Isles Buzz

In a supersized episode, Mike and Dan recap the Islanders' games against Blackhawks, Blues and Red Wings, and Dan speaks with former WHA & NHL linesman Ron Asselstine about his career and memories of the dynasty Isles. First, they look at big wins in Chicago and St. Louis that extended the team's winning streak to five, as well as the disappointing shutout loss in Detroit that ended the run. They talk about players that stood out in each game, how the Islanders have kept pace in their division early in the season and how very few people have noticed because of other NHL goings on (as usual). In the second half, Dan speaks with Ron Asselstine, who spent 25 years as a pro hockey linesman. Throughout those two-plus decades, he's collected a million stories, many about the great Islanders teams of the early '80s. From Bossy's 50-in-50 game to Clark Gillies rearranging Ed Hospodar's face, Ron was on the ice for many signature moments for the franchise. He also discusses the wild days of the WHA, some funny on-ice

Mike and Dan are joined by Lighthouse Hockey legend Mike B to look at three short-time Islanders with much more famous family members. You might not remember Nick Vachon, Ted Drury or Todd Okerlund as Islanders, but you probably remember Rogie Vachon, Chris Drury and “Mean” Gene Okerlund, all of whom eclipsed the other guys in the notoriety department. But Mike, Dan and Mike give the lesser-known players the spotlight, and talk about how they got to the Islanders, recap their biggest successes, see what they did after their stints and basically examine how perfectly “Islanders” each of them was. 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. Use the code ANXIETY to save 15%. The Pinot Project has Rosé, Pinot Grigio and a Wine Enthusiast Best Buy Pinot Noir, all under $15 a bottle. Available at local wine stores and UBS Arena. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podc

Mike and Dan react to a three-game winning streak that they did not see coming and the Islanders showing resiliency in the face of some tough opponents. They recap the victories over the Rangers, Hurricanes and Avalanche that were each significant in their own way; as either a needed thievery, a statement in a tough place to play or a show of never-say-die that was as encouraging as it was entertaining. They also spotlight certain performances and things that changed since their last, mostly angry and depressed, episode. In the second half, they discuss a recent roster move (with an exclusive piece of insider material), and look ahead the team's upcoming run through Midwest teams. Finally, they shoutout heartfelt ceremonies, new faces on the job and elder statesmen that put much-needed smiles on their faces. 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. Use the code ANXIET

Mike and Dan celebrate Josh Bailey as he crosses the 1,000 games mark, a unique player reaching a unique place in Islanders history. They talk about his Bailey's drafting and difficult development, his beyond quiet demeanor, and his accomplishments throughout his unexpectedly long career on Long Island. Bailey's undeterred and under-the-radar personality makes him a rarity among professional athletes. And his longevity, along with his under-appreciated skills, have placed him high on the team's all time scoring lists, despite half the fanbase constantly trying to trade him every day since 2008. Congrats, Josh. It's okay to smile. 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. Use the code ANXIETY to save 15%. The Pinot Project has Rosé, Pinot Grigio and a Wine Enthusiast Best Buy Pinot Noir, all under $15 a bottle. Available at local wine stores and UBS Arena. Learn mor

The Islanders drop three games in a row and Mike and Dan aren't happy about it, or about their upcoming schedule of difficult opponents. They discuss all of the many things that went wrong against the Devils, Lightning and Panthers that have left the Islanders at 2-4 and looking very much like the disjointed, ineffective mess they were last season. After a summer of almost no changes and talking up how last year was a fluke, the players and management have done nothing to prove otherwise, leaving fans distraught and angry as another season teeters on the brink before the first month is over. In the second half, they look at upcoming games against quality competition in the Rangers, Hurricanes and Avalanche, and how they Islanders would need to win at least two in order to get back on track. Finally, they tie a bow on the return of the Fisherman logo and how fans reacted to the rollout. Remember: a logo does not define who you are as a person. Visit our friends: Vintage Ice Hockey for t-shirts, hoodies and j

Mike and Dan kick off a new season of Weird Islanders: The Podcast! with both a guest and a subject they’ve been looking forward to for a long time. Felix Potvin’s time with the Islanders lasted less than one calendar year. But the circumstances of his arrival and departure, not to mention his dreadful win-loss record, are endlessly fascinating. Examining “The Cat,” is our friend John Muir, who you may have seen around Twitter under the handle of @OlegKvasha. We ask John just how he came about using that name, if he’s ever been mistaken for the man himself (Spoiler: yes, by some of Kvasha’s old Islanders teammates) and why Oleg means so much to him. Then it’s on to a deep dive into one of the most bizarre periods in Islanders history, and the star-crossed goalie that plays a starring role in it. 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. Use the code ANXIETY to save 15%

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: Vintage Ice Hockey for t-shirts, hoodies and jerseys with hundreds

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: 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. Use the code ANXIETY to save 15%. The Pinot Project has Rosé, Pinot Grigio and a Wine Enthusiast Best Buy Pinot No

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: Vintage Ice Hockey for t-shirts, hoodies and jerseys with hundreds of classic hockey logos, and our Al Arbour and The Island me

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: 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

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: Vintage Ice Hockey for t-shirts, hoodies and mugs with hundreds of classic hockey logos, and our Al Arbour shirts which benefit dementia research. Use the code LIGHTHOUSE15 to save 15%. Betway, the official betting partner of the NHL. The Pinot Project has P

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: Vintage Ice Hockey for t-sh

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 listenin

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: Vintage Ice Hockey for t-shirts, hoodies and mugs with hundreds of classic hockey logos, and our Al Arbour shirts which benefit dementia research. Use the code LIGHTHOUSE15 to save 15%. Betway, the official betting partner of the NHL. The Pinot Project has Pinot Noir, Pinot Grigio and Ro

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: Vintage Ice Hockey for t-shirts, hoodies and mugs with hundreds of classic hockey logos, and our Al Arbour shirts which benefit dementia research. Use the code LIGHTHOUSE15 to save 15%. Betway, the official betting partner of the NHL. The Pinot Project has Pinot Noir, Pinot Gr

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: Vintage Ice Hockey for t-shirts, hoodies and mugs with hundreds of classic hockey logos, and our Al Arbour shirts which benefit dementia research. Use the code LIGHTHOUSE15 to save 15%. Betway,

Mike and Dan wrap up the Stanley Cup final, look ahead to the draft and talk some trash about ESPN's first season of hockey in two decades. With Islanders exhaustion causing them to fall on opposite sides of the watching line, they talk about how the championship series between the Avalanche and Lightning played out, how it made them feel and who they're happy for. They also look at what's on tap for the NHL offseason including some coach hirings and one important coach hiatus. In the second half, they wonder if the Islanders will make a move at the upcoming NHL draft and what longstanding player might end up being the most logical odd man out. They also talk about the lackluster broadcast presentation of ESPN and how more can often be less when it comes to hockey. Finally, they remember a special performance by an Islanders draft pick that gives them a little hope for the future. Visit our friends: Vintage Ice Hockey for t-shirts, hoodies and mugs with hundreds of classic hockey logos, and our Al Arbour sh

Mike and Dan are joined by friend and longtime Islanders fan Eric Needell to talk about Chris Simon, a tough guy who packed a lot into his short time on Long Island. After a big trade, one Stanley Cup and about a million fights, Simon signed with the Islanders thanks to coach Ted Nolan, with whom he shared a special relationship. Although his big penalty minute (and outlier scoring) seasons were behind him, Simon made himself into a valuable player on a team loaded with mercenaries. But two long, shameful suspensions within a few months of each other brought his NHL career to an unceremonious close, and he faced many difficulties in his off-ice life. The guys talk about the rare highlights and sobering lowlights of a player who meant a lot to Islanders fans for a very brief period of time. Eric also tells his tale of getting to ask GM Garth Snow just how Chris Simon, of all people, ended up as a top line winger. The answer will not shock you. Visit our friends: Vintage Ice Hockey for t-shirts, hoodies and m

Mike and Dan revel in the New York Rangers' demise after a terrifying playoff run, and look around the NHL at what could be a very active offseason. They talk about how the Rangers lost four straight games to the Lightning after going up two games to none and what eventually did them in, as well as the many questions they have coming up this offseason that might put Islanders fan minds at ease. Later, they look at another surprising coach firing and some possible trade targets and free agents that the Islanders could plausibly be in on (if those players are actually available). Along the way they laugh about differences in entitlement, curious lineup decisions that carry the potential for catastrophe, and how hard it is to make the NHL's third-winningest coach a finalist for your team's coaching vacancy. Oh, and the Islanders made a couple of small moves last week, too. No, for real. Visit our friends: Vintage Ice Hockey for t-shirts, hoodies and mugs with hundreds of classic hockey logos, and our Al Arbour

Mike and Dan are joined by Nick Costa of the legendary Offside Tavern to talk about Raffi Torres, an infamous NHL player that most people forgot even was an Islander. Nick tells the tale of a memorable run-in he had with a young Torres that all but guaranteed he'd never forget the winger' drafting and uneventful first two seasons on The Island. They talk about his goal-free 31 games in blue-and-orange and their near universal excitement that he had been traded for defenseman Janne Niinimaa, even as Torres went on to produce for Edmonton. They marvel at two other forgotten Torres stints with other teams before diving into his tumultuous time as one of the NHL's most hated players. Along the way, Nick drops more stories about running into Islanders in various dining establishments around Long Island, including one generous prospect who spent some of his meager salary to buy a young Nick a bagel. Visit our friends: Vintage Ice Hockey for t-shirts, hoodies and mugs with hundreds of classic hockey logos, and our