Lighthouse Hockey - All PostsLighthouse Hockey: Try to fixate on something else.https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/50729/lhh-fav.png2024-03-18T10:30:00-04:00http://www.lighthousehockey.com/rss/current/2024-03-18T10:30:00-04:002024-03-18T10:30:00-04:00Islanders Anxiety - Episode 282 - Toxic Relationship Metaphor
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/1FnrP_jRN47FtLPoht8ANxrDeIg=/0x533:1600x1600/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73215121/Islanders_Anxiety_Art___2023.0.jpg" />
</figure>
<p>One of these “brothers” needs to grab another by the collar and shake him and tell him he’s playing like a jerk.</p> <p id="ZAqZmr">Mike and Dan move their scheduled recording up a day to rant about the Islanders’ four-game losing streak and lack of response in games. </p>
<p id="rKDK00">From a “waste of time,” to a team and a fanbase that was “different now” to yet another string of losses in a season full of them, this Islanders campaign continues to be exhausting and depressing. Something is still rotten on this roster and we give our theories, all of which end with the team having little to no response when challenged and only a few players showing any sort of drive at all. </p>
<p id="QYNGBP">Losses to the out-of-the-playoffs-forever Sabres and Senators, then another faceplant against the Rangers made Islanders fans show more desperation than the players have, and left us feeling like the assholes this time around.</p>
<p id="sxsdz0">We also look ahead at a packed week of games that could mean four more losses or keeping their heads barely above water in the Eastern Conference “playoff chase.</p>
<p id="zvSW5Z"><strong>Don’t forget about our live event at the brand new Offside Tavern in NYC on March 30th at 4 pm. Bring your Weird Islanders jerseys, shirts and swag because we want to hear your stories for a live podcast to be released soon after.</strong></p>
<div id="uwWhVf"><iframe frameborder="0" height="200" scrolling="no" src="https://playlist.megaphone.fm/?e=RRTET2071354632" width="100%"></iframe></div>
<p id="0sg6ef"><strong>REFERENCES</strong></p>
<ul><li id="ZH0P2c">Incredible:</li></ul>
<div id="EMSoic">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true" align="center">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Yes actually they do. They have FOUR wins in three years in afternoon games. It’s a joke. <a href="https://t.co/XoBbLpAT06">https://t.co/XoBbLpAT06</a></p>— Rob Taub (@RTaub_) <a href="https://twitter.com/RTaub_/status/1769081067095339031?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 16, 2024</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="Io4HJI">
<p id="IrbMrr"><a href="https://www.patreon.com/islandersanxiety">Subscribe to our Patreon!</a> Plans start as low as $2 a month and patrons get ad-free episodes of the shows, bonus podcasts, written posts, discounts and much more. </p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="BGAAuJ">
<h3 id="wmzUok">PLUGS!</h3>
<ul>
<li id="Gmld0v">
<a href="https://vintageicehockey.com/">Vintage Ice Hockey</a> for t-shirts, hoodies and jerseys with hundreds of classic hockey logos, and our Al Arbour and The Island merch which benefit dementia research. Use the code ANXIETY20 to save 20% off an order of two items.</li>
<li id="sGfqTE">
<a href="https://www.thepinotproject.com/">The Pinot Project</a> 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.</li>
<li id="4eum7y">The fine folks at FOCO have two new Islanders bobbleheads commemorating the Stadium Series game at Met Life Stadium. Order your <a href="https://foco.vegb.net/c/482924/620565/10075?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.foco.com%2Fproducts%2Filya-sorokin-new-york-islanders-2024-stadium-series-bobblehead&sharedid=sbnation.com" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Ilya Sorokin</a> or <a href="https://foco.vegb.net/c/482924/620565/10075?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.foco.com%2Fproducts%2Fsparky-the-dragon-new-york-islanders-2024-stadium-series-mascot-bobblehead&sharedid=sbnation.com" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Sparky The Dragon</a> bobblehead today at <a href="https://foco.vegb.net/c/482924/620565/10075?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.foco.com%2Fcollections%2Fnew-york-islanders&sharedid=sbnation.com" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">FOCO dot com</a>. These are limited to 124 pieces so act now.</li>
<li id="6tuod1">Islanders Anxiety podcasts are part of the Fans First Sports Network (<a href="https://twitter.com/FansFirstSN">@FansFirstSN</a>).</li>
<li id="OOe4P6">Theme song: “Morning Haze” by Family Dinner. Hear more of their music <a href="https://familydinnerusa.bandcamp.com/">on Bandcamp</a> and <a href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/7ztPkxDDDYp27ssoOB9sEj?si=uJYUeRMES6GlLZLBt4jCZA">on Spotify</a>.</li>
</ul>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="lWKZD4">
<p id="L5RQTj"><strong>Please subscribe, download, rate, review or spread the word about </strong><em><strong>Islanders Anxiety, Weird Islanders: The Podcast!</strong></em><strong> and all of our podcasts any way you can. </strong>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.</p>
<p id="QosmuM"><strong>All Islanders Anxiety podcasts are available on:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li id="X4yrwp"><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/islanders-anxiety-a-new-york-islanders-podcast/id1050033167">Apple Podcasts</a></li>
<li id="9bwmRc"><a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/3LFEyaxjOmOGvlDClV2Aop?si=211752b7f81b4444">Spotify</a></li>
<li id="ZEES8c"><a href="https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5tZWdhcGhvbmUuZm0vbGlnaHRob3VzZS1ob2NrZXk">Google Podcasts</a></li>
<li id="azZOeI">And everywhere podcasts are found</li>
</ul>
https://www.lighthousehockey.com/2024/3/18/24104750/islanders-anxiety-episode-282-toxic-relationship-metaphor-sabres-senators-rangers-four-lossesDan Saraceni2024-03-18T09:08:10-04:002024-03-18T09:08:10-04:00Islanders News: Why does this team hate us so?
