Isles Buzz

Mike and Dan look again at the Islanders' maddening pattern of wins and lamentable losses, and how their trade deadline will affect their overall direction. They talk about how the Islanders looked more like the Sabres than the Sabres did in their loss in Buffalo, and how a loss to a goalie who hadn't played in the NHL in four years was all but guaranteed well before Sunday's loss to Montreal. In between was a win over Boston that reminded fans of the team they could be when it plays its game to the fullest (or close to it). Later they discuss what players could move at the trade deadline and how most national writers miss the point by looking at the Islanders' CapFriendly page and not at the infinite number of layers underneath the roster. If you want to know, talk to well-adjusted Islanders fans (like us!). Note 1: Sorry about Dan's audio. He should have checked which device Zencastr was pointing to before he started recording. Note 2: Carter Hutton got traded to the Leafs just after we finished recording.

Mike and Dan recap the Islanders up and down (mostly down) trip to Western Canada and look back at a cursed first half of the season. They look at what worked and what didn't in a win in Vancouver and loses in Edmonton and Calgary, and the role that bad luck continues to play in the Islanders games. They also peek ahead at their upcoming games and how the best case scenario is a generous injection of false hope. In the second half, they look at what the first half of the season tells us about this incarnation of the Islanders, what elements are missing and how they can get back to where they were in the previous three seasons. 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. Available at local wine stores and UBS Arena. Learn more

Joined by actor, writer and podcaster Michael Paul Smith, Dan and Mike take it all the way back to the original Islanders villain who changed the way the team was perceived for all time. The three talk about Muller's decorated pre-Islanders career, the franchise-wrecking trade that brought him - very reluctantly - to the Islanders and the surprisingly lucrative trade that shipped him out (that was then later also ruined). They re-watch the legendary video introducing the team in their Fisherman jerseys with Muller getting booed like he owed everyone in Nassau Coliseum money, find the connections between Muller's rejection and future Islanders deserters, and discover his clout-chasing final season with the Leafs, Panthers and Stars, who were noticeably not the Islanders. Finally they cast a show about the Muller saga and choose which actors have the chops to bring the dastardly antagonist to life. Weird Islanders: The Podcast! is proud to have a new theme song this week, "Knuckles" by Björn Falk. Björn is a mu

Mike and Dan discuss the Islanders' embarrassing loss to expansion Seattle just before the All Star Break and the important road trips that will determine where their season goes next. They wonder if the Islanders are simply too exhausted after several mentally taxing seasons in a row and how a truly lost season could impact the franchise going forward. They talk about criticisms of the coaches, playing "the kids" and how the Islanders are a collection of three separate cores from various eras. In the second half, they look at the upcoming schedule and see games the Islanders could win if things change from how they have unfolded so far. Finally, they talk about the recent All Star Game, Adam Pelech's performance with the NHL's elite and the league's never-ending quest to be relevant outside of Canada. Sadly, we forgot to talk about the loss of Austin Czarnik on waivers. Alas. Oh, and Mike and his wife Emily had a baby. Visit our friends: Vintage Ice Hockey for t-shirts, hoodies and mugs with hundreds of cl

Dan and special guest Noel Fogelman revisit one of the most bizarre episodes in recent Islanders history, the many-layered acquisition of "Captain Canada" Ryan Smyth. They look at all of the crazy factors leading up to the 2007 trade deadline and how the Islanders came out of nowhere to grab the power forward after a stalled contract negotiation with Edmonton. They talk about his productive - if unmemorable - time on the ice, his unceremonious exit in free agency and the Islanders "legacy" Smyth left behind and probably doesn't even know he has. Along the way they laugh about emotional goodbyes, dramatic news reports and players who should never have left their original teams (and who all somehow ended up playing for the Islanders). 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

Dan and emergency recall Carey Haber look at the Islanders recent losses, their struggles against winning teams and what qualities they're still missing this season. They look at good performances against the Kings and Wild that were undone by early goals against and costly mistakes, and how the Islanders failed to capitalize on their many chances to score. They also lament having so many players providing half the production they had in previous seasons and how its throws off the entire system. In the second half, they talk about how Barry Trotz's decisions have affected his team's performance and what the team's makeup has lost in certain roster moves that were not improved or replaced. Finally they talk a little about the upcoming NHL All Star Game featuring Islanders defenseman Adam Pelech (doing... something during the skills competition. We just don't know what). Visit our friends: Vintage Ice Hockey for t-shirts, hoodies and mugs with hundreds of classic hockey logos, and our Al Arbour shirts which b

Mike and Dan recap the Islanders three wins and one loss this week and examine the monumental impact of Clark Gillies, who has passed away at 67. Back-to-back wins against the Flyers and a shutout over the Coyotes boosted the team's point totals and fan morale. But the devastating news of the passing of a franchise legend immediately put everything into stark perspective. They also talk about a loss to the Maple Leafs that was both more and less demoralizing than usual. In the second half, they talk about the Islanders' woeful offense, how its gone inert in a season full of disjointed games and bad luck, and what, if anything, they can do about it in the future. Finally, they discuss what Gillies meant to the Islanders, the NHL and Long Island, and how fans' love for the type of player he was on and off the ice still casts a shadow over the team today. RIP Jethro. Visit our friends: Vintage Ice Hockey for t-shirts, hoodies and mugs with hundreds of classic hockey logos, and our Al Arbour shirts which benefi

Mike and Dan discuss defensive forward Jay Pandolfo's short but legendary stint as an Islander with former blogger and Vintage Ice Hockey founder Kevin Schultz. The three look at how the veteran ended up with the Islanders late in his career, recap his one and only goal for a team other than the New Jersey Devils and learn about maybe the saddest Twitter parody account of all time. And, of course, no Jay Pandolfo discussion would be complete without a look at his linemate Nino Niederreiter, who endured one of the singularly awful rookie seasons in recent NHL memory and set off a butterfly effect that still affects the team to this day. Kevin also blows our mind with an unsubstantiated jersey rumor that we're choosing to 100 percent believe is real. 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. Please

Mike and Dan recap a win and a loss and look into some possible trades the Islanders can make to bolster their defense in this (possibly already lost) season. They talk about an exciting but undisciplined win over the Devils and a depressing, ineffective shutout loss to the Caps at a time when any loss is a bad one. They also peek at the schedule ahead, which offers the Islanders an opportunity to pick up some points against some less-than-intimidating competition. Later, they throw around names like Jakob Chychrun, John Klingberg and Hampus Lindholm as possible trade targets this season. Who would cost the most, who would be the best fit and which Islander would have to go the other way? We don't know but we need to discuss something during this very strange season. Finally, they talk a little about their new podcast project, "Weird Islanders." Check out the first episode - about Brian Rolston - now. Visit our friends: Vintage Ice Hockey for t-shirts, hoodies and mugs with hundreds of classic hockey logos,

First episode of a brand new LHH podcast! What is a "Weird Islander" and what makes Brian Rolston one? We ask guest Carey Haber and lay down some ground rules for the show going forward. We talk about the trade that brought Rolston to the Islanders, the team of disgruntled veterans who no doubt wondered how they all washed up at Nassau Coliseum that season, how many ways there are to skin a cat and... wait, who is skating at IceWorks? And that's barely the entrance to the rabbit hole we fall down. We cover a lot of ground in one episode so we hope you enjoy. Let us know what you think at LighthouseHockey.com and give us some suggestions for future episodes of Weird Islanders: The Podcast! 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. Please play responsibly. The Pinot Project has Pinot Noir, Pinot G

Mike and Dan recap the Islanders back-to-back wins as they stare down another long break in between games. They look at the quality play in wins over a depleted Buffalo squad and an Oilers team that's constantly searching for a solution in goal, and how like Kieffer Bellows and Noah Dobson have taken big steps forward in recent games. Later, they look at the postponement of their Western Canada trip and the 13-day break the Islanders now face. They wonder how will it affect their chances at getting back in the playoff race, all of the mental gymnastics that will be going on in fans heads and how it will mostly go unnoticed outside of Long Island. They finish by setting up an alternative programming option, the final of the World Darts Championship, which happens on Monday, January 3rd. 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 offici

Mike and Dan talk about a good win and two frustrating loses for the Islanders, and are joined by Arthur Staple to hear stories of his decade on the team's beat. The hosts recap a rare lazy loss in Detroit followed by a quality win over a depleted Bruins team and then a bothersome shootout loss to Robin Lehner and the Vegas Golden Knights. They look at some of the mental mistakes that have cost the Islanders points and how the starts and stops of the season have been exhausting for all involved. They also talk about Lehner's hero's welcome and its perception around the hockey world. Later, friend of the show Staple joins to give some intel on the current Islanders team and talk about some of what he's seen over the last 10 years covering the team. Which Islanders were the most fun to talk to, which player confronted him but forgot to pack an actual beef and how the team and the attention that they get (or don't get) has transformed over his time on the beat? Finally, we end on a music question that actually s

Mike and Dan recap a big win and a tough loss, and hash out the Islanders' recent play and current identity (or lack thereof). Their spirits are high after a matter-of-fact victory over New Jersey - the Islanders' first at their new home and featuring the first goal of the season for Zach Parise - which followed a last second defeat against Nashville which featured a myriad of mistakes. They also examine the growing criticisms of Barry Trotz, how the Islanders have largely been lacking the successful style that he installed years ago, and how the many unfortunate circumstances of this season have forced changes from the coach that have people scratching their heads. Later, they ramble about the remarks another NHL coach made recently and how they relate to the never-ending "Growing the Game" conversation that never seems to actually grow the game. Finally, Mike gets us all hyped for the Darts World Championship. Visit our friends: Vintage Ice Hockey for t-shirts, hoodies and mugs with hundreds of classic ho

