RSS Islanders Team Notes

[New York Islanders]

Islanders News: Training camp roster, weigh in, try out

At long last, training camp is here — and lots of bodies.

Islanders News​

• Here’s the full training camp roster and boy there are a lot of high uni numbers that aren’t just minor leaguers. And a lot of numbers, period: 35 forwards, 18 defensemen, 8 goalies! Where do they fit all those pads? [Isles]
• Looking at potential training camp battles, of which there aren’t many, other than perhaps the extra forward and D, and which regulars line up where. [THN]
• Or putting it another way, 5 questions heading into camp. [Newsday]
• From the golf outing media availability: Actually gonna focus on some special teams this training camp. [Newsday]
• And Andrew Gross answers reader questions heading into camp for the Island Ice podcast. [Newsday]
• Photos from Media Day. [Isles]

Elsewhere​

• Some stories around the league as training camp begins. [NHL]
• And some PTOs, including Milan Lucic trying for one last go after getting sober. [NHL]
• Matthew Tkachuk is expected to be out till December. [NHL]
• Gabriel Landeskog, however, is expected to be ready to resume his comeback. [NHL]
• With Connor McDavid unsigned, Oilers GM Stan Bowman “takes him at his word,” because what else can he do at this point? [NHL]
• McDavid says he’ll know what to do when the time comes, “it’ll be a feeling.” [Sportsnet]
• That’s got Oilers fans in a panic, of course. [Sportsnet]
• Flames captain Mikael Backlund had no hesitation signing on with them for another couple of seasons. [TSN]
• The Utah Mammoth open a state-of-the-art practice facility yada yada, as franchises do. [NHL]

Source: https://www.lighthousehockey.com/is...nders-news-training-camp-roster-special-teams

 

[New York Islanders]

Islanders Training Camp News: First steps

Nothing grand can be read from lines and pairings in the first days of training camp other than coaches’ initial thoughts, but the latter seems to be easing in 18-year-old (as of two weeks ago) Matthew Schaefer by pairing him with third-pair stalwart (and sometimes scratch) Scott Mayfield in a “big brother” kind of role.

• On Schaefer and Mayfield, who calls Schaefer’s first (skating) step “phenomenal.” [Newsday]
• Jonathan Drouin — wearing 29 which will confuse me for quite some time — says it’s an exciting time to join the Islanders, and he heard good things from Beau and Brassard. He’s starting lined up with Bo Horvat and Max Shabanov. [Post | Isles]
• To be clear, Drouin checked with Brock Nelson (his short-term teammate in Colorado) first before taking 29. May he bring more Brock and Kenny to it and less Pandolfo. [Isles]
• Here’s the full lines and pairings from camp’s opening. Commence “I can’t BELIEVE they have that guy next to this guy…” [Isles]
• Correcting the “all healthy but Varly” note from yesterday: Jonathan Drouin had hip surgery and will miss the first few weeks of camp. Man, it’s gonna be uphill for him. [Post]
• And as for Mathew Barzal, returning from his knee cap fracture? Skated well, Patrick Roy was pleased while slotting him between Anders Lee and Kyle Palmieri. [THN]

Elsewhere​

• This will be Anze Kopitar’s 20th and final season. [NHL]
• Kirill Kaprizov says there’s “a lot of time” to work out a deal with the Wild. Oh, between him and McDavid this is going to be a fun season for popcorn munching. [NHL]
• Alex Ovechkin is undecided whether this will be his last season. [NHL]
• Stuart Skinner has a “new physique,” so there’s that. “My body likes me at 215.” [Sportsnet]
• The Smurfs will celebrate 100 years of a complete lack of self-awareness by donning this MS Paint jersey, unveiled by a former Oiler and Canuck. [NHL]
• Speaking of them, Artem Panarin enters his walk year saying “it is what it is.” [TSN]

Source: https://www.lighthousehockey.com/is...nders-training-camp-news-schaefer-first-steps

 

[New York Islanders]

Islanders Preseason Gameday: Special teams practice

The Islanders are on the ice and in uniform tonight for their first preseason game, hosting the Philadelphia Flyers at Belmont. The game will stream on the official website and app.

Islanders News​

• A home-preseason lineup with some of the Isles top players plus some “who’s that again?” guys. [Isles]
• Mat Barzal on returning to center: “like riding a bike.” [Post]
• Big broadcast news, and a natural evolution: Thomas Hickey will become the main TV analyst for most Isles on MSG, with Butch Goring remaining in a reduced role. [Newsday]
• The Isles spent Saturday focusing on special teams. [Isles]
• And in that setting, Tony DeAngelo raved about Matthew Schaefer, who will be in the lineup Sunday night. [THN]
• Also in the lineup: Long Island native Marshall Warren, living the dream. [THN]
• David Rittich likes Long Island (maybe Semyon Varlamov’s health will allow him to stay awhile?). [Isles]

Elsewhere​

• Tonight’s opponent will be in mourning; Flyers great Bernie Parent has died at 80. [NHL]
• Evgeni Malkin has one year left on his contract but would like to stay in Pittsburgh. [NHL]
• One thing about each team as preseason games begin. [TSN]

Source: https://www.lighthousehockey.com/is...ders-preseason-gameday-special-teams-practice

 

[New York Islanders]

Islanders Preseason: Class of 2025 debuts

The Islanders dropped the non-existent extra point in a lengthy shootout defeat to the Philadelphia Flyers Sunday. They’ve got another preseason game Tuesday, against the Devils.

Several picks from this summer’s draft were in the lineup, with Matthew Schaefer playing all phases (and receiving a couple of “Hey rookie, I’m an NHL ref” penalties). But Kashawn Aitcheson left the game and is “day to day” [Newsday] after being taken out by journeyman Noah Juulsen on an open-ice hit that appeared to get his knee:

Here is the hit on Kashawn Aitcheson that knocked him out of the game pic.twitter.com/E9X1S3gGV2

— Rob Taub (@RTaub_) September 22, 2025

• Other takeaways from the preseason opener. [Isles]
• Patrick Roy was impressed with Shaefer. [Post]
• Post-game Video: Marshall Warren on playing, and scoring, in front of friends and family. [Isles]
• More video: Schaefer on his first “game.” Good start, lots to work on, etc. [Isles]

Luca Romano’s shootout move was extra:

TAKE A BOW, LUCA ROMANO pic.twitter.com/jyFKIHqi9D

— NHL (@NHL) September 22, 2025

And here’s Schaefer flashing some serious speed on the backcheck:

Holy shit what a backcheck by Schaefer pic.twitter.com/wKrTr2CxTY

— MF Isles (@MF1sles) September 22, 2025

Elsewhere

• The Hurricanes are holding Jaccob Slavin out for all of camp for “soreness.” The dude probably needs zero preseason, to be fair. [NHL]
• On Bernie Parent and a life well lived, penned by a friend and scribe. [NHL]
• A stalemate in Nashville with RFA Luke Evangelista, who has gone home to continue training. [TSN]
• Anaheim’s Masom McTavish is also at home without a contract. [Fourth Period]

Source: https://www.lighthousehockey.com/is...islanders-preseason-schaefer-aitcheson-debuts

 

[New York Islanders]

Islanders Preseason Gameday: Jersey boys

The Islanders are back in preseason action for Game #2 tonight in New Jersey, where the Hughes brothers are colluding for a long-term family reunion.

Islanders News​

• The Isles returned a trio of prospects to their CHL teams, with Burke Hood, Tomas Poletin and Luca Romano {chef’s kiss} departing to bring the camp roster down to 58. [Isles]
• Jeez, it’s already time for a prospect report. This one involves some kids not at camp. [Isles]
• Here are the Islanders’ goalie masks for the season. Will all of them see game action? [Isles]
• Speaking of which, David Rittich talked about his struggles last season. [Newsday]
• Now you, too, can buy more stuff. For dollars on the penny, no doubt. (However, all proceeds go to their children’s charity, so you can feel better about splurging on that Cizikas game-worn helmet.) [Isles Originals]

Elsewhere​

• Guiding efforts for an expansion return to Arizona is Shane Doan’s wife. [Sportsnet]
• Probably something for your fantasy efforts: Alex Pietrangelo isn’t necessarily done, maybe. [TSN]
• Scott Laughton knows he wasn’t great after going to Toronto from Philadelphia, but an offseason may have helped. Or maybe he just is what many pundits said he was? [Sportsnet]
• Who are the favorites and the dark horses for the Calder Trophy? [Sportsnet]

Source: https://www.lighthousehockey.com/is...42834/islanders-preseason-gameday-jersey-boys

 

[New York Islanders]

Islanders Preseason Gameday: Aww, lookie the Rangers

The Islanders preseason game schedule continues tonight at the World’s Most Self-Congratulatory Arena and a meeting with the Rangers, who have a new coach and captain and are totally, absolutely, determinedly not going to be a little Post’s dream dysfunctional drama this year, they swear.

Islanders News​

• Roster updates: Anders Lee is out a “precautionary” 1-2 weeks, Max Tsyplakov is day-to-day, and Kashawn Aitcheson is headed back to juniors after getting a two-game taste. [Isles]
• Again, Lee will miss 1-2 weeks. [Newsday | Post]
• So it’s not a simulcast: Alan Fuehring gets the radio call. [Newsday]
• Takeaways from the 6-2 preseason loss in Newark: Calum Ritchie was decent. [Isles]
• This is 2025: “Unless injuries force the plan to change, the Islanders’ last couple forward spots will likely come down to a battle between MacLean, Gatcomb, Calum Ritchie and Pierre Engvall.” [Post]
• Cal Clutterbuck and Josh Bailey join the broadcast team to do a Manning-cast style altcast. Fuck, I’m old. [Isles]
• Cal Clutterbuck and Josh Bailey are excited to do a Manning-cast style altcast. [Isles]
• Alex Romanov aims to reward the Isles’ faith in him. [Post]
• It Has Been [97] Days Since The Athletic Covered the Islanders.

