Isles Buzz

Mike and Dan review the Islanders' first three games of the season, which saw a lot of bad with some good hope lurking below the surface. They talk about the defensive breakdowns in Carolina and the wheels coming off after a promising start in Florida, both leading to losses against other teams expected to contend this season. They then relax after a win in Chicago that was saved in large part by Ilya Sorokin and a career-best game by Oliver Wahlstrom. Later, they look ahead to the next three games, which can set the tone for the rest of their long season-starting road trip. Along the way they talk about fashion lists, getting respect versus being liked and watching their rivals start to crack from within. All the best to Mike Bossy as he battles lung cancer. We're with you, Boss. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A short preview of the first episode of Islanders Award Winners Season 2. The Isles use a new rule to take a young and impressive Bryan Trottier in the 1974 NHL draft. After another stand out season in Juniors, the quiet farm boy from Saskatchewan makes the team and impresses everyone with his skills and poise. A new season of Islanders Award Winners is on its way in 2022. Listen to all of Season One at Lighthouse Hockey or in the podcast app of your choice. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mike and Dan ponder the Islanders' finalized roster and what it means to finally root for a team with Stanley Cup expectations. They look at who's in and who's in Bridgeport, the long, strange trip of Michael Dal Colle and how Lou Lamoriello uses every ounce of time he has to squeeze the most cap space out of his players. Later, they examine the shift in aspirations the Islanders have gone through over the previous decades and how this season's lofty predictions will make every game weight that much more. They also talk about the NHL's new broadcast partners, the bizarre admiration of the Tkachuk Family and other disseminated talking points from the season's start. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

For the first time ever, Mike and Dan turn their attention to teams that aren't the Islanders to give their thoughts, outlooks and bold predictions for each NHL division. They look at the much maligned three-tiered Pacific Division and how the two newest teams look like they could have the best upcoming seasons. They scan the tough Central Division, full of flawed but talented teams and the Coyotes, who are more of the former and none of the latter. They project the Canadian-flavored Atlantic Division and talk about the difference between hating a team for what it does on the ice and hating it because of how much attention it gets. And finally they discuss the Murderer's Row Metro Division and how the Islanders stack up against their traditional rivals. They close with a plea to model makers to check their work before talking trash. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mike and Dan discuss the Islanders goalie situation as Semyon Varlamov misses more preseason games, then turn their attention towards a secret UBS Arena sponsor's meeting and other topics. They wonder if Varlamov will be ready for Game 1 in Carolina or if Ilya Sorokin and Cory Schneider, who has looked good in the preseason, will be the tandem to start the team's 13-game road trip. They also talk about the first cuts from camp and who might stick around for a while. Later, they relay some intel they learned from a meeting of UBS arena partners and discuss Lou Lamoriello's philosophies on team building and gameday fashion. Finally, Mike gives his review of Amazon Prime's All or Nothing: Toronto Maple Leafs series, which lives up to it's "Nothing" in more than just describing the Leafs' latest playoff flame out. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mike and Dan "recap" the Islanders' first two preseason games, talk about the standouts so far and make some bold predictions for the upcoming season. They talk about the surprising intensity of the wins over the Rangers and Flyers and how they relate to the team's current status and standards. They also spotlight players like Aatu Raty, Robin Salo and Richard Panik, who have turned some heads in the early part of camp. Later, they make predictions for events that will totally definitely happen in the near future involving some Islanders players, their coach and their new arena. They finish with Mike's tale of running into an Islanders Legend eating a salad and an upcoming Amazon show hockey fans may want to tune into. Along the way they talk about the ghosts of preseasons past, the Press Box Purgatory All Stars and which team overrates its own players the most. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mike and Dan resume their normal format (mostly) to talk about the return of Zdeno Chara to the Islanders and their upcoming training camp. They celebrate the signing of the first ballot Hall of Famer and the continuation of Lou Lamoriello's Summer of Righting Wrongs, while examining the well-founded concerns about Chara's effectiveness on the ice in this late stage of his career. Later, they look at training camp kicking off this week, and some of the less-familiar faces that will be around, and how the players and coaches will have to handle the increased pressure of an Islanders team with real championship aspirations. Think about that for a minute... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mike and Dan channel Jeff Marek and Elliotte Friedman to talk about the Islanders' long awaited acquisition of forward Zach Parise. Beginning with audio of the 2003 NHL Entry Draft and the Islanders' decision to pass on Parise at the time, they discuss what he can bring to the roster now and what it means for this version of the team to sign a 37-year-old former All Star looking to win a Stanley Cup with one of the teams his father played for. They also talk about the Islanders' checkered history with Long Island natives, how they stack up among their Metro Division rivals this coming season and how nice it is to fly under the radar because you're consistent. And it's all done in loving tribute (uh, mostly) to Sportsnet's invaluable 31 Thoughts podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mike and Dan recap the Islanders' long-awaited signings, and Mike catches the off-Broadway play partially based on the podcast. They discuss the pros, cons (mostly pros) and quotes from the re-signings of Anthony Beauvillier, Kyle Palmieri, Casey Cizikas and Ilya Sorokin, and how this summer stacks up over other Islanders' offseasons. They also rejoice in the expected signing of Zach Parise, which will make up for the mistake of not drafting him all those years ago. Later, they discuss the previous signing of Adam Pelech, and the hole still on defense after the Nick Leddy trade. Finally, Mike tells the tale of watching Islander - The Play, a mostly one-man off-Broadway show that includes material from the podcast, and the way it was described versus the way it was actually presented. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mike and Dan discuss the many goings on around the draft for the Islanders, including trades, an expansion loss, new prospects and a crazy schedule. They talk about the salary cap deals that sent Nick Leddy and Andrew Ladd away, and how both had different effects on the Islanders when they arrived. They also say goodbye to Jordan Eberle, whose expansion draft selection is a bittersweet exit for a fun player. Later, they chat about the haul from this weekend's Entry Draft, especially Finnish forward Aatu Raty, who basically fell into the Islanders' laps in the second round. Finally, they go over next season's schedule, which starts with an insane 13-game roadtrip before finally settling home at UBS Arena. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mike and Dan talk to Arthur Staple of The Athletic about the Islanders offseason. Who might go, who might stay and where the cap room might be coming from. They discuss possible trade scenarios or strategies for the upcoming expansion draft, and the harsh reality that the Islanders might have to lose some beloved players in order to get better for next season. They look at some ways GM Lou Lamoriello might alleviate the team's cap crunch while also acknowledging that Lou's mind is unreadable and he's already 17 steps ahead of everyone else. They also cover the just-concluded Stanley Cup final, the Islanders having worse odds of winning the 2022 Stanley Cup than the Panthers, cheering the “right” way, expensive concert tickets and the joy of (we hope) not having to watch Pierre McGuire on TV ever again. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of PTIsles, Joe Buono (@IslesBlog) and Noel Fogelman (@thefirstnoel19) are joined by IslesBlog co-editor and Empire Sports Media contributor Rob Taub to share their thoughts on the Islanders failing to reach the Stanley Cup Final after a 1-0 loss in Game 7 versus the Tampa Bay Lighting. They discuss what similarities there are between this Islanders run and other New York sports teams, rooting interests in the Stanley Cup Final and why this missed opportunity is especially tough. Later, the trio talk about the team's priorities in the off-season, whether Casey Cizikas will re-sign, how they afford Kyle Palmieri and who should be protected in the expansion draft. Finally, they share some personal memories from the Nassau Coliseum. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mike and Dan recap the Islanders loss to the Lightning in Game 7 of the NHL semifinals and the bonds this iteration of the team formed with the people who cheer them on. They talk about how the final game unfolded, the uncharacteristic mistake that cost the Islanders dearly, and how the team had everyone believing right up until the very end. That belief led to blurred lines between player and fan, and both sides taking the 1-0 loss that ended their season extremely hard. Later, they recount the many ways in which the tapestry of this Islanders team was formed over each playoff series, and their hope that this roster is remembered as fondly as previous rosters that didn't make it nearly as close to a Stanley Cup. Along the way they read listener reviews, discuss the Islanders' "serious cojones," lament at how the playoffs take over your life and marvel at how Sports Pope Mike Francesa declared, "Time for Barzal" at just the right moment. Thanks to everyone for listening this season and to those who left us re

In this episode of PTIsles, Joe Buono (@IslesBlog) and Noel Fogelman (@thefirstnoel) react to the Islanders forcing a Game 7 in Tampa Bay following a 3-2 overtime win at the Coliseum on Thursday Night. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mike and Dan recap the Islanders dramatic Game 6 win over the Lightning and vent their anxieties over Game 7. They talk about the ways in which the Islanders and their fans go against societal norms, the catharsis of Anthony Beauvillier's overtime goal, the reactions to their post-game celebration and learning to trust in their team again. They recount each of the goals and moments in the game, including the torturous intermission before overtime and "waiting to wait." Later, they look ahead to Game 7 and some of the pluses and minuses the Islanders have in front of them, such as the memories of a disastrous Game 5 in the same building. Finally, they talk about Lou Lamoriello winning his second NHL GM of the Year Award, the complaints about playoff officiating and how much fun it is when the Islanders piss people off. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mike and Dan remain amazed at Ryan Pulock’s last second save to preserve the Islanders’ Game 4 win as they recap that game and Games 2 and 3. They talk extensively about the rollercoaster ride of the last four seconds of a game in which the Islanders played 57 great minutes and three bad ones, and how quickly the Lightning can turn a game in their favor. They also recount the ways in which Pulock's actions transcended hockey and the Islanders' generally small sphere of notice. Later, Mike tells the tale of how he met Islanders legend John Tonelli at Saturday night's game and gets the scoop on one of the most famous photographs in team history - the legendary Bryan Trottier double middle fingers pic. Finally, they talk about the rash of celebrity sightings at Nassau Coliseum in these playoffs and which celebs are welcome (Ralph Macchio, Susan Lucci) and which aren't (looking at you, Jimmy Fallon). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In the latest episode of PTIsles, Joe Buono (@IslesBlog) and Noel Fogelman (@thefirstnoel19) reflect on just how much they enjoying yet another deep playoff run with the rest of Islanders Country. They react to the team's textbook road playoff performance in Game 1 vs Tampa Bay and reflect on the key story lines coming out of a hard fought series with the Boston Bruins. Later, Joe is joined by New York Post columnist Mike Vaccaro (@MikeVacc) to chat about what this Islanders team means for a whole generation that didn't experience the Dynasty years. Plus, the seismic shift in culture Lou Lamoriello has brought to the organization and how ownership has reinvigorated a proud fanbase. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mike and Dan recap the Islanders’ clinical win over the Lightning in Game 1 of their semifinal series and the unexpected complete team victory. They look at how different players all stepped up to limit the explosive Tampa Bay offense to almost nothing all game long, and how forced turnovers turned into goals by Mat Barzal and Ryan Pulock. They also wonder what changes Lightning coach Jon Cooper will make before Game 2, which will be a completely different beast. Along the way they talk about how the win was seen outside of Islanders fans and what broadcasters do during games in which almost nothing happens. Also, Dan does his impression of Kenny Albert's less than furious ad read of the upcoming Fast and Furious movie (yes, it's called "F9", not "Fast 5," but you get the picture). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With a raspy voice worn out from screaming, Mike and Dan discuss the Islanders eliminating the Bruins and facing the Lightning again in the semifinals. They talk about how the Islanders hung on for a win in Game 5 before kicking Boston’s ass in Game 6 at Nassau Coliseum, and how Bruins coach Bruce Cassidy poked Islanders fans with some bizarre ranting about refs, saints and respect. The victory is an instant favorite for both and a huge moment in the history of the franchise, as it continues to be re-written. Later, they look ahead to a daunting series against the defending Cup champion Lighting, coach John Cooper (who has definitely seen some New York Saints games at the Coliseum) and the differences between this season and their meeting last year in the bubble. Along the way they cover New Orleans funerals, tired narratives, being present in the moment and the importance of buying in. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mike and Dan recap Games 3 and 4 of the Islanders-Bruins series, the breakout of Mat Barzal and the unique Nassau Coliseum experience. They talk about feeling confident after Game 3's loss on a fluky goal and about the raw determination of the Islanders in a pivotal and important Game 4 win. They discuss Barzal finally scoring, his emotional outburst after the game and the reveals of his post-game presser. Mike also tells the tale of what it was like for he and his wife Emily - a Bruins fan - to attend Game 4 and what she learned about the collective psyche of Islanders fans. Along the way they chat about the torture of watching a "fun" game live, what separates playoff teams from those who flame out (*cough* MapleLeafs *cough*), and a history of bad icings going back decades. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices