Mike and Dan look at the Islanders first two games of the season and what's different but the same about the team this time around. They dissect the 3-1 loss to Florida on opening night and how it gave fans a "same old shit" feeling, despite the Islanders playing a brand new style of hockey. They then look at the 7-1 demolition of Anaheim two nights later and how the new philosophy seemed to gel in the (almost) ideal way. They also discuss some younger players that made a difference and some who... have not. In the second half, they preview a stretch that's crucial even this early in the year, and give their opinions on some game ops changes that either have been (thankfully) removed or should be. Finally, they give some updates on former Islanders catching on after their PTOs had expired.

REMINDER THAT WEIRD ISLANDERS: THE PODCAST! IS BACK THIS FRIDAY, OCT. 21st. The first episode is an instant classic, so don't miss it!

Visit our friends:

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike and Dan wrap up the preseason and look ahead to the start of the Islanders regular season, with a mix of excitement and apprehension. They talk about the need for the team to have a hot start and not repeat the dreariness of last year's regular season. They look at a couple of injuries the Islanders are already dealing with (and the expected radio silence on details), the performances of a few prospects and how having some depth and cap space going into the season can only be seen as positives. In the second half, they make some bold predictions for the upcoming season, rant about the worthlessness of the NHL's flagship television network and make a massive announcement about new merch you can buy right now.

Visit our friends:

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike and Dan celebrate Mat Barzal, who has signed an eight-year contract extension with the Islanders, before turning their attention to the rest of the NHL in their annual season preview. They talk about Barzal's connection with Islanders fans and how he represents more to the franchise than just goals and assists. They also preemptively throw water on whatever the chart merchants will say to make the deal seem like something else entirely, and contrast how these negotiations went versus previous impending free agents. In the second half, they survey the entire NHL to see who they think will be good, bad, overrated and underrated this season. From the Coyotes and their college arena, to the Jets and their boom-or-bust outlook, to the Senators who everyone seems to be rooting for, they cover every team from both a betting and casual standpoint.

Visit our friends:

Visit our friends:

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike and Dan (finally) talk about the upcoming Islanders season, how their muted expectations feel normal, and the star power of Mathew Barzal. They discuss the first days of training camp and some of the reports coming out regarding new coach Lane Lambert and players putting the previous disjointed and depressing season behind them. They also tear apart some season previews that offer the same criticisms of the team that we've heard for the last five years. In the second half, they talk up Barzal's appearance on the 32 Thoughts podcast, how excited and personable he came off, and how he "gets" being an Islander like few others. Finally, they look at some already unhinged reporters, compare Islanders to rock gods, and pay a tearful tribute to former Islanders who have signed PTOs with other teams during camp. You will be missed.

Visit our friends:

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike and Dan discuss the trio of signings the Islanders announced late in the summer and determine which gets the Tidy Piece of Business Seal of Approval. Noah Dobson, newcomer Alex Romanov and Kieffer Bellows all return with things to prove but with loads of potential. The hosts also talk about the man who signed the contracts - GM Lou Lamoriello - who has drawn the most fire from fans who are disappointed in his lack of offseason moves, even if he (publicly, at least) is not. Finally, they talk about a big contract looming on the horizon, some possible moves to clear up space next season and another prospect ranking that has the Islanders near the bottom of the league. All in a packed season finale, the fourth one of the summer!

Visit our friends:

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

WARNING: CONTAINS EXPLICIT LANGUAGE. A LOT OF IT. Mike and Dan are joined by Arthur Staple of The Athletic to talk over just what the hell happened to that whole "Nazem Kadri to the Islanders" thing. For the third time this season, the hosts wrap up the state of the Islanders after free agency and for the second time discuss how the team missed out on another free agent. While the jury was out on just how Kadri would fit into the roster and sitting out free agency once again no doubt stings, Staple walks us through how the Islanders might just be okay betting on their core players again. In the second half, Mike and Dan direct their hottest fire on the army of phony "insiders" that led fans to believe that a deal was done when it clearly was not. While being mad at the team is justifiable, being mad at the folks that made a mess and then walked away like it wasn't their fault is even more understandable. And only a scant six more weeks before the season starts!

Visit our friends:

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike and Dan tie a bow on the 2021-22 season by talking about the Islanders' lack of moves, taking stock of where the franchise is now, and answering listener questions. The super-duper-sized episode starts with a comparison of their feelings about the team from a year ago and today, and how the Isles' weird, unsuccessful season changes the perception of how they do business. They look at some unrestricted free agents that are still available and who the Islanders may have already signed without telling anyone. In the second half, they wrap up the discussion about Johnny Gaudreau from last week and wonder how the similar experience Islanders fans went through four years ago somehow isn't being used as a guide by Flames fans and media. Finally, they answer questions from listeners about a wide range of topics such as roster moves, favorite random players, goal songs, bad decisions and who to cast for a hypothetical movie about the 2007 Islanders. Thanks again to everyone who sent in a question and for listening along all season. We'll be back when the Islanders sign someone or training camp, whichever comes first. Please leave us a review at iTunes and help spread the Anxiety.

Visit our friends:

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike and Dan try to understand how Johnny Gaudreau went from choosing between the Islanders and Devils to signing with Columbus. Spoiler: They don't; but they do understand the implications of the Islanders missing out on yet another prime unrestricted free agent. They talk about the pattern that goes back decades and how nothing the team does is going to change the perception that free agents don't want to come to Long Island. In the second half, they cleanse their palates by discussing the Maple Leafs' big goaltending gambles and the terrible TSN Free Agent Frenzy program that made an irritating day 100 times worse. James Duthie has made an enemy for life. Apologies for the slightly messed up audio.

Visit our friends:

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike and Dan discuss the Islanders moves at the 2022 NHL Entry Draft, including trading their first round pick for defenseman Alexander Romanov. They talk about the initial confusion at, then acceptance of the deal, and the potential high upside of acquiring the 22-year-old second year player. They also look at the prospects taken in Rounds 2 through 6, and how they represent a new philosophy for the team. In the second half, they look at some unrestricted free agents who could be available next week who they can and can't (or maybe don't want) to see as Islanders. We'll be back with one last episode next week before we pack up for the summer. The sooner we record our next episode, the bigger the free agent get.

Visit our friends:

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lighthouse Hockey founder Dominik Jánský walks Mike and Dan through the twisty career of Craig Janney, who spent 18 forgettable games as an Islander after years of almost stardom and near-constant drama. Starting as a phenom with a contending Bruins team, Janney was traded to a swashbuckling St. Louis team for actual superstar Adam Oates. An attempt to make him compensation for yet another free agency splash resulted in more trades and worn out welcomes until he finally washed ashore on Long Island thanks to the man who remembered his potential-filled younger days. Too bad the in-over-his-head coach at the time didn't want to hear about them. How did a career that started with such promise end so disappointingly? Perhaps a famous teammate running off with his wife had something to do with it...

Visit our friends:

Theme song: "Knuckles" by Björn Falk. Hear more of his music on Spotify and at Bandcamp.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices