Isles Buzz

Hockey podcasters from around the Fans First Sports Network discuss the first round of the 2023 NHL playoffs in a special roundtable. Voices include Jake Reiser (Bruins), Dan Saraceni (Islanders), PD (Blue Jackets), Sky (Bruins/Kraken), Wes (Stars), Stephen (Ducks) and Robyn (Kings), who all give their takes on each teams strengths and weaknesses, who the X-factors might be and what chaos may ensue. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike and Dan preview the playoff series between the Islanders and Carolina Hurricanes and why the Isles are a trendy pick to upset the Metro Division winners. Both teams have flaws on offense and on special teams, but the Islanders boast the better goalie and a returning Mat Barzal, while Carolina has significant injuries but a structured and dangerous defense. Can the seventh-seeded Isles overcome the issues that made their regular season so turbulent, or will the pressuring, steady Hurricanes be too much for them? Honestly, we have no idea. But we try to figure it out anyway. In the second half, we remember some bests and worsts of the past regular season and laugh one more time at the Penguins. Over at the Patreon is our look at every first round series and Cup predictions. Sign up at Patreon.com/IslandersAnxiety for that, bonus content and ad-free episodes. Visit our friends: Vintage Ice Hockey for t-shirts, hoodies and jerseys with hundreds of classic hockey logos, and our Al Arbour and The Island merc

In their second emergency podcast of the week. Mike and Dan exhale as the Islanders finally clinch a playoff berth (and eliminate the Penguins) with a win over Montreal. At various times throughout the absolutely insane rollercoaster of stress that was the regular season, it looked like the Islanders wouldn't make the postseason. They had injuries and slumps and disastrous losses balancing big wins and unsung heroes. But in Game 82, they stepped up and won a winnable game, giving their fans a well-deserved break and giving one of their biggest rivals a delicious early summer vacation. We don't know how it will end, but at least this Islanders season will have a proper third act. Subscribe to our Patreon! 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. Visit our friends: Vintage Ice Hockey for t-shirts, hoodies and jerseys with hundreds of classic hockey logos, and our Al Arbour and The Island merch which benefit dementia

Mike and Dan react to the Islanders' 5-2 loss in Washington on Monday night, a devastating blow to their playoff hopes. With an embarrassing performance in a must-win game, this year's team proved once again that it cannot be trusted with their hands on the wheel. And now they've put themselves and their fans in the unenviable position of rooting for teams like the Blackhawks and Blue Jackets to save their season. Watching the game was bad enough. But the next 48 hours will be even worse. Strap in. Subscribe to our Patreon! 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. Visit our friends: Vintage Ice Hockey for t-shirts, hoodies and jerseys with hundreds of classic hockey logos, and our Al Arbour and The Island merch which benefit dementia research. If you spend $50 or more, use the code FOURCUPS to get a free The Island coffee mug or pint glass or an Islanders Anxiety puck. The Pinot Project has Rosé, Pinot Grigio an

Mike and Dan look back at a week in which the Islanders won two crucial games, the moment that it all could have come crashing down and Bo Horvat blasting the Canucks. Not only did they beat the Lightning (!) and the Flyers handily but they kept pace with the Penguins and Panthers who also won their games. They will need to do the same this week in order to qualify for the playoffs, and for a throwback team like the Islanders, it should be no surprise that it comes down to Games 81 and 82. Ryan Pulock preventing an embarrassing own goal from happening is only the latest "Most Islanders Thing" to happen this season, which has been packed to gills with ridiculous moments. After the game, Bo Horvat decided to use an interview with Shannon Hogan to zing Vancouver, which was the talk of social media all weekend. The line was funny and cutting and shows just how much the Islanders organization has changed from what it was in its Dark Ages of two decades ago. Finally, they look at the schedules Pittsburgh and Florid

Joined by wrestling podcaster and former sportswriter Phil Strum, Mike and Dan remember two short time Islanders who became general managers as well as the most obscure player we have ever featured. Don Maloney and Darcy Regier are mostly remembered as GMs these days, but both played for the Islanders under different circumstances. Maloney signed as a free agent after many years with the hated Rangers, and after two seasons, stepped right into the front office, eventually succeeding the legendary Bill Torrey. It started well but... didn't end there. Regier came over in an important pre-Dynasty trade, but had no place to play on a stacked Islanders roster. He would work his way up the executive ladder and forge paths using some cutting edge methods until he also reached the GM chair... for a team that wasn't the Islanders. Finally, there is Garth MacGuigan, a man who played only five career NHL games, all with the Islanders. It wasn't much, but it was long enough to have a memorable interaction with a very you

Mike and Dan react to another lost weekend for the Islanders, who failed to gain any points against Tampa Bay or Carolina, and find the playoff race tightening even more. In dropping back-to-back games 5-0 and 2-1, the Islanders fell into old habits like sloppy play, ice cold offense and inconsistent defense, all while Pittsburgh and Florida continue to stay alive. It makes for a very frustrating existence full of fear and kvetching, that might not even end when the team's schedule does. The road ahead is treacherous and the Islanders will need more than just wins to fully clinch a playoff berth. Somehow through all the gripes they find time to recap the two games the team won last week, praise the various saviors they've had over the course of the season (hello, Pierre Engvall) and discuss how Lane Lambert's visible anger on the bench has helped them finally forge a connection with the coach. WARNING: Contains adult language and a lot of sighing. Subscribe to our Patreon! Plans start as low as $2 a month and

Mike and Dan reflect on a week of big wins and demoralizing losses, and how the Islanders are just barely hanging onto the wheel in their drive for the playoffs. In back-to-back losses to Columbus and Buffalo, the Isles looked unpolished and passive and instead of taking advantage of games against vulnerable opponents playing scrapheap goalies, they let valuable points slip away at a most unfortunate time of the season. Worse was that the defeats came after a rousing and raucous home win over the Maple Leafs that reminded everyone that Islanders fans are not to be trifled with. While the Toronto media did its best to shield their favored sons from the vitriol, their new-found "respect" for this often-chided fanbase isn't fooling anyone. In the second half, they look ahead at a daunting schedule against good teams that's impossible to predict and could be disastrous if the Islanders don't find their groove again. Finally, they shoutout some kind words from their Islanders podcast brethren. Note 1: This episode

Joined by Joe Buono, author of children's book New York Islanders A to Z, Mike and Dan remember Alan Quine, a player whose short time with the Islanders was defined by one monumental playoff goal. Quine came to Long Island in an unusual way - by getting re-drafted three rounds later than he was originally selected. After productive seasons in the AHL, he got a late-season call up and, a few weeks later, ended up scoring one of the biggest playoff goals in Islanders history in Game 5 against the Panthers in 2016. While the goal that won the series still stirs mixed emotions, Quine's shining moment makes him a particularly peculiar guest star in a memorable special episode of the 2015-16 season of Islanders hockey. Joe talks about his memories of Quine's time with the Islanders, all of the many threads that tied back to him that Spring, and why he didn't make it into the final version of New York Islanders A to Z. Buy Joe's book, with fantastic art by Joe Marasic, at store.bookbaby.com. Subscribe to our Patreon

Mike and Dan recap the Islanders' mostly successful week in California, look ahead at three big games on the horizon and wonder what language the players are speaking to each other. With two wins in their their three games on the West Coast, the Islanders solidified their playoff position. It wasn't perfect, with some bad periods, awful power plays, unfortunate events and a few players stepping backward. But others have stepped up, even ones in scoring droughts, and pulled it together to take advantage of a few timely losses by rivals around them in the playoff chase. They also brace for an invasion of Leafs water carriers upon UBS Arena and a weird short-notice back-to-back this week. All the while, they beg for some insight into the "lingo" the Islanders players need to learn that's so different from what other teams use. Please, we need to know. This is our first episode as part of the Fans First Sports Network, a new podcast venture started by other ex-SB Nation podcasters. Very little will change from a

Mike and Dan look back at a week that put the Islanders in good position, and ahead towards the California trip that could ruin everything. They revel over a rare "signature win" that helped derail everyone's favorite wild card hopeful. The victory over the Sabres was the Islanders in their purest form, getting cheers for red line dump-ins from a fanbase that finds them anything but boring, despite how they're treated by the talking heads we're forced to deal with. They also look at another hilarious win over the Penguins that exposed how flawed that team is, despite its delusions about itself and its history. In the second half, they preview a swing on the West Coast that could be doom, the scheduling conspiracy theory working against the Islanders, and the hard shifts we'll have to put in just to watch them this week. Forget the coffee and take some deep breaths. Finally, they discuss the Flyers and the orange-robed council of elders that actually runs them. Preorder your triple player “Line Change” Bobbleh

Joined by Hockey Night in New York host Sean Cuthbert, Mike and Dan talk about the goalie tandem of the future that wasn’t, and the mad weekend that changed the Islanders forever. Roberto Luongo needs no preamble at this point. He was one of the most outstanding goalies of his era and a rock for two franchises - neither of which was the one that drafted him. Kevin Weekes was no slouch either, playing solid backup minutes for a number of teams. But neither could overcome the itchy trigger finger of the general manager who acquired and then traded them away in order to take the real goalie of his dreams first overall. Sean’s a pro at this whole podcasting thing and they waste no time in diving into the insanity of June 24, 2000. They run down the “terrible dominoes of decisions,” the “Sliding Doors” moments and the brain-breaking what-could-have-beens that categorized an entire era of Islanders hockey. The pace is as fast and furious as the trades were. Note: Weird Islanders: The Podcast! will return to its nor

Mike and Dan look back at the NHL trade deadline and a satisfying week for the Islanders, who took home a big win over Detroit and a new large winger. First, they recap Saturday's matinee victory, which went from potentially demoralizing to jubilant in the span of a period. They talk about how "that smell" has re-emerged on the Islanders, who are looking more like the conference finals team from two seasons ago and playing meaningful games in March as they had hoped. The second half is devoted to the fallout of this year's trade deadline, from surprise winners to delicious losers and how the Islanders ended up being among the former. Many of last week's deals made the Bo Horvat trade - which was lambasted at the time - seem much more reasonable. And it's clear that some teams, including division rivals, are still searching for answers even after moving bodies around. Thanks again to everyone who made our Patreon launch so successful. Check out Patreon.com/IslandersAnxiety to sign up for ad-free episodes, bonu

Joined by Ryan, aka RattMartin of the Skates at the Stakes podcast, Mike and Dan remember Derick Brassard, a recent Weird Islander who went from hated to beloved to forgotten in the span of just a few seasons. After starring on a few very good Rangers team, Brassard entered the wilderness, where he played for what seemed like a different team every six months. He landed with the Islanders as a replacement depth center and after months of searching for a role, settled into a slot on the wing where he played a key role in the team's run to the semifinals in the bubble tournament. He has gone onto play for a few other teams since leaving Long Island, and has now surpassed the 1,000 games mark in his return engagement with the Ottawa Senators. Ryan talks about his memories of Brassard's short time with the Islanders, his mythical status within his friend group and how that bubble team all had their signature moments that will live on forever. Preorder your triple player “Line Change” Bobblehead today from the fin

Dan and Mike detail the rollout of their Patreon page, where listeners can subscribe to get more exclusive Islanders Anxiety podcasts and posts. Go to Patreon.com/IslandersAnxiety starting at noon on February 27 to sign up for one of our tiers, starting for as low as $2 per month. Perks include ad-free episodes of the three original shows, two new monthly podcasts, a weekly newsletter from Mike, Islanders Book Club posts from Dan, discounts and much more. The first 25 subscribers to the higher tier will receive an Islanders Anxiety hockey puck. The three original shows will remain free, but if you'd like more, sign up at Patreon.com/IslandersAnxiety. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mike and Dan look back at a the Islanders' three big wins last week and look ahead at the NHL trade deadline while it's actively happening. With victories over the Penguins and Jets, the Islanders re-established themselves as a playoff contender and actually managed to look like their old selves for one of the few times all season. That they melted a few Pittsburgh beat writer brains made it even more fun. But their makeshift lineup won't cut it for too long, and despite already having Bo Horvat, they'll need some pickups. The second half is dedicated to this week’s trade deadline. Names like Timo Meier and Patrick Kane are either already or almost gone but there are some players out there that might help the Islanders get a little stronger for a possible playoff run. The best thing about this interminable trade deadline is that it's almost over. Preorder your triple player “Line Change” Bobblehead today from the fine folks at FOCO. Featuring likenesses of Bryan Trottier, Denis Potvin and Brent Sutter, this i

Mike and Dan are joined by Sportsnet host, Islanders legacy and author Justin Bourne to talk about his new book and his training camp experience with the Islanders in 2007. Justin walks us through his thoughts about joining his dad Bob's old team, a funny and only slightly embarrassing story about the first person he met at camp (who's also a Weird Islanders legend) and some of the short-time players he shared the ice with for that summer and beyond. He talks glowingly about Marc-Andre Bergeron's shot, Trevor Smith's skill and Miro Satan's awesome new car, and what separates a "guy who makes it" from a "guy who doesn't." Together, they cover about a dozen of each including a few Justin is still in contact with. Justin Bourne's book is called “Down and Back: On Alcohol, Family, and a Life in Hockey" and is available on Amazon and everywhere books are sold. Buy it today. Visit our friends: Vintage Ice Hockey for t-shirts, hoodies and jerseys with hundreds of classic hockey logos, and our Al Arbour and The Isl

Mike and Dan react to a week of huge wins, embarrassing losses and injuries that somehow have the Islanders in a playoff berth again. Thanks to a thrilling comeback win over Pittsburgh and some timely losses to other teams, the Islanders are in the second wild card despite also predicably losing to an ECHL goalie and getting humiliated by the best team in the league. They are one of a pack of flawed teams all desperate to make the playoffs and hoping the Price Is Right wheel lands on $1.00 them. But the Islanders have bigger issues than points and games played - namely key injuries to J-G Pageau, Josh Bailey and Mathew Barzal that could push some lesser depth players into starting roles. In the second half, they look at another major matchup with Pittsburgh, a trade we've all be told is a "home run" swing and why it's pointless to argue in favor of the Islanders online. Preorder your triple player “Line Change” Bobblehead today from the fine folks at FOCO. Featuring likenesses of Bryan Trottier, Denis Potvin

Mike and Dan chart the evacuation of all of the Islanders good vibes in a week that started with a contract extension and two big wins and ended with a pair of head-scratching losses. In victories over the Flyers and Kraken with newly-signed center Bo Horvat, the Islanders looked to finally right their flagging ship. But then losses to the also-ran Canucks and Canadiens left everyone - including the head coach - feeling angry and frustrated. It's only thanks to the incompetence of the teams around them that they are still even in the playoff race. A week with key match-ups will tell us a lot about how the next two months will play out. The hosts also talk about the Rangers landing Vladimir Tarasenko, no one landing Jakob Chychrun (yet) and Lou Lamoriello landing a joke that was apparently an affront to anyone that's ever played hockey anywhere ever. Visit our friends: Vintage Ice Hockey for t-shirts, hoodies and jerseys with hundreds of classic hockey logos, and our Al Arbour and The Island merch which bene

Along with their friend Travis Reilly of hardcore band This is Hell, Mike and Dan remember Micheal Haley, who made a huge impression on Islanders fans thanks mostly to one unforgettable fight night. Haley wasn't an Islander for long, but in less than 50 games he became a folk hero and legend that was missed for years. It wasn't just his fists that made him valuable, either. Haley could grind, skate and (occasionally) score while also taking a big role in the locker room. On February 11, 2011, he took it upon himself to challenge nearly an entire roster of Pittsburgh Penguins in order to avenge his fallen teammates. Travis tells us why he thinks he's the "Micheal Haley of band managers," how a bandmate got him back into hockey after a few years away and why Mario Lemieux's crying about the NHL's "garage league" is still hilarious all these years later. WARNING: CONTAINS MUCH CURSING. LISTENER DISCRETION IS ADVISED. Visit our friends: Vintage Ice Hockey for t-shirts, hoodies and jerseys with hundreds of class