RSS Islanders Team Notes

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

— Andrew Gross (@AGrossNewsday) December 14, 2025
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Befitting the day’s honoree, the Islanders’ two goals, and the winning shootout tally, were by their most recent and exciting additions.

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

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

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

— Islanders Videos (@SNY_Islanders) December 13, 2025
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And later, Heineman was the shootout hero with his sizzling shot (Barzal also converted on his attempt).

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

— Rob Taub (@RTaub_) December 13, 2025
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When asking how the Islanders are here, at this point of the season, and with season-ending injuries to Alex Romanov and Kyle Palmieri and with leading scorer Bo Horvat out of the lineup, those three 2025 additions are big part of the answer.

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

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

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

Up Next​


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

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

The next few days are a little lighter, as they travel to face the Red Wings on Tuesday before coming back for a back-to-back Friday with the Hughes-less Canucks and Saturday in Buffalo.
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Source: https://www.lighthousehockey.com/ga...3-lightning-2-so-into-1st-with-an-emil-finish
 
Islanders Anxiety – Episode 351 – A Great Long Island Night

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

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

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

REFERENCES


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PLUGS!​

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Source: https://www.lighthousehockey.com/is...ong-island-night-emil-heineman-pat-lafontaine
 
Islanders & NHL News: LaFontaine, NHL trade reactions

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

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

Islanders News​

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

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

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

— MF Isles (@MF1sles) December 14, 2025
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Elsewhere​


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

  • Quinn Hughes made his Wild debut, received an ovation from fans, scored a goal and said he might like it there. [Sportsnet]
  • The Canucks’ mindset has changed after moving Hughes. They beat Quinn’s former future team in the Devils and will visit the Isles Friday. [Sportsnet]
  • Zeev Buium knows the deal, felt appreciated by the Wild and understands why the just-turned-20-year-old was sent in the deal to get Hughes. [ESPN]
  • Devils, Red Wings, Rangers also reportedly made bids for Hughes. [TSN]
  • Going deeper on some goalie stats comparing Stuart Skinner and Islanders playoff hero Tristan Jarry. [NHL]
  • The Oilers stunk in Calvin Pickard’s latest start, and the backup reflects on losing his tandem-mate (whom the Oilers will face in Pittsburgh on Tuesday). [Sportsnet]
  • Rinse, repeat: Craig Berube calls out Leafs after no-show vs. the Oilers. [Sportsnet]
  • Connor Bedard may be out a bit. [Sportsnet]
  • Emergency backup anthem singer nails it. [NHL]
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Source: https://www.lighthousehockey.com/is...ders-nhl-news-lafontaine-hughes-skinner-jarry
 
Red Wings 3, Islanders 2: DeBrincat scores twice to sink Isles

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

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

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

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

View Link

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

View Link

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

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

Up Next​


Next, the Islanders head back home to UBS Arena to take on the struggling Vancouver Canucks, coming off a 3-0 win against the Rangers.
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Source: https://www.lighthousehockey.com/ga...red-wings-sorokin-debrincat-heineman-mayfield
 
Islanders & NHL News: Points left on the board

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

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

Islanders News​

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

Elsewhere​


Last night’s scores…

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

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

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

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

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

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

“I don’t remember a time throughout that entire game that we weren’t in their end; that’s not good enough,” Rangers center Vincent Trocheck said. “We need to score goals. We ended up with 23 (shots). It’s not 40 shots, but I’d love to see the possession time in zone. I feel like it was the entire game. We have to score goals.”
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  • The Canadiens put Sam Montembeault in the AHL on a conditioning assignment. [Sportsnet]
  • Looking back at the bad and the bad of the Kevyn Adams era in Buffalo. [Sportsnet]
  • Update your fantasies: Connor Bedard will be out a month at least. [NHL]
  • Roster freeze is coming up Friday. A couple of waiver claims of Some Guys by St. Louis and Boston. [TSN]
  • New Sabres GM is focused on character. [AP]
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Source: https://www.lighthousehockey.com/islanders-news-headlines/43546/islanders-mayfield-sorokin-tsyplakov
 
Islanders Gameday: Barzal questionable for midweek in Motown

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

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

First Islanders Goal picks go here.

