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Lighthouse Hockey

Lighthouse Hockey: Try to fixate on something else.

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Islanders vs. Predators game thread: Good news, bad news

The New York Islanders arrive in Nashville with a puzzling lineup change: Kyle MacLean is a healthy scratch after coach Pete DeBoer criticizes the fourth line’s expected‑goals stats, while seventh‑defenseman Scott Mayfield steps onto the ice despite no clear role. DeBoer claims none of his six defensemen earned a spot, leaving the team with an odd configuration for the October 27 matchup against the Predators. Fans wonder if Mayfield will see penalty‑kill minutes or simply serve as emergency depth.

Islanders Anxiety – Episode 384 – Unforced Errors

Mike and Dan break down the Islanders’ roller‑coaster week, highlighting a win, an OT loss where they out‑played the opponent, and a heavy defeat to a top contender—all while four regulars sat out. They praise Matthew Schaefer’s electric goals and Pete DeBoer’s continued structure, but warn the team’s “unforced error” of over‑explaining Mat Barzal’s absence and lingering attendance and parking woes at UBS Arena. The hosts also dissect Connor Hellebuyck’s trade to New Jersey and revisit the dramatic Brady Tkachuk return game, backing their take with tweets and articles. They close with a plug for the next meetup at Zofia’s Hideout before the Islanders‑Predators matchup.

Islanders News: Did not do Dallas

The Islanders were leaky all over in Dallas, almost like they have a declining defense outside of Matthew Schaefer. The 6-3 loss to the Stars was not surprising overall, but it did end a modest points streak and exposed some holes that Pete DeBeor has been working to cover. Islanders News Elsewhere

Stars 6, Islanders 3: Defensive leaks catch up

The Dallas Stars defeat the New York Islanders 6-3 on Oct. 26, 2026, after a back‑and‑forth battle where the Isles erased three one‑goal deficits. Wyatt Johnston and Jason Robertson each scored twice in the third period, breaking through defensive lapses that plagued the Islanders all night. Key goals came from Matt Schaefer, Kyle Palmieri and Brayden Schenn for NY, while the Stars capitalized on errors, with Jamie Benn, Tyler Seguin, Justin Hryckowian and Mikko Rantanen adding to the tally. The win sets up the Stars for a road trip to Nashville against the Predators.

Islanders vs. Stars game thread: Road trip begins

The Islanders land in Dallas for a 6 p.m. EDT Sunday showdown against a hot St. Louis Stars squad. Both teams skip a morning skate, keeping Ilya Sorokin in net for New York and maintaining the expected lineups unless late‑night curfew issues arise. The thread notes the Stars' strong play and the Islanders’ coach returning to a venue tied to his recent conference‑final run, setting the stage for an exciting road‑trip opener.

Islanders Gameday News: Starting in Dallas; Hellebuyck moves next door

The New York Islanders touch down in Dallas for a Sunday night showdown, where head coach Pete DeBoer squares off against his former team. The three‑game Central swing—Dallas, Nashville, Minnesota—continues without injured stars Mat Barzal, Alex Romanov, Cal Ritchie and Matias Maccelli, and features Brayden Schenn returning to center. Meanwhile, the Winnipeg Jets finally move on from Connor Hellebuyck, who is headed to the New Jersey Devils after a trade, sparking talk of three elite goalies in the state. The article also notes Dawson Mercer’s timely Heritage Classic debut, the Hurricanes’ failed Hellebuyck pursuit, and the Oilers’ recent loss to the Leafs.

Weird Islanders: The Podcast! – Episode 93 – Pascal Morency (with guest Tom Liodice)

In Episode 93 of the Weird Islanders podcast (Oct. 23, 2026), hosts Mike and Dan sit down with former Bridgeport Sound Tigers enforcer Pascal Morency and Blog Box veteran Tom Liodice. They recount Morency’s gritty three‑year stint in Bridgeport, his lone New York Islanders preseason appearance in 2009, and the notorious bench‑hit on Calgary’s Dion Phanuef that led to Kyle Okposo’s injury and a ten‑game suspension for Morency. The show also revisits the early‑Internet Islanders Blog Box, highlights Morency’s community‑Man‑of‑the‑Year award, memorable fights (including one‑handed brawls), and his final chapter with the Sheffield Steelers. A bonus “Weird Islanders Extra” with Tom adds a rare team photo from the late‑2000s.

Islanders News: King’d, with a consolation point

The Islanders fought back from a 2-0 deficit to force overtime against the Kings, but a late goal—set up by Adam Pelech—ended their night with a 4-3 loss. Darcy Kuemper’s strong net play and Semyon Varlamov’s shaky performance (including a penalty‑shot stop) kept the game close, securing only a regulation point and extending the Isles’ modest points streak while halting their two‑game win run. Highlights elsewhere: Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl each notch five points as the Oilers beat the defending champs, and Nick Suzuki misses his first game in 546 straight due to injury.

Kings 3, Islanders 2 (OT): Isles rally but Clarke scores winner

The New York Islanders rallied from a 2-0 first‑period deficit to force overtime against the Los Angeles Kings at UBS Arena on Oct. 22, 2026. Victor Eklund broke Darcy Kuemper’s shutout with a power‑play goal and Matthew Schaefer tied the game with his first goal, matching Bobby Orr for second‑most teenage defenseman goals. Despite 42 shots, the Isles fell short as Brandt Clarke scored the OT winner for the Kings, final score 3‑2. The article notes the Isles’ solid recent run, injuries, and the impact of missing Mat Barzal in 3‑on‑3.

