The New York Islanders lack of toughness costs them against Columbus Blue Jackets—could this flaw derail their playoff ambitions? Gil Martin reveals how Mason Marchment’s repeated rough play on Matthew Schaefer exposed the Isles’ need for a true enforcer, as star Matthew Barzal’s retaliatory major left the team shorthanded at a critical moment. Is it time for GM Matthew Dar to pursue a physical presence to protect rising talent and shift the team’s culture?
Gil Martin analyzes big weekend moments, spotlighting Bo Horvat’s scoring touch, Ryan Pulock’s defensive grit, and David Rittich’s stellar goaltending in the Rangers shutout. The podcast covers lineup debates involving Cal Richie and Anthony Duclair, points out persistent power play woes, and examines potential trade solutions to balance the roster. Can the Islanders respond to division rivals and safeguard their stars as the season heats up? Don’t miss this crucial assessment of the team’s challenges and opportunities.
All this and more on today’s Locked On Islanders Podcast with Gil Martin.
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30 Comments
Maybe they should get Johnson back from the ducks?
Give me the goon.
The rules are the way they are to penalize retaliation. Its not the initial hit they want to suppress. It's the escalation. They want to prevent another McSorley – Brashear incident.
Agreed, because the first incident went w/o a reaction, it happened again. I don't think the Island lacks toughness, they have a wolf-pack mentality (which I love, team spirit is everything) – they lack a "policeman" – someone the other players know is available IF they run at Schaef, and they'll have to face the consequences.
Like I commented on another post, they play up and down to the competition
Falls on Captain Anders Lee!
Get Xhekaj and this shit stops!!!
everyone saw this coming except the Islanders front office.
Ryan Reaves is approaching UFA and would be a fairly cheap pickup before the deadline.
Good morning team! Gil, your passion is certainly showing. As for our enforcer, since we don't actually have one, I think that duty falls on our Captain, Mr. Lee. Schaefer is too valuable a player to not be protected out there. As for the games this weekend. Excellent game against the Rangers, and WHAT HAPPENED within the last four minutes of the Columbus game last night? We were definitely outplayed, but we still had a 2-1 lead, deep into the third period. Breakdowns like that gives me such headaches. We're just going to have to take it out on our next opponent. Looks like that will be Chicago. Everyone, have a great day! See you all again tomorrow. Until then.. Let's Go Islanders!!
Despite the loss yesterday I’m not terribly upset about it considering the back to back on a travel day with Rittich playing both games. The lack of crushing or even provoking Marchment was the only frustrating part
Good 🌅, Gil. How are you? The Islanders need an enforcer AND FAST. You know it's needed when Matthew Barzal has to come to Matthew Schafer's rescue. Unfortunately, it cost him a 5 minute major and a game misconduct. They need someone like a Clark Gillies or a Bob Nystrom type who can put the puck in the net. The Islanders need someone who will come to their teammates rescue, AND WORRY ABOUT THE CONSEQUENCES LATER. The hero in yesterday's game was David Rittich, who stopped all but 4 shots. 🐐 of the game, Even though he's not an Islander, Mason Marchman for targeting Matthew Schafer in the first place. SATURDAYS GAME AGAINST THE DREADED RANGERS WAS VERY NICE. Anders Lee started scoring before the game was a minute old, and Simon Hohlstrom iced it with an empty netter. Hero of the game, David Rittich who put on a show. 🐐 of the game, the PP just like last year. Getting back to the Islanders defending the smaller guys, especially Schafer, they should make it a "clean revenge," or just ANOTHER DAY AT THE OFFICE. HAPPY 🎂, CHRIS MARINUCCI. He scored his first NHL GOAL in a win over the Bruins at the Coliseum. I miss the Coliseum. Hear from you later, Gil, but before I go, I compared Trots to a Character from The Godfather and Yellowstone. He was Tom Hagen for his smarts, and Rip Wheeler, also for the way he uses his head for his loyalty. He doesn't need a beard, he's presence on the ice was INTIMIDATING ENOUGH, and he didn't need everything else to go with it. Now, LET'S GO ISLANDERS.
I was watching the bluejackets game with my 17-year-old and had to explain to her back in the day, if an opponent had gone after Schaefer, a guy named Clark Gillies would have pounded that player into the ice.
This guys needs to think about what he wants to talk about more before starting. He's 3x slower than typical ny sports talk hosts. I don't know where he's from but in ny we don't talk this slow
Enforcer needed pronto!!!!!!!!
Adding an enforcer and another talented scorer are definitely needed in that order. All this mayhem last night led to a disastrous third-period meltdown. The defensive group's inability to manage the final five minutes was pathetic and needs to be tightened up. LGI
Overall, a pleasant surprise but Mathieu must continue the rebuild. More importantly they must find someone, ANYONE (inc. Tim McCracken) to protect 48…..
Agree we need to add someone who can fight and that others will fear.
every single time someone gets a dirty hit, hurt, provoked…there is pulock looking away like he doesn't see anything…doing nothing…watch…miss romanov…at least he would fill the cal role, not an enforcer but not afraid to make a dirty hit
Lee is the captain he should be the one or Mayfield not Barzal. Team is very soft and yes, they need an enforcer like Gudas or Reeves.
Look like a bunch of sissies. Are any HOCKEY PEOPLE in the organization actually paying attention????? Do they realize how crippling it would be if you let this kid get hurt long term. It will set this franchise back another ten years. No bullshit.
Barzal was sending a message to Darche more than Marchment. Let’s see if he gets it.
Great for barzal to help Matthew good send a message to other teams stick up for your players if I was barzal I'd take my stick and eack him so hard he would be on injury report too
Islanders should then go get an enforced then easy
Wasn't Noah Dobson tough guy ?
Could you imagine this happening if former Islanders Gino Odjick was patrolling the ice?
Hi Gil! Well Mr. Darche, how long will this continue? Until the kid gets really hurt. I said all summer, fall, and now winter—-we will need a true enforcer. When will we get a hungry really tough feared guy? When? Last post I said when teams play us tough, we lose. Barzie? That’s a pure point well made to this Gm. It’s my only problem with him. Can you at least bring up Drew and give him a chance? AHL has tons of gunslingers, ya can’t pry one away? Really? That dude was allowed to run this kid all game until Barzie pulled a “Slap Shot” move. I don’t condone that type of violence but I do condone a good ol beating when it’s deserved. No one, no one except Barzie stood up to this guy and why? Because Mr. Olivier was there. Gil—-I just can’t take anymore of this nonsense. What’s it gonna take? Puzzles me how he can make excellent moves, yet he’s inept to acquiring a true tough guy! Know how many guys would line up for this gig to get into the show? If I need groceries—-I order or go get them. Pick up your cell Mr. Darche and order your groceries. Frankly, you’re pissing many of us off. Take care Gil.
The Isles lost the game cause they lost Barzy , on a back to back especially where the goalie plays both games which never happens . They had to juggle lines and needed barzy …But what he did sends a message 💪
WHY ARENT WE CALLING UP AITCHESEN!!!??? He’s exactly what we need! We need a fighter, hitter, scorer!! I believe he’s ready. What do you think Gil?
Great show Gil 🎉