After several major roster moves, the Islanders are looking to find the right combinations to lead them to success. Sean and Stefen discuss the recent changes, alongside guest Ethan Sears of the New York Post.
2:10 — Experience Points! presented by Main Street Board Game Café
2:35 – Sean and Stefen discuss the latest roster moves. Anthony Duclair was placed on LTIR, but can return for the November 14th game against Vancouver. Matt Martin signed a one year deal, worth $775,000 (league minimum), while Pierre Engvall and Hudson Fasching were recalled from Bridgeport. As a result, Liam Foudy was sent down. Alexander Romanov is still out day-to-day with an upper body injury.
5:23 – Sean and Stefen reflect on the games of the week, starting with Detroit. The Red Wings, led by Alex Lyon in net, shutout the Islanders. Mat Barzal and Bo Horvat are separated on the powerplay.
Sean Cuthbert on the need to stand up for your goalies
7:33 – The Islanders took down New Jersey 4-3 in overtime. Barzal connected with Horvat, who scored the game-winner. Despite the two points, the Islanders failed to lock down the game in the third period, resulting in the Devils tying in the waning minutes of regulation. Scott Mayfield dropped the gloves with Kurtis MacDermid, who landed a heavy hit on Romanov.
12:50 – According to General Manager Lou Lamoriello, the Martin signing was a direct result of Duclair’s injury. However, the team will have decisions to make once Duclair returns, as two skaters will have to be sent through waivers. Lamoriello explained that there is an “open tryout” for the last two spots in the bottom six, which has been rotating through different players.
14:45 – Stefen elaborates on Lamoriello’s comments, as players such as Martin understand they must earn their playing time. No one has won the spot yet, but Martin is a known quantity–management knows the type of game he plays and what he brings.
17:08 – Stefen awards 2,400 experience points to Mayfield for standing up for Romanov.
17:18 – The Florida Panthers made a shocking comeback, coming back from a 3-0 deficit to win 6-3. After putting three quick goals past Spencer Knight, the Islanders took their foot off the gas, allowing the Panthers to bounce back. Matthew Tkackuk played a big role for Florida, but went after Semyon Varlamov at one point before scoring a goal.
22:26 – Because the Islanders failed to stand up for Varlamov against the Panthers, Sean deducts 1,800 experience points from the entire lineup (which is a level down).
“This is an open tryout. The reason that Engvall is back up, outside of the cap situation, is that no one won the job.”
-Stefen on players competing for final spots
24:58 – What’s on Tap? presented by Centre Station Bar & Grill
25:27 – The Anaheim Ducks visit UBS Arena on October 29th. Puck drop at 7:00. Former Islander Ross Johnston returns to Long Island, as well as coaches Brent Thompson and Greg Cronin.
28:00 – The Islanders travel to Columbus to face the Blue Jackets on October 30th. Puck drop at 7:00.
29:26 – The Islanders take on the Sabres in Buffalo on November 1st. Puck drop at 7:00. Playing in Buffalo has not been kind to the Islanders in recent memory, so the team will have to capitalize on a struggling Sabres group.
30:46 – On Sunday, November 3rd, the Islanders face off against the Rangers at Madison Square Garden. Puck drop at 1:00. Come join Hockey Night in New York for a watch party at Centre Station Bar and Grill in Rockville Center! Pregame show is at 12:00. Christian Arnold will co-host alongside Sean while Stefen covers the game from MSG. The watch party will include prizes and a raffle, so make sure to stop by!
32:52 – Hero of the Week
33:04 – Sean loses 8,000 experience points for calling Stefen “Christian.”
Stefen’s Pick: Alexander Romanov
33:15 – Stefen deems Romanov the team’s best defenseman so far. Romanov has been a steady force on the backend–he has been playing aggressively on the rush, chipping in offensively, and throwing massive hits.
Sean’s Pick: Bo Horvat
34:58 – Sean picks Bo Horvat as Hero of the Week for the OT winner against New Jersey.
35:24 – The Snake Den
36:05 – Jake “The Snake” gives his hot take. Ilya Sorokin is having the best start of his career, posting elite numbers despite the limited offense from the team. Jake compares Sorokin to former Mets pitcher Jacob deGrom, who won two Cy Young awards with no run support from the players. So, Jake predicts Sorokin will win the Vezina Trophy this season.
38:05 – Questions Brewin’
38:43 – In-studio Patreon guest Jack asks: How do you guys feel about Pelech and Pulock?
41:11 – I’ve seen Islander fans turning on Noah Dobson, what’s going on with him?
43: 27 – Do you see Dobson moving on from the Islanders?
44:05 – Why has Varlamov fallen off so much since being so good last year?
45:36 – Do you think there is actually a problem between Lou and Roy, or is the media just making something out of nothing?
47:12 – The Isles preach team and a good locker room. Why do I care if they get along? I want them to win, and they haven’t won with the feel-good Isles.
Our first in-studio Patreon guest Jack asks the guys a question!
49:38 – On the Line: Ethan Sears, New York Post
50:20 – Ethan gives his thoughts on the recent roster moves.
51:30 – Ethan discusses Engvall’s call-up, saying he will have to continue to prove he belongs in the top six / top nine. Based on his skill set, he is not a fourth liner (which Lamoriello also mentioned).
53:45 – When talking about roster changes, the guys point out decisions will have to be made once Duclair comes back from injury. The players currently competing for the remaining roster spots will have to earn their playing time. The team will also have to make a decision on how to split goaltending duties. Due to Varlamov’s struggles and Sorokin’s hot start, the team may elect to run with Sorokin more. However, finding a balance between leaning on Sorokin but not relying too heavily on him is key.
57:30 – Sean and Stefen ask Ethan about Dobson’s game. Ethan goes on to say how Dobson has shown flashes of top-pairing talent, but sometimes still struggles on the defensive side of things. However, it is important to note that Dobson is only 24 years old and still has room to grow.
59:42 – Ethan is asked about the top line, specifically on how Barzal can get going offensively. In the same vein, Sean and Stefen pose to Ethan if Simon Holmstrom is a top line winger. Ethan explains that finding the right fit for the top line in terms of chemistry with Barzal and Horvat is crucial. With Duclair out, head coach Patrick Roy will have to find the right match–the player that best complements Barzal and Horvat’s skill sets.
1:02:10 – For the final topic, the guys delve into the team’s blown leads. It was a trend last season that still persists, which could be attributed to a mental block. Despite the struggles to start the season, Ethan iterates that there is still hope.
Catch the latest episode of HNiNY featuring Ethan Sears of NY Post
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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)