Isles Buzz

Mike and Dan ramble and rant about a range of NHL topics, from strange playoff bedfellows to prospect coverage to old guy veneration. With the Islanders' offseason in a holding pattern, the hosts are forced to face a corporate-backed rival fanbase that only emerges when certain special conditions are met, and to rely on previous enemy teams to come through for them. Making matters worse is that the solid ice the Islanders once skated on has cracked and left everyone feeling uneasy. In the second half, they discuss a few Islanders players getting a chance at the World Hockey Championships and how they might impact next season, either on the roster or as trade fodder. They also look at how their shallow prospect pool is all but ignored and how not all beloved veteran bargain free agents are created equal. Remember: some articles aren't worth getting mad about. *-note that this episode was recorded prior to Game 7 between the Rangers and Hurricanes. Visit our friends: Vintage Ice Hockey for t-shirts, hoodies a

They talk about the comical contract signed on a day of high tension among Islanders fans and how Filppula found instant chemistry with another newcomer, Leo Komarov, on a team that was more successful than any fan ever dreamed it would be. They also recap a couple of highlight reel goals that show that the center was more than just the bad underlying numbers he had two years prior. But then the biggest plot twist imaginable happened when Filppula left to return to his original team and the Islanders had to scramble to replace a guy who had arrived in a flash. Of course, no tribute to “Weird Frans” would be complete without a discussion of the beloved Islander he most closely resembled on the ice, and how they formed a friendship after they both left the team. Visit our friends: Vintage Ice Hockey for t-shirts, hoodies and mugs with hundreds of classic hockey logos, and our Al Arbour shirts which benefit dementia research. Use the code LIGHTHOUSE15 to save 15%. Betway, the official betting partner of the

Along with Desmond Zantua of the Through the Island podcast, Mike and Dan talk about five import players who didn't want to become Islanders. Some stayed a little while, some longer and one not at all. Alexander Karpovtsev and Richard Zednik were traded to Islanders playoff teams and left almost as quickly as they arrived. But they made enough of an impression that real heads couldn't forget them. Lubomir Visnovsky and Evgeni Nabokov fought tooth and nail legally to keep from coming to Long Island, only to sign on for more and become fan favorites. Yes, we bent the podcast's rules a little but for “The Silver Fox” and “The Professor,” we’ll do just about anything. And our final subject was able to successfully dodge the Islanders' grip altogether, which worked out just fine for everyone except the Sabres. Along the way there are legendary rants, mysterious absences and an entire rock band of Weird Islanders. Check out Desmond's Through the Island podcast wherever you get your 'pods.. Visit our friends: Vint

Mike and Dan examine the Islanders naming Lane Lambert head coach and some big stories from the first round of the playoffs before answering listener questions. Over almost two full hours, they look at the pros, cons and (mostly) unknowns of elevating the long time assistant coach to the big chair and what it might mean for the players who were looking for a "new voice," according to GM Lou Lamoriello. After that, they look at the winners and losers of the first round including two very high profile teams that can't seem to win four measly games when it counts and one that apparently also plays in a different reality altogether. The second half is dedicated to many great questions sent in by listeners, covering everything from trades and free agents to tears of joy and hot dogs. Thanks to everyone who sent in questions. Maybe the next one will happen before another 202 episodes. Visit our friends: Vintage Ice Hockey for t-shirts, hoodies and mugs with hundreds of classic hockey logos, and our Al Arbour shir

Mike and Dan attempt to process the news of the Islanders firing Barry Trotz, the coach with the tightest connection to the Islanders fanbase. They talk about how they felt when the news came out, what additional information came to light later, and what it might mean for the future of the franchise. They look at some possible silver linings and potential positives, while still being sad that Trotz won't be on the Island to enjoy it. They also throw in some rants about the reactions to the firing outside of Islanders circles, and how people who complained about Trotz's tenure with the Islanders are now hoping he'll come to coach another team that's not the Islanders. Sure, guys. Visit our friends: Vintage Ice Hockey for t-shirts, hoodies and mugs with hundreds of classic hockey logos, and our Al Arbour shirts which benefit dementia research. Use the code LIGHTHOUSE15 to save 15%. Betway, the official betting partner of the NHL. The Pinot Project has Pinot Noir, Pinot Grigio and Rose all under $15. Avail