Islanders vs. Kins game thread: Varly meets the royals

The New York Islanders host the Los Angeles Kings as veteran netminder Semyon Varlamov makes his first home start in years. The Isles have now lost five straight to the Kings, with their last victory coming on Dec. 9, 2023, when Lane Lambert was still head coach. Despite the losing streak, New York rides a recent upswing, having won two consecutive games and posting a 3‑0‑1 record in its last four. No major lineup changes are expected for this matchup.

Islanders 3, Ducks 2: After a scare, opportunity taken

The New York Islanders clinch a back‑to‑back win, edging the Anaheim Ducks 3‑2 on Oct. 20, 2026. After leading 3‑1 for most of the game, a late surge from Alex Killorn—assisted by Leo Carlsson—cuts the margin to one with under three minutes left, and the Ducks strike the post in the final seconds. Ilya Sorokin makes 15 saves, including a key stop that sparks the opening goal, a three‑player sequence capped by Ondrej Palát. Victor Eklund scores his second NHL goal, while Simon Holmström restores the two‑goal lead on the power play. Coach Pete DeBoer praises the team's most complete 60‑minute effort despite missed chances.

Islanders Gameday News: Visited by Ducks

The Islanders open their season against the Ducks on Tuesday, but face a deepening injury list. Center Cal Ritchie is sidelined for 4‑6 weeks and winger Matias Maccelli for 2‑4 weeks, while Mathew Barzal remains out despite hopes of a quick return. The club calls up Mitchell Chaffee on an emergency recall and slots Kyle MacLean into the lineup, with Brayden Schenn moving to center. Coach Pete DeBoer emphasizes depth and resilience as the team navigates these setbacks ahead of the home debut.

Islanders Anxiety – Episode 383 – Playing the Hits (in a Good Way)

Mike and Dan hail the Islanders’ gutsy 4-1 victory over the Maple Leafs in Toronto on Oct. 17, calling it a turning point for Peter deBoer’s system after shaky wins over Vancouver and a shootout loss to Ottawa. They stress the win’s importance for fan confidence as the team heads into home games against Anaheim and LA, followed by a Central Division road trip starting in Dallas. The episode wraps with tongue‑in‑cheek Master Leaf Theatre commentary, a nod to Gavin McKenna’s rapport with the coach, and a reminder of the next meetup on Oct. 27.

Islanders News: Decisions to make amid injuries

The New York Islanders head into a week of Southern California matchups with two key forwards—Cal Ritchie and Matias Maccelli—out injured, prompting head coach Barry Trotz to tweak the lineup. AHL forward Mitchell Chaffee receives an emergency recall from Hamilton, while veteran Kyle MacLean remains in the mix. The injuries increase pressure on Kyle Palmieri and Anthony Duclair to step up, as the team reflected on a system‑driven win in Toronto highlighted by Holmstrom and Pageau’s standout performances. The piece also notes recent off‑ice highlights, including Matthew Schaefer’s charitable gesture and league‑wide injury updates.

Islanders 4 (EN), Maple Leafs 1: Costly but gritty win

The Islanders pulled off an impressive 4-1 win in Toronto despite losing two forwards for most of the game, with both Cal Ritchie and Matias Maccelli limping off to destinations unknown in the first period. Ritchie was the first to leave, on his first shift, but he was at least able to skate off after […]

Islanders vs. Maple Leafs game thread: Rematch

The Islanders are in Toronto make amends for their season-opening loss there and get back on track after an uninspiring shootout loss in Ottawa a couple of nights prior. Today’s lineup has yet another remix, it appears: That makes for one OG fourth line:

Islanders Gameday: Back to Toronto

The Islanders are back in Toronto for the second and final time in this young season, The Leafs are coming off a loss where they benched their first-overall pick Gavin McKenna, for reasons Justin Bourne is not feeling. Kirill Marchenko had a hat trick playing with John Tavares, who left the game with an injury […]

Islanders vs. Senators game thread:

The Islanders visit the 5-2 Ottawa Senators, who are dealing with the blow of learning William “Eklund The Lesser” is out 10-12 weeks with ankle surgery. Yeah, well, at least you got seven games out of him, say Romanov fans. It sounds like Semyon Varlamov, who took the option on today’s morning skate, will start […]

Islanders Gameday: Over the border again

The Islanders begin a short Ontario road trip with a visit to Ottawa tonight, followed by a second visit to Toronto on Saturday. The Senators are without Brady Tkachuk (who had a hat trick the other night) due to classic Sibling Envy. Speaking of brothers, they’re also without Eklund the Lesser after a foot/ankle injury. […]

Islanders 3, Canucks 2: Palmieri pair prevails

The Islanders did not make it easy on themselves, but they got what you’d consider a pretty necessary two points amid the 84-game slog of a regular season. The Vancouver Canucks came in on a tailspin and the Isles had a good first period to open a 2-0 lead that made it seem like the […]

Islanders vs. Canucks game thread: do your job

The Islanders host the Vancouver Canucks in their best chance of the season to get back to .500, briefly. Ilya Sorokin is set to get the start against a team that is struggling. It will be another Meeting of the Schenns, brothers who’ve combined to play over 2,200 NHL regular season games and each get […]

Islanders Gameday News: Should win but probably won’t

The Islanders continue their mediocrity-destined season with a visit from the sadsack Canucks, who just lost to a “gritty, resilient” Rangers team, so you know we’re screwed. The Canucks are 2-5 and have lost four in a row, so they are due an uplifting win on Long Island. First Islanders Goal picks go here. Islanders […]