Elsewhere​

• Some teams will make the playoffs and some teams will not, and they play 82 games to answer that infinite mystery. [Sportsnet]
• It’s all in the Xhekaj family (and it’s pronounced “Churchman”). [NHL]
• Sigh. Because every prediction must now be a “bold” one. [ESPN]
• Rasmus Andersson is still a Flame. For now? [TSN]

Source: https://www.lighthousehockey.com/is...ders-preseason-injuries-lee-tsyplakov-rangers

 

[New York Islanders]

Islanders Preseason News: Bedeviled again; Duclair, beards return

The Islanders lost twice to the New Jersey Devils in preseason action this week, but a few bright spots included Anthony Duclair making a healthy appearance (and scoring) and Matthew Schaefer continuing to get reps (and assisting on that goal with a heavy volley toward net at 5-on-6).

Islanders News​

• Takeaways from the 4-2 (EN) loss at home to the Devils. [Isles]
• And from the previous night, takeaways from a narrow win over the Rangers, focusing on Calum Ritchie getting reps. [Isles]
• There is a path for Ritchie to the opening roster. [Newsday]
• And Duclair has to prove he’s healthy. [Newsday | Post]
• Schaefer is trying to learn as much as possible before opening night. [THN]
• But the whole squad’s 5-on-5 needs continued focus. [Post]
• At long last, Pat LaFontaine will get his recognition in the Islanders Hall of Fame. [Isles]
• Beards are back. It’s no big deal, of course, but also notable that as soon as Lou is gone the facial hair and locks return in force. [Athletic]
• The Islanders visited the Ryder Cup, which I understand is a thing some people care very much about. [NHL]

Elsewhere​

• The Ducks and RFA Mason Mctavish finally reached an extension, six years and $42 million. “Man, that Pat Verbeek is such a tough negotiator.” [Sportsnet]
• Florida’s threepeat dream faces a huge hill with Matthew Tkachuk already out and now Aleksandar Barkov having ACL and MCL surgery, keeping him out 7-9 months. [Sportsnet]
• Torey Krug knows his career is over due to ankle surgery but the undrafted and undersized D-man is “at peace” with not going out the way he wanted. [Athletic]
• One of many terrible sports uniform developments of the last 30 years was Nike inserting hints of its “swoosh” into designs like the Denver Broncos and San Jose Sharks. Now, somehow, after they finally brought back their original look, that awful Nike-ified Sharks look has become a “heritage” jersey. I am barfing. [NHL]
• The Wild, on the other hand, are flashing back to their original era for their 25th anniversary. [NHL]
• Even more uni news: The Oilers get a “tan”(?). [NHL]
• Tim Stutzle says he has “a big upside” yet to be reached. [Sportsnet]
• Joke of an organization brings back a guy they dumped just to appear in practice. [Sportsnet]

Source: https://www.lighthousehockey.com/is...on-news-bedeviled-again-duclair-beards-return

 

[New York Islanders]

Islanders Preseason Gameday: Cutting down closer to size

The Islanders preseason roster has whittled its way down to just a few extras and likely cuts, and another line shuffle ahead of Monday night’s preseason match with the Rangers in Elmont.

The open questions remain around where or if some newcomers will fit — Max Shabanov, Calum Ritchie, Emil Heineman — and what the opening blueline pairings will be.

Also, a periodic reminder that Marcus Hogberg is still in the fold.

Islanders News​

• New lines for Sunday, with the fifth line a mash of folks. [Isles | THN]
• Previewing tonight (posted before the night’s lineup was). [Isles]
• Here are the nine guys assigned or “loaned” to Bridgeport to get to the current group. [Isles]
• Patrick Roy would like the guys to have fun. [Newsday]
• R.I.P. Ron Waske, trainer during the dynasty era. [Post]

Checking in on Noah Dobson: It’s wild (but not Wild) that his offseason departure fork in the road seemed to come down to Montreal or Columbus, because there could not be two more different landing places, attention-wise. Hence, just two preseason games in you get a few Montreal talking heads (thankfully someone else watched Pierre McGuire so you didn’t have to) wondering about his “compete” in the defensive zone, “lack of intensity” and his lack of “presence” overall. “He should not be making the same defensive mistakes seven years into his career.” [Eyes on Isles]

Elsewhere​

• Why eight Eastern outsiders (even the Sabres!) could return to the playoffs: For the Isles…it’s a healthy Mat Barzal, basically. [NHL]
• League rumblings include Andrei Vasilveskiy still not skating for the Lightning this preseason. [TSN]
• How will the Leafs live without Mitch Marner? [Sportsnet]
• Take a rebound UFA off next summer’s market: The rejuvenated Cam Fowler gets a three-year deal at age 33. [Sportsnet]
• It’s hard to shake the Stench of Ranger: Kaapo Kakko will miss six weeks with a broken hand. [ESPN]
• Almost as if to justify their long-term commitment to him, the Oilers are putting Trent Frederic next to Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. [Sportsnet]
• The Leafs have old friend James Reimer in on a PTO but they also extended Anthony Stolarz for four years. [TSN]
• Marc-Andre Fleury got an emotional sendoff in a preseason shootout with the Penguins. People sure do love that guy, almost as much as Kyle Okposo enjoyed shooting on him. [ESPN]

Source: https://www.lighthousehockey.com/is...preseason-gameday-cutting-down-closer-to-size

 

[New York Islanders]

Islanders Preseason News: Finale

The Islanders have a week before their season opener after closing out the preseason Thursday night in Philadelphia.