Islanders News​

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

Elsewhere​


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

  • Also tonight: Stuart Skinner is looking forward to facing his old mates so soon; his first Penguins start will include his old Oilers mask and his old Oilers teammates trying to beat him. [NHL]
  • On the other side, Tristan Jarry is ready for his “weird” homecoming. [NHL]
  • The Sabres finally fired Kevyn Adams, replaced him with GM-in-waiting “senior advisor” Jarmo Kekalainen. [NHL]
  • Darcy Kuemper is on IR. [Sportsnet]
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Source: https://www.lighthousehockey.com/islanders-news-headlines/43534/islanders-gameday-red-wings-barzal
 
Islanders News: Mitchell returned as Isles await Canucks

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

Don’t Avery this up, Isles.

Islanders News​

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

Elsewhere​


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

  • The art of receiving, handling and distributing the puck under pressure on the boards. [Athletic]
  • The ice trucks have arrived in Miami for the Winter Classic. [NHL]
  • Auston Matthews is under increasing scrutiny in Toronto, with the fanbase sure to follow. [Sportsnet]
  • The Penguins are about to escape Fenway. [Sportsnet]
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Source: https://www.lighthousehockey.com/is...ers-news-mitchell-returned-bridgeport-canucks
 
Islanders Gameday: Canuck remnants visit on a high note

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

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

First Islanders Goal picks go here.

Islanders News​

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

Elsewhere​


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

  • Speaking of which…some underlying metrics suggesting the Sabres may be poised for a rebound, even pre-Adams firing. #sellthathope [NHL]
  • They just lost Conor Timmins to a broken leg, however. [ESPN]
  • And Craig Berube sounds at wit’s end to explain his lifeless Leafs. [Sportsnet]
  • 10 questions ahead of Olympic roster reveals. [NHL]
  • Macklin Celebrini took a pass and spun to score and become the fastest Shark to 50 points in a season. [ESPN]
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Source: https://www.lighthousehockey.com/is...-gameday-canuck-remnants-visit-on-a-high-note
 
Canucks 4 (EN), Islanders 1: Nothing doing

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

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

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

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

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

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

Up Next​


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

They’ll still be without Bo Horvat, who Roy confirmed would not make the trip upstate.
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Source: https://www.lighthousehockey.com/game-recaps/43558/canucks-vs-islanders-sherwood-hat-trick
 
Sabres 3*, Islanders 2 (*SO): Isles steal a point late in Buffalo

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Well, despite a sluggish start to the game (or really, sluggish first two periods), the New York Islanders were able to claw their way back into the game, earning a much needed point on the road after a tough game against Vancouver yesterday.

Mat Barzal picked up his 10th of the season late in the second period, and Emil Heineman tied the game on the power play with just 29 seconds left in the game.

But really, David Rittich was the star of the show tonight, making key saves throughout the game that kept the Islanders in it even as the Sabres dominated the game.

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

First Period​


Mat Barzal took a tripping penalty a minute and a half into the game, and just 20 seconds after that, Rasmus Dahlin cut through the defense to make it 1-0 Sabres.

Barzal quickly drew a penalty after, sending Beck Malenstyn to the box, but the Isles couldn’t convert on the man advantage, only picking up some one-and-done chances along the way.

Adam Pelech went to the box shortly after that for a delay of game penalty. It looked like a repeat of the last penalty kill when Josh Norris scored for the Sabres, but the ref waved off the goal due to some pretty clear goaltender interference from Zach Benson. The Isles ultimately killed that penalty.

The Sabres carried even strength play, forcing David Rittich to make good saves on Jack Quinn, Rasmus Dahlin, and Alex Tuch.

Bowen Byram got behind the defense and forced Rittich into another great save.

Tony DeAngelo had a chance for the Islanders late in the period, but Alex Lyon made the save.

Second Period​


Rittich had to keep up his strong play as the Sabres continued to dominate. Eventually, Tage Thompson broke through making it 2-0 on a somewhat controversial goal. It was never clear whether it actually crossed the goal line (although it seems pretty likely it did). Either way, given that it was called a goal on the ice and there was no clear camera angle proving it didn’t cross the goal line, the goal stood (later, the MSG broadcast showed the in-net camera angle that made it clear the puck was across the goal line).

Emil Heineman had some good chances all game, including multiple on a strong shift from his line.

The Sabres hit the post on what looked like the 3-0 goal, and at the end of the period, Mat Barzal became the first Islander to score on Alex Lyon to make it 2-1.

View Link

Third Period​


Pageau went to the box for tripping, and Dahlin hit the crossbar as the Islanders struggled to clear the puck for the duration of the penalty kill.

Scott Mayfield was taken down by Benson when he lost an edge, and then on the same shift, Marshall Warren took a delay of game penalty. This penalty kill was much better than the previous one, with some shorthanded chances for the Isles as they killed it.

With a bit under three minutes left, the Islanders pulled Rittich for an extra skater, and then got a power play when Anders Lee’s stick was slashed. On that power play, Barzal set up Heineman, who finally got his goal tonight after 10(!!!) shots.

View Link

Overtime​


The Islanders had a ton of chances in overtime, and had about 15 seconds of power play time at the very end, which they couldn’t convert on, sending us to a shootout.

In the five round shootout, Barzal scored for the Isles, and Quinn and Norris scored for the Sabres, giving them the win, 3-2.

Up Next​


Next, the Islanders head back to UBS Arena to take on one of their division rivals, the New Jersey Devils. The Devils are one point behind the Islanders with one less game played, so it’ll be an important one in front of the home crowd right before the Christmas break.
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Source: https://www.lighthousehockey.com/ga...abres-barzal-heineman-rittich-dahlin-shootout
 
Islanders Gameday: Rebound in Buffalo; Pilon’s horse business

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With a second consecutive regulation loss last night, the Isles have now dropped back into the wild card positions, though their 41 points would be good enough for first in the Atlantic and has them still in the large Metro pack that is several points behind Metro leader Carolina.

Bo Horvat is still out, and with the back-to-back we’ll wait to see if there are any changes, such as on the third pair.

The Sabres are now just a hair above the conference floor after winning four games in a row, which spans before and after their GM firing/hiring.

First Islanders Goal picks go here.

Islanders News​

  • Last night: Home streak snapped, two-game losing streak begun, “probably our worst night at home all year.” [Newsday | LHH | Post]
  • Previewing tonight, a 5 p.m. start in Buffalo. [Isles]
  • David Rittich, who gets the start today, has proven his worth. [Newsday]
  • Looking at the NHL Edge stats to see if there’s any dropoff in Mat Barzal’s skating post-knee injury. (There isn’t, really.) [THN]
  • Rich Pilon, part of the 1993 team, has a horse-drawn carriage business. You read that right. But more seriously, it’s helping him help others: “Pilon, 57, has been vocal about his struggles with mental health, addictions, and his attempted suicide. Four years ago, he started his own mental health initiative – Horses and Hockey Let’s Talk. He travels to northern communities to support youth mental wellness. He brings his horses and puts on hockey sessions.” [CTV]
  • A Bridgeport check-in: The good and the bad from Friday night. [THN]

Elsewhere​


Last night’s games included the Hurricanes blowing a 3-0 third-period lead but still picking up a regulation point in their shootout loss to the Panthers. And there were some trades before the holiday roster freeze.

  • The Oilers pinned their McDavid Window hopes on an injury-prone goalie with a checkered performance history, and Tristan Jarry is on IR before they could even get back to Edmonton. [Oilers Nation]
  • That and other injuries (Zach Bogosian is still in the league???) in the NHL status report. [NHL]
  • So, heh, could the Oilers make another goalie trade? [Sportsnet]
  • Seth Jarvis flew into the post in overtime and looks like he’ll be out “a while.” Ribs, presumably. Remembering now there was a time when the goal posts were essentially fixed into the ice. [NHL]
  • The Leafs’ continued quest to refind joy in their game. [Sportsnet]
  • Bourne: “It’s impossible to see what the Leafs are trying to do some nights.” [Sportsnet]
  • Montreal made an interesting trade, cap-wise, reacquiring Phillip Danault from the Kings for a 2nd-round pick. [Sportsnet]
  • The Blue Jackets acquired Mason Marchment — who didn’t last long in Seattle — for 2nd- and a 4th-round picks.
Philip Danault, acquired by MTL, is a two-way centre who plays a smart and stabilizing game at both ends of the ice. Is not exactly having the most productive season of his career but his track record is steady. #GoHabsGo pic.twitter.com/meOWgzphsa

— JFresh (@JFreshHockey) December 20, 2025
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Source: https://www.lighthousehockey.com/is...meday-sabres-barzal-skating-rich-pilon-horses
 
Islanders News: Pause before the break

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The Islanders have one more game before the brief Christmas break, Tuesday at home to the Devils. After the Dec. 24-26 break, the schedule gets heavy again with three games in four nights leading into the new year.

The Devils will have Jack Hughes, who returned from injury last night.

For now, the Islanders are in a non-wild card playoff spot, though the Flyers are in action tonight and could leapfrog them with a win.

