Islanders Anxiety: A New York Islanders podcast

Mike and Dan recap the Islanders' good week that ended in a wet fart, then take a look at a benchmark game coming up and the latest trade request from an NHL star.

The Islanders started the week with two huge but unlikely wins - in a shootout over Nashville and in overtime in Minnesota. Both games featured great performances and the structure we've come to expect from them this season. Matthew Schaefer got most of the notices, but his five minute shift in overtime against the Predators wasn't even close to the most impressive thing he did this week. A return Halloween home game against the Oilers started off bad and devolved into a circus before settling as a 4-0 loss. The best thing they can do now is wipe the slate clean of it and make it just a blip in this long season.

They'll get the chance to do that this week against the defending Stanley Cup champion Hurricanes. If they can hang with Carolina or even beat them, it will go a long way in determining how the rest of the season goes. Then it's another home game against the Devils and their new goalie, Connor Hellebyuck. They need to win at least one before heading to California next week.

Finally, we discuss Nikita Kucherov's surprise trade request and how it ties back to Dylan Larkin's ongoing trade saga. Kucherov hasn't set his career on fire the way Larkin has, but the way these have been covered is as annoying as the knowledge that the Islanders will not be a landing spot for them or any other premier player who's available.

More than anything, this team needs a talent upgrade. But between their own slow pace, locked in contracts and status outside of the rest of the NHL, they're going to need to get creative.

Our theme is "Morning Haze" by Family Dinner. Hear more of their music ⁠⁠on Spotify⁠⁠.

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Mike and Dan recap the Islanders' up-and-down week, look ahead to a scary schedule and bring receipts to an epic Master Sens Theatre.

The Islanders won one fun game, lost a game in overtime they were the better team in and then lost to a contender that overmatched them by a lot. With four regulars out of the lineup, their already pop gun offense and frequent missed opportunities looked even worse. They also have some games coming up in places they never win, making the mediocre results they got much more dire. There were things to like, like electric Matthew Schaefer goals, players who needed it cashing in and Pete DeBoer's structure still being executed well. But the reality of what this team is is settling in, and the good feelings from last week are fading.

We also discuss the team's unforced error of trying to "explain" Mat Barzal's absence and when - or if - he'll be back in the lineup. This also ties back to early season attendance issues and the lingering UBS Arena parking problem the organization doesn't seem to want to address. It would be great to make people feel good again with some wins in unlikely places and at home on Halloween. But the Magic 8 Ball isn't coming up in their favor.

In the second half, we also discuss the Connor Hellebyuck trade to New Jersey and the Metro Division before diving into an operatic Master Sens Theatre about the already legendary Brady Tkachuk return game. Everyone loves how Ottawa fans brutalized their former captain all game long, which is a far cry from how they treated Islanders fans who did the same thing to their traitorous returning captain back in 2019. But don't take our word for it; we've got the tweets, articles and quotes to prove what we know was true.

Make sure to come to our next meetup at Zofia's Hideout (82nd St, NYC) on Tuesday for the Islanders-Predators game.

Our theme is "Morning Haze" by Family Dinner. Hear more of their music ⁠⁠on Spotify⁠⁠.

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Mike and Dan are joined by Pascal Morency and Blog Box veteran Tom Liodice to discuss the tough guy's time with Bridgeport and one preseason game with the Islanders.

Pascal Morency has a well-traveled career in hockey, providing grit, scoring and community service to teams across Canada, the US and Europe. He spent three seasons with the Bridgeport Sound Tigers, then one of the tougher teams in the AHL. Although he only had one preseason game in a New York Islanders jersey, it was a memorable one, with Morency coming to the aid of a fallen Kyle Okposo after he was laid out on a dirty hit by Calgary captain Dion Phanuef.

In the first half of the episode, we talk with Tom about the legendary Islanders Blog Box and what it was like covering the team as a fan in those early internet days. We then discuss Morency's impact and our lasting impressions from the one game most will remember him playing for the organization. It was a dark time for the Islanders, and seeing one of their bright young stars get injured in a meaningless game made it just a little bit more painful. Players like Morency helped us feel that at least someone had our back.

Then in the second half, we're joined by Morency himself, as he candidly recounts his time in Bridgeport, his fondness for those years and for the community he served so readily, his favorite teammates and some memorable fights. He talks about his continued closeless with another Sound Tigers soldier, Trevor Gillies, having to learn how to fight with one hand after one particularly gruesome injury and once tussling with a guy named Robin Big Snake. True story.

Thanks again to Pascal for joining us and sharing his great memories. And a huge thanks to Tom for not only being a great guest himself, but putting us in contact with Pascal. We also have a Weird Islanders Extra! bonus podcast with Tom where we discuss a photograph that's a snapshot of what kind of team the Sound Tigers had in the late 2000's.

Our theme is "Knuckles" by Björn Falk. Hear more of his music on Spotify and at Bandcamp.

Drum sfx via Zapsplat.com.

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Mike and Dan effusively praise the Islanders for their gutsy performance in Toronto on Saturday night, and celebrate with some Master Leaf Theatre.

The Islanders have won some games over the last few years, but none have made us as proud to be fans as Saturday's 4-1 win over the Maple Leafs. Down bodies going into the game and losing two more during it, the visitors took it to the home team as if they had something to prove. The victory meant more than just two points; it mean coach Peter deBoer's system can work and the players can execute it and win. The two preceding games - a win over Vancouver and a shootout loss to Ottawa - being shaky and less than impressive made Saturday's triumph even more sweet.

The news might get worse but for now, they have to follow up those good vibes starting with games against Anaheim and LA at home, then a Central Division road trip that begins in Dallas on Sunday. Winning at home is key, especially if you want the fanbase to believe as much as the players do. We finish with, of course, some post-game Master Leaf Theatre readings that prove once again that A. no one outside of us watches the Islanders and B. Leafs fans love expecting the best and then letting gutless performances like Saturday reorder their reality. But hey, at least Gavin McKenna and the coach are cool with each other.

Our next meetup at Zofia's Hideout (82nd St, NYC) will be on Tuesday, Oct. 27.

Our theme is "Morning Haze" by Family Dinner. Hear more of their music ⁠⁠on Spotify⁠⁠.

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Mike and Dan recap a week of close-but-no-cigar games and discuss the season-ending injury to Alexander Romanov (and Igor Shesterkin).

In losses to the Rangers and Lightning, the Islanders showed some good things, but ultimately came away with zero points, which is a problem even this early in the season. At 2-3-0, they once again are starting a campaign in a middling, alternating way, while teams around them have hit the ground running. True, it could always be worse (just look at the Blackhawks, who the Islanders beat last Thursday), but it's fair to wonder why it's never better, and why no one ever demands more from these players who supposedly care so much about winning and each other. The Islanders somehow never have enough to beat the good teams and have to have everything go exactly right in order to come away victorious against even the bad ones.

In the second half, we look ahead towards another week of winnable games. Returning with at least a .500 record is a must but is it too much to ask for three straight wins, against one bad team and two pretty good ones? It is for these guys. We also look at both the human toll and the on-ice effect of the Romanov injury. While the boys in the room will miss their fallen teammate, don't hold your breath for any reinforcements or replacements. As for Shesterkin, don't worry; the Rangers will be fine. They always are.

We'll be recording our Monthly Mail Bag podcast for October, so be sure to get to Patreon.com/IslandersAnxiety, sign up for the Country Club tier and get your questions in. The podcast will release on Tuesday exclusively for Country Club tier subscribers.

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Our theme is "Morning Haze" by Family Dinner. Hear more of their music ⁠⁠on Spotify⁠⁠.

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Harold Griffin, guitarist and songwriter for Long Island-based punk band Koyo, helps us kick off Season 6 of Weird Islanders by talking about distinguished defenseman Dennis Seidenberg's odd path to the team.

Seidenberg was both unlikely and perfect for the Islanders at the same time. A Stanley Cup champion in Boston and as solid and respected a player on the ice as you'll find anywhere, he suddenly found himself bought out of his contract at 34-years old. After a great showing for Team Europe at the World Cup of Hockey, GM Garth Snow signed Seidenberg to a one-year contract just before training camp, one of the most Islanders-esque moves we've ever seen. It turns out the big German still had a lot in the tank and provided the young team with the same steady play he was already known for. Although injuries derailed his second season with the club, he found a new and very important role in a longstanding Islanders lineage: as landlord to one of the team's up-and-coming stars.

Harold talks to us about how Long Island, the Islanders and sports have shaped him and his band, Koyo. We reminisce about Seidenberg's short Islanders tenure, his surprisingly sick stat line of that first season, the Isles' connections to the Bruins and the "New York Saints" spring of a few seasons later, and how Seidenberg has become one of the most Long Island-Weird Islanders ever. We also sneak a surprise extra Weird Islander in there, who even more surprisingly comes up again in our next episode!

Thanks again to Harold for coming on. We also have a Weird Islanders Extra! bonus episode where he tells us about getting harassed by Canadians for wearing Islanders gear on stage

and other observations from rock n' roll touring. Check out Koyo on YouTube, Spotify, Bandcamp or wherever you get your music and see them on tour starting this December at Warsaw in Brooklyn.

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Our theme is "Morning Haze" by Family Dinner. Hear more of their music ⁠⁠on Spotify⁠⁠.

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Mike and Dan recap the Islanders' first two games of the season, including an emphatic and historic home opening win over the Devils, as well as bring forth the first Master Leaf Theatre of a new year.

The Islanders went into the season with some bad vibes. The postseason was long and disappointing, even the new guys on the roster felt stale and the GM tried to bullshit the fanbase by talking about how much he "tried" to make meaningful changes. It didn't feel better after a blah 2-1 loss in Toronto, of all places, in Game 1. But Game 2 was different - with a cascade of goals, solid all around play and the first NHL tally for "The Agent of Chaos" Victor Eklund, who also got a happy birthday singalong, it was a party for everyone in blue-and-orange. Suddenly, the future seems bright again for what feels like the first time in years.

We hope to keep the good times rolling into Week 2, with games against the rising Rangers, beatable Blackhawks and litmus test Lightning on the horizon. These games will give us a true indication of what this team and season will be like for the next... [checks notes]... 82 games?

Of course a game against the Leafs means a new edition of Master Leaf Theatre for the new year. This one needs almost no introduction before it goes off the rails biblically (literally). We also have rookies skipping optional skates with their coach's blessing, more detail on a goal song than anyone will ever need and a computer masquerading as a man all the way to one of the most powerful seats in the land. It's an epic kick off to a fan favorite bit that keeps on giving.

Thanks again to everyone who came to either Zofia's Hideout on Wednesday or the game on Saturday (or both) and stopped by to say hello. We really appreciate the face-to-face meetings and kind words. Our next meetup at Zofia's will be on Tuesday, Oct. 27. More info to come.

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Our theme is "Morning Haze" by Family Dinner. Hear more of their music ⁠⁠on Spotify⁠⁠.

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Mike and Dan wrap up the Islanders preseason and prepare for the start of real games, while making two big announcements for this week.

The Islanders went 1-3 in the preseason, with some standout performances, a few injuries, a slew of guys sent to Hamilton and one free agent signing - hulking defenseman Logan Stanley. The games themselves didn't do much to get us excited for the season, and some of the moves also left us feeling a little bit of deja vu. The Islanders are asking a largely holdover crew to reverse the path they've been on for several seasons. They can start by once again becoming hard to play against, something they haven't been in a long, long time. It's possible that they surprise us this season - waiving Pierre Engvall was one surprise - but we find ourselves on the doubting side when we should be at our most joyful.

In the second half, we talk about the games against the Maple Leafs and Devils that kick off the new campaign, and how beating two good but flawed teams would do wonders for our mood. The Islanders have only won 14 of 53 home openers, which is a pathetic number. It would be great to get No. 15 this Saturday. We also take a quick look around the rest of the NHL and see who we think will be good, bad, disastrously funny or fun to watch without the worry we always bring to Islanders games.

Be sure to come to Zofia's Hideout, 84th Street in NYC on Wednesday for a meet up and viewing of the Islanders' season opener. Or say hello to us on Saturday at the Islanders home opener at UBS Arena against the Devils. We'll be in Sect. 101 in between periods.

Our theme is "Morning Haze" by Family Dinner. Hear more of their music ⁠⁠on Spotify⁠⁠.

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Mike and Dan return for Season 11 to run through some summer news on and off the ice, the Islanders' first preseason game and their super specific predictions for the season.

From the outside, it didn't look like the Islanders did much this offseason. But sickos like us know that's not the case. There's a new captain, a new assistant GM, a new minority owner, a new (actual human) winner of the third jersey design contest, and a new streaming home for the team with the worst name we've ever heard. There's also a "luxury item" the team might be able to see again this season. Sadly, the news isn't all good, as Mat Barzal will miss most of camp with inflammation. At least, that's what we think this weirdly-worded release says. We also say good bye to a guy we talked about A LOT last season. Uh, good luck to everyone involved.

In the second half, we "recap" the Islanders 2-1 preseason loss to the Devils and get used to Pete DeBoer's plainspoken pressers, which are a welcome change. We also look at some recent articles featuring Matthew Schaefer being awesome and the Islanders getting a fair, if realistic shake from an outlet that usually doesn't. Finally, we give some predictions on games, moves, awards, celebrities and other stuff we see happening around the Islanders and the NHL this season. We also pay our respects to late NHL coach and broadcaster Barry Melrose.

Thank you all so much for listening all these years. We're lucky and grateful that our show has now passed the decade mark, which is rarified air for podcasts. We're looking forward to bringing you our offbeat observations about this team for a long time.

Our theme is "Morning Haze" by Family Dinner. Hear more of their music ⁠⁠on Spotify⁠⁠.

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Mike and Dan reconvene after some family time to talk about the Islanders third jersey design contest and an article at The Athletic.

After 80,000 submissions, a fan-designed jersey has been chosen for the Islanders to wear in the 2027-28 season. The contest was the brainchild of the Islanders Lord Business himself, Kelly Cheeseman, who can pat himself on the back for a job well done. But we expected to see a little more creativity or "funk" in the final choices, not hear more about how the 54-year-old NHL team is a "Challenger Brand." The final choice was fine but how we got there raised some questions that may never be fully answered.

In the second half, we discuss The Athletic's NHL front-office confidence rankings for 2026 and the Islanders' middling place that shows the disconnect between how the public sees the roster and how fans do. Usually, it was non-Islanders fans thinking too little of them and fans having belief. Now, it's flipped, and the NHL at large sees an okay team and fans see a directionless disaster. It's a new dynamic that should raise some eyebrows in the front office and make them see how the customers are looking at their product.

Thanks for listening and sticking with us all off season. Our first official episode of the season will release on Monday, Sept. 21, so we've got about a month to go before we get the machine rolling again.

Our theme is "Morning Haze" by Family Dinner. Hear more of their music ⁠⁠on Spotify⁠⁠.

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