Islanders News​

• Max Shabanov — who confirmed that making the NHL was a boyhood dream — is trying to learn English and settle in, and his teammates are trying to help him. [Isles]
• Patrick Roy likes that Shabanov’s trying to learn the Isles’ defensive requirements. It’ll be interesting to see if everything eventually clicks. [Post]
• Thomas Hickey is enjoying his new role as the primary color man. A perfect fit for it, too. [Newsday]
• Jonathan Drouin’s illness absence meant yet another line tweak at Wednesday’s practice. [Isles]
• Roy has seen growth in Isaiah George and likes to have him soaking up experience around the NHLers, which is why he lasted so long in big league camp. [THN]
• David Rittich gets the call as backup over Marcus Hogberg, with Semyon Varlamov’s health still a…will we ever see him suit up again, do you think? [Newsday]
• And finally, the news you’ve been waiting all year for: The Isles have an official HCM partner.

Elsewhere​

• The Devils finally reached a lucrative extension with Luke Hughes. [TSN]
• Kirill Kaprizov’s monster deal could be the sign of a shift toward player leverage, with the cap rising by leaps and top players maybe willing to eat up a higher percentage of a team’s cap. [NHL]
• Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen is not only the thing to say, on a bright Hawaiian Christmas Day, it is also the name of a goalie who just re-tweaked a lower body injury, which is not good for the Sabres. [NHL]
• Connor Ingram has found a new home as the Oilers’ latest wild card attempt in goal. [TSN]
• The Mammoth and Oilers were each happy to help get a fresh start for Ingram, who’s struggled with OCD. [Sportsnet]
• Ol pal Barry Trotz has claimed Tyson Jost off waivers from the Hurricanes. [TSN]
• Erik Johnson has retired and can now crash golf carts full time. (It’s funny and wonderfully petty that the team graphic shows him in all his other team uniforms but hides the logo of their division rival and the team from which they acquired him. That’s good hate.) [Sportsnet]
• Six GMs under pressure heading into the season, including the guy behind the decade-long rebuild in Detroit, the never-ending hamster wheel in Buffalo, and whatever the hell is going on in Pittsburgh. [Sportsnet]

Source: https://www.lighthousehockey.com/islanders-news-headlines/42875/islanders-preseason-news-finale

 

[New York Islanders]

Islanders Preseason News: Duclair, Lee on comeback trail

It’s October! The regular season is near, the roster is all but set.

The Isles lost in overtime in their preseason rematch with the Rangers Monday, but one takeaway was the continued health of Anthony Duclair, who notched his second goal of preseason after a nice hustle and feed from Mathew Barzal.

He’s not likely to receive more of those setups, however; Anders Lee sounds ready to return from injury and reconstitute the combo with Barzal and Kyle Palmieri. The Islanders conclude the preseason game schedule on Thursday in Philadelphia.

Islanders News​

• Duclair said he’s feeling better and better. Patrick Roy and Barzal had praise for him. Roy said he’ll likely play with a mix of players. [Isles]
• Day to day: Some more line mixing with Lee returning. [Isles]
• Takeaways from Monday’s preseason OT loss: Three goals on 19 shots against David Rittich. [Isles]
• That didn’t change the Islanders’ backup-backup goalie plans: Marcus Hogberg was waived, which confirms that the backup role is Rittich’s until he loses it or Semyon Varlamov comes back. [THN]
• As he enters his walk year after watching Brock Nelson do the same, Anders Lee is ready for anything. [Newsday]
• Patrick Roy looked at 2021 playoff film as part of his thought process to move Barzal back to center. [THN]

Elsewhere​

• The Wild upped their offer by $1 million per year — and agreed to a largely signing-bonus based deal — to land Kirill Kaprizov for $17 million annually, $136 million overall. [NHL]
• Kaprizov is worth it, say people who coach and play with Kaprizov. [Athletic]
• His deal begins to reset the UFA market amid a rising salary cap. [Sportsnet]
• The Wild will be without Mats Zuccarello for 7-8 weeks. [NHL]
• The Senators and Canadiens had a good ol’ fashioned preseason slugfest in Quebec. They meet again Saturday. [Sportsnet]
• Despite desires to see a return of the Nordique, it appears the NHL has outgrown any expansion hopes for Quebec City, whose regional population is just over 800,000 and less than Winnipeg. [Athletic]
• Max Pacioretty announces he’s done. [NHL]

Source: https://www.lighthousehockey.com/is...-preseason-news-duclair-lee-on-comeback-trail

 

[New York Islanders]

Islanders Anxiety – Episode 341 – Along for the Ride

Mike and Dan are back to discuss a new Islanders season with a slightly different vibe than other recent campaigns (but no less unpredictable).