<figure>
<img alt="New York Islanders v New York Rangers" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/nk1wANwWPrHeLNVo4Nw-Mrf8ZCk=/0x129:4115x2872/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73214955/2092150687.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Crash. | Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>A terrible matinee weekend turns the screw.</p> <p id="0QbD5p">Bo Horvat sure looks like he knows the stakes. Some other players, too. But overall, it’s a cruel and maddening prank this team is playing on us, surging back into the wild card spots (depending on the day) and taking advantage of a Red Wings swoon only to suddenly start looking like they’ve little to play for.</p>
<p id="zxnCKc">Six wins in a row, then four without a win and only one overtime point against the Sens to show for it.</p>
<p id="kOrbkA">This past weekend felt exactly like the weekend of back-to-back matinees we dread: Disappointment and missed opportunity against the Sens at home, then a no-doubt loss to the Rangers at MSG. </p>
<p id="I4SFQb">This week’s schedule is filled with potential peril...or maybe they’ll surprise us again and suck us back in.</p>
<h4 id="6DvIkE">Islanders News</h4>
<ul>
<li id="iwAppd">The Isles hung in there for about two periods, then it was just a formality as they were finished off at the Garden. [<a href="https://www.lighthousehockey.com/2024/3/17/24103994/new-york-islanders-new-york-rangers-horvat-zibanejad-cuylle-brodzinski-kakko-lafreniere">LHH</a> | <a href="https://www.newsday.com/sports/hockey/rangers/rangers-islanders-db41nlgq">Newsday</a>]</li>
<li id="htesQR">Gross: With 15 to go, it looks like the Isles just aren’t good enough. [<a href="https://www.newsday.com/sports/columnists/andrew-gross/isles-rangers-dobson-palmieri-yv59gsnl">Newsday</a>]</li>
<li id="0rcjYz">The intensity just isn’t there, for some reason. [<a href="https://www.amny.com/sports/islanders-not-finding-level-3-17-24/">AM NY</a>]</li>
<li id="FmbfWh">Three Takeaways: Defensive struggles. [<a href="https://www.nhl.com/islanders/news/3-takeaways-isles-fall-5-2-to-rangers">Isles</a>]</li>
<li id="ZpkiOv">This skid has come at a really inopportune time. [<a href="https://nypost.com/2024/03/18/sports/islanders-four-game-skid-comes-at-inopportune-time/">Post</a>]</li>
<li id="KphGsW">Brooks: The Smurfs looked playoff ready; the Isles...did not. [<a href="https://nypost.com/2024/03/17/sports/rangers-playing-at-level-that-looks-ready-for-the-postseason/">Post</a>]</li>
<li id="5L7lnO">At least on paper if not formally announced, it appears Robert Bortuzzo has been activated from IR. [<a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-york-islanders/latest-news/new-york-islanders-robert-bortuzzo-ltir-sebastian-aho">THN</a>]</li>
<li id="EWwpJn">‘The traffic is horrendous’: UBS Arena plagued by traffic, transit woes, Isles fans say. [<a href="https://www.newsday.com/sports/hockey/islanders/ubs-arena-islanders-attendance-capact7j">Newsday</a> | <a href="https://www.newsday.com/sports/hockey/islanders/ubs-arena-islanders-experience-traffic-lirr-train-sz2ca31g">Newsday TV</a>]</li>
<li id="sqFpBE">Bid on the green jerseys from St. Patrick’s Day. [<a href="https://events.handbid.com/auctions/green-jersey-auction?__hstc=75515274.916cdb15ae15ab70b3bc4d2094af69c7.1706801183940.1708705793900.1708712459971.4&__hssc=75515274.42.1708712459971&__hsfp=3828489826%3Futm_source%3Dnyi_web&utm_medium=organic_web&utm_campaign=nyi_belmontdepositcampaign&utm_content=webpromo">Isles</a>]</li>
</ul>
<h4 id="WQRt1V">Elsewhere</h4>
<p id="QIdgmg">In yesterday’s other NHL scores, the Devils and Red Wings each lost in regulation, with the Penguins picking up the two points over Detroit.</p>
<ul>
<li id="xN2pbv">Should playoff-chasing teams be even more aggressive with goalie pulls? [<a href="https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/rink-fries-on-pulling-the-goalie-and-the-idea-of-hate-watching/">Sportsnet</a>]</li>
<li id="IcYX9H">Brooks: As the Penguins descend, will they need another miraculous <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nhl-draft">NHL draft</a> save to revive them? [<a href="https://nypost.com/2024/03/16/sports/sliding-penguins-may-need-another-enormous-nhl-save-to-fix-them/">Post</a>]</li>
<li id="SRIMcF">Martin St. Louis is taking an indefinite leave from the Canadiens due to family reasons. [<a href="https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/canadiens-martin-st-louis-takes-leave-for-family-reasons/">Sportsnet</a>]</li>
<li id="FFfCkD">The Flyers have had to keep Ryan Johansen on their roster after trading for and waiving him. “He claimed to be injured when we traded for him, so we had him see the doctors. They found an injury, so now he’s rehabbing,” said a thrilled Danny Briere. [<a href="https://www.tsn.ca/nhl/unexpected-injury-forces-philadelphia-flyers-to-keep-ryan-johansen-on-nhl-roster-1.2091722">TSN</a>]</li>
<li id="eTFI6Q">The Hurricanes’ infinite goalie-toying continues as they sign recent waiver claim Spencer Martin to a one-year extension. [<a href="https://www.tsn.ca/nhl/carolina-hurricanes-extend-goaltender-spencer-martin-on-one-year-deal-1.2090992">TSN</a>]</li>
</ul>
https://www.lighthousehockey.com/2024/3/18/24104707/islanders-news-senators-rangers-weekendDominik2024-03-17T15:50:20-04:002024-03-17T15:50:20-04:00Rangers 5, Islanders 2: The losing streak extends to four
<figure>
<img alt="New York Islanders v New York Rangers" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ndqnvSXREIOxUvF2DpENVxooDAM=/0x41:4379x2960/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73213579/2091957768.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="xGTvDk">After the six game win streak, the <a href="https://www.lighthousehockey.com">New York Islanders</a> have now dropped four straigth games. </p>
<p id="18Yau0">Coming into an important rivalry game where both teams played the day before, the Isles were able to stay in it for two periods before they really started to look like a team that played 24 hours ago. The Rangers took advantage of weak defending to take a 4-2 lead early in the third that it was clear the Islanders wouldn’t come back from, and the playoff hopes that started to build now seem farfetched. </p>
<p id="Gs0YKd">[<a href="https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/nyi-vs-nyr/2024/03/17/2023021073">NHL Gamecenter</a> | <a href="https://www.nhl.com/scores/htmlreports/20232024/GS021073.HTM">Game Summary</a> | <a href="https://www.nhl.com/scores/htmlreports/20232024/ES021073.HTM">Event Summary</a> | <a href="https://www.naturalstattrick.com/game.php?season=20232024&game=21073">Natural Stat Trick</a>]</p>
<h4 id="ZOiL6V">First Period</h4>
<p id="cyeelW">Despite both teams playing back to back games, the Rangers came out ready to play, dominating early on, while the Islanders were less-than-clinical with their opportunities, such as the third line not even getting a shot off on a 3 on 1 opportunity. </p>
<p id="B6pOtF">Mat Barzal drew a penalty, sending Vincent Trocheck to the box for holding, but the Islanders couldn’t get much done, and with 8 seconds left in the power play, Pierre Engvall was called for an extremely weak holding the stick penalty. </p>
<p id="YquqGB">However, while short handed, Brock Nelson passed the puck across the crease to Bo Horvat, who put it past Igor Shesterkin to make it 1-0.</p>
<div id="nkLvca">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">HORVAT FINDS THE BACK OF THE NET! <a href="https://t.co/6arADLACnJ">pic.twitter.com/6arADLACnJ</a></p>— New York Islanders (@NYIslanders) <a href="https://twitter.com/NYIslanders/status/1769417682065948899?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 17, 2024</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="u7oYve">Midway through the Rangers’ power play, Adam Fox was called for interference on Casey Cizikas, but the Islanders couldn’t get much done on four on four or their second power play, either. </p>
<h4 id="965zYh">Second Period</h4>
<p id="tpBA5e">Shortly after the start of the period, Mika Zibanejad made it 1-1. </p>
<p id="GNtvCd">Johnny Brodzinski put the puck off the post, but Will Cuylle scored later to make it 2-1 Rangers. </p>
<p id="gCESFZ">A few minutes later, Bo Horvat tied it all up with his second of the game, despite being tied up in front by Barclay Goodrow. </p>
<div id="KewGaO">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="und" dir="ltr">BO X2!! <a href="https://t.co/vwXma9Uztg">pic.twitter.com/vwXma9Uztg</a></p>— New York Islanders (@NYIslanders) <a href="https://twitter.com/NYIslanders/status/1769430780667724226?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 17, 2024</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="8iCNhC">A little over a minute later, Brodzinksi tipped a K’Andre Miller shot past Sorokin to make it 3-2.</p>
<p id="zPx3b1">Then, JG Pageau and Ryan Lindgren got tangled by the boards behind the Rangers’ net, and Lindgren’s leg bent awkwardly at the knee. He was helped off the ice not putting any weight on his left leg, and the Rangers announced at the start of the third that he won’t return for the rest of the game. </p>
<p id="dyJPhl">The Islanders then went back to the power play when Alexis Lafreniere was called for tripping, but they couldn’t convert. </p>
<h4 id="sPlazZ">Third Period</h4>
<p id="cFsIIj">The Islanders let Kaapo Kakko walk in after Engvall had the puck tied up against the boards, and he put the puck past Sorokin to make it 4-2. </p>
<p id="CUfQiJ">Later, Alexis Lafreniere made it 5-2, and it was clear the Islanders had nothing left in the tank in the third.</p>
<p id="wCZEm8">The whole period was played at even strength, and the Islanders never really had a great look to get back into the game at any point. It was just a sloppy game after the Rangers took a 3-2 lead in the second, and they were never able to recover. </p>
<h4 id="UurskQ">Up Next</h4>
<p id="Lw7PYo">Next, the Islanders take on the <a href="https://www.canescountry.com">Carolina Hurricanes</a> at UBS Arena on Tuesday night. Carolina looks like a lock for second in the Metro division, and at this point the Isles just need to pick up some points. Hopefully we’ll see some urgency at home. </p>
<p id="COzGPC"></p>
https://www.lighthousehockey.com/2024/3/17/24103994/new-york-islanders-new-york-rangers-horvat-zibanejad-cuylle-brodzinski-kakko-lafreniereJenny Berman2024-03-17T07:00:00-04:002024-03-17T07:00:00-04:00Islanders Back-to-Back News: What happened to the urgency?
<figure>
<img alt="2024 Navy Federal Credit Union Stadium Series - New York Rangers v New York Islanders" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Kzj9Za_fJGdY6Av_fSsm9t0VEvA=/0x11:4467x2989/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73212871/2040806496.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>It’s a national broadcast, so get ready to see a bunch of these highlights all day. | Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>This team takes off too many periods, it looks like. What could go wrong today?</p> <p id="S9IWya">Instead of flushing Thursday’s loss down the toilet as we hoped, the <a href="https://www.lighthousehockey.com">New York Islanders</a> excreted a similarly disappointing effort in another big opportunity to get two points in a playoff chase—they do know they’re in one, right? Because they’re back in the chase again; they fell out of a playoff spot.</p>
<p id="lCbkmj">They spent most of the matinee game looking like they were taking their gameday afternoon naps. That they even got a point out of it is probably a testament to how bad the <a href="https://www.silversevensens.com">Ottawa Senators</a> are. Even Patrick Roy agreed: The Isles just gave that game away, as they so often have this season. That was certainly the most irritated with the team I’ve seen him since he got here, and some of the players interviewed sounded pretty frustrated with the effort, or lack thereof. Perhaps some consistent passengers aren’t getting the message in private. They play without urgency a lot more frequently than a team in their position in the standings ever should.</p>
<div id="BMeU7G">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true" align="center">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Postgame Availabilities ⬇️</p>— New York Islanders (@NYIslanders) <a href="https://twitter.com/NYIslanders/status/1769093282154360926?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 16, 2024</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="CnDnEY">Good news: They get to play another afternoon game today, and it’s against the Rangers! That might actually be a good thing. I know a lot of people are worried the Rangers are going to steamroll this mediocre roster, and they’re worried about anything close to a repeat of the Stadium Series, but the Islanders do get up for Ranger games. I wish they would get up for every game, or at least every big game, but I guess they’ve painted themselves into a corner where all the games are big now, haven’t they? Happy St. Patrick’s Day. You’re going to need the booze.</p>
<p id="wLA2j4"><a href="https://www.lighthousehockey.com/2024/3/17/24103648/fig-picks-islanders-at-rangers-mar-17">FIGs go here</a>.</p>
<h4 id="bbenhg">Islanders News</h4>
<p id="StrAAl">Recaps of the latest debacle: <a href="https://www.lighthousehockey.com/2024/3/16/24103300/senators-vs-islanders-overtime-brady-tkachuk-horvat-palmieri">LHH</a> | <a href="https://www.nhl.com/islanders/news/3-takeaways-isles-recover-one-point-in-4-3-ot-loss-to-sens">Islanders</a> | <a href="https://www.newsday.com/sports/hockey/islanders/islanders-senators-whfv2jzs">Newsday</a> | <a href="https://nypost.com/2024/03/16/sports/islanders-blow-late-lead-risk-playoff-spot-in-tough-loss-to-senators/">NY Post</a> | <a href="http://www.nyiskinny.com/2024/03/the-skinny-ottawa-4-isles-3-ot.html">NYI Skinny</a></p>
<ul>
<li id="xQ8XQT">Bo Horvat, who tied the game and saved a point, was upset with the penalty against him that gave Ottawa their power play in OT. [<a href="https://www.newsday.com/sports/hockey/islanders/islanders-bo-horvat-ksc9qo3b">Newsday</a>]</li>
<li id="FTlCyB">One of the more infuriating things about them that reflects their general lack of awareness is that they don’t just fire the puck repeatedly at bad goalies like Joonas Korpisalo. They had nine shots through half the game! Nine (9)! Like Roy said, they got “too pretty.” [<a href="https://nypost.com/2024/03/16/sports/patrick-roy-wants-islanders-to-simplify-offense/">NY Post</a>]</li>
<li id="wXTibq">I like that Roy is getting frustrated, though. He won’t tolerate this level of inconsistency. [<a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-york-islanders/latest-news/new-york-islanders-patrick-roy-ottawa-senators-third-straight-loss-sabres-kings">THN</a>]</li>
<li id="bD8lf1">
<a href="https://www.nhl.com/islanders/news/game-preview-islanders-at-rangers-march-17">A preview of today’s debacle</a>. It’s a 1:00 p.m. start and it’s on TNT.</li>
<li id="Q7gl4D">The Islanders really needed four points from Buffalo and Ottawa because of the make-or-break week that lies ahead. Ah. [<a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Ftheathletic.com%2F5346611%2F2024%2F03%2F16%2Fnew-york-islanders-season-future%2F&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.lighthousehockey.com%2F2024%2F3%2F17%2F24103629%2Fnyi-ny-new-york-islanders-back-to-back-news-rangers-roy-horvat-red-wings-sabres-wild-card-flyers" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">The Athletic</a>]</li>
</ul>
<h4 id="UCZL3S">Elsewhere</h4>
<p id="lThEyO"><a href="https://www.nhl.com/scores/2024-03-16">Yesterday’s other NHL scores</a> weren’t terrific for us, but our magic and tragic numbers are even, at least. Detroit beat Buffalo to snap their seven-game losing streak—just glad that one ended in regulation. Boston nearly let Philly come back from down 5-2 in the third but hung on. Vancouver sleepwalked through their game too and lost to Washington. New Jersey and Pittsburgh both lost, though.</p>
<ul>
<li id="pMMWWC">TJ Oshie played a “hard” 1,000 games. Last night was 1,000, and he nearly missed it with an injury. [<a href="https://www.nhl.com/news/tj-oshie-of-washington-capitals-to-play-1000th-nhl-game">NHL</a>]</li>
<li id="GrNKmz">Canadiens coach Martin St. Louis stepped away indefinitely from the team for family reasons. [<a href="https://www.tsn.ca/nhl/montreal-canadiens-head-coach-martin-st-louis-to-be-away-from-team-indefinitely-for-family-reasons-1.2091207">TSN</a>]</li>
<li id="SCSkKn">Gabe Vilardi will be out indefinitely with an enlarged spleen. That sounds unpleasant. [<a href="https://www.nhl.com/news/winnipeg-jets-gabriel-vilardi-injury-status-update">NHL</a>]</li>
</ul>
https://www.lighthousehockey.com/2024/3/17/24103629/nyi-ny-new-york-islanders-back-to-back-news-rangers-roy-horvat-red-wings-sabres-wild-card-flyersSteven E. Smith2024-03-16T15:23:52-04:002024-03-16T15:23:52-04:00Senators 4, Islanders 3 (OT): Tkachuk PPG hat trick concludes frustrating afternoon
<figure>
<img alt="Ottawa Senators v New York Islanders" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/kpvvWtaHKz5QxB2dTln7AaD_5Bs=/0x0:6443x4295/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73212087/2082112564.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Should not happen. | Photo by Mike Stobe/NHLI via Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Isles slump continues, though a late Bo Horvat equalizer prevented it from being a disastrous afternoon.</p> <p id="28bxlf">Trying to stop a two-game goalless skid, the Islanders at least got goals but still put in a disappointing performance Saturday afternoon on Long Island. Brady Tkachuk finished a hat trick on an overtime power play to send fans home disappointed and frustrated.</p>
<p id="ZydhO2">If there’s a silver lining, it’s that it could have been worse. The Isles were actually down 3-2 in the final minute — and that in itself was plenty frustrating — but they got a late Bo Horvat power play goal, with the sixth attacker, to salvage a point and send the game to overtime.</p>
<p id="2MdFON">Still, the shine off the six-game win streak is worn off, and it’s not like this 0-2-1 slump that followed has been due to tough luck or misfortune. They were just okay in L.A., really flat in Buffalo, and showed nowhere near enough urgency with a great opportunity to get back on track this afternoon.</p>
