Episodes

1d ago

It’s a Quick Fix featuring Joe Buono (@IslesFix) and former VP of Communications for the Islanders, Chris Botta (@ChrisBottaNHL). In this episode, Chris and Joe dig into the most revealing comments yet from Islanders president of business operations Kelly Cheeseman, following his recent interview with Newsday . Just weeks into the job, Cheeseman, who categorized himself as “a builder,” has already identified the core challenge facing the franchise off the ice: how to grow a fanbase that is aging, overly concentrated on Long Island, and increasingly sensitive to the full game-day cost of attending games at UBS Arena. The conversation goes beyond the usual “just win more” debate. Chris and Joe explore whether success on the ice is enough on its own, or if the Islanders are finally taking calculated risks to expand their visibility across Queens, Brooklyn, and younger demographics. From parking headaches and transportation access to ticket pricing and perceived value, they break down the real barriers preventing casual fans from becoming regulars—and what Cheeseman can realistically change in the short- and long-term. Get full access to Isles Fix at islesfix.substack.com/subscribe

Nov 12

It’s a Quick Fix featuring Joe Buono (@IslesFix) and former VP of Communications for the Islanders, Chris Botta (@ChrisBottaNHL). We’re back with our first episode during the 2025-26 season, which was our first opportunity to verbally marvel at what Matthew Schaefer has done on and off the ice for the team and the franchise. Chris and Joe discuss what’s impressed them the most about his media persona. Later, the importance of Ilya Soroki n, the Islanders’ balanced scoring attack led by Bo Horvat’s hot stick, and the initial impact of Mathieu Darche’s summer acquisitions. Later, Chris shares his perspective on Mathew Barzal being disciplined for missing the team bus (and yes, it has happened to other Islanders before, but maybe not so publicly) and what Kelly Cheeseman means for the business of the Islanders as their President of Business Operations. Get full access to Isles Fix at islesfix.substack.com/subscribe

Oct 7

It’s a Quick Fix featuring Joe Buono (@IslesFix) and former VP of Communications for the Islanders, Chris Botta (@ChrisBottaNHL). Chris and Joe are back to set the stage for the upcoming 2025-26 season following a successful Islanders’ summer that saw the team undergo a rapid culture reboot with Mathieu Darche as GM. There’s a new behind-the-scenes docuseries, alternate game broadcasts, player access to new media, and more to come. They discuss how wins and losses may not define this season, but rather player development and building towards something better and more sustainable under Darche’s hybrid approach, which strategically retools the team while keeping all options on the table moving forward. Plus, we talk about Pat LaFontaine finally getting the nod to be inducted into the Islanders Hall of Fame, the broadcast about-face that has Alan Fuehring behind the mic, and a whole lot more. Get full access to Isles Fix at islesfix.substack.com/subscribe

Jun 27

It's a Quick Fix featuring Joe Buono (@IslesFix) and former VP of Communications for the Islanders, Chris Botta (@ChrisBottaNHL). Chris and Joe are back to set the stage for what is set to be a seminal moment in the history of the New York Islanders . The consensus is that the Isles will select defenseman Matthew Schaefer , the consensus pick, with the top pick. That should and will be enough to make it a night of celebration for the franchise, but the weeks-long buzz about what else the Islanders may do to trade back into the 1st round or make a roster-shaking move looms as well. There will be nothing to be disappointed about if the Islanders “only” take Schaefer and then enjoy the Draft Party at UBS Arena, but the fans have been primed for something else. Whether that happens tomorrow or in the days that follow will quickly fill the void of no longer having the anticipation of pick No.1. Plus, we talk about the evaluation phase of Mathieu Darche’s first few weeks on the job and the tricky contract negotiation he faces with Noah Dobson that may lead to a homegrown defenseman being on the move. Also, lessons from past drafts, and Chris shares memories of the days that led up to Mike Milbury’s big gamble 25 years ago in drafting Rick DiPietro . Get full access to Isles Fix at islesfix.substack.com/subscribe

May 29

It's a Quick Fix featuring Joe Buono (@IslesFix) and former VP of Communications for the Islanders, Chris Botta (@ChrisBottaNHL). You never get a second chance to make a first impression. Mathieu Darche made a good one on fans Thursday morning as John Collins formally introduced him as the team’s new GM and Executive VP in a rare pomp and circumstance event for the organization. Chris and Joe discuss Darche's definitive answers in his media debut, including the biggest one: Patrick Roy will return, but this time, he will be able to choose his own staff. There are also big changes coming to Bridgeport, with a renewed emphasis on a winning environment for the team’s AHL affiliate. We discuss Chris Lamoriello’s still undecided future, Darche’s view on having the 1st pick in the draft, and the extent of the changes we should see this summer. Get full access to Isles Fix at islesfix.substack.com/subscribe

May 23

It's a Quick Fix featuring Joe Buono (@IslesFix) and former VP of Communications for the Islanders, Chris Botta (@ChrisBottaNHL). Our national (Long Island) wait is over. On Friday afternoon, the Islanders named Mathieu Darche their General Manager and Executive Vice President after a one-month search for Lou Lamoriello’s replacement. “Mathieu is the perfect choice to lead our hockey operations,” Operating Partner John Collins said. “He will be given every resource available to put the Islanders first-in-class on the ice, with our business initiatives, and in the community.” The Islanders notably stated, “will manage all aspects of the team’s hockey operations” after being granted permission to speak to Brendan Shanahan earlier this week. Newsday beat reporter Andrew Gross later posted that the Islanders will not hire anyone above Darche. The former Tampa Bay assistant GM brings an eclectic background in hockey and business that fits the moment for the Islanders and the ownership group. It’s a new era on Long Island. We’ll see where and how far this one takes us. Get full access to Isles Fix at islesfix.substack.com/subscribe

May 22

It's a Quick Fix featuring Joe Buono (@IslesFix) and former VP of Communications for the Islanders, Chris Botta (@ChrisBottaNHL). The Islanders’ search for Lou Lamoriello’s replacement(s) has reached the one-month mark and continues to evolve. On Thursday, the team got permission from the Maple Leafs to speak to team president Brendan Shanahan . The Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (MLSE) is holding a board meeting on Thursday, and Shanahan’s future is expected to be on the agenda. Meanwhile, Marc Bergevin and Mathieu Darche reportedly had their second interviews, but they are holding a pattern as John Collins and the rest of the Isles’ brass gauge Shanahan’s interest in coming to Long Island. The search has been anything but boring, and it continues to unfold. Get full access to Isles Fix at islesfix.substack.com/subscribe

May 15

It's a Quick Fix featuring Joe Buono (@IslesFix), joined by senior prospects writer for The Athletic , Corey Pronman (@coreypronman), to break down the top prospects in the 2025 NHL Draft Class and what the Islanders should do with the No. 1 overall pick. Corey explains why James Hagens dropped from being his top prospect last year after his freshman year at Boston College. Is there any argument for the Islanders to take him with the first pick? Plus, how did Mathew Schaefer rise to the consensus top overall pick after only 17 OHL games this season, and did Michael Misa’s massive goal-scoring season make him the top forward in the class? We also spend time on Cole Eiserman , Cal Ritchie , and other Islanders prospects that have the Islanders prospect rankings rising for the first time in years. Get full access to Isles Fix at islesfix.substack.com/subscribe

May 14

It's a Quick Fix featuring Joe Buono (@IslesFix) and former VP of Communications for the Islanders, Chris Botta (@ChrisBottaNHL). Before Lou Lamoriello was spotted in a Buffalo airport, we hopped on to discuss the latest in the Islanders GM search, which *currently* appears focused on three candidates: Mathieu Darche , Jarmo Kekalainen , and Marc Bergevin. Bergevin and Kekalainen come with experience, but that experience comes with blemishes, the byproduct of working in a profession where you are hired to be fired. Meanwhile, Darche has the sparkling pedigree and clean slate that has him atop most fans’ lists to coincide with a new era of Islanders hockey. We also touch on the latest Lamoriello news. If he becomes an advisor to owner Scott Malkin, that’s the owner’s prerogative, but the sooner there is certainty around what that role is and what is not, the better. And if Lou ends up in Buffalo, or somewhere else in a similar role, that may be best for all involved. Get full access to Isles Fix at islesfix.substack.com/subscribe

May 9

It's a Quick Fix featuring Joe Buono (@IslesFix) and former VP of Communications for the Islanders, Chris Botta (@ChrisBottaNHL). This time, the Isles’ GM search was supposed to be different, or at least normal. They would cast a wide net, speak to a variety of candidates, and have multiple rounds of interviews. Then, they would narrow their list before choosing the new President of Hockey Operations and/or GM. Thus far, it’s been anything but normal. There have been some stumbles, and on Thursday, Arthur Staple reported that Lou Lamoriello could stay on as an advisor to a new General Manager. What? How? Why? Lamoriello, under contract until June 30th, was expected to gracefully exit and make room for a fresh face and a new direction. Now, there’s at least some consideration that the Islanders are pivoting to a most unconventional setup in the wake of not having Plan A or B pan out, or at least that’s the perception. The idea of having Lou stick around to guide a new, young GM may sound reasonable in theory, but it’s not practical, and sounds less than ideal for Mathieu Darche or anyone else stepping into the job for the first time. This GM search has been amusing, confusing, and befuddling, but it’s also been fascinating, and we don’t know what will come next. Get full access to Isles Fix at islesfix.substack.com/subscribe

May 6

It's a Quick Fix featuring Joe Buono (@IslesFix) and former VP of Communications for the Islanders, Chris Botta (@ChrisBottaNHL). The New York Islanders beat the odds and won the NHL Draft Lottery on Monday night in a stunning franchise-altering moment. The Isles had only a 3.5% chance of winning the top pick, but their chances improved with every ping-pong ball drawn until 13 proved to be the luckiest of numbers. 7-11-12-13 Forever . We talk about what the lottery win means for the organization, and the options in front of them with the top selection Plus, Chris shares the latest he’s hearing on the Islanders GM search, which could be wrapping up faster than expected with a shorter list for John Collins to choose from, and a decision drawing near. Get full access to Isles Fix at islesfix.substack.com/subscribe

Apr 29

It's a Quick Fix featuring Joe Buono (@IslesFix) and former VP of Communications for the Islanders, Chris Botta (@ChrisBottaNHL). The list of potential Islanders GMs is long, very long. In the last week, fans and media alike have speculated about a wide range and variety of candidates from Hall-of-Famers, to retreads, to popular Assistant GMs, and out-of-the-box options from around the league. For the first time, possibly in their history, the Islanders are conducting a proper search for their general manager. The man in charge of that search is John Collins, and reports indicate there’s been no shortage of interest from qualified candidates around the league. It’s now the job of Collins to sift through the chatter and the noise and decide which candidates deserve a long look. Plus, Chris and Joe comment on the organization letting go of radio broadcasters Chris King and Greg Picker , and the backlash response from the media and fan base. Is there still time for the team to reverse course? Joe then asks Chris where he was when Lanny McDonald broke the 1977-78 Islanders' hearts in overtime, which happened 47 years ago today at the Nassau Coliseum. Get full access to Isles Fix at islesfix.substack.com/subscribe

Apr 23

It's a Quick Fix featuring Joe Buono (@IslesFix) and former VP of Communications for the Islanders, Chris Botta (@ChrisBottaNHL). What felt inevitable to some but unlikely to others happened on Tuesday afternoon when the Islander s announced that the contract of Hall of Fame executive Lou Lamoriello would not be renewed after seven seasons as President of Hockey Operations and General Manager. This type of change is significant for any team, but for the Islanders, it represents a seismic shift for the organization, both on and off the ice, due to how Lamoriello operated. He did things his way, and those methods instilled professionalism, credibility, and, yes, success that was missing before. But the time was right for a change. After four mediocre at best seasons, the Islanders were not going to turn into Stanley Cup contenders over the summer. This wasn’t a one-year fix; it's now a multi-year plan, and that’s best for someone else with a fresh face, fresh eyes, and fresh ideas to take the franchise forward. The fanbase was clamoring for ownership to show decisiveness, and that happened on Tuesday. Now, the search for the next GM to lead this organization into a new era of Islanders hockey begins. Get full access to Isles Fix at islesfix.substack.com/subscribe

Apr 11

It's a Quick Fix featuring Joe Buono (@IslesFix) and former VP of Communications for the Islanders, Chris Botta (@ChrisBottaNHL). Some games mean more than just one loss or win - they can define a season. After last night’s embarrassing 9-2 loss to the New York Rangers at UBS Arena, fans are wondering whether the shameful loss was enough for ownership to make the changes they have been reluctant to make and turn the page this off-season. The assumption has been that GM Lou Lamoriello will be back, but with each passing day, the moment calls for change. Head Coach Patrick Roy can defend his team’s effort all he wants, but the results are what they are. This isn’t a good hockey team, and they are further away from serious contention than they were at any point in the last four seasons. They rode things out as long as possible, but if games like last night don’t tell you that real change is needed, I’m not sure what will. Get full access to Isles Fix at islesfix.substack.com/subscribe

Apr 7

It's a Quick Fix featuring Joe Buono (@IslesFix) and Chris Botta (@ChrisBottaNHL), the former VP of Communications for the Islanders. It doesn’t happen often, but on Sunday, the hockey world was fixated on the New York Islanders . The game at UBS Arena served as the backdrop to history as Alexander Ovechkin surpassed Wayne Gretzky as the greatest goal scorer in NHL history, scoring his 895th goal in the second period of a 4-1 Isles win. It’s one of the great accomplishments in sports history, and it happened on Long Island. Fans felt mixed going into it, questioning whether they wanted to see their team and goaltender surrender the record-breaker, but the way the day transpired, complete with a win over the league’s top team, was pretty perfect. The fans who paid high prices got what they came to see. A 22-minute on-ice ceremony with a few light moments followed the record-breaking goal as the Islanders paid their respects to Ovechkin. We discussed the pomp and circumstance around the game, how the Islanders organization prepared for the event, the business around it, and more. Get full access to Isles Fix at islesfix.substack.com/subscribe

Mar 26

It's a Quick Fix featuring Joe Buono (@IslesFix) and former VP of Communications for the Islanders, Chris Botta (@ChrisBottaNHL). With a bit of help from the rest of the Eastern Conference muck, the Isles have played well enough, long enough to put themselves in position for a third straight improbable close to the regular season, which will annoy and upset fans and pundits across the league - except on Long Island. Chris and Joe reflect on a stretch of points earned and points that slipped away and talk about players that have stepped up post-trade deadline. Plus, the NHL is keeping the organization in All-Star Weekend limbo, and why Alexander Ovechkin’s trip to Long Island should be a hotter ticket than it is right now. Get full access to Isles Fix at islesfix.substack.com/subscribe

Mar 7

It's a Quick Fix featuring Joe Buono (@IslesFix) and former VP of Communications for the Islanders, Chris Botta (@ChrisBottaNHL). It’s not a rebuild; it’s not exactly a retool either. Joe and Chris react to how Lou Lamoriello handled his business at the deadline, which doesn’t provide much insight into how he plans to handle his business over the summer if ownership still believes he is the right man for the job. Get full access to Isles Fix at islesfix.substack.com/subscribe

Mar 6

It's a Quick Fix featuring Joe Buono (@IslesFix) and former VP of Communications for the Islanders, Chris Botta (@ChrisBottaNHL). Wednesday proved it’s a seller's market, and the Islanders hold arguably the most valuable asset. The decision to trade or not trade Brock Nelson isn’t just about one player; it’s an inflection point for a franchise that has wanted its team to stay together and stay in playoff contention season after season rather than risk taking a step back to take multiple steps forward. Chris and Joe reflect on Nelson’s emotional night at UBS Arena and discuss how Lou Lamoriello's path could affect how his tenure as Islanders GM is remembered by segments of the fanbase. Get full access to Isles Fix at islesfix.substack.com/subscribe

Mar 4

It's a Quick Fix featuring Joe Buono (@IslesFix) and former VP of Communications for the Islanders, Chris Botta (@ChrisBottaNHL). Cal Clutterbuck called it a “Monday-nighter,” a stale and somewhat uneventful game where neither team got much going all night. There’s no excuse for that at this point of the season, and certainly no excuse when playing your rival with playoff position on the line after they drubbed you 5-1 on home ice less than a week ago. But alas, that’s what happened to the Islanders in their 4-0 defeat at MSG last night. Chris and Joe provide their perspective after the team gave GM Lou Lamoriello the latest indication that, no matter how resilient the team has been, the right thing to do for the organization is to sell, and perhaps sell big. Get full access to Isles Fix at islesfix.substack.com/subscribe

Feb 27

It's a Quick Fix featuring Joe Buono (@IslesFix) and former VP of Communications for the Islanders, Chris Botta (@ChrisBottaNHL). The signs are flashing “SELL!” after the Islanders’ fourth straight loss, a 5-1 defeat to the New York Rangers on home ice, but should it also signal the raising of the white flag on their playoff hopes? Joe and Chris react to Arthur Staple’s reality check article in The Athletic on Wednesday. Plus, we look at comparable trade returns for Brock Nelson and Kyle Palmieri and wonder if moves could go beyond the UFAs. Later, we talk about reports of a displeased Patrik Roy at practice. Finally, Chris discusses his brief stint as a radio color analyst with long-time play-by-play announcer Barry Landers, following a “Where are they now?” article by Neil Best in Newsday. Get full access to Isles Fix at islesfix.substack.com/subscribe

Feb 25

It's a Quick Fix featuring Joe Buono (@IslesFix) and former VP of Communications for the Islanders, Chris Botta (@ChrisBottaNHL). The Islanders failed to earn a point in their first game back from break, setting the stage for the next five games, which could determine whether they are a team fighting for a playoff spot or playing out the stretch. Chris believes that no matter what happens at the trade deadline, the focus should be on Islanders’ ownership and what they do next. Plus, Joe and Chris reflect on the massive success of the Four Nations Face-off and remember longtime MSG broadcaster and Long Islander Al Trautwig, who passed away at the age of 68. Get full access to Isles Fix at islesfix.substack.com/subscribe

Feb 11

It's a Quick Fix featuring Joe Buono (@IslesFix) and former VP of Communications for the Islanders, Chris Botta (@ChrisBottaNHL). What to think and who to believe? Insider news, rumors, and flat-out guesses will take shape two weeks before the next Isles game, giving us plenty of time to ponder and ruminate about the team's direction and, more specifically, which Lou Lamoriello is inclined to take them. Chris provides his latest report on Lou’s spot in the organization and contract overtures to Brock Nelson . Later, Joe and Chris address the Noah Dobson rumors. Could he be available, and should the Islanders be listening? Plus, what are the season ticket views on selling off, and what is the excitement level surrounding the 4 Nations Face-off? Get full access to Isles Fix at islesfix.substack.com/subscribe

Feb 4

It's a Quick Fix featuring Joe Buono (@IslesFix) and former VP of Communications for the Islanders, Chris Botta (@ChrisBottaNHL). The worst-case scenario was confirmed on Monday as Mathew Barzal is out indefinitely after blocking a shot off his knee in the closing minutes of Saturday’s win at Tampa Bay. The loss of Barzal significantly dampers the good vibes surrounding this team. Should the injury alter Lou Lamoriello’s approach come the trade deadline? Chris and Joe discuss whether the GM’s mindset should shift, knowing they’ll be without one of their star players in the long term. Despite the tough news, we find time to reflect on the team’s improbable seven-game winning streak and Ilya Sorokin's elite play. The only thing predictable about the remainder of the season is that it will be unpredictable. Get full access to Isles Fix at islesfix.substack.com/subscribe

Jan 28

It's a Quick Fix featuring Joe Buono (@IslesFix) and former VP of Communications for the Islanders, Chris Botta (@ChrisBottaNHL). The Isles are making their run, and as injuries mount, GM Lou Lamoriello made a pair of shrewd moves to give his veteran core a fighting chance at remaining in the playoff picture. We discuss the mutual moments of desperation that brought Tony DeAngelo to Long Island and why he should be on his best behavior. Plus, the Islanders made an under-the-radar trade for D Scott Perunovich that Blues fans are convinced will come back to haunt them. We also discuss what an extension for Brock Nelson would look like, retro night at the Coliseum in 2007, and more. Get full access to Isles Fix at islesfix.substack.com/subscribe

Jan 22

.It's a Quick Fix featuring Joe Buono (@IslesFix) and former VP of Communications for the Islanders, Chris Botta (@ChrisBottaNHL). Almost every team in the NHL goes on a run at some point. The good teams, the great teams, and most of the time, even the bad teams. The Islanders have won 5 of 7 but will need a longer, sustained run to climb over the several teams standing between them in a playoff spot with nine games remaining before the February break. Chris and Joe discuss whether the Isles have a run in them and what that would do to Lou Lamoriello’s thinking in the coming weeks. Plus, grading Patrick Roy after one year and Mathew Barzal’s ‘alleged’ comments about empty seats. Get full access to Isles Fix at islesfix.substack.com/subscribe

Jan 16

It's a Quick Fix featuring Joe Buono (@IslesFix) and former VP of Communications for the Islanders, Chris Botta (@ChrisBottaNHL). With former captain and Stanley Cup champion Brent Sutter set to be inducted into the Islanders Hall of Fame on Saturday night, Chris and Joe closely examine the Isles Hall of Fame candidacy of other alums potentially worthy of the honor. Should Glenn ‘Chico’ Resch be the next to go in? What’s the delay in celebrating Pat LaFontaine's career? What about the player he was traded for, fellow Hall-of-Famer Pierre Turgeon ? Does Ziggy Palffy’s stardom during the franchise’s dark days warrant consideration, and did Josh Bailey do enough, long enough, to be a clear Islanders Hall-of-Famer? Chris has ideas on how Hall-of-Fame nights can be re-imagined and how to honor the remaining “core of the four” that don’t have their own plaques. Get full access to Isles Fix at islesfix.substack.com/subscribe

Jan 8

It's a Quick Fix featuring Joe Buono (@IslesFix) and former VP of Communications for the Islanders, Chris Botta (@ChrisBottaNHL). In this episode, Chris and Joe question why the team will travel with 12 forwards rather than make a call-up with Hudson Fasching and Simon Holmstrom not making the trip to Vegas. Plus, Arthur Kaliyev was claimed off waivers by the New York Rangers ; why wasn’t he wasn’t worth a flyer for the Isles? Later, we’ve all been impressed with Thomas Hickey’s seamless transition to the broadcast booth. Could another transition be in his future one day? We discuss the management case he’s making himself without trying to do so. Get full access to Isles Fix at islesfix.substack.com/subscribe

Jan 6

It's a Quick Fix featuring Joe Buono (@IslesFix) and former VP of Communications for the Islanders, Chris Botta (@ChrisBottaNHL). We jumped on soon after the Islanders’ 5-4 OT win in Boston (a win Chris saw coming!) as Bo Horvat became the first NHL player with a shorthanded goal and an overtime goal in the same game since March 8, 2023 (JT Miller (VAN vs ANA). The win ended a three-game losing streak and, for the time being, put a hold on the constant chatter of change that should (or will) come at some point. The way too-forgiving Eastern Conference has the Islanders somehow only four points out of a playoff spot - one game shy of the season’s halfway point. Yet, even after wins, this team is uniquely capable of making you feel they’re much further away than what the standings tell us. Maybe this was the start of something or a mere interlude ahead of an arduous road trip. Get full access to Isles Fix at islesfix.substack.com/subscribe

Dec 21, 2024

In the latest episode of “The Red Line,” Phil Farber (@PhilzFacts) and David Tuchman (@TuckOnSports) discuss what the Islanders need to do to remain in the playoff picture by the trade deadline. The team is expected to get Anthony Duclair back on Saturday night in Toronto, meaning there are no longer any excuses for them not to start stringing together much-needed wins. Get full access to Isles Fix at islesfix.substack.com/subscribe

Dec 19, 2024

It's a Quick Fix featuring Joe Buono (@IslesFix) and former VP of Communications for the Islanders, Chris Botta (@ChrisBottaNHL). In this edition, we take a holiday stroll down memory lane and reminisce about the infamous 2003 Santa “Brawl” at the Coliseum with one of the playful perpetrators of the tomfoolery, lifelong Islander fan turned NHL betting savant and sniffer Andy Francess . But first, the trio each took turns pointing podcast fingers at what’s most responsible for the Islanders’ overall stale on-the-ice product that’s producing more of the mediocre same. As a bonus, Joe offers listeners an alternative stocking stuffer option at the top of the show. Get full access to Isles Fix at islesfix.substack.com/subscribe

Dec 16, 2024

It's a Quick Fix featuring Joe Buono (@IslesFix) and former VP of Communications for the Islanders, Chris Botta (@ChrisBottaNHL). It’s a post-game edition, as we record minutes after the Islanders lose in a predictable yet surprising way versus the Chicago Blackhawks on Sunday. With Mathew Barzal and Adam Pelech returning, the Islanders came out flat. Although they believe they once again feel they deserved a better result, the same troubling tendencies failed them again, as they failed to build or sustain momentum in this maddening season. Get full access to Isles Fix at islesfix.substack.com/subscribe

Dec 13, 2024

It's a Quick Fix featuring Joe Buono (@IslesFix) and former VP of Communications for the Islanders, Chris Botta (@ChrisBottaNHL). In this episode, Joe and Chris provide their instant reactions to Pierre Engvall and Oliver Wahlstrom being placed on waivers in anticipation of Mathew Barzal, Adam Pelech , and Anthony Duclair's return. Will a team claim Wahlstrom, or are there more chances for him in the organization? Plus, Patrick Roy has a post-game reaction that can only come from a goaltender. Will the team respond positively to the criticism? Also, Chris is asked about the book he co-authored with Stan Fischler and more! Get full access to Isles Fix at islesfix.substack.com/subscribe

Dec 6, 2024

In the latest episode of “The Red Line,” Phil Farber (@PhilzFacts) and David Tuchman (@TuckOnSports) are back after one of the more disappointing performances from the team since Patrick Roy took over as head coach. Is this roster capable of excelling in Roy’s system? The guys also talk about all the candid drama surrounding Pierre Engvall and much more. Get full access to Isles Fix at islesfix.substack.com/subscribe

Dec 4, 2024

It's a Quick Fix featuring Joe Buono (@IslesFix) and former VP of Communications for the Islanders, Chris Botta (@ChrisBottaNHL). First, a special thanks to everyone downloading and tuning into the show; the response has been fantastic. This week, alongside some heavy hockey talk hitters, we climbed to No. 14 on the iTunes Hockey Podcast charts. Awesome! A listener asked Chris on X about the Islanders’ minority owner, John Collins, who runs the team’s business operations. Given that it’s been a decade since Scott Malkin and Jon Ledecky first became minority owners, we thought it was a good time to reflect on all they’ve accomplished and what’s still to come on and off the ice in the short and long term. Get full access to Isles Fix at islesfix.substack.com/subscribe

Dec 1, 2024

It's a Quick Fix featuring Joe Buono (@IslesFix) and former VP of Communications for the Islanders, Chris Botta (@ChrisBottaNHL). The Islanders “won the weekend” by securing three out of a possible four points, but they’ll have to show a lot more late in games to change the course of a season plagued by third-period collapses. Chris and Joe discuss the subtle changes in how the team spoke about their struggles ahead of Saturday night’s win vs. Buffalo. Plus, Pierre Engvall was a healthy scratch again, leading us to wonder whether we should ever expect anything different from the perplexing forward. Also, Anders Lee shows he still has much more left than naysayers thought. Get full access to Isles Fix at islesfix.substack.com/subscribe

Nov 22, 2024

In the latest episode of “The Red Line,” Phil Farber (@PhilzFacts) and David Tuchman (@TuckOnSports) are back to breakdown how the Islanders managed to blow three straight games when holding a third-period lead. A lousy week has given the naysayers fuel to start a conversation about trading off key pieces weeks, if not months, before it needs to happen. Get full access to Isles Fix at islesfix.substack.com/subscribe

Nov 17, 2024

It's a Quick Fix featuring Joe Buono (@IslesFix) and former VP of Communications for the Islanders, Chris Botta (@ChrisBottaNHL). The Islanders have played better than expected given the circumstances, and the recent five-game point streak (3-0-2) has fans back invested in the season and being disappointed and missed opportunities, including a disappointing loss to Seattle on Saturday afternoon. That’s a good thing. Plus, Chris reacts to the announcement that Brent Sutter will be inducted into the Islanders Hall of Fame and provides the backstory on how the HOF came to be and who was supposed to be the first player inducted. Get full access to Isles Fix at islesfix.substack.com/subscribe

Nov 15, 2024

In the latest episode of “The Red Line,” Phil Farber (@PhilzFacts) and David Tuchman (@TuckOnSports) are back to discuss why the Islanders are playing better without Mathew Barzal , what the lines could look like when everyone is healthy and takeaways from their first Western Canada games of the trip. Get full access to Isles Fix at islesfix.substack.com/subscribe

Nov 7, 2024

In the latest episode of “The Red Line,” Phil Farber (@PhilzFacts) and David Tuchman (@TuckOnSports) are back to discuss how, despite their struggles, the Isles are suddenly an easy-to-cheer for an injury-riddled team of underdogs. Get full access to Isles Fix at islesfix.substack.com/subscribe

Nov 3, 2024

It's a Quick Fix featuring Joe Buono (@IslesFix) and former VP of Communications for the Islanders, Chris Botta (@ChrisBottaNHL). The worst was confirmed on Saturday as the New York Islanders placed All-Star forward Mathew Barzal on long-term injured Reserve (LTIR) and defenseman Adam Pelech on Injured Reserve (IR). The Islanders will have to tread water without key pieces for the next 1-2 months. The Eastern Conference is forgiving, but an already slow start had them in a disappointing position after emphasizing a fast start throughout camp. They'll have to rely on their goaltending even more and have the healthy part of their veteran core step up in Barzal's absence. Find and listen to Isles Fix podcasts on additional platforms: Listen and enjoy! 🔗 Islanders suffer devastating injury blows with brutal Mat Barzal, Adam Pelech updates by Ethan Sears, New York Post “The Islanders sorted through the injury wreckage and won’t like what they found. The laundry list of injuries for the team, which comes into Sunday’s clash with the Rangers at Madison Square Garden at 4-5-2, looks all the worse after getting some clarity on the timeline for the players hurt on their trip to Columbus and Buffalo.” 🔗 Islanders lose Mathew Barzal, Adam Pelech for four-to-six weeks by Andrew Gross, Newsday “The Islanders’ lineup will be missing Mathew Barzal and defenseman Adam Pelech, two of its top players, for the next four to six weeks, president/general manager Lou Lamoriello announced on Saturday before the team practiced at Madison Square Garden.” And we leave you with this ….Bryan Trottier on the cover of Goal Magazine ( h/t RealIsles Pride ) Thanks for reading! Follow us on Twitter for regular updates until the next newsletter. And please check out our newsletters about the Knicks and Mets , too. Get full access to Isles Fix at islesfix.substack.com/subscribe

Nov 1, 2024

In the latest episode of “The Red Line,” Phil Farber (@PhilzFacts) and David Tuchman (@TuckOnSports) are back and trying their best to maintain a hint of positivity despite the Islanders’ offensive struggles. The Isles lost the identity line and now don’t appear to have an identity, at least not yet. The defensive structure has been better, and the possession stats are solid, but the quality of shots and their repeated inability to score has been hard to overcome. Plus, the coach can’t settle on the bottom six, and players and the roster’s depth players aren’t making the most of their opportunities Get full access to Isles Fix at islesfix.substack.com/subscribe

Oct 29, 2024

It’s a special Isles “Quick Fix” podcast episode featuring former Islanders’ VP of Communications Chris Botta , who, as many of you know, was among the original Islanders blog/podcast/video personalities. For years, I refreshed Islanders Point Blank multiple times daily at home or the office. Later, I would watch him and Brian Compton debate and answer questions from the SNY studio during an episode of Islanders Interactive . It was a must-watch for Isles’ fans. With that as context, it’s pretty cool that I’ll be chatting with him throughout the year in this format. I hope you enjoy his often unique and unfettered opinions as much as I do. Throughout the year, we’ll get together at inflection points of the season when there is something of substance to talk about either on or off the ice, and this week seemed like the perfect time to start. Get full access to Isles Fix at islesfix.substack.com/subscribe

Oct 9, 2024

In the latest episode of “The Red Line,” Phil Farber (@PhilzFacts) and David Tuchman (@TuckOnSports) are back ahead of the start of the 2024-25 season. The Isles made more changes than they get credit for this off-season, and with Patrick Roy behind the bench for his first full season, there is excitement that this team can move beyond being a fringe playoff team and become a contender. Get full access to Isles Fix at islesfix.substack.com/subscribe

Jun 12, 2024

In the latest episode of “The Red Line,” Phil Farber (@PhilzFacts) and David Tuchman (@TuckOnSports) are joined by draft guru and Lord of Fantasy hockey, Cam Robinson (@Hockey_Robinson), the Content Director at Elite Prospects Rinkside (@EPRinkside). Robinson breaks down a draft that may be deeper than people are giving it credit for, and some of his favorite players. They talk about Lou Lamoriello gaining an extra 2nd rounder by moving back in two spots, which players may still be on the board when the Islanders are on the clock at No. 20 (provided they keep the pick), and the current outlook on some of the team’s more highly regarded prospects. Get full access to Isles Fix at islesfix.substack.com/subscribe

May 3, 2024

In the latest episode of “The Red Line,” co-hosts Phil Farber (@PhilzFacts) and David Tuchman (@TuckOnSports) reflect on a season of ups and downs and talk about potential next steps for the franchise. After recapping what went wrong in the closer-than-it-appeared series against Carolina, the boys talk about the cost of the Isles’ goaltending moving forward, Noah Dobson’s next contract, and how the team can get better. Get full access to Isles Fix at islesfix.substack.com/subscribe

Apr 17, 2024

In the latest episode of “The Red Line,” co-hosts Phil Farber (@PhilzFacts) and David Tuchman (@TuckOnSports) the boys feel vindicated and revel in the fact that, although there were moments of doubt, they were ultimately proven right about the playoff fate of the New York Islanders . In this episode, the boys celebrate by talking about the job Patrick Roy did to turn around this season. They talk about all the things that went right during the playoff push and how Semyon Varlamov became the team’s savior, the difficult first-round match-up against the Carolina Hurricanes , and a lot more. Get full access to Isles Fix at islesfix.substack.com/subscribe

Apr 11, 2024

Good morning, Islanders Country. In the latest episode of “The Red Line,” co-hosts Phil Farber (@PhilzFacts) and David Tuchman (@TuckOnSports) can’t believe they’re talking about an Islanders team that controls their own playoff destiny with four games left to play after a 4-2 win over the New York Rangers , their fifth straight win. In this episode, the boys talk about the strong play at 5-on-5, but a penalty kill that is still scary. Plus, the sensational play of Semyon Varlamov , the need to stay aggressive with the lead, and Peter Laviolette and Rangers fans whining after the loss on Tuesday night at UBS Arena. Find and listen to Isles Fix podcasts on additional platforms: Listen, enjoy, and dive in. 📚 SOUND SMART : Per Eric Hornick in The Skinny , Mathew Barzal has recorded six assists over the last five games. It is the first time this season Barzal has had an assist in five straight games (and is one game shy of his career high, set in 2021). Barzal has 41 points at home and 39 points on the road; he needs one more road point for his second career "40/40" season. 🎥 ISLES REWIND: On April 11, 1975, playing in their first playoff series, the upstart Islanders shocked the rival New York Rangers when J.P. Parise scored 11 seconds into overtime at Madison Square Garden to give the Isles a 4-3 win. At the time, it was the fastest goal in NHL Stanley Cup Playoff history. Parise had been acquired on Jan. 5, 1975, from the Minnesota North Stars along with Jude Drouin , who set up Parise's game and series-ending goal. 🔗 With playoff spot in sight, Islanders have been in postseason mode for some time by Peter Schwartz, WFAN.com “Fighting for a playoff spot is something that the Islanders have been used to in recent years and this season has been no different. In the midst of a season full of ups and downs, the Islanders made a coaching change, followed up a six-game winning streak with a six-game losing streak and have seen their playoff chances go back and forth” 🔗 The Hot, Cold, & Suddley Hot Again Islanders Explained by Stefen Rosner, The Hockey News “Patrick Roy never got a training camp, joining the Islanders mid-season. But he's put his team through a training camp mindset and now has them playing winning hockey to get back into a playoff spot.” And we leave you with this…even the Biz was defending the Isles! Thanks for reading! Follow us on Twitter for regular updates until the next newsletter. And please check out our newsletters about the Knicks and Mets , too. Get full access to Isles Fix at islesfix.substack.com/subscribe

Apr 4, 2024

In the latest episode of “The Red Line,” co-hosts Phil Farber (@PhilzFacts) and David Tuchman (@TuckOnSports) are lowering the white flag, at least for now, after three wins in their last four games have the Islanders one point out of a playoff spot heading into tonight’s game in Columbus. In this episode, they discuss Simon Holmstrom’s strong performance vs. Chicago, whether Roy should ride Varlamov or Soorkin, the upcoming schedule, Barzal, and Horvat finally getting back together, and Noah Dobson’s prolonged slump. Get full access to Isles Fix at islesfix.substack.com/subscribe

Mar 26, 2024

In the latest episode of “The Red Line,” co-hosts Phil Farber (@PhilzFacts) and David Tuchman (@TuckOnSports) are ready to waive the white flag and accept that they were wrong about the Islanders' playoff chances. This comes after the team was shut out 4-0 by the New Jersey Devils on Sunday at UBS Arena, their seventh loss in their last eight games (1-6-1) following their winning streak, which duped many of us into believing this season would be different. The Isles have been a mentally fragile team this season, and Ilya Sorokin has been unable to cover up for their mistakes. They also discuss the team’s 0-6-3 record in back-to-backs this season and discuss what changes could come in the final games of the season, even if it doesn’t change the ultimate outcome. Get full access to Isles Fix at islesfix.substack.com/subscribe

Mar 14, 2024

Good Morning, Islanders Country. In the latest episode of “The Red Line” with co-hosts Phil Farber (@PhilzFacts) and David Tuchman (@TuckOnSports), the boys are pleased to be talking about a team in playoff position. After their six-game losing streak ended in LA with Tuch in attendance, the Isles aim to rebound Thursday night in Buffalo. Plus, Phil talks about Mathew Barzal’s bad penalties, the need for Ilya Sorokin to steal a game, and Kyle Palmieri’s fantastic season. Meanwhile, Tuch talks about Isles playoff odds, and the guys take questions from their social media mailbag and talk about possible off-season moves. Find and listen to Isles Fix podcasts on additional platforms: Listen and enjoy. And we leave you with this…Joshua Ho-Sang dropped a rap album, unveiled a new app, and signed a contract with the Florida Everglade this week. Thanks for reading! Follow us on Twitter for regular updates until the next newsletter. And please check out our newsletters about the Knicks and Mets , too. Get full access to Isles Fix at islesfix.substack.com/subscribe

Mar 7, 2024

In the latest episode of “The Red Line” with co-hosts Phil Farber (@PhilzFacts) and David Tuchman (@TuckOnSports), the boys talk about the new team identity established by Patrick Roy , eliminating mistakes, Bo Horvat’s accountability, and Kyle Palmieri’s hot streak. The Islanders’ four-game winning streak ties their longest of the season and has them within striking distance of Philadelphia, Detroit, and Tampa Bay, while the teams behind them have seen their playoff hopes fading. It’s put them in a position where they are buyers before Friday’s trade deadline. Get full access to Isles Fix at islesfix.substack.com/subscribe

Mar 2, 2024

In the latest episode of “The Red Line” with co-hosts Phil Farber (@PhilzFacts) and David Tuchman (@TuckOnSports), the boys are joined by Islanders beat reporter Stefen Rosner of The Hockey News to talk trade possibilities, the curious year for Ilya Sorokin, the latest line combinations and a whole lot more. After two impressive road wins in Dallas and Detroit, the Islanders return home with some momentum and the back and a playoff picture that looks more obtainable than it did just a few days earlier. Get full access to Isles Fix at islesfix.substack.com/subscribe

Feb 23, 2024

In the latest episode of “The Red Line” with co-hosts Phil Farber (@PhilzFacts) and David Tuchman (@TuckOnSports), the boys ponder whether GM Lou Lamoriello should or would consider selling. The team has had missteps and has been unable to get the needed points boost with Patrick Roy behind the bench. Nevertheless, Phil and Chris persist and try to find a silver lining or two amongst the gloomy clouds. Get full access to Isles Fix at islesfix.substack.com/subscribe

Feb 15, 2024

In the latest episode of “The Red Line” with co-hosts Phil Farber (@PhilzFacts) and David Tuchman (@TuckOnSports), the boys spent Valentine’s Day with each other to talk about one of the great loves in their life, the New York Islanders . Just as it seemed as if the team had some momentum, they fell flat against Calgary and Seattle. Do they still have a run in them? In this episode: - What went wrong vs. Seattle - Is it still the honeymoon phase for Patrick Roy ? - Ilya Sorokin’s stellar play - The state of the Eastern Conference - Frustration with Pierre Engvall - Give a look to Ruslan Iskhakov ? Get full access to Isles Fix at islesfix.substack.com/subscribe

Feb 8, 2024

Good Morning, Islanders Country. In the latest episode of “The Red Line” co-hosts Phil Farber (@PhilzFacts) and David Tuchman (@TuckOnSports) got together as Phil returned from Cancun just to record a podcast with Tuch. The boys discuss the defense being healthy for the first time and the team’s optimum lineup moving forward. Patrick Roy is willing to give Wahlstrom a legit chance to become an everyday player, structural changes that Roy has already made, Barzal unleashed under Roy, and we ended off by looking at the current playoff picture and the betting odds for each team. . Get full access to Isles Fix at islesfix.substack.com/subscribe

Jan 24, 2024

In the latest episode of “The Red Line” with co-hosts Phil Farber (@PhilzFacts) and David Tuchman (@TuckOnSports), the boys are joined by “IsleStotle” (@rant_or_reason), an “Isles Twitter” personality that is an eternal optimist and has debated Dave and Phil on many occasions. They talk with their remaining anonymous guest about the hiring of Patrick Roy , the impact he can make on the franchise, and the outlook for the team for the remainder of the season. In this episode: - Lambert's firing was long overdue - Why did Lou zeroed in on Patrick Roy? - Players response to Roy’s hiring - Thoughts on the first two games - Kyle MacLean call-up - Predictions for the rest of the season Get full access to Isles Fix at islesfix.substack.com/subscribe

Jan 18, 2024

In January, one paid subscriber will be selected as the winner of an Islanders-inspired Tee Shirt designed by AtheleteLogos of their choice. Good Morning, Islanders Country. In the latest episode of “The Red Line” with co-hosts Phil Farber (@PhilzFacts) and David Tuchman (@TuckOnSports), the boys discuss how things have escalated from concern to the arrival of DEFCOM 1. Are the Islanders approaching the point where dramatic changes are necessary to make the playoffs? Dave and Phil give their take on the team’s most prevalent issues, lineup decisions, and, of course, the coach. In this episode: * Bad luck and Bad goals * The line combinations make no sense * Is Lane coaching scared? * Too many ‘burn the tape’ games * Kyle MacLean gets called up * Social Media Mailbag Get full access to Isles Fix at islesfix.substack.com/subscribe

Jan 11, 2024

In the latest episode of “The Red Line” with co-hosts Phil Farber (@PhilzFacts) and David Tuchman (@TuckOnSports), the boys hop on to discuss the impact Casey Cizikas's injury and Lane Lambert putting the lines in a blender, including separating Mathew Barzal and Bo Horvat . In this episode: * Were the Isles due for a slump? * Sorokin needs to steal one * Backup goalie depth * Why no call-up? * Phil and Dave give their line combos * Trade deadline targets Get full access to Isles Fix at islesfix.substack.com/subscribe

Jan 4, 2024

In the latest episode of “The Red Line” with co-hosts Phil Farber (@PhilzFacts) and David Tuchman (@TuckOnSports), the boys discuss how the Islanders have managed to collect points despite all of its flaws and injuries on the blue line. Does the coaching staff deserve credit, or has their success been only a product of the team’s higher-end players stepping up their game? In this episode: - Does the coaching staff deserve credit? - Is this team more talented than people think? - Has Lane Lambert improved as a coach? - Pelech is close to returning - What else does this team need? - Varlamov injury; Engvall scratched Get full access to Isles Fix at islesfix.substack.com/subscribe

Dec 29, 2023

Good Morning, Islanders Country. In the latest episode of “The Red Line” with co-hosts Phil Farber (@PhilzFacts) and David Tuchman (@TuckOnSports), the boys gather their thoughts after the Isles were kicked in the mouth by the Pittsburgh Penguins . The team needs to respond Friday night vs. the Washington Capitals , but will they and will the defense hold up for the 15 remaining games before the All-Star Game. In this episode: * Level of concern * Mayfield close to return * No timetable for Pelech and Pulcok * The challenging road ahead * Sorokin struggles * Dobson is the team MVP Get full access to Isles Fix at islesfix.substack.com/subscribe

Dec 20, 2023

In the latest episode of “The Red Line” with co-hosts Phil Farber (@PhilzFacts) and David Tuchman (@TuckOnSports), the boys welcome Andy Francess (@AndyFrancess), picks, predictions, and parlays expert for OddsShopper Sports Betting to the show to share laughs and deep Isles thoughts. In this episode: * Prop bet Islanders strategy * Dissecting the Islanders’ playing style * Why the power play is clicking * Defenseman joining the rush * Holmstrom’s short-handed magic * How far can the Isles go? * Stanley Cup contenders . Get full access to Isles Fix at islesfix.substack.com/subscribe

Dec 14, 2023

In the latest episode of “The Red Line” with co-hosts Phil Farber (@PhilzFacts) and David Tuchman (@TuckOnSports), the boys avoid the podcast jinx and deliver an extra-sized podcast of positivity after the Isles 4-3 win over the Anaheim Ducks on Wednesday night, their fourth straight victory. In this episode: * Isles-Ducks recap * Fasching on the fourth line * Too many defensemen? * What if Zach Parise returns? * Social Media Mailbag Get full access to Isles Fix at islesfix.substack.com/subscribe

Dec 7, 2023

In the latest episode of “The Red Line” with co-hosts Phil Farber (@PhilzFacts) and David Tuchman (@TuckOnSports), the boys search hard for silver linings and discuss the coaching change that isn’t happening after an unacceptable 5-4 OT loss to the San Jose Sharks . In this episode: * Silver linings * Scoring isn’t the problem * Special teams have been outstanding * Gauthier needs more ice time * Holmstrom gets his assists * Are players overworked early in games? Get full access to Isles Fix at islesfix.substack.com/subscribe

Nov 30, 2023

In the latest episode of “The Red Line” with co-hosts Phil Farber (@PhilzFacts) and David Tuchman (@TuckOnSports), the boys attempt to pick up the pieces and make sense of it all after the Islanders’ latest third-period collapse against the New Jersey Devils on Tuesday night. In this episode: * Lane Looks lost * The team isn’t old and slow * The Mike Reilly acquisition is a good one * Deficiencies in defensive structure * A gutsy win vs. Ottawa * Woe is the shootout Get full access to Isles Fix at islesfix.substack.com/subscribe

Nov 23, 2023

In the latest episode of “The Red Line” with co-hosts Phil Farber (@PhilzFacts) and David Tuchman (@TuckOnSports), the boys got behind the mic immediately following the Islanders 3-2 win over the Philadelphia Flyers . In this episode: * The Isles don’t play much from behind * Lane’s still here and riding a four-game point streak * Takeaways from the win vs. PHI * The tight Metro Division standings * The American Thanksgiving NHL landmark Get full access to Isles Fix at islesfix.substack.com/subscribe

Nov 15, 2023

In the latest episode of “The Red Line” (the number 1 hockey podcast in Ireland 🇮🇪) with co-hosts Phil Farber (@PhilzFacts) and David Tuchman (@TuckOnSports), the boys are back trying to determine which Defcon level things are at with the Islanders after dropping their fifth straight to Edmonton. In the latest episode: * Reasons to be worried * Reasons not to be worried * Is it time to move on from Lambert? * What are the possibilities for a replacement? * What to do with Anders Lee? * Battling through adversity You can listen to Isles Fix podcasts on additional platforms HERE Listen and Enjoy! Get full access to Isles Fix at islesfix.substack.com/subscribe

Nov 9, 2023

In the latest episode of “The Red Line” with co-hosts Phil Farber (@PhilzFacts) and David Tuchman (@TuckOnSports), the boys are back after a disappointing week that has fans frustrated, losing patience and asking questions. In the latest episode: * Blown leads * Struggles in OT * Holmstrom making strides * Martin's diminishing role * Dobson’s hot start * Is Lane Lambert the right man for the job? Subscribe to Isles Fix, the only daily New York Islanders newsletter: https://islesfix.substack.com/ Get full access to Isles Fix at islesfix.substack.com/subscribe

Nov 2, 2023

In the latest episode of “The Red Line” with co-hosts Phil Farber (@PhilzFacts) and David Tuchman (@TuckOnSports), the boys are joined by a special guest New York Islanders beat writer Stefen Rosner (@Stefen Rosner) of The Hockey News , who joins them live from the LIRR (he wasn’t in the quiet car) to talk about the team through eight games as the calendar turns to November. In the latest episode: * Overreactions after small sample sizes * Lambert’s in-game line change decision * Mayfield making the trip to DC * Fasching drawing back into the lineup * A mixed bag for Barzal (Dave has a cat named Barzal) * Has “The Perfection Line” been even better than advertised? Get full access to Isles Fix at islesfix.substack.com/subscribe

Oct 26, 2023

In the latest episode of “The Red Line” with co-hosts Phil Farber (@PhilzFacts) and David Tuchman (@TuckOnSports), the boys talk about the Isles slump that hopefully doesn’t turn into a skid as they welcome the Ottawa Senators to UBS Arena later tonight. Plus, they talk about Simon Holmstrom showing off his shot, Ilya Sorokin’s great saves but not great results, concerns over Oliver Wahlstrom’s skating, the team’s penalty kill, and the impact Scott Mayfield’s injury has had on the rest of the defensive group. Listen and Enjoy! Good Afternoon, Islanders Country. After the Isles lost to the Avs, I switched over to watch the Arizona Diamondbacks slowly and painfully stun the Philadelphia Phillies in Game 7 of the NLCS. The 84-win D-Backs, a team that lost nine straight during the summer, had earned a trip to the World Series, the latest proof that the expanded 12-team playoff format is a crapshoot. It’s not the best team, but the team playing the best that matters. It serves as a reminder of the objective of this 2023-24 New York Islanders season. Just get in, baby. No playoff format, not baseball, and certainly not the NHL with its 16-team postseason tournament, will ever be completely fair after an 82-game regular season. That’s a good thing for the Islanders. As nice as it would be to have a 110-point season and win the Metropolitan Division, that's most likely not this team’s story, but it doesn’t have to be. So settle in and get used to feeling frustrated some nights and irrationally optimistic others. The same team that will give you hope will also fill you with despair. It’s just the way it’s gonna be - an unpredictable regular season that will hopefully end with a chance to partake in the crapshoot. Subscribed Coming up, the Isles welcome another high-scoring team as their defensemen keep logging heavy minutes. Plus, Hudson Fasching’s mindset after being scratched, the 01-02 team stays red hot on the road and an ice projection show. Let’s dive in. 📰 NEWS : The Islanders (2-2-1) were back on the practice ice on Wednesday ahead of their game against the Ottawa Senators (3-3-0) tonight at UBS Arena. According to Lane Lambert, defenseman Scott Mayfield skated on his own yesterday, but there remains no timetable for his return from a lower-body injury. It’ll be another defensive test for the Isles versus a Sens team that is averaging 4.17 goals per game so far this season. Ottawa has struggled in net, with Anton Forsberg having a .873 save percentage and Joonas Korpisalo sporting one at .872. “Former Future” New York Islanders trade target Vladimir Tarasenko is off to a great start with his new team, scoring three goals and eight points through six games. There are already six Senators with at least three goals this season. In addition to Tarasenko, Jake Sanderson , Josh Norris , Brady Tkachuk , Jakob Chychrun , and Mathieu Joseph all have three goals. Brock Nelson is the only Islander with three goals. ◾️ For Newsday, Andrew Gross writes about the increased workload that the Islanders defenseman has been faced with Scott Mayfield remaining out of the lineup. Noah Dobson played 19:13 in the first game of the season, the only game Mayfield played in. Since then, he has topped 26 minutes twice. “I’m never going to complain about playing a lot of minutes,” said Dobson, who is averaging 24:12 of ice time. “It’s still early in the year. If we had three, or four guys playing 25, 26 [minutes] in March, it could probably tax on you a little more.” A big reason Dobson has played so much is that Lane Lambert does not fully trust Samuel Bolduc in most matchups, as he’s averaging just 8:49 TOI. “It’s not easy,” Bolduc said of the limited ice time. “But you just have to be ready all the time so when he calls my name to go, I’ll be ready. “It could be better, for sure. There are always things you want to do better in every situation. Be more assertive and think less on the ice, and I’ll be fine. ◾️ In The Hockey News , Stefen Rosner caught up with Hudson Fasching , who has been a healthy scratch the last two games after starting the season on the third line. Fasching is very open about how "Obviously, you want to be out there. You want to be helping your team, but you try to have a positive attitude about it," said Fasching. "There's no reason to get down on yourself. You want to try and maintain your confidence so when you get another opportunity, you feel good about yourself and feel good about your game.” Rosner asked Lane Lambert what more he needed to see from Fasching, and although he conceded that he thinks the winger has more to give, it’s more about the internal competition amongst several players for opportunities. "I don't feel any animosity from coaches or anything," Fasching said. "I mean, look, I'm so grateful that they gave me the opportunity to be here, and I think that's kind of my mindset is, just stay grateful and try to keep working hard. ⏭ NEXT UP : The Islanders host Brady Tkachuk and the Ottawa Senators later tonight at UBS Arena. Face-off is set for 7:30 PM EDT. 📊 STANDINGS: 📚 SOUND SMART : Per Eric Hornick in The Skinny , Mathew Barzal passed Billy Harris by recording his 260th assist (15th in club history). The Isles have allowed 121 shots in their last three games after allowing only 42 in their first two games, and Casey Cizikas became the 10th player in club history to appear in 750 game 🎥 ISLES REWIND: On October 26, 2001, the Islanders became just the fourth team in NHL history to win each of their first six road games to start the season. Oleg Kvasha tied the game at 2-2 in the third period on the power-play (blurry GIF below), and Mariusz Czerkawski was the hero with the game-winning goal in overtime to beat the Carolina Hurricanes 3-2. 🎧 Islanders Award Winners: Mike Bossy, Calder Trophy, 1978 (Part 1) “ Mike Bossy’s rookie season in the NHL has been the stuff of legend since it happened. But breaking league records and bringing fans out of their seats as a young phenom hid what was really going on in Bossy’s mind.” 🔗 ‘ Very receptive’ Simon Holmstrom adjusting game to shoot more on Islanders’ 3rd line by Joe Pantorno, AMNY “The 22-year-old winger possesses a plus shot. He showed flashes of it last season but was trigger-shy or inaccurate in a rookie campaign that featured just three goals in 50 games . Winning a roster spot from rookie camp, he was given a chance to start the season on the right wing of the first line alongside center Bo Horvat and winger Mathew Barzal.” And we leave you with this…a snippet of the Islanders’ ice projection, one of the perks of being in a fourth-generation arena. Watch the whole presentation, with music HERE Thanks for reading! Follow us on Twitter for regular updates until the next newsletter. And please check out our newsletters about the Knicks and Mets , too. Get full access to Isles Fix at islesfix.substack.com/subscribe

Oct 19, 2023

In the latest episode of “The Red Line” with co-hosts Phil Farber (@PhilzFacts) and David Tuchman (@TuckOnSports), the boys break down the Islanders’ win over the Arizona Coyotes and offer additional early impressions. In this episode: * Aho’s strong game on his weak side * Dobson contributes to PK * The PP looks confident * Is Lee-Pageau-Fasching the right mix? * A gimme shutout for Sorokin Listen and then dive in. 📰 NEWS : Defenseman Scott Mayfield missing Tuesday night’s game meant that not only did Sebastian Aho have to step up into a bigger role, but it also meant the left-handed defenseman had to move over to the right side. The change, surprisingly, led to one of the more sound all-around games of his career. Per Rosner in The Hockey News , in 16:23 total minutes, 15:03 at even-strength, Aho recorded five shots on goal (tied with Mathew Barzal for team lead) on seven attempts, with a block, a hit, zero giveaways, and drew a penalty. Aho’s development into a trustworthy third-pair defenseman has been a pleasant surprise. It wasn’t a given that he’d be brought back before last season, and now it feels that losing him for any considerable time would be a blow to the team. It is just another example of how it takes a defenseman sometimes a bit longer to fully develop into a reliable part of the lineup. WORKOUT BUDDIES: When the Isles signed Zach Parise two seasons ago (and perhaps part of a third later this season), the organization assumed that his work ethic would have a positive experience on the rest of the team. It did, and it wasn't only his work ethic but also his workout routine that left an impression on Mathew Barzal . On the NHL Network's Player's Only segment with Mike Rupp and Thomas Hickey , Rupp brought up Parise's use of ARP (Accelerated Recovery Performance), a technique Rupp watched the 18-year veteran swear by both in New Jersey and in Minnesota . "I do the ARP, too; he was my workout buddy during the season. He's psycho when it comes to it. I lay off it a little bit during the season, but he's full put the pads on the forehead and do all that stuff, but it's worked! He's played 18 years, 1,200 games, it worked for sure." ⏭ NEXT UP : The Islanders finish up their opening three-game home stand when they host the New Jersey Devils on Friday night at UBS Arena. Face-off is scheduled for 7:30 PM EDT. 📊 STANDINGS: ◾️ This interactive diagram from FastModel Sports shows how the Islanders scored on the power play on Tuesday night. Noah Dobson drags aggressively to the middle as the Isles hustle to get into a 1-3-1 setup. Dobson sets up Barzal, who had gone into his shooting position for the one-timer. Pretty cool. 📚 SOUND SMART : Per Eric Hornick in The Skinny , the Isles’ 1-0 win over the Arizona Coyotes marks the first time since 2014-15 that the Isles have opened 2-0-0 and only the sixth time in franchise history that they have done so; it's the first time they have ever done so by winning both games at home. In 2014-15, the team opened up 4-0-0 with a shootout victory over the San Jose Sharks. 🎥 ISLES REWIND On October 19, 2005, Miroslav Satan fired a wrist shot past rookie Henrik Lundqvist to help beat the New York Rangers 3-2 in a shootout at Madison Square Garden. Alexei Yashin also had a tally for the Islanders (3-3-0), and Rick DiPietro had 33 saves on the 35 shots he faced after missing the last two games because of a concussion. The Islanders went 2-for-8 on the power play and blew a two-goal lead in regulation before winning in the shootout. 🔗 Islanders’ Noah Dobson Shows There’s More To His Game On PK by Andrew Fantucchio “Without Mayfield–whose 363 short-handed minutes leads the team over the last three seasons– the Islanders had no choice but to rely on Noah Dobson and his questionable history defensively.” 🔗 The Bridgeport Report: Oct. 17, 2023 by Alan Fuehring, NewYorkIslanders.com “The Bridgeport Islanders showed lots of persistence and promise this past weekend, opening the 2023-24 regular season with a 1-1-0-0 record on the road. The Islanders beat the Rochester Americans in overtime on Friday night before falling to the Syracuse Crunch on Saturday.” And we leave you with this…Tom LoFaso wears an Isles jersey to every home game. And in honor of Matt Martin’s 900th game, pulled out a No. 46! Reebox Edge. Nicely done. Thanks for reading! Follow us on Twitter for regular updates until the next newsletter. And please check out our newsletters about the Knicks and Mets , too. Get full access to Isles Fix at islesfix.substack.com/subscribe

Oct 13, 2023

Phil “Factz” Farber (@PhilzFacts) and Dave Tuchman (@TuchOnSports) are back to get you ready for the start of the 2023-24 season tomorrow night when the Islanders open their season against the Buffalo Sabres at UBS Arena. PROGRAMMING NOTE: For those who asked, you can now find the show on additional platforms, including iTunes, Spotify, iHeartRadio , and more. In today’s episode, Simon Holmstrom gets a shot with the top guys while Oliver Wahlstrom is still searching for his game. Plus, Pierre Engvall and his contract are looking damn good, Hudson Fasching earning his way, a new home for Ross Johnston, and early observations on the first slate of NHL games. Get full access to Isles Fix at islesfix.substack.com/subscribe

Oct 5, 2023

In the first episode of The Red Line, hosts David Tuchman and Phil Faber get you ready for the start of another season of New York Islanders hockey. Phil and Dave debate the narrative that the Islanders have "run it back" from last year, the ceiling for players like newcomer Julian Gauthier, and where they're still lacking on defense. Plus, their outlook on prospect William Dufour , the returning Oliver Wahlstrom, and where they'll finish in the Metropolitan standings. Get full access to Isles Fix at islesfix.substack.com/subscribe