After running down some of training camp and the preseason, we get to our biggest fears and worries about this season. From back-up goalie concerns to coaching doubts to the status of the team’s once stout defense, there’s a lot to be bothered by before the games even start. While some think there might be a resurgence, others see a team not good enough to win but not bad enough to win the lottery (even though they just did). It’s an impossible season to predict so we’re keeping our expectations open… until the losses start happening.

We also look at the first two games of the season against division rivals Pittsburgh and Washington. How the Islanders perform in both games will give us a clear indication of how the season is going to play out. Two wins would be huge. Two losses would be crushing. Either way, we’ll look out for the tendencies we should get used to going forward.

We also give more of our annual Oddly Specific Predictions, some of which involve trades, annoyances and possible PTA meetings. We talk a little about a baseball guy who doesn’t watch hockey (big shocker, there) and reflect on 10 years of Islanders Anxiety. We love getting together for these episodes, which are a perfect mix of both of us. And we thank you so much for coming along and joining us, whether you’ve been with us the whole time or tuning in to your first episode right now.

REFERENCES

• Honestly, I probably won’t watch this game, either.

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PLUGS!​

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

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

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Source: https://www.lighthousehockey.com/is...anders-anxiety-episode-341-along-for-the-ride

 

[New York Islanders]

Islanders News: Darche introduces opening roster

Mathieu Darche and the Islanders got a jump on things by unveiling the Islanders’ opening 23-man roster early Monday (the league deadline was 3 p.m.), and Zooming with media to discuss the (largely expected) decisions and look back on training camp.

As Mike and Dan noted in an expansive season-opening Islanders Anxiety podcast (recorded before the roster announcement), one of the few Lou-like remnants is the cagey description of Semyon Varlamov’s situation, which remains “skating on his own” daily — a pretty broad spectrum for a goalie.

Islanders News​

• Officially, here’s the 23-man roster (also pasted below after these Isles bullets). [Isles]
• Here is video embedded into the written “3 Takeaways” highlights of Darche’s presser, highlights snipped in the links below. [Isles]
• Just four 1st overall defensemen “played more than 10 games as 18-year-old rookies: Gord Kluzak (1982), Roman Hamrlik (1992), Aaron Ekblad (2014) and Rasmus Dahlin (2018).” Matthew Schaefer, impressively, will likely be the fifth. [Post | Newsday]
• Mathieu Darche wanted Isaiah George around for all of training camp (including the weekend team bonding outing) but unsurprisingly wants him logging minutes in the AHL rather than sitting as the 7th. [Post | THN]
• Co-owner Jon Ledecky is of course optimistic about the upcoming season. [Newsday]
• Again, they covered a wide range of topics, but the gaping hole/question mark at backup goalie is “horrifying.” [Islanders Anxiety podcast]

Opening Roster (plus IR)​

FORWARDS (14)
Mathew Barzal
Casey Cizikas
Jonathan Drouin
Anthony Duclair
Marc Gatcomb
Emil Heineman
Simon Holmstrom
Bo Horvat
Anders Lee
Kyle MacLean
Jean-Gabriel Pageau
Kyle Palmieri
Max Shabanov
Max Tsyplakov

DEFENSEMEN (7)
Adam Boqvist
Tony DeAngelo
Scott Mayfield
Adam Pelech
Ryan Pulock
Alexander Romanov
Matthew Schaefer

GOALTENDERS (2)
David Rittich
Ilya Sorokin

Additionally, defenseman Isaiah George has been loaned to Bridgeport (AHL). Players on Injured non-roster include Pierre Engvall, Daylan Kuefler, Jesse Nurmi and Calum Ritchie. Ethan Bear and Semyon Varlamov are on Injured Reserve.

Elsewhere​

• Giving the Oilers massive but undeserved cap flexibility, Connor McDavid re-signed for two years at $12.5 million per year. [NHL | Sportsnet]
• The NHL opens tonight with three games on tap. [NHL]
• The Leafs claimed two former Habs off waivers, Sammy Blais and goaltender Cayden Primeau (from the Hurricanes). [Sportsnet]
• But they released James Reimer from his PTO at age 37. [Sportsnet]

Source: https://www.lighthousehockey.com/is...landers-news-darche-introduces-opening-roster

 

[New York Islanders]

Islanders News: Ramping up to the opener

Calum Ritchie’s untimely injury in the preseason finale has Monday’s announcement of the season-opening roster largely set — with Ritchie surely headed to IR — and Casey Cizikas back at center (for now).

The Isles don’t get started until Thursday night in Pittsburgh, but league-wide rosters are due today ahead of Tuesday night’s openers.

I can’t say the Islanders’ lines are inspiring, exactly, but they will be fascinating to watch sink, swim or evolve.

• Ed Westfall’s namesake rink in Calverton was the setting for practice and team bonding, so he was available for media. Having watched franchise defensemen Bobby Orr and Denis Potvin break into the league as his teammates, he feels he knows what Matthew Schaefer is facing. [Newsday]
• On that note, Newsday’s season preview leads with the focus on Schaefer’s development.
• Schaefer earned the invitation to the big kids’ table, er locker room. [Isles]
• The preseason finale saw some highs and lows from special teams, including a costly Schaefer error and a smooth Russian connection. [Isles]
• But Ritchie was hurt, putting his potential debut on hold and maybe clarifying Monday’s decisions. [Newsday | Isles]
• After Ethan Bear was hurt in the previous outing, the Isles signed NHL vet Andrej Sustr to a PTO for Bridgeport. [THN]

Elsewhere​

• The Lightning were hammered by the Panthers and two of their defensemen are facing disciplinary hearings. [NHL] It’s four if you count the fines. [Sportsnet]
• That one also included a rare goal-deletion due to it involving a player who was supposed to be out with a game misconduct. [Sportsnet]
• Matt Grzelcyk was picked up by the Blackhawks, in a very mid-Snow era type of move. [NHL]
• Nine storylines heading into the season, including a lot of salary cap talk. [Sportsnet]
• A season preview/guide for fans who haven’t paid much attention. [ESPN]

Source: https://www.lighthousehockey.com/is...42883/islanders-news-ramping-up-to-the-opener

 

[New York Islanders]

Islanders Gameday: New era opens in Pittsburgh

Thet Islanders kick off the Mathew, Mathieu and Matthew era in Pittsburgh, where the Penguins have their home opener after shutting out the Ranjahs at the Garden in the season opener.

Major changes from last season include switching Mathew Barzal back to center, introducing first-overall pick Matthew Schaefer for his NHL debut (while Noah Dobson does his thing in Montreal), all under the guidance of new GM Mathiu Darche.

Emil Heineman (part of the Dobson trade), Max Shabanov and free agent signing (and new #29 wearer) Jonathan Drouin are the other primary newcomers, while the Isles begin a season without Brock Nelson for the first time since 2013.

Here’s how they’re expected to line up:

Drouin – Horvat – Heineman
Lee – Barzal – Palmieri
Shabanov – Pageau – Holmstrom
Duclair – Cizikas – Tsyplakov
MacLean – Gatcomb

Pelech – Pulock
Romanov – DeAngelo
Schaefer – Mayfield
Boqvist

Sorokin
Rittich

Islanders News​

• Previewing tonight. [Isles]
• Bo Horvat is ready to score, and return to the playoffs. [Newsday]
• New leadership, new additions, new era. [Newsday]
• And other observations from camp. [Isles]
• Drouin feels good chemistry is brewing with Bo Horvat and Heineman. [Post]
• Kyle Palmieri and Ryan Pulock will split the A vacated by Nelson. [THN]

Elsewhere​

• Kyle Connor signs a long-term deal for sub-McDavid AAV in Winnipeg. [Sportsnet]

Source: https://www.lighthousehockey.com/is...islanders-gameday-new-era-opens-in-pittsburgh

 

[New York Islanders]

Penguins 4, Islanders 3: Late loss in Schaefer, Shabanov debuts

The Islanders dropped their season opener in Pittsburgh, losing 4-3 in a back-and-forth affair that featured points for Mathew Schaefer and Max Shabanov in their NHL debuts.

There were some good “well enough to win,” in the parlance of our Patrick Roy times, but also some things that could foreshadow sources of frustration over the next 81 games.

Bright Spots​

• Jonathan Drouin was fairly threatening much of the night, though his goal came on his least-dangerous shot, a flutterer from the slot assisted by Schaefer.
• Schaefer flashed his speed, mobility and instincts in his debut, though he also looked like an 18-year-old figuring out defensive coverage and decision-making. He was out there at the end at 6-on-5 and looked completely comfortable. And he became the youngest ever to record a point in his NHL debut.
• Though he wasn’t especially noticeable, Shabanov’s shot — off a great pass from Simon Holmstrom — was a sharp one that overpowered Tristan Jarry on his first NHL goal.
• Mat Barzal was dynamic in his return to center and return from season-ending injury, though the true test will be the two-way side of that position as he plays away from Bo Horvat. He was 7 for 10 on faceoffs.
• Kyle Palmieri looked still young enough in Game 1, scoring with a nice far-post shot on a good rush and pass from Barzal. He had lots of shots, so he’s in mid-season form.
• Ilya Sorokin was far from perfect, but he had some great saves, which weirdly can also be said of Tristan Jarry.

Dark Spots​

• The Isles were in the box three minutes into the season, and it took 23 seconds for them to concede a goal on that Alex Romanov penalty. They gave up another power play goal in the second, and could’ve easily conceded more.
• And the power play came up empty, too. The 6-on-4 stretch at least created some standard chances.
• If you had to guess from the first game — or really, from a preseason view of this roster — the blueline is going to be their downfall. The blueline bright spot should not be your 18-year-old rookie. But the rest are just guys, each of them a year older.
• None moreso than Scotty Mayfield, who (with Schaefer) was on the ice for all even strength goals for and against, including the game winner with 5:39 left. It was a great bank pass by Evgeni Malkin to spring Justin Brazeau for a breakaway, but Mayfield didn’t anticipate it in time and he doesn’t have the speed to make up for it, even with Brazeau having to take a beat to control the puck between his skates.
• Drouin was ejected with 17 seconds to go after a goalmouth scrum where he delivered a crosscheck to the face. It looked bad, but it was part of a back-and-forth where his last shove went high. Whoops.