<p id="jyZlhu">[<a href="https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/nyi-vs-ott/2024/03/16/2023021060"><strong>NHL Gamecenter</strong></a> | <a href="https://www.nhl.com/scores/htmlreports/20232024/GS021060.HTM"><strong>Game Summary</strong></a> | <a href="https://www.nhl.com/scores/htmlreports/20232024/ES021060.HTM"><strong>Event Summary</strong></a> | <a href="https://www.naturalstattrick.com/game.php?season=20232024&game=21060&view=limited"><strong>Natural Stat Trick</strong></a>]</p>
<p id="CpKapU">The Isles got on the board first from an unlikely source — Matt Martin converting a wraparound shortly after an Islanders power play expired just 4:27 into the game.</p>
<div id="bjj0On">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">WRAPAROUND <a href="https://t.co/3GThfQOvQn">pic.twitter.com/3GThfQOvQn</a></p>— New York Islanders (@NYIslanders) <a href="https://twitter.com/NYIslanders/status/1769042589892727226?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 16, 2024</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="6Jy6hW">But they didn’t really follow up that opportunity the way they needed to, by pressing the foot down on a more fragile team. They reached the first intermission hanging on to the 1-0 lead, but not convincingly.</p>
<p id="wZECV3">The Senators’ first tying goal was typical of the sloppiness of the afternoon. The Isles were way too stretched on their breakout and couldn’t convert a two-zone pass, then the Senators came back the other way with a 3-on-2 that became a one-on-the-goalie opportunity as Brady Tkachuk slipped behind the defense.</p>
<p id="N730P7">That tied it at 1-1 at 11:26, but the Isles regained the lead a few minutes later through some good fortune. J-G Pageau made a nice retrieval and spin pass from the left wing boards, but his pass was a little behind Kyle Palmieri, who was alone in the slot. Still, Palmieri recovered to release a quick bad-angle shot that should not have beaten Joonas Korpisalo, who kindly let it through his short side.</p>
<div id="V4urwk">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="fi" dir="ltr">KYLE PALMIERI! <a href="https://t.co/vukUZjcPe6">pic.twitter.com/vukUZjcPe6</a></p>— New York Islanders (@NYIslanders) <a href="https://twitter.com/NYIslanders/status/1769062052495061384?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 16, 2024</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="B7vD7H">So the Isles again carried a one-goal lead into the intermission, but this time it was even less convincing than before.</p>
<p id="VLimCZ">The Senators tied it at 2-2 on another inexcusable odd-man rush, Ridly [sic] Greig [sic] converting a nice give-and-go with Tim Stutzle, while Semyon Varlamov did his best before Greig converted and mostly avoided crashing into the Isles goalie.</p>
<p id="JW5cZJ">That was at 6:35, and there were numerous close calls over the next six minutes before the Senators were gifted a power play. Noah Dobson was in a puck battle in the corner and his swat lifted the puck over the glass for a delay of game penalty, one of the harshest versions of that call (but still technically by the book) I’ve seen.</p>
<p id="yuqUgw">You likely knew what was coming next. It took the Senators 16 seconds of that power play to take their first lead of the game, Tkachuk notching his second goal of the afternoon.</p>
<p id="PRCseL">Things were looking hopeless until Dobson drew a hook by Mathieu Joseph as he carried the puck back to his own zone, and — be still our hearts — the Islanders actually converted on the ensuing power play.</p>
<p id="fxOaoe">It came with Varlamov pulled for a sixth attacker and a 6-on-4, after they won the initial faceoff and did well to hang on to the puck amid periodic pressure from the Sens’ four.</p>
<p id="mj3Tp0">Horvat did the damage, finishing a one-timer through an Anders Lee screen for his 27th goal to make it 3-3 with 38 seconds to go.</p>
<div id="mkVuzr">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">THE GAME TYING GOAL FROM #14. <a href="https://t.co/AApdRaYE5y">pic.twitter.com/AApdRaYE5y</a></p>— New York Islanders (@NYIslanders) <a href="https://twitter.com/NYIslanders/status/1769077801641033952?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 16, 2024</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<h4 id="y0b1NZ">Overtime</h4>
<p id="en1s0K">The Isles had one decent look early in overtime, but overall while it was not passive, it was not too eventful until Horvat was out for a lengthy shift and took a penalty against Stutzle with 1:55 to go. Horvat didn’t like it and broke his stick against the boards as he went to the box, then jawed at the ref through the door as Simon Holmstrom brought him a new stick. The MSG announcers said that earned him an extra call — though there wasn’t enough time left on the clock for that to matter — but at the final whistle that hadn’t been added to the game sheet.</p>
<p id="rYv4Un">The Isles got several clears and nearly killed off the power play, but Adam Pelech fell in the neutral zone as the Sens rushed up ice, sending Ryan Pulock and Casey Cizikas scrambling as Shane Pinto found Tkachuk for a pretty easy finish.</p>
<h4 id="XvPRDJ">Up Next</h4>
<p id="RptRXy">No rest, no excuses. The Isles are at the Garden to face the Rangers Sunday afternoon. The Red Wings beat the Sabres today, so this one costs them their temporary wild card position.</p>
https://www.lighthousehockey.com/2024/3/16/24103300/senators-vs-islanders-overtime-brady-tkachuk-horvat-palmieriDominik2024-03-16T10:20:00-04:002024-03-16T10:20:00-04:00Islanders Gameday News/Game 66 Thread: Crush the Sens, flush last game
<figure>
<img alt="New York Islanders v Ottawa Senators" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/1U3IMabJ9fX4LO6PgT9M8aUvuU0=/0x0:3615x2410/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73211587/1816799612.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Save us Kyle. | Photo by André Ringuette/NHLI via Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Shake off the matinee blues. </p> <p id="ySR4H5">12:30 is a very early time to play hockey. These <a href="https://www.lighthousehockey.com">New York Islanders</a> have not always been at their best during daylight hours, but they absolutely need both of today’s points against the <a href="https://www.silversevensens.com">Ottawa Senators</a>.</p>
<p id="nDTLb0">They need to shake off their matinee struggles and flush out the memory of Thursday’s debacle.</p>
<p id="KJkiys"><a href="https://www.lighthousehockey.com/2024/3/16/24102992/fig-picks-islanders-vs-senators-mar-16">FIG Picks go here</a>.</p>
<h4 id="VN6Nus">Islanders News</h4>
<ul>
<li id="Z4vAN3">
<a href="https://www.nhl.com/islanders/news/game-preview-islanders-vs-senators-mar-16">A preview of today’s game</a>. Semyon Varlamov starts today; Ilya Sorokin gets the Rangers tomorrow.</li>
<li id="boqHPR">Robert Bortuzzo is off LTIR. Wonder if we see him this weekend.</li>
</ul>
<div id="O7HLPg">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true" align="center">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">New York <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Isles?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Isles</a> have activated Robert Bortuzzo from LTIR</p>— CapFriendly (@CapFriendly) <a href="https://twitter.com/CapFriendly/status/1768797788274372733?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 16, 2024</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<ul>
<li id="ByAIDp">Bortuzzo practiced yesterday; Brock Nelson did not for personal reasons, but he’s in today. [<a href="https://www.nhl.com/islanders/news/isles-day-to-day-bortuzzo-practices-with-isles">Isles DTD</a>]</li>
<li id="x8NGqY">Despite getting shut out the last two games, the Islanders are optimistic. [<a href="https://www.newsday.com/sports/hockey/islanders/islanders-udhri205">Newsday</a>]</li>
<li id="kZUjXi">Patrick Roy sees no reason to panic. [<a href="https://nypost.com/2024/03/15/sports/patrick-roy-sees-no-reason-to-panic-after-two-straight-islanders-losses/">NY Post</a>]</li>
<li id="DzjZ01">They’re certainly going to need goals though. [<a href="https://nypost.com/2024/03/15/sports/islanders-cant-wait-to-fix-sudden-scoring-troubles/">NY Post</a>]</li>
<li id="GaByCH">And they need to get their forecheck going again. [<a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-york-islanders/latest-news/new-york-islanders-patrick-roy-buffalo-sabres-los-angeles-kings-mat-barzal-mike-reilly">THN</a>]</li>
<li id="ccxZL9">A new Weird Islanders, and one of Dan’s faves: El Cubano, Al Montoya. [<a href="https://www.lighthousehockey.com/2024/3/15/24095735/weird-islanders-the-podcast-episode-45-al-montoya-guest-nick-giglia-el-cubano-grande-don-maloney">LHH</a>]</li>
<li id="lzMTSe">Everyone knows about the Butch Goring trade, but one of Bill Torrey’s other great trades was for Bob Bourne. [<a href="https://www.nhl.com/islanders/news/maven-s-memories-the-most-underrated-great-isles-trade">Maven’s Memories</a>]</li>
</ul>
<h4 id="unpWiK">Elsewhere</h4>
<p id="JvXxcQ"><a href="https://www.nhl.com/scores/2024-03-15">Last night’s NHL scores</a> include only two games, both west-on-west.</p>
<ul>
<li id="FWzbyY">TJ Oshie plays his 1,000th game tonight. [<a href="https://www.nhl.com/news/tj-oshie-of-washington-capitals-to-play-1000th-nhl-game">NHL</a>]</li>
<li id="PYWX0n">The Golden Knights made a bunch of trades, and yet they’re only four points up on the Wild for the last wild card. It would be hysterical if they missed, but here’s how they can avoid it. [<a href="https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/analyzing-the-chase-for-the-final-playoff-spots-in-the-western-conference/">Sportsnet</a>]</li>
<li id="QeiUJd">Atlanta expansion was big on the minds of the hosts in the latest <a href="https://www.sportsnet.ca/podcasts/32-thoughts/third-times-the-charm-for-atlanta/">32 Thoughts Podcast</a>.</li>
</ul>
https://www.lighthousehockey.com/2024/3/16/24102967/nyi-ny-islanders-gameday-news-game-66-thread-ottawa-senators-wild-card-metro-sabres-varlamov-roySteven E. Smith2024-03-15T10:30:00-04:002024-03-15T10:30:00-04:00Weird Islanders: The Podcast! - Al Montoya (with guest Nick Giglia)
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/xqzzyD77wVWyL4bDGN0nSHzF2WU=/0x21:476x338/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73209370/Weird_Islanders_art.0.jpg" />
</figure>
<p>From a potentially hated Ranger to a short time Islanders savior. Vivo El Cubano Grande.</p> <p id="7fPXu8">Joined by returning guest Nick Giglia, we celebrate goalie Al Montoya, who took a long road to the NHL and looked for a half season like more found money for the scrappy Islanders. </p>
<p id="bvxYpn">Montoya had all the makings of an Islanders villain including getting drafted high by the Rangers and a preseason fight against Rick DiPietro. But after years of being blocked by other goalies on nearly every team he was on, a rash of injuries across the country and a favor by a sympathetic GM landed him on Long Island in the middle of an already crazy season. Montoya joined Michael Grabner, Jack Capuano and the rest of the scrapheap Isles in what would be an exciting if futile run at a playoff berth, all done against the backdrop of an also futile run at a new arena through a referendum vote. </p>
<p id="DnfKZT">“El Cubano Grande” remains a favorite of ours, and Nick walks us through his memories of this wild season, some unbelievable facts that changed Montoya’s fortunes and the unfortunate crash that ended his Islanders tenure far too soon.</p>
<p id="5Asvac">Thanks again to Nick for coming on. We’ve been waiting to do this one for a while.</p>
<p id="hUpg6G"><strong>Don’t forget about our live event at the brand new Offside Tavern in NYC on March 30th at 4 pm. Bring your Weird Islanders jerseys, shirts and swag because we want to hear your stories for a live podcast to be released soon after.</strong></p>
<div id="bIoJCH"><iframe frameborder="0" height="200" scrolling="no" src="https://playlist.megaphone.fm/?e=RRTET2099115949" width="100%"></iframe></div>
<p id="k008LZ"><strong>WEIRD BONUS MATERIAL!</strong></p>
<ul>
<li id="SIgCxO">Montoya’s career at <a href="https://mgoblue.com/news/2005/7/27/montoya_bypasses_senior_season_to_sign_with_rangers">Michigan was outstanding</a>, and he left the school early to try to get into the NHL.</li>
<li id="DzBtZI">Don Maloney, the man who would eventually trade Montoya to the Islanders while with the Coyotes, was also the man who <a href="https://youtu.be/-nTXtBFYxco?si=OYIcw8QeEr3zgNBm&t=2678">announced his drafting by the Rangers</a>. Also, damn, Pierre! Tell us how you really feel.</li>
