Sean and Stefen break down the seemingly character-defining past week of Islanders play, and are joined by the NY Post’s Ethan Sears.
2:00- The Islanders are 10-7-6 and somehow find themselves in a playoff spot. After all of the “fire Lane Lambert” talk and blowing leads, they’re in the mix. Sean and Stefen talk about the last week of Islanders play, where they fumbled leads to New Jersey and Carolina, but found a way to win in OT against the Hurricanes. Against Florida and without Mat Barzal, the Islanders found a way to win in regulation.
5:00- Sean mentions the Isles are 5-1-1 in their last 7 games, and mentions how even when they were blowing leads, they still managed to get points. Obviously it is all perspective, but there’s a way to feel good about where the Islanders are currently.
8:00- Sean asks Stefen about how much more we need to see to realize that this is who this Islanders team is. Stefen talks about seeing improvements in their ability to play with the lead, an improving penalty kill and a more confident Ilya Sorokin.
“I think it’s a really important two wins. It’s kind of a statement in saying [the Islanders] are not going away and you can’t really start writing them off in the playoff race.”
-Ethan Sears on the Islanders ability to claw out 2 gutsy wins after an extremely tough loss to NJ
11:00- Sean and Stefen talk about the Islanders power play, which scored in all three games this week. It’s at 23.4% which is 9th in the NHL.
13:00- Ethan Sears joins the show!
32:00- What’s on Tap?
The Islanders face the San Jose Sharks, Columbus Blue Jackets and LA Kings at home this week.
37:40- Stefen takes a moment to talk about and acknowledge Simon Holmstrom, who’s the perfect 3rd line player. He has a career high 7 goals already, and he’s leading the league in shorthanded goals. Him, Fasching and Gauthier are filling the role that Zach Parise played for the team.
40:00- Sean and Stefen talk about Bo Horvat, who hasn’t been talked about nearly enough for what he’s been doing for the team. Stefen points out that for Barzal’s OT winner against the Hurricanes, Horvat opening up allows for the play to develop. It’s little plays like that, which don’t show up on the scoresheet, that makes him so valuable.
42:30- Hero of the Week!
Sean’s Pick: Mat Barzal
Stefen’s Pick: Julien Gauthier
47:30- 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.