Sean and Stefen cover another successful week for the Isles and look ahead with some help from Nick Alberga of Leafs Morning Take.
2:30- Sean and Stefen discuss the Islanders games this week against the Sharks, Blue Jackets and Kings. In an overtime loss to the Sharks, up 4-1 halfway through the 3rd period, the Islanders let the Sharks score three times, twice with their net empty. They lost in overtime, and Sean points out that it was a gut-punch game that could’ve put them in a rut. Instead, they pour it on the Blue Jackets, especially in the third period. Barzal and Horvat both had two goals apiece, and looked like the dynamic duo they will become for the next eight years.
7:00- The final game on this week’s slate came against the LA Kings, who shut down last year’s Islanders teams with ease. On paper, this matchup would’ve been the toughest of the week for the Isles, and going down 2-0 into the third, it looked bleak. But, Anders Lee led the charge in the third period, netting two rebounds in and forcing the game to overtime. Just 13 seconds in, Holmstrom banked a pass down the boards to a streaking JG Pageau, who slid the breakaway through the five-hole of Cam Talbot. UBS Arena erupted, and Stefen said “that’s a win that you go, ‘that could turn the season around.’ It was the Islanders first comeback win of the season.”
9:30- Sean and Stefen discuss the Islanders changing approach in the third period, which looks to continue attacking instead of shelling it in and relying on defense.
“That’s a win that you go, ‘that could turn the season around.’ It was the Islanders first comeback win of the season.”
-Stefen on the Isles battling back vs the Kings
9:30- Sean and Stefen discuss the Islanders changing approach in the third period, which looks to continue attacking instead of shelling it in and relying on defense.
10:40- Stefen talks about Barzal taking a huge hit against the Kings and within mere milliseconds, Horvat throws off his gloves before Mayfield jumps in and takes the fight. That brotherhood speaks to the tight-knit group here on the Island, and their resiliency to keep putting wins together after terrible losses.
13:00- Sean and Stefen talk about the first game for Robert Bortuzzo, who Lou Lamoriello acquired from the Blues for a seventh round draft pick. Bortuzzo helped the team win Saturday night, playing his role as a defensively sound defenseman relatively perfectly.
16:20- Continuing the defensemen talks, Sean asks Stefen about the injuries to the back end. Pulock blocked a Werenski shot and played the rest of the game, but landed on IR the next day. Aho has resumed skating and is presumably very close to a return. Pelech has also resumed skating but is further along in his return process.
26:30- Sean talks about the difference from last season, when the Islanders had yet to lose past regulation, racking up 10 regulation losses. With the large amount of OT/SO losses this year, they’ve found ways to get points. The offense is also extremely more potent and reliable than it was last year, especially with the power play clicking on all cylinders.
35:00- Nick Alberga joins the show to discuss the Toronto Maple Leafs start to the season.
52:30- What’s On Tap!
The Islanders face the Maple Leafs Monday, the Ducks on Wednesday, the Bruins on Friday and at Montreal on Saturday.
56:00- Hero of the Week!
Stefen’s pick: Anders Lee
Sean’s pick: Bo Horvat
1:05:00- Questions 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.