<li id="26ZHQO">MONTOYA VS DIPIETRO! (in a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nisE6AGr03I&t=2s">preseason game fight</a>).</li>
<li id="7elEIz">Maloney called trading Montoya to the Islanders, <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/02/sports/hockey/02Islanders.html">“A favor to Al.”</a> </li>
<li id="xiqnnQ">His journey to <a href="https://www.si.com/more-sports/2011/03/25/al-montoyaislanders">finally starting for an NHL club</a> was long and unique but Montoya was glad to be part of the Islanders.</li>
<li id="ZW1pT9">Montoya made a great first impression on Islanders fans by being in net for <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XYXbVzlcN84">a wild 7-6 OT win</a> over Buffalo in February of 2011.</li>
<li id="VqooG4">A great save on Marian Hossa.</li>
</ul>
<div id="ZyKwk6"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-HcWqPCtKRQ?rel=0" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="accelerometer; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share;"></iframe></div></div>
<ul>
<li id="mOX642">His <a href="https://www.nydailynews.com/2011/02/19/former-rangers-prospect-al-montoya-gets-the-shutout-as-islanders-beat-kings-3-0-at-coliseum/">one shutout with the Islanders</a> came against the Kings, with Matt Moulson scoring twice against his brother-in-law, Jonathan Quick. </li>
<li id="93swAT">His run with the Islanders in 2012 <a href="https://www.nydailynews.com/2011/02/21/islanders-score-5-1-win-over-panthers-as-rangers-castoff-al-montoya-comes-up-with-another-big-game/">really was magical</a>, even if it didn’t end with a playoff berth. </li>
<li id="XEDHGC">After his great debut season, Montoya <a href="https://www.lighthousehockey.com/2011/3/29/2079071/islanders-one-year-extension-for-al-montoya">signed a one-year extension</a> with the club.</li>
<li id="s7rjHJ">This <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IDjlZW837WE">collision with Evander Kane</a> in a game against Winnipeg caused Montoya a concussion and derailed his Islanders career.</li>
<li id="3P1X73">But with injuries and inconsistencies, not to mention Evgeni Nabokov finally in the fold, Garth Snow chose not to re-sign Montoya. After the lockout, he signed with Winnipeg. His <a href="https://winnipegsun.com/2013/11/27/winnipeg-jets-goalie-al-montoya-relishes-being-old-team">first game and win for the Jets</a>, of course, came against the Islanders.</li>
<li id="12mvxK">Even after two more teams and retirement, <em>El Cubano Grande</em> remains <a href="https://www.theplayerstribune.com/posts/behind-the-mask-al-montoya-hockey-nhl">an intelligent dude</a> and charismatic communicator. He’s fiercely proud of his Cuban heritage and is working with the Stars to <a href="https://www.dmagazine.com/sports/2021/10/al-montoya-wants-you-to-enjoy-hockey-yes-you/">reach out to the Latino community</a>. Maybe he can bring <a href="https://www.dallasnews.com/sports/stars/2023/11/14/as-nhl-seeks-to-play-game-in-mexico-city-stars-are-eager-to-be-among-first-considered/">an outdoor game to Mexico City</a>.</li>
</ul>
<p id="tSn7Nd"></p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="B0zMih">
<p id="IoHBBj"><strong>What makes a “Weird Islander?”</strong></p>
<p id="lzs9ZV">We’re <strong>always</strong> open to suggestions about other Weird Islanders to discuss. Remember the criteria. Candidates must fulfill one of the two of the following:</p>
<ul>
<li id="pn16zt">Played one (1) season or less for the Islanders or very short stints over multiple seasons.</li>
<li id="O1JGhn">Be a veteran NHLer who is not generally associated with his time on Islanders.</li>
</ul>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="eor0To">
<p id="RKwlzO"><a href="https://www.patreon.com/islandersanxiety">Subscribe to our Patreon!</a> Plans start as low as $2 a month and patrons get ad-free episodes of the shows, bonus podcasts, written posts, discounts and much more.<strong> Sign up for our Country Club tier through December to receive an Islanders Anxiety Club iron-on patch.</strong></p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="EQ4ALI">
<p id="mGfiFj"><strong>Visit our friends!</strong></p>
<ul>
<li id="NdJQJw">
<a href="https://vintageicehockey.com/">Vintage Ice Hockey</a> for t-shirts, hoodies and jerseys with hundreds of classic hockey logos, and our Al Arbour and The Island merch which benefit dementia research. Use the code ANXIETY20 to save 20% off an order of two items.</li>
<li id="t7QEg0">
<a href="https://www.thepinotproject.com/">The Pinot Project</a> has Rosé, Pinot Grigio and a Pinot Noir that was named a 2022 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.</li>
<li id="AccF9V">Islanders Anxiety podcasts are part of the Fans First Sports Network (<a href="https://twitter.com/FansFirstSN">@FansFirstSN</a>).</li>
<li id="oIkgxC">Theme song: <em>“Knuckles”</em> by Björn Falk. Hear more of his music on <a href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/2V6DRZB2gnX7mZqeic8ezp?si=8AymhnT4RmqhFeeUiEKYzw">Spotify</a> and at <a href="https://bjornfalk.bandcamp.com/">Bandcamp</a>.</li>
<li id="QFYHUX">Drum sfx via <a href="https://www.zapsplat.com/">Zapsplat.com</a>. Jingle bell sfx also via <a href="https://www.zapsplat.com/music/large-sleigh-bells-medium-speed-shake-ringing-6/">ZapSplat</a>. </li>
</ul>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="Qguo4F">
<p id="L5RQTj"><strong>Please subscribe, download, rate, review or spread the word about </strong><em><strong>Islanders Anxiety, Weird Islanders: The Podcast!</strong></em><strong> and all of our podcasts any way you can.</strong> 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.</p>
<p id="QosmuM"><strong>All Islanders Anxiety podcasts are available on:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li id="X4yrwp"><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/islanders-anxiety-a-new-york-islanders-podcast/id1050033167">Apple Podcasts</a></li>
<li id="9bwmRc"><a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/3LFEyaxjOmOGvlDClV2Aop?si=211752b7f81b4444">Spotify</a></li>
