The Islanders currently find themselves outside of the playoff picture as they approach the halfway point of the season. Belle Fraser of the Salt Lake Tribune joins the show to go over Utah’s first season since relocating.
2:17 – Experience Points! presented by Main Street Board Game Café
2:30 – Sean and Stefen discuss the most recent game in Boston. The Islanders won in overtime off a breakaway goal from Bo Horvat, while Ilya Sorokin made exceptional saves to keep the team in it.
7:08 – Stefen awards Sorokin with 28,000 experience points for his performance in Boston, while Sean gives 3.5 experience points to the entire roster for closing out the game against the Bruins.
Sean points out the Islanders have not quit despite their struggles
9:33 – On the Line: Belle Fraser, SL Tribune presented by tovihockey.com
10:58 – Belle Fraser talks about how the Salt Lake City community has welcomed the Utah Hockey Club.
11:40 – Sean asks Belle about how the players are embracing the opportunity to play in Utah.
13:34 – Stefen mentions Liam O’Brien, who quickly became a fan-favorite in Utah.
15:49 – When asked about Utah’s goals heading into this season, Belle explains how there is an expectation to take the next step in the waning stages of their rebuild.
Belle Fraser of SL Tribune talk Utah Hockey Club
17:10 – Stefen asks Belle about the growth of the young Utah team in face of their inconsistencies.
19:23 – Belle describes how Utah could get over the hump and contend for the playoffs. Namely, Utah could use more consistent offense and a healthy defensive corps.
21:26 – Belle talks about Utah’s goaltending tandem. Connor Ingram began the season as the starter, but Karel Vejmelka took over the role while Ingram was out with injury.
“It really just comes down to the right deal–who the trade partner ends up being and what the potential return is.”
-Sean on changing up the Islanders’ roster
27:12 – What’s on Tap? presented by Centre Station Bar & Grill
Thursday (1/9) @ Vegas, 10:00pm – The Islanders are hoping to carry their momentum from the Boston game into Vegas. The Golden Knights are currently first in the entire NHL, so the Islanders will have to fire on all cylinders to get the two points.
Saturday (1/11) at Utah, 9:00pm – The Islanders head to Delta Center for the first time and are looking to take revenge for their opening night loss against Utah. Meanwhile, Utah will be expected to come out swinging, as they want to win for their home crowd.
Sean talks about the Islanders standing in the Eastern Conference
34:37 – Hero of the Week
Stefen’s Pick: Anders Lee
The captain leads the team in goals (18) and points (32), and he has been a workhorse for the forward group. He is playing like an elite, top-line power forward–he is skating hard, crashing the net, and scoring goals. If Lee continues his current pace, he could score 36+ goals this year.
Sean’s Pick: Bo Horvat
Horvat led the charge against the Bruins, scoring a shorthanded goal as well as the OT game winner. Horvat has done a great job in generating scoring chances, but has had trouble scoring goals. With an excellent performance against Boston, Horvat may have found the spark he needed.
Catch the latest episode of HNiNY featuring Belle Fraser of the SL Tribune
38:31 – Questions Brewin’
39:48 – Our own Ed Burns gives a hot take in place of Jake “The Snake”–major changes should come in the offseason, as there is no point in selling at the deadline.
40:48 – At what point could one of these big wins change the picture for the Islanders? Ideally, they put wins together after tonight, but realistically I can’t trust this team to get a good streak going.
43:13 – Is it better to trade now or closer to the deadline? Do teams tend to overpay closer to the deadline?
46:14 – Do you think the hit on Isaiah George was suspension worthy?
48:31 – If the Isles are indeed sellers, is there a chance they can bring back Ruslan Ishakov later in the season?
Stefen highlights the performance of Danny Nelson & Cole Eiserman at the WJC Tournament (congrats on gold!)
49:12 – It’s 15 years from now and you’ve been very successful. You’re worth $30 billion. Then one day, you hear on the news that the Isles are up for sale. Do you buy the team or pass?
49:51 – Who’s impressed you more at WJC – Danny Nelson or Cole Eiserman?
52:32 – With the resurgence of Anders Lee, is he possible trade bait if the Isles are selling?
55:25 – Stefen–how and when do you decide if you are going to travel to road games?
57:23 – Even with all the breaks in the schedule, wouldn’t it be beneficial to Sorokin to sit out games more often than he does?
58:13 – Fans seem to put a lot of the special teams issues on the coaches. Wouldn’t you say the players are more the issue than anything? Only so much coaching can do.
59:42 – Can someone put an October calendar in Brock’s locker?
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Hockey Night in New York has returned to cover the New York Islanders all season long! Join hosts Sean Cuthbert and Stefen Rosner live from Floored Media in Rockville Centre Sundays at 8PM ET at your favorite streaming platforms! (available at YouTube, Twitch, Twitter, and Facebook)