The Islanders opened up their season with a home victory for the first time since 1995. After defeating the Sabres 3-2, the Isles gave Hockey Night in New York lots to discuss.
1:40 – Sean and Stefen talk about the Islanders 3-2 victory over the Buffalo Sabres to open the 2023/24 season. It was the first time the Islanders won their season-opening home win since 1995.
3:40 – Sean and Stefen discuss the early look of Bo Horvat and Mathew Barzal. Stefen thought they looked fantastic, with Horvat buzzing with 8 shots on goal. Simon Holmstrom meshed in as well as the third leg on that line, doing what he needed to do by finding the open ice. You can read more about Holmstrom’s look on the first line here, in our very own Stefen Rosner’s newest piece.
“I thought [Sorokin] looked phenomenal. From the first shot – square to the puck, no rebound, catching the puck, tracking the puck.”
– Stefen Rosner on Ilya’s Sorokin performance in his first start of the new season
8:25 – Sean and Stefen move onto the second line, where Brock Nelson, Pierre Engvall and Kyle Palmieri looked nothing short of exceptional.
9:40 – Sean asks Stefen about the fourth line, and whether they looked like they are bound to break up this season.
10:40 – The boys move on to the third line, which Stefen believes was the most intriguing line of the night. Stefen believes it will take time for Anders Lee, JG Pageau and Hudson Fasching to mesh with one another.
13:50 – Sean asks Stefen about the defense, especially after a rough night for Noah Dobson and a great night for Alex Romanov. Dobson appeared to make the same mistakes in the defensive zone that bothered him all of last season, and the boys are left wondering whether there is a path for growth for him in sight.
17:20 – Stefen offers his take on Ilya Sorokin’s first start of the season.
24:00 – What’s on tap!: The Islanders take on the Arizona Coyotes on Tuesday at UBS Arena.
27:00 – Stefen discusses potential lineup changes for the three upcoming games this week, such as the possibility of Julien Gauthier entering the lineup on the third line. Stefen predicts a 2-0-1 record for the games this week against the Coyotes, Devils, and Sabres.
32:30 – Craig Morgan of PHNX Sports joins the show to discuss all things Coyotes, such as their arena situation, a roster mixed with youngsters and veterans, and what’s on the horizon for their hockey club.
46:00 – Hero of the Week!
- Stefen’s Pick: Simon Holmstrom
- Sean’s Pick: Brock Nelson
52:00 – Question’s Brewin’!
Catch Hockey Night in New York with hosts Sean Cuthbert and Stefen Rosner live from Floored Media in Rockville Centre Sunday nights at 8PM ET throughout the season.