Islanders News​

  • Takeaways from the shootout loss in Buffalo: Resilient/bounced back from the 0-2 hole, at least. [Isles]
  • A bit there and here from Roy on Barzal stepping up in Bo Horvat’s absence, too. [THN]
  • The Skinny, and how tight is the East: “The Isles are 19-10-4 since they opened 0-3-0; the 42 points since October 16th are the most of any team in the Eastern Conference.” [Isles]
  • What’s behind Emil Heineman’s breakout? (Other than being healthy, not being hit by a car.) He’s focused on all parts of his game, being a 200-foot player, using his strength and good teammates. [Isles video]
  • CBC on the making of Matthew Schaefer:

Elsewhere​


Sunday’s scores included the Sabres continuing their rampage through the metro (and Metro), winning again in New Jersey.

  • The Devils got Jack Hughes back. [Sportsnet]
  • The Leafs also lost again, and are feeling as low as they’ve felt, according to William Nylander. [Sportsnet]
  • The Sabres have added Marc Bergevin to their front office. [TSN]
  • Sidney Crosby scored to pass Mario Lemieux for the most points in Penguins history. [NHL]
Click to expand...

Source: https://www.lighthousehockey.com/is...s/43580/islanders-news-barzal-heineman-hughes
 
Islanders vs. Devils Gameday: Sorokin rested, Hog returns

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David Rittich will get the start as the Islanders host the Devils tonight, but it’s still worth noting a little headline they dropped yesterday: Marcus Hogberg has been recalled from Bridgeport so Ilya Sorokin can get extra rest with the coming winter break and a “small nagging issue.”

Rest up and heal, Ilya, we’re gonna need on the other side of Christmas.

First Islanders Goal picks go here.

Islanders News​

  • The day-to-day, noting the Hogberg/Sorokin news [Isles], as well as Bo Horvat skating but in no-contact jersey.
  • Those Horvat and Sorokin updates in Newsday and the Post as well.
  • A wee line remix after three games without a win. [THN]
  • Dan and Mike talk about the annoying dip in form, and the Newsday article and reaction about reaching/growing the Isles fanbase. [Islanders Anxiety podcast]
  • Another version of the “Barzal stepping up in Horvat’s absence” storyline. [Post]
  • Prospect Report: Both top picks from the summer make their country’s respective WJC teams, meanwhile Luca Romano keeps pumping in goals. [Isles]
  • With season-long injuries, Isles’ trade needs are clear, but it’s complicated. [Po$t +]

Elsewhere​


Yesterday’s smaller slate of games included the Flyers winning to leap the Islanders (and Capitals) in the standings, and Columbus collecting a win while remaining in the Eastern basement.

  • Injury updates: Tristan Jarry will be “a couple of weeks” (this time), while the Hurricanes will be without Seth Jarvis “week to week,” which is also the updated estimate now for Jaccob [sic] Slavin. [NHL]
  • That’ll fix it: The Leafs fired PP coach Dr. Marc Savard. [Sportsnet]
  • After mental health battles, Connor Ingram is grateful for another NHL chance with the Oilers. [NHL]
  • The ECHL’s players union will go on strike Friday if an agreement isn’t reached. [Sportsnet]
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Source: https://www.lighthousehockey.com/is...slanders-vs-devils-news-sorokin-horvat-barzal
 
Islanders Anxiety – Episode 352 – A Revolting Display of Almost Hockey

Islanders_Anxiety_Art___2023.jpg


Mike and Dan lament the Islanders three loses last week and how poorly they looked through most of them, before discussing a recent article about growing the team’s fanbase.

Losing three games because one of your best players is hurt is one thing. Looking like you forgot how to play hockey is something entirely different. That was how the Islanders’ week went, with seven plus periods of chasing other teams around the ice and generally looking sloppy, slow and tired. They salvaged half of one game and got a point, and the standings didn’t totally get away from them, but they’ll need better performances from a lot of players down the lineup if they’re going to right their course. That starts with three games against division rivals this week and whether they have Bo Horvat back or not.

In the second half, we also have a lengthy discussion about a Newsday article in which the team’s head of business operations Kelly Cheeseman talks about their plans for expanding the team’s customer base. It’s a lot of marketing speak that, while perhaps technically true, seems to be disconnected from the actual fans they’re trying to reach. Islanders fans are a unique group, and understanding how the existing fan thinks would be a great first step in getting new fans to sign up.

Finally, we have a good laugh at the New York Rangers MSG broadcast, which didn’t show the in-arena tribute videos for Chris Kreider and Jakob Trouba to home audiences. That’s some bush league stuff from a world class grudge holder, but let’s hear from Rangers fans about how they feel (Example: “Had to get in their fan duel commercials.”).

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. Try a free 7-Day trial of our Country Club tier to sample what we offer.

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:

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Source: https://www.lighthousehockey.com/is...st-hockey-cheeseman-newsday-krieder-video-msg
 
Islanders 2, Devils 1: Late Pelech goal starts break on a high

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The Islanders and Devils entered the Christmas break with a tight, cagey match that Adam Pelech tipped in the Isles’ favor with a tiebreaking goal with 1:15 left in regulation.

There were no penalties as the refs put their whistles away, which may have favored the Islanders at the pivotal moment: on another night, you could totally see Scott Mayfield receiving a tripping call as he battled in the left corner of the Isles zone on the change of possession that led to Pelech’s winning goal.

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

That sequence started with a near-odd-man rush where Anders Lee set up Simon Holmstrom, who shot wide. An alert Pelech pinched in to fire the puck after it caromed off the end boards, catching Jacob Markstrom by surprise.

ADAM PELECH LATE IN THE THIRD!! 😱

The @NYIslanders have the lead! pic.twitter.com/TjoA0HgJup

— NHL (@NHL) December 24, 2025
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Both Markstrom and David Rittich had solid games when called upon, as the Isles had long stretches of really strong play and forechecking interrupted by dangerous counterattacks from New Jersey.

Rittich received the first star and got the chance to greet Isles fans via Shannon Hogan. One of his best moments was stopping a third-period breakaway that led to him losing a skate blade and sledding himself to the bench on one skate like he’s done it before.

His counterpart was not so graceful on the other Isles goal. Markstrom had trouble playing the puck all night, and that proved costly in the second period when he vacated his net and delivered the puck to Simon Holmstrom, who easily put it in the empty net to tie it at 1-1.

Though that tying goal came on a gift, it felt earned as the second period was by far the Islanders’ best. In the third, while the Isles had several stretches of sustained possession, they didn’t generate the scary chances the Devils did to earn Rittich the game honors.

For Rittich, it’s another big moment as he had consecutive starts for the first time with the Islanders. It cannot be overstated how important his performance has been in providing consistent, solid backup play to allow Ilya Sorokin rest — particularly for situations like now, when Sorokin is trying to rest a nagging injury.

In other notes: Cal Ritchie had an injury scare when he left the ice after a hit, but he was back and performed fine. Also, the club noted this was just the seventh time in franchise history they played a game where neither team was penalized. Merry Christmas, cretins.

Adam Pelech currently ranks as the best defensive defenceman in hockey at 5v5. #Isleshttps://t.co/uJ8kmZo24f https://t.co/gq7tiT77MJ pic.twitter.com/0uzGvC0rQX

— JFresh (@JFreshHockey) December 22, 2025
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Up Next​


The whole league is now off for three days, and the Islanders return to action on Saturday when they host the Rangers.

With the win, the Islanders climb back into third in the Metro and put three points between them and the Devils.
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Source: https://www.lighthousehockey.com/ga...ils-1-late-pelech-goal-starts-break-on-a-high
 
Weird Islanders: The Podcast! – Episode 77 – Parker Wotherspoon and Dmytro Timashov (with guest Matthew Strauss)

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Joined by friend Matt Strauss, we remember two modern Weird Islanders who felt like they were around more than they actually were; Parker Wotherspoon because of his many years in the AHL and Dmytro Timashov because of how he came to the Islanders.

Parker Wotherspoon is not an exciting player. As a defensive defenseman, his value is in doing his job effectively and without notice. After almost 300 games in the minors, he finally got a chance in NHL and got to play in his hometown, where picked up his only point with the Islanders before was sent back down again. But he emerged the next season – and is currently – giving other teams the kind of defensive stability the Islanders, frankly, could use a little of right now. We recount his short time in blue-and-orange and the few memorable moments he had.

Dmytro Timashov was an exciting player – for a moment, at least, and in a city that makes a big deal out of any tiny thing that seems to have some kind of juice. But his Islanders tenure was even shorter than Wotherspoon’s, and whatever we thought he would be, he wasn’t. What he lacked in longevity, Timashov made up for in bizarreness, so at least we have that.

We thank Matt again for coming on and picking two great current Weird Islanders. Check out the Weird Islanders Extra! bonus episode at our Patreon to hear more about Matt’s work at Pitchfork and our debate on the Islanders goal song.