Mike and Dan breath a sigh of relief as the Islanders win an actual game and start putting points together. They just need to keep doing that. They talk about a big win in Ottawa in which they finally looked like themselves again and the three extra inning losses that preceded it that had some good signs as well. They discuss the elevated recent play of Noah Dobson and the possible return of that elusive teammate - Lady Luck. Later, they look ahead to games against the Predators and Devils, the placing of Anatolii Golyshev on unconditional waivers and the midday only fury about it, and welcome a new addition to the Islanders beat. Good luck, man. 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. Please play responsibly. The Pinot Project has Pinot Noir, Pinot Grigio and Rose all under $15. Available at

Mike and Dan sift through two more Islanders losses and process their frustrations over the postponements of at least two upcoming games. They talk about how the injury and COVID situations have impacted the players on the ice, as well as the failures of execution that have led them to dropping eight straight games. They also weigh the knowledge that the team's immediate future is very much hanging by a thread with the feeling that there are lights at the end of a very long tunnel. Later, Dan recounts his first visit to UBS Arena and they look at some situations around the NHL where the light at the end of the tunnel might be raging dumpster fire on the tracks. 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 is the official betting partner of the NHL. Play Big Pick for free or play for real. Please play responsibly. The Pinot Project has Pino

Absolutely nothing is going right for the Islanders right now - losses, injuries and COVID cases are piling up. But there is a new arena to talk about... Mike and Dan look at the two losses to the Flames and Maple Leafs over the weekend and the shocking loss of players due to a rash of positive COVID tests right before game time. Already without Ryan Pulock, the Islanders have now lost Brock Nelson to injury, making the climb out of their early season hole even harder. Some of the circumstances are due to rotten luck and poor timing, but issues within the team's play are also hurting them on the ice. Once they finish grieving, they look at the opening of the spectacular UBS Arena and Mike gives a full report of his home opener experience. He talks about some of the noticeable and less noticeable features, and the overall classiness of what feels like an Islanders Theme Park. Along the way they look for a hidden speakeasy, say goodbye to relocation rumor mongers and make their case for being added to the Islan

Mike, Dan and special guest Carey Haber process the emotions of the Islanders losing three straight games and defenseman Ryan Pulock to injury as they open UBA Arena. They talk about how badly the team has looked in losses to the Devils, Lightning and Panthers and whether there are any silver linings. Carey walks them through some underlying numbers that tell where the team is failing and how they might be able to turn things around. Later, Mike and Dan discuss the one-of-a-kind exit of Leo Komarov, a one-of-a-kind player who may be more fondly remembered after his career is over than he was during his often maddening time with the Islanders. They also (finally) talk about the paper transaction trade of Johnny Boychuk to Buffalo and how Lou Lamoriello was able to seize another opportunity. Finally, they look toward the opening of the Islanders new home and all the changes it will mean for now and the future. CONTENT WARNING: This episode contains explicit language because there's a lot going on right now. Vis

Mike and Dan chat about the Islanders mostly successful weekend and talk to Arthur Staple about his new book "100 Things Islanders Fans Should and Do Before They Die." The hosts recap two good periods and one bad one in Minnesota, three periods of unfiltered "Islanders Hockey" in Winnipeg and 50 minutes of "The Sorokin Show" in Montreal, that apparently still isn't enough to get anyone's attention. Later, they welcome Staple to ask about how the Islanders have fared in their first 10 games and about his book, which covers the full gamut of the franchise's ups and downs in easily digestible bites. They ask what facts surprised him, who he able to speak to and how the project came about at just the right time. Finally, Art sheds a little bit of light on what might be coming to the Islanders (and, uh, other guys) coverage at The Athletic a little later this season. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mike and Dan talk about the Islanders' shootout loss in Nashville, the positives they can take away from their record on the road so far and the next three games in Montreal, Winnipeg and Minnesota. They look at the play of Oliver Wahlstrom, who scored again, and Zdeno Chara, who continues to struggle, as well as the unlucky goal that basically cost the Islanders a point against the Predators. Later, they look ahead to games against the Canadiens, Jets and Wild and the inherent dangers, like goalless streaks coming to an end and tough goalies. Along the way they talk about how the Habs are covered, the similarities between Mat Barzal and Christiano Rinaldo, how opinions on trades change over time and how little they've talked about Cal Clutterbuck over the years. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dan interrupts Mike's vacation to talk about Ilya Sorokin's back-to-back shutouts, Zdeno Chara's struggles and Josh Bailey's miraculous Islanders tenure. They recap the skinny Sorokin's blemish-free weekend, and enjoy the lovable demeanor hiding a stone cold killer of a goaltender. Later, they turn their attention to Zdeno Chara, who is showing weaknesses on the ice that are concerning after his storybook return to his original team, and how much patience Barry Trotz will have for the 44-year-old marvel. Finally, they congratulate Josh Bailey on becoming the 10th leading scorer in Islanders history, passing "Mr. Islander" himself Bob Nystrom. They remember Bailey's drafting, gaze at his longevity in the face of franchise and fan friction, and wonder just how the hell this happened. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices