/20...-deangelo-sherwood-demko-raty-forbort-hogberg
 
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