WEIRD BONUS MATERIAL

  • After 293 games in their AHL system, Wotherspoon finally got a chance to play for the Islanders against his boyhood team in Vancouver. Lots of cute pictures. He also scored his only Islanders point in this game! A secondary assist on a Casey Cizikas goal.
  • It’s paywalled, but here’s the lead to a Boston Globe article about Wotherspoon: “No matter the assignment, defense partner, or dance partner, the first-year Bruin has proven he is a player his teammates — and the coaching staff — can depend on.” Okay then.
  • Wotherspoon finally got an NHL goal as a member of the Bruins last season against the Lightning.
  • Here’s another glowing article from the Boston Herald.
  • This possibly AI-written article wraps up Wotherspoon’s time with the Bruins. As a depth defenseman, he had a quality 2023-24 and a disappointing 2024-25.
  • Penguins fans were… underwhelmed by his signing with their team this offseason. (But Pens fan JFresh seems optimistic!)
  • One thing we can say Parker Wotherspoon is good at: naming European nations.
  • We’re sure Leafs fans were rational and level-headed when Timashov scored his first career goal against the Bruins.
  • This about sums up the very bizarre Dymtro Timashov Islanders experience.
  • Ranked No. 19 in The Athletic’s 2019 prospects rankings. Amusingly above actual NHLers Mason Marchment (No. 24) and Pontus Holmberg (No. 25), and well below Freeport native Jeremy Bracco (No. 2) and Pierre Engvall (No. 9).

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.

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


Visit our friends!

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

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:

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Source: https://www.lighthousehockey.com/ny...v-guest-matthew-strauss-bruins-leafs-penguins
 
Islanders News: Having the Rangers for dinner

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The Islanders and 25 other teams across the NHL return to action today and tonight (6 p.m. start for the Isles) as the league emerges from the holiday break, welcomed by a blanket of snow.

It wouldn’t be the holidays without at least one visit from your awkward, overbearing relatives with an inflated sense of self-importance and ugly outfit. Fitting, thenm that tonight’s visitors are the Rangers, who are just two points behind in the ever-tight Metro Division. The pre-break regulation win over the Devils — thanks to Adam Pelech’s late GWG — added two points to their ledger and none for the Devils, creating a three-point gap there. It looks like the standings are going to be an up-and-down theater all season long, but if things concluded today the Islanders would open the playoffs as the road team against the Flyers.

And yet, both teams (and the Rangers, too, currently just outside the wild card) could very easily miss the playoffs when it’s all said and done.

First Islanders Goal picks go here.

Islanders News​

  • Previewing tonight: Ilya Sorokin is expected to be available, but we’ll probably hear more this morning. [Isles]
  • There should be no shortage of motivation for the Isles coming out of the break and hosting the Smurfs. [Newsday]
  • And this WWII vet — the excessive C in his name must be for captaincy — a 104-year-old saxophonist and immigrant, will perform the national anthem today. [Newsday | Post]
  • With five Islanders in this year’s WJC, some active Islanders reflect on their experience in the annual holiday-bridging tournament. [Isles]
  • Speaking of which, goals in the WJC openers for Tomas Poletin (Czechia), Cole Eiserman (USA) and Victor Eklund (Sweden). [THN]
  • WJC roundup: Poletin scored twice for the Czechs, but they fell to Canada, 7-5. [NHL]
  • Meanwhile, these Islanders are in the conversation for their countries’ Olympic teams. [Post]
  • The latest Weird Islanders covers a Snow draftee who has finally become a depended-upon NHL regular (for other teams) after nearly 300 games in the minors, plus a Ukrainian waiver claim who was a mirage. [Weird Islanders podcast]
  • Marshall Warren enjoyed finally getting to play for the Isles on Long Island. [Post]
Some better looks at the Cole Eiserman goal🚨#Isles pic.twitter.com/Lh6cNaFJjS

— The Elmonters (@TheElmonters) December 27, 2025
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Elsewhere​


No games over the three-day break, but 13 on the docket tonight.

  • Here’s a WJC guide of teams and players to watch. [ESPN]
  • The ECHL players went on strike. [Sportsnet]
  • After firing Marc Savard, the Leafs have added Steve Sullivan as an assistant. He had been working with their AHL team. [Sportsnet]
  • They’ll also finally get Chris Tanev back, someon they sorely missed. [TSN]
  • Marc-Andre Fleury may not be done after all. [Sportsnet]
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Source: https://www.lighthousehockey.com/is...s/43603/islanders-news-rangers-anthem-sorokin
 
Islanders 2, Rangers 0 (EN): Rittich shuts down the Rangers

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Well, that was fun (and stressful!)

Thanks to an early goal by Anders Lee, the New York Islanders maintained a lead essentially all game, despite some scary moments and frankly pretty sloppy play against the New York Rangers.

Of course, holding on to that lead wouldn’t have been possible without incredible play by David Rittich, who turned away all 26 shots taken by the Rangers, including a penalty shot. He really earned his shutout; lots of those saves were tough ones, and he was key during the late 6 on 4 and 6 on 5 opportunities for the Rangers.

The power play really was atrocious tonight, going 0 for 5 and giving up a penalty shot. It’s hard to pinpoint one specific issue, but it seems like they’re way too preoccupied looking for perfect chances, and there’s also a few too many passers on PP1. It definitely looked stronger with Emil Heineman replacing Jonathan Drouin (who has been pretty mediocre overall, it must be said), but still, it’s pretty terrible to go 0 for 5 on the power play in any game, especially a rivalry one you’d like to put away.

But still, the Islanders pulled it out thanks to Rittich and the penalty kill, and Simon Holmstrom made sure we’d have nothing to worry about in the last 16 seconds of the game, giving fans one more goal to cheer about and sending Rangers fans home unhappy.

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

First Period​


Less than a minute in, Anders Lee put the puck past Igor Shesterkin to give the Islanders the lead.

View Link

Then, Mat Barzal had a good chance, but Vladislav Gavrikov took him out, earning himself a tripping penalty, but the Rangers killed that.

Marshall Warren hit the post, Scott Mayfield had a shot tipped on goal, but Shesterkin made the save.

David Rittich made a big save on Will Cuylle on a 2 on 1, which was the first shot for the Rangers after 12 minutes of play.

Casey Cizikas had a chance saved on a partial breakaway, and Shesterkin also made saves against Tony DeAngelo and Max Shabanov on the same shift.

Second Period​


Shesterkin and Rittich exchanged saves, and then Alexis Lafreniere was called for holding Jonathan Drouin. Bo Horvat had a shot saved and Simon Holmstrom put a great chance wide, and the Rangers killed the penalty.

Rittich made saves on Artemi Panarin and Vincent Trocheck, and then Shabanov drew a penalty on Braden Schneider, who tripped Shabanov into Shesterkin. Shesterkin was down for a while but stayed in the game, and the Islanders went to the power play.

On that power play, Shesterkin saved Drouin’s one timer, and the Rangers killed the penalty.

Then, Adam Pelech was called for interference, sending the Isles to the penalty kill. Cuylle had a shot hit the bar and post, and it was called a goal but clearly never crossed the line, and the Islanders got the kill.

Barzal took a hit with some head contact from Cuylle as he was turning on his skates. He went down the tunnel with two seconds left in the period, despite the Isles icing the puck.

Third Period​


Barzal was back for the third, looking fine, so it was likely for precautionary purposes that he was pulled from the second period.

Rittich made a good save on Panarin on a 2 on 1, and also saved an attempt by Lafreniere, while Drouin had a backhand saved by Shesterkin.

Noah Laba and Tony DeAngelo both went to the box, for tripping and interference respectively, giving us some 4 on 4 hockey.

On that 4 on 4, Mayfield put a shot off the post, Matthew Schaefer had a shot saved, and a Barzal backhand was also saved after a strong backcheck from Simon Holmstrom set him up.

After the 4 on 4, Cuylle ran into Rittich behind the net, and the Islanders went to the power play as he was called for goaltender interference. On this power play, Emil Heineman replaced Drouin on PP1 and had some good looks, but then Cal Ritchie slashed Carson Soucy on a shorthanded break, and Soucy earned a penalty shot.

Rittich saved that penalty shot, and the power play continued, but the Isles couldn’t convert. They soon had another power play chance, when Trocheck took a holding penalty, but they couldn’t score on that one, either.

Then, Ritchie was called for tripping, and the Islanders killed that penalty, only for Bo Horvat to be called for tripping as well, just about 10 seconds after the kill.

The Rangers pulled Shesterkin with 2 minutes left in the period and about a minute left on their power play for a 6 on 4, but the Islanders, largely thanks to Rittich and some crafty work by JG Pageau, killed the penalty and stopped the Rangers’ chances on the 6 on 5.

Simon Holmstrom shot the puck into the empty net with 16 seconds left, closing out the Islanders’ 2-0 win with a late goal to match Lee’s early one.

View Link

Up Next​


Next, the Islanders face another division rival, heading to Columbus to take on the Blue Jackets tomorrow at 5pm EST. Assuming the team sticks to the plan they announced, Rittich will play again given Ilya Sorokin’s injury.
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Source: https://www.lighthousehockey.com/ga...ders-vs-rangers-rittich-shutout-lee-holmstrom
 
Blue Jackets 4 (EN), Islanders 2: Out of gas after Barzal ejected

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Playing twice in less than 24 hours (great job, schedule makers), the Islanders had far from their best but nearly pulled out a point or two before falling late to the Blue Jackets in Columbus, 4-2.

