CRISIS: Islanders MUST Protect Matthew Schaefer Before It's TOO LATE | Cheap Shots EXPOSE Weakness

New York Islanders rookie Matthew Schaefer took two cheap shots from Boston's Nikita Zadorov in their 4-3 shootout loss, raising urgent questions about protecting the franchise's cornerstone player. At 18 years old and still developing physically, can the Islanders afford to leave their future defenseman vulnerable to veteran intimidation? Gil Martin breaks down why the team must acquire a player who can both contribute on the ice and deter opponents from targeting Schaefer, drawing parallels to how Clark Gillies protected Mike Bossy during the dynasty years. The analysis covers Bo Horvat's two-goal performance, the emerging chemistry between Horvat and Mathew Barzal, and three straight games of improved defensive structure that's helping Ilya Sokin regain confidence. Plus, updates on Bridgeport Islanders' recent stretch, prospect Kashawn Aitchison's lights-out performance in juniors, and Alexei Yashin's memorable hat trick at Madison Square Garden. Discover why this roster decision could define the Islanders' next decade and whether GM Matthew Darche will act before it's too late. All this and more on today's Locked On Islanders Podcast with Gil Martin. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Rugiet Visit https://rugiet.com/LOCKEDONNHL to get 15% off your first order. Gametime Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNHL for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime. Monarch Take control of your finances with Monarch. Use code LOCKEDONNHL at https://monarch.com/lockedonnhl for 50% off your first year. FanDuel Download the FanDuel app now by visiting FanDuel.com and win $300 in bonus bets if your first $5 bet wins. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER : 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.