<li id="Q8Mheo"><a href="https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5tZWdhcGhvbmUuZm0vbGlnaHRob3VzZS1ob2NrZXk">Google Podcasts</a></li>
<li id="azZOeI">And everywhere podcasts are found</li>
</ul>
<p id="oien20"></p>
<p id="aUknRz"></p>
https://www.lighthousehockey.com/2024/3/15/24095735/weird-islanders-the-podcast-episode-45-al-montoya-guest-nick-giglia-el-cubano-grande-don-maloneyDan SaraceniMichael J. Leboff2024-03-15T09:00:08-04:002024-03-15T09:00:08-04:00Islanders News: I thought we were done with this
<figure>
<img alt="New York Islanders v Buffalo Sabres" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/fJ1xJXrJX0MFhpTNnupmPkTXUFU=/0x319:6000x4319/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73209123/2076718958.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>[blows raspberries] | Photo by Bill Wippert/NHLI via Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>I thought these guys turned a corner and weren’t going to do this no-show thing in big games anymore. My mistake I guess!</p> <p id="p9kgYR">They weren’t going to win six games in a row every time. They can’t win every game. And they did fly back from the West Coast and had to stop in Buffalo before going home. But last night, the <a href="https://www.lighthousehockey.com">New York Islanders</a> looked like they didn’t even get off the plane.</p>
<p id="0MbLa5">Indeed, it was probably a more important game to the Buffalo Sabres, and they showed a lot of desperation. It was an important game for the Islanders too, though. A loss would have been easier to stomach if they at least acted like it was an important game, or that they had a game at all. They could have gained ground on the Flyers and pushed down the Red Wings. They did this no-show thing in another Most Important Game of the Year against the Tampa Bay Lightning two weeks ago. I thought after this win streak, where they played sustainably well and with renewed vigor under Patrick Roy, that we moved past the no-shows; even Monday night in LA was better despite getting shut out. Evidently, we are not past them, and we can reasonably expect it to happen at least once or twice again at this rate. As always, I’ll be thrilled to be proven wrong. This team infuriates me. And they made Roy madder than he’s been here:</p>
<div id="4K0qN9">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true" align="center">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Patrick Roy: “We were flat.”</p>— Andrew Gross (@AGrossNewsday) <a href="https://twitter.com/AGrossNewsday/status/1768452626713055399?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 15, 2024</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="xz7kJb">At the end of the day, they woke up yesterday morning in a playoff spot, and they woke up today in a playoff spot, too. As far as I am aware, they still control their own destiny. But they have a tough stretch of games coming up next week, and they had a chance to give themselves more of a cushion. It certainly would’ve been nice.</p>
<h4 id="Ap9CEw">Islanders News</h4>
<p id="dSr1rb">Recaps if you dare: <a href="https://www.lighthousehockey.com/2024/3/14/24101397/sabres-vs-islanders-cozens-benson">LHH</a> | <a href="https://www.nhl.com/islanders/news/3-takeaways-isles-blanked-4-0-by-sabres">3 Takeaways</a> | <a href="https://www.newsday.com/sports/hockey/islanders/islanders-sabres-mt5q7ug5">Newsday</a> | <a href="https://nypost.com/2024/03/14/sports/islanders-completely-fall-apart-against-sabres-to-end-road-trip/">NY Post</a> | <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-york-islanders/game-day/new-york-islanders-buffalo-sabres-4-0-wild-card-spot-keybank-center">THN</a> | <a href="http://www.nyiskinny.com/2024/03/the-skinny-buffalo-3-isles-0.html">NYI Skinny</a></p>
<ul>
<li id="W1HrLi">The top line wants to improve defensively. [<a href="https://www.newsday.com/sports/hockey/islanders/islanders-sabres-jy4syins">Newsday</a>]</li>
<li id="aqcLW4">Mathew Barzal wants them to be like Stamkos-Point-Kucherov. [<a href="https://nypost.com/2024/03/15/sports/mathew-barzal-sets-high-standards-for-islanders-new-top-line/">NY Post</a>]</li>
<li id="wRQs20">Casey Cizikas fits in well with Roy’s Swedish Connection. [<a href="https://www.nhl.com/islanders/news/cizikas-clicks-with-the-swedish-connection">Islanders</a>]</li>
<li id="OP2lFv">Matt Martin and Cal Clutterbuck combined for the last Islander goal. They brought some physicality against Buffalo, but not enough for a win. Anders Lee fought, too. [<a href="https://www.newsday.com/sports/hockey/islanders/islanders-sabers-nhq4hmwz">Newsday</a>]</li>
</ul>
<h4 id="61G6Lo">Elsewhere</h4>
<p id="oKYg2S"><a href="https://www.nhl.com/scores/2024-03-14">Last night’s NHL scores</a> include regulation losses for the Flyers (to the Maple Leafs) and the Red Wings (their seventh straight regulation loss, this one again to the Coyotes). But the Lightning came back to beat the Rangers in regulation, and the Capitals were gifted the two goals they needed to beat the Kraken in regulation.</p>
<ul>
<li id="O0mvp5">The <a href="https://www.pensburgh.com">Pittsburgh Penguins</a> were going to give out Jaromir Jagr bobbleheads last night, but they got stolen. Jagr is on a mission to find them now. [<a href="https://www.nhl.com/news/topic/short-shifts/gritty-takes-blame-for-stolen-jaromir-jagr-bobbleheads">NHL</a>]</li>
<li id="4zIop2">Ranking the top rivalries. Isles-Rangers is no. 8, for those who don’t subscribe. [<a href="https://www.espn.com/nhl/insider/story/_/id/39731994/nhl-ranking-rivalry-top-10-panthers-lightning-bruins-rangers">E$PN+</a>]</li>
<li id="x4B5GF">We might be expanding again. The league, I mean. [<a href="https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/32-thoughts-is-more-nhl-expansion-on-the-horizon/">Sportsnet</a>]</li>
<li id="e09K1C">They don’t just do hockey at Minnesota State’s Hockey Tournament; they do hair, too. [<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/14/style/minnesota-hockey-hair.html">NY Times</a>]</li>
</ul>
https://www.lighthousehockey.com/2024/3/15/24101471/nyi-ny-new-york-islanders-news-buffalo-sabres-wild-card-metro-flyers-red-wings-lightning-barzal-roySteven E. Smith