In their 200th episode, Mike and Dan reflect on the Islanders season, the exit interviews of the players and their unique brand of interaction with listeners. They quickly recap the last two weeks of games, which include good performances, bad performances, games with a mix of both and one memorable (and possibly final) game for a legend. They also react to the players' final interviews and the introspective things they said about their individual seasons, the team's lack of production on the ice and their futures with the team. Finally, they look back on 200 episodes and all of the ups, downs and in-betweens they've seen over that time. They also promote an idea for their next episode, recording in two weeks. Thanks to all our listeners, whether you've made it through all 200 episodes or are just experiencing true Islanders offseason anxiety for the first time. Visit our friends: Vintage Ice Hockey for t-shirts, hoodies and mugs with hundreds of classic hockey logos, and our Al Arbour shirts which benefit

NOTE: This is the first episode of second season of Islanders Award Winners. The rest of the episodes will publish later this year. In 1975, the Islanders had made an improbable run to the NHL semifinals in just their third season. A year later, a 19-year-old kid from a farm in Saskatchewan would make sure that run was no fluke. Little about Bryan Trottier’s incredible rookie year makes sense in modern times. A unique underage draft, a boy so humble and quiet he barely said a word all season, an instant No. 1 center who started his career with a hat trick in a five point game in his first appearance at his home arena. Trottier would score throughout the season, finishing with record numbers and helping the Islanders establish themselves as one of the best NHL teams of the mid-70’s. It wasn’t long before he established himself as one of the very best players in the sport... even if you’d never, ever hear him say so. This episode will cover Trottier’s entire Rookie-of-the-Year season, from his background and dr

One Weird Islander story wouldn't be enough for Arthur Staple of The Athletic, who saw countless players come and go in his almost 15 years of covering the team. Along with Dan and Mike, Staple takes us through an entire starting lineup of guys who spent less than 20 games in the blue-and-orange but who all took their own unique paths to and from Long Island. We cover surprise NCAA catch Kevin Czuczman, deadline acquisition Tyler Kennedy, high-draft-pick-turned-sell-high-trade-chip Griffin Reinhart and many, many more. Although they weren't Islanders for long, the players on Staple's Starting Six experienced just about everything; from massive brawls and crazed playoff games, to dramatic trades and evenings with porn stars. Visit our friends: Vintage Ice Hockey for t-shirts, hoodies and mugs with hundreds of classic hockey logos, and our Al Arbour shirts which benefit dementia research. Use the code LIGHTHOUSE15 to save 15%. Betway, the official betting partner of the NHL. The Pinot Project has Pinot No

Mike and Dan talk about Ilya Sorokin's extraordinary week and pay tribute to the career and impact of Islanders legend Mike Bossy. Although the team was finally eliminated from playoff contention with a loss in Toronto, the Islanders' young goalie made a name for himself with three great performances including a 44-save shutout in Montreal that stole the spotlight from returning Habs hero Carey Price. They compare Sorokin to Islanders goalies of the past, and look at a few more positives fans can latch on to In a season categorized by a sick cosmic sense of humor. The second half is dedicated to the passing of Mike Bossy, whose career and unbelievable legacy make him a true superhero of the sport and for this very weird and often overlooked franchise. Despite all of his incredible skill and uniqueness, Bossy was always as approachable as other dynasty greats, and his pull was so magnetic that he was able to create an enclave of Islanders fans in a far off place all by himself. The loss of Bossy is another gut

Mike and Dan look at one satisfying win and two hugely disappointing losses for the Islanders, who have a zombie three weeks ahead of them for the first time in three seasons. The talk about losses to the Stars and Blues that had the hallmarks of the cursed early season Islanders and a win against the Hurricanes that not only served some karmic justice in the moment but also screwed two other teams (however temporarily) in the process. Later, they discuss how to deal with an end-of-season slog when your team isn't going to the playoffs, a once-familiar feeling they had been able to avoid for a while. Along the way they compare broadcast homers, offer solutions to help Mat Barzal find his best self and do their best to avoid some already beaten-to-death NHL storylines. Visit our friends: Vintage Ice Hockey for t-shirts, hoodies and mugs with hundreds of classic hockey logos, and our Al Arbour shirts which benefit dementia research. Use the code LIGHTHOUSE15 to save 15%. Betway, the official betting partner

Dan and former AHL reporter Bob Dittmeier reminisce about the Capital District Islanders, the New York Islanders’ upstate-based farm team from the early ‘90s and players like Graeme Townshend, Greg Parks, Jamie McLennan and more. Bob takes us through the Capital District Islanders' unique founding (that eerily mirrored its parent club's), and talks about some of the players he covered that would go on to be short time NHLers. From Townshend's intelligence and scary injury that inadvertently caused an entire other franchise to fold, to younger versions of Dean Chynoweth and Kevin Cheveldayoff being destined for coaching and management roles, we go around the locker room with the reporter that was there for the franchise's entire three year history. Along the way, they cover the birth of the River Rats, being locked out of an arena by burly security guards and a six-hour drive home with dedicated Dead Head and Capital District coach Butch Goring trying to get Bob to rent his house for the summer. Visit our frie

Mike and Dan recap the Islanders four wins (!) this week and let themselves enjoy a team continuing to make games meaningful into the season’s final month. They look at some excellent individual performances in victories over the Rangers, Devils and Blue Jackets (twice) and how Islanders fans can use them to feel good about next season and beyond. They also discuss the close relationships the team has fostered, as evidenced by Cory Schneider's first win in over two years being celebrated by teammates he's primarily known off the ice for a short time. They also revel in another big win at Madison Square Garden and the joy of having a player that excels at taking it to the Rangers in The World's Most Overrated Arena. In the second half, they look ahead to a tough but short schedule, talk about the attendance and atmosphere at UBS Arena and hope that a new generation of Long Island-native NHLers will finally grow up as Islanders fans. Visit our friends: Vintage Ice Hockey for t-shirts, hoodies and mugs with hu

Mike and Dan recap a spectacularly bad weekend for the Islanders and discuss GM Lou Lamoriello's words following the trade deadline. They look back at losses to the Bruins and Lightning that prove once again that this iteration of the Islanders simply can't beat the NHL's best this season, even when they give it their all. They also recap wins against the Senators and Red Wings that that prove once again that this iteration of the Islanders is better than the rest of the NHL's non-playoff teams. In the second half, they parse Lamoriello's press availabilities after the deadline and what it might mean for the wingers who have had disappointing seasons. They ask what kind of player Oliver Wahlstrom wants to be, whether Anthony Beauvillier can make himself untradeable, why there's no help coming from the minors and how to stop Lamoriello from dressing like a funeral director. Visit our friends: Vintage Ice Hockey for t-shirts, hoodies and mugs with hundreds of classic hockey logos, and our Al Arbour shirts whi

Mike and Dan talk with Isles Fix's Joe Buono about goalie Wade Dubielewicz, a cult Islanders legend with a one-of-a-kind career arc. The diminutive goalie went from the NCAA to the AHL to the starter's net on a mercenary Islanders team needing to do the improbable in order to clinch a playoff berth. He went on to make the most famous poke check in team history and solidify his legacy as Islander hero. But that wasn't the ending of the story. Mike, Dan and Joe talk about Easter Sunday Magic, Dubielewicz's history of poke checks, waiver shenanigans that foreshadow future Islanders waiver shenanigans and much, much more as they remember the Islanders version of Yoda. Thanks again to Joe for coming on. Follow him on Twitter at @IslesFix, and sign up for the newsletter here. Visit our friends: Vintage Ice Hockey for t-shirts, hoodies and mugs with hundreds of classic hockey logos, and our Al Arbour shirts which benefit dementia research. Use the code LIGHTHOUSE15 to save 15%. Betway, the official betting partn

Mike and Dan recap the 2022 NHL Trade deadline, in which the Islanders made zero (0) trades but two (2) signings. They talk about the philosophy in bringing back Cal Clutterbuck and Zach Parise, and how the franchise is (unsurprisingly) going to ride with this group until the wheels come off. They talk about the positives of not making any drastic moves, while at the same time knowing that the team will need upgrades to get back to where it was the previous three seasons. In the second half, they cover (some of) the rest of deadline moves, many of which helped the Islanders' Metro Division rivals get better in the short term. They look at how some players can help their new teams, a few guys that didn't move and a few deals they don't quite understand. Along the way they cover GM beefs, the annual trade deadline TV extravaganzas and, oh yeah, the four entire games the Islanders played last week. Almost forgot about those. Visit our friends: Vintage Ice Hockey for t-shirts, hoodies and mugs with hundreds of

In a super-sized trade deadline spectacular, Mike and Dan recap the Islanders three-game winning streak and talk about what they think the team will (and, more importantly will not) do this week. They talk about the milestones hit by Anders Lee and Barry Trotz, and how the quiet skill of Brock Nelson hasn't been fully appreciated by people outside the Islanders' bubble. They also discuss the continued evolution of Oliver Wahlstrom and while he's not what many fans want him to be yet, he is getting there. In the second half (31:40), they have a HOT TAKE about how the Islanders' roster will look after the trade deadline and how their supposedly available pieces will be dealt with. They also look around the league at some other names that have been thrown around and who they could see landing where. Along the way they cover a big public faceplant, some cathartic booing and an entire team of old Islanders defenseman working out at Eisenhower Park because that's just what they do. Visit our friends: Vintage Ice

Dan and Nick Giglia of invaluable referendum blog "Let There Be Lighthouse" talk about how Sergei Nemchinov was a winner who played for the Islanders at the wrong time. The veteran forward was 34 years old when he signed as a free agent, bringing years of experience from the Soviet Union, international stage and a Stanley Cup run with the Rangers to a team that needed all the help they could get. For once, Mike Milbury opened his wallet as well as his mouth, but for Nemchinov, the chance to play near Brooklyn's Brighton Beach was enough to sign. Nick talks about rubbing elbows with both men and a certain Islanders prospect who had "the biggest wrists he had ever seen," on a booze cruise around Manhattan when he was just 12. And things just get weirder from there as we venture for the first time into the thickest, darkest part of the Islanders' Milbury era. Visit our friends: Vintage Ice Hockey for t-shirts, hoodies and mugs with hundreds of classic hockey logos, and our Al Arbour shirts which benefit dement

Mike and Dan look at the good (some) and bad (also some) of the Islanders' last week and the promising signs that have, unfortunately, started to arrive a little too late. They recap disappointing games against the Avalanche and Canucks and the mistakes that cost the team points in each, before discussing a surprisingly spicy Saturday win over a very good Blues team. They also examine the misunderstood storylines heading into those games, the odd season of Semyon Varlamov and how the trade deadline is looming just as the team is rounding into form. They spend the second half ranting about a few recent issues within the hockey media that shows just how unnecessarily hard it is to be a hockey fan in this day and age. Along the way, they remember all of the missed calls, disallowed goals and pre-game ceremonies the Islanders have had to endure this week and throughout the season. Visit our friends: Vintage Ice Hockey for t-shirts, hoodies and mugs with hundreds of classic hockey logos, and our Al Arbour shirts

Mike and Dan recap a week of good Islanders performances (with one shameful loss) and wonder where the team's younger players go after this weird season. They look at wins over the Kraken and Ducks, a tough luck shootout loss to the Sharks and a loss to the Kings in which everything that could go wrong did in a microcosm of the season. Later, they discuss Zdeno Chara breaking the all time games played record for defensemen and the lasting legacy he'll leave with the Islanders no matter how long his return engagement lasts. And with one of the team's older players out for a while, how does the team view its younger guys like Keiffer Bellows, Sebastian Aho and Oliver Wahlstrom, who can continue to improve even in this lost season. Along the way they also criticize ESPN's bafflingly awful NHL coverage and wonder why the Islanders keep losing their best games. Visit our friends: Vintage Ice Hockey for t-shirts, hoodies and mugs with hundreds of classic hockey logos, and our Al Arbour shirts which benefit dement

Joined by Lighthouse Hockey's own Jenny Berman, Mike and Dan discuss how Thomas Vanek spent 47 games with the Islanders that were somehow both completely inconsequential and yet totally changed the direction of the franchise. Vanek was the dynamic winger John Tavares needed but he came at the expense of fan favorite Matt Moulson and he was notably not a goalie. So while the top line terrorized the NHL for a few dozen games, the Islanders bled goals until GM Garth Snow finally sent Vanek to Montreal for an underwhelming return. But that one short, weird period continues to affect the Islanders today in some extremely surprising ways. Also, where in the world is Michael Dal Colle? Visit our friends: Vintage Ice Hockey for t-shirts, hoodies and mugs with hundreds of classic hockey logos, and our Al Arbour shirts which benefit dementia research. Use the code LIGHTHOUSE15 to save 15%. Betway, the official betting partner of the NHL. The Pinot Project has Pinot Noir, Pinot Grigio and Rose all under $15. Avail