The New York Islanders are back on the upswing after a great win over the Columbus Blue Jackets. Mark Scheig joins the guys to talk Jackets!
2:33 – Experience Points! presented by Main Street Board Game Café
Stefen kicks off the show by listing how Maxim Tsyplakov “experienced” the Department of Player Safety through his 3-game suspension.
4:18 – Stefen gives Tsyplakov 1,000 experience points for each game suspended, due to the circumstances of the suspension during the game against the Philadelphia Flyers.
4:43 – Sean pivots the conversation to the Islanders laying an egg against the Ottawa Senators on January 14th, to kick off the 7-game homestand.
Sean talks about the Islanders improved special teams of late
6:59 – The conversation moves on to the Islanders’ 5-3 loss, on January 16th, against the Philadelphia Flyers.
9:48 – Following the two losses, the Islanders delivered a swift and dominating victory against the San Jose Sharks on Saturday night, where they also held a ceremony to induct Brent Sutter into the Ring of Honor. Marcus Hogberg shined during the win!
11:17 – The Islanders beat the red-hot Columbus Blue Jackets, where they had a scoring hat trick, scoring a power play goal, a shorthanded goal, and an even-strength goal!
13:32 – Stefen gives some XP over to assistant coach Tommy Albelin for the improvement on the PK. Sean concurs and distributes 236 XP to the special teams overall for the substantial improvement over the past few games.
16:26 – On the Line: Mark Scheig, The Hockey Writers presented by tovihockey.com
Stefen begins by asking Mark Scheig about how he would describe the Columbus Blue Jackets’ season in one word, where he states, “Extraordinary.”
20:47 – Stefen asks about Zach Werenski’s development and how he has blossomed into not only a star defenseman for the Blue Jackets, but also a leader.
24:52 – The guys inquire about Dean Evason’s impact on the team and how his structure has organized the team into a capable fighting force for such a young team.
Mark Scheig gives his take on the Islanders after their win over the Blue Jackets
26:38 – Sean asks if the Blue Jackets might be buyers at the upcoming trade deadline.
29:37 – Stefen and Sean conclude by asking Mark Scheig about Elvis Merzļikins’ status with the franchise and his thoughts about the Jackets’ 3-1 loss to the Islanders on Monday evening.
“Gatcomb right now, the way he’s playing, I don’t know how you take him out … I think it would be crazy to take him out of the lineup.”
-Stefen on the play of Marc Gatcomb
36:09 – What’s on Tap? presented by Centre Station Bar & Grill
Friday (1/24) vs Philadelphia, 7:30pm – The Islanders have a rematch against the Flyers and will hope to redeem themselves for their previous 5-3 loss last week. The Islanders will still be without Maxim Tsyplakov, who will be serving his last game of his three-game suspension.
Saturday (1/25) vs Carolina, 7:30pm – The Hurricanes have had the Islanders’ number as of late, but if the team can pull off a win against a top-3 team in the division, it would be a huge morale boost to a squad that is trying to swat away rumors of selling at the trade deadline. The Islanders could possibly be facing Freddy Andersen, who is back from injury, or Pyotr Kochetkov. Either way, they need to fire every single puck on net and stay out of the box.
40:31 – Stefen brings up the injury front, mainly the scary looking fall taken by Noah Dobson against the Columbus Blue Jackets. Additionally, Stefen covers Mike Reilly’s progress and the potential for him to return during a critical juncture for the Islanders.
Stefen previews Islanders vs Flyers Friday night
42:48 – Hero of the Week
Stefen’s Pick: Marc Gatcomb
Gatcomb has been playing hungry and has delivered 19 hits in his 3 games played with the Islanders. When asked by Sean what the decision-making will look like when Tsyplakov returns, Stefen states, “Gatcomb right now, the way he’s playing, I don’t know how you take him out … I think it would be crazy to take him out of the lineup.”
Sean’s Pick: Bo Horvat
Horvat had two goals in Monday’s victory against the Blue Jackets. Stefen comments, “This guy is being paid to score goals, and right now, when the Islanders need the goals, he’s got them the last couple of games. You want to keep that going.”
Catch the latest episode of HNiNY featuring Mark Scheig of The Hockey Writers
48:34 – Welcome to the Snake Den! With Jake “The Snake” Radonis
Jake comments on Mat Barzal’s star power on display of late, as well as Marc Gatcomb and even Pierre Engvall providing some welcome tenacity on the bottom six.
Jake concludes by explaining that he hopes the Islanders find some consistency to their game and asks, “In the month of January, which team has given up the least amount of goals on the penalty kill?” The Islanders have only given up two goals on the penalty kill with an 87.5% penalty kill success rate (14/16) during January.
54:01 – Questions Brewin’
Before the questions started flowing, Stefen quickly interjects to talk about the latest trade rumors circling the team.
58:36 – Do you know anything about Barzal’s comment on the ice about low attendance during yesterday’s game? Do you think he was frustrated with the fans or the team’s poor performance, thus low attendance?
1:00:32 – With his play declining before suspension, can Tsyplakov be sent to Bridgeport without clearing waivers?
1:02:48 – Cholowski seems to be the obvious choice to slot in for Dobson’s spot?
1:04:09 – If Columbus and Detroit can get their sh*t together this season, why can’t the Islanders?
1:05:58 – If Fasching comes back, go sit MacLean for Gatcomb?
1:06:46 – How many games do the Islanders play before the Four Nations Tournament?
1:08:34 – Do you think the Islanders would ever make another dramatic change to the main jersey?
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Hockey Night in New York is here 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)