Up Next

The Isles’ home opener is Saturday, when they host the Capitals.

Source: https://www.lighthousehockey.com/game-recaps/42897/penguins-vs-islanders-schaefer-shabanov-debuts

 

[New York Islanders]

How to make sure Lighthouse Hockey shows up in your Google search

As many of you are likely aware, Google searches are … different these days.

The good news is Google is offering a solution for folks who like to get their news from specific sources. If you want to help Lighthouse Hockey— while also streamlining all your Google searches — there is now a way.

Simply click on this link and add Lighthouse Hockey as one of your “Source preferences.” That’s all there is to it!

Back in August, the tech giant debuted a feature called “Preferred Sources.” It’s a way for Google to prominently feature the results from websites you trust, like Lighthouse Hockey:

“With the launch of Preferred Sources in the U.S. and India, you can select your favorite sources and stay up to date on the latest content from the sites you follow and subscribe to — whether that’s your favorite sports blog or a local news outlet. …

“When you select your preferred sources, you’ll start to see more of their articles prominently displayed within Top Stories, when those sources have published fresh and relevant content for your search.”

As some of you might know, AI searches are hurting outlets around the world and in all spaces. We’ve worked hard at Lighthouse Hockey to build a brand you can trust and rely on for New York Islanders coverage. Our goal is to serve you, the fans.

If you’re a fan of our work and want to get the best Islanders coverage possible, this is an excellent win-win to improve your Google searches while helping Lighthouse Hockey out.

Source: https://www.lighthousehockey.com/is...hthouse-hockey-shows-up-in-your-google-search

 

[New York Islanders]

Islanders Gameday: Home opener vs. the Capitals

The pomp and circumstance have returned to the fancy arena at Belmont Park as the Islanders prepare for their 2025-26 home opener vs. the Washington Capitals.

First Islanders Goal picks go here.

Islanders News​

• The Isles will be without Jonathan Drouin, who scored a goal and committed a suspension-worthy five-and-game crosscheck to Connor Dewar in the dying seconds of the season opener. That means Anthony Duclair will move up to the Horvat line, while Marc Gatcomb will make his season debut. [Isles | Newsday | Post]
• Pretty special week for the Schaefer family, who watched Matthew make his NHL debut, collect his first point and will see him absorb the love from Long Island fans in the home opener. [Isles]
• The Isles would of course like to establish some home ice advantage at UBS, where they’ve been just so-so. [Newsday]
• Injured Isles Calum Ritchie, Pierre Engvall and Semyon Varlamov each skated yesterday. [Isles]
• It’s a dream come true for new full-time radio play-by-play man Alan Fuehring. [Post]
• Tonight’s opponent’s coach Spencer Carbery calls the current Isles “a much more dynamic team” than past versions. [THN]

Elsewhere​

• The Capitals also lost their opener, misfiring on the power play and being stopped by Jeremy Swayman. [Caps]
• Your guide to all 16 games with all teams in action Saturday. [NHL]
• Another injury blow for the Panthers, whose Dmitry Kulikov may need surgery. [Sportsnet]

Source: https://www.lighthousehockey.com/is...islanders-gameday-home-opener-vs-the-capitals

 

[New York Islanders]

Capitals 4, Islanders 2: Schaefer the lone spark

The relationship has begun.

The Islanders’ home opener was a disappointment, with the team neutralized by the Capitals in the first period, before they made it a little interesting later on in a 4-2 loss.

In what may be a refrain this season, the main bright spot was Matthew Schaefer, who led the team in minutes played by a long margin, displaying a mobility and creativity that is special and rare. This will probably be a frustrating season, or at least a predictable transition season, but it’s also going to be one with glimpses of hope and if Schaefer stays healthy and is able to flash the things he did tonight.

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

His first NHL goal was pure instinct, reading the play, understanding the risks and possibilities, divebombing in from the point to poke a puck home when the play seemed dead.

Matthew Schaefer has arrived, folks. Just 18 years old. #NHLFaceOff

— NHL (Bot) (@notnhl.bsky.social) 2025-10-12T01:34:39.683468Z

Unfortunately, it came after the Islanders were dormant in the first — falling behind 2-0 — and fell behind 4-0 in the second despite showing more signs of life. The next two goals came on bad bounces, a wide shot that deflected toward the net off Scott Mayfield’s knee and a Tony DeAngelo whiff at the point that led to a breakaway (and second) goal for Aliaksei Protas.

Aliaksei Protas is so casual with it on the breakaway #NHLFaceOff

— NHL (Bot) (@notnhl.bsky.social) 2025-10-12T00:47:15.257370Z

But the Isles got one back before the second intermission, an Anthony Duclair power play goal on a nicely run faceoff play. Good for him to get that out of the way.

Then the Isles brought much needed life to the building when Schaefer scored, also on the power play, just 4:28 into the third to cut the deficit to 4-2. The Capitals inexplicably stalled and eventually challenged for a hand pass, while the Long Island faithful chanted “Matth-ew Schae-fer” during the delay. The failed challenge put the Isles and Schaefer back on the power play, where they displayed control but not enough good chances.

They never got another goal to provide another inkling of hope, but the Mat(t)hew Schaefer-Barzal combo at least gave us something to look forward to this season. Schaefer (26:04) and Barzal (21:28) led their respective positions in TOI, with the next closest being Kyle Palmieri (assists on both goals) at 20:41.

Bright Spots​

• The power play, maybe? With Schaefer on it, certainly.
• Schaefer.
• Exchanges between Schaefer and Barzal.
• The relationship you know is coming between Schaefer and fans.
• Schaefer’s dad, who had a long interview with Shannon Hogan at the intermission.

Bleak Spots​

• The slow start. In your home opener.
• The non-Schaefer part of the blueline.
• Ilya Sorokin having to be great, and when he’s not great we have big question marks at backup.

Up Next

It’s an afternoon game Monday as the Winnipeg Jets visit.

Source: https://www.lighthousehockey.com/game-recaps/42910/capitals-4-islanders-2-schaefer-the-lone-spark

 

[New York Islanders]

Islanders Anxiety – Episode 342 – Get Them Schaefer-ized

Mike and Dan recap the Islanders’ first two games of the season, which were mostly bad except for two new guys who were actually trying to win.

We asked them for a couple of wins, something they haven’t started a campaign with in ages. They did not do that, losing in Pittsburgh and against Washington in their home opener. Long stretches of both games featured familiar problems and a general lack of energy, which sapped a lot of the excitement out of what should be an exciting time.

But Matthew Schaefer didn’t get the memo. His performances – especially in Game 2, where he scored his first NHL goal – proved that he is already the team’s best player and biggest reason to watch. He played the game in a way we’ve never seen, streaking down the ice and trying to make something, anything – a goal, a scoring chance, a shift in momentum – happen. While his older, established teammates took one or two periods to get going, the kid who turned 18 three weeks ago was leading the way. That’s fantastic for him and a bad look for everyone else. Shout out to Max Shabanov, the other guy who apparently hasn’t been invited to the Country Club yet.

After talking about the loses and (mostly) Schaefer, we turn to the next few games, all against Canadian teams and all presenting more opportunities for the Islanders to either get right or show they might not have it this season. That might not be a bad thing overall, but it’s going to get very old very quickly.

Finally, we go to our first edition of Master Leaf Theatre this season. It’s earlier than we expected but the passage was too good to pass up.

REFERENCES

• Does this young man look excited that he just scored his first NHL goal?

View Link

• How to Write a Story When the Guy You’re Writing About Won’t Talk to You – by LukeFoxJukeBox.

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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...hem-schaefer-ized-matthew-schaefer-first-goal

 

[New York Islanders]

Islanders Gameday News: Schaefer love, lines remixed

The 0-2 Islanders’ homestand continues tonight (duh, this afternoon) with a visit from the Winnipeg Jets, who’ve opened the season by announcing a long-term extension with one of their franchise players, Kyle Connor, who promptly scored a hat trick in their season-opening loss.

With some line mixups during Saturday’s home opener, no wins yet, and Jonathan Drouin returning from a one-game suspension, Patrick Roy shuffled the lines a bit. Mat Barzal will be playing with a couple of shooters:

Jonathan Drouin – Bo Horvat – Emil Heineman
Anthony Duclair – Mathew Barzal – Kyle Palmieri
Anders Lee – JG Pageau – Max Shabanov
Simon Holmstrom – Casey Cizikas – Max Tsyplakov
Marc Gatcomb – Kyle MacLean – Calum Ritchie

Islanders News​

• All the Sunday practice updates, from the lines to confirming Ilya Sorokin will start. [Isles]
• Some brief reasoning on a few of the new combos. [THN]
• On Matthew Schaefer already stealing our hearts: Neil Best on the Schaefer Show. [Newsday] The love affair has begun. [Athletic]
• On that aspect, as well as Ryan Pulock and Schaefer bonding over common experience of tragic loss as teenagers. [NHL]
• Schaefer hugging and chirping his dad after his first goal. [NHL]
• The Isles are forging new chemistry with Mat Barzal at center. [Post]
• The aesthetics all looked different for the home opener, but the result definitely did not. [Post]

Elsewhere​

After all teams were in action Saturday, just one game Sunday: The Capitals shut out the Smurfs on an Anthony Beauvillier goal.

• Lindy Ruff blasts the Sabres after they open the season 0-2: “Worst compete and skating that I’ve seen.” [Sportsnet]
• Some early overreactions, like Buffalo stinking, Schaefer’s Calder candidacy and Connor Bedard ready to break out. [Sportsnet]
• Ominous news for the Hurricanes as Jaccob Slavin — who was kept out of training camp with an injury — pulls up “gimpy.” [TSN]

Source: https://www.lighthousehockey.com/is...ders-gameday-news-schaefer-love-lines-remixed