The Isles held a slim 2-1 lead till the final five minutes, when a fortunate deflection canceled several previous game savers by David Rittich, who handled both starts on this traveling back-to-back. But it was always going to by the skin of their teeth if they were going to scrape anything from this.

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

They got their 2-1 lead after killing off a 4-on-3 and a five-minute major when Mat Barzal was ejected just 22 minutes into the game for a righteous yet still harmless slash at the foot of Mason Marchment, who took several runs at Matthew Schaefer in the first and second periods.

For a longtime NHL fan, it’s truly something to see Marchment go after one of the game’s brightest young stars, as his father was among the unquestionably dirtiest players of his era, regularly delivering knee-on-knee hits and elbows to the head, more than once causing long-term injury, garnering 13 suspensions. The younger fella’s career has also been marked by shady incidents across his five teams. (“The douche does not fall far from the bag,” is I believe how the saying goes.)

Just before this sequence, Marchment tried to take out Schaefer with a high “oh, I’m trying to get out of the way” hit long after he’d released the puck, then he circled around and tried it again.

Mathew Barzal doesn't have time for "Mason Marchment."

Glad Matthew Schaefer is okay. #Isles pic.twitter.com/BtmcDb4It2

— Isles Den (@IslesDen) December 28, 2025
Click to expand...

Somehow, miraculously, Marchment was able to continue on.

Alas, although Bo Horvat gave the Isles the lead not long after the post-Marchment dust and penalties settled, the Islanders looked out of gas in the third and were punished for trying to hang on for the entire frame. This after their start to the game was even more lifeless, with Patrick Roy ranting during a TV timeout as they trailed 1-0 in goals and 9-1 in shots midway through the first period.

After the eventful second period and a little too much passivity int he third, Columbus finally tied it when Ivan Provorov’s hopeful volley from the point found its way in off a body at 15:27. Then just over a minute later came the go-ahead, after Kirill Marchenko backhanded through a screen on the rush and the shot tricked Rittich to go off his body and in, short-side.

It was a tough result for Rittich, who logged a lot of miles in 24 hours. It was a script flip for this fixture after the Islanders stunned the Blue Jackets late to take a regulation game on Long Island in November. But it was ultimately a pretty fair result for the quality of performance from both sides, Marchment’s nature-or-nurture? shenanigans notwithstanding.

Other Notes​

  • Anthony Duclair was one of the few who had life and jump throughout the game — though he should, after being scratched last night. He generated a few chances by using speed to create separation, a welcome sight.
  • The first Columbus goal was completely avoidable, following the teams trading chances and structure getting lax. Tony DeAngelo was deep in the Columbus zone with no one covering, leaving Adam Pelech in no man’s land as Marchenko got behind him for his first of two goals.
  • At least the penalty kill was a bright spot, killing off several chances, though Rittich of course played a huge part in that.

Up Next​


This short road trip continues Tuesday in Chicago.
Click to expand...

Source: https://www.lighthousehockey.com/ga...s-barzal-schaefer-marchment-rittich-marchenko
 
Islanders Anxiety – Episode 353 – High Road Week

Islanders_Anxiety_Art___2023.jpg


Mike and Dan look back at a week that was great for the Islanders until it wasn’t, and an annoying week ahead.

With wins over the Devils and Rangers on either side of the Christmas break, the Islanders gave their fans a great holiday. Whether it was a surprise game-winning goal from Adam Pelech or an incredible performance by David Rittich against a team of scumbags and nobodies, there was a lot to like. Sunday’s game in Columbus looked as if it might be another reason to smile but in a one-minute-plus span in the third period, those feelings got wiped away. The Islanders ran out of gas and missed out on two points, but we award Rittich with a brand new weekly prize for his efforts.

The upcoming week features two winnable games against wounded Western Conference opponents and another meeting with the hated Maple Leafs at UBS Arena. This one is going to be more annoying than usual as it’s the first meeting of the last two Islanders to be drafted first overall. But while John Tavares does his usual classy thing and gets fawned over by The Weirdest Media Circus in All of Sports, Matthew Schaefer might be coming face-to-face with his past as a Leafs fan. We can only hope that someone (ahem… Matt Martin?) teaches him about the significance of these games for Islanders Fans. We bring forth a brand new Master Leaf Theatre to remind us that things are different up there.

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. Try a free 7-Day trial of our Country Club tier to sample what we offer.

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/is...-high-road-week-rittich-rangers-shutout-leafs
 
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