Rookie sensation Matthew Schaefer powers the New York Islanders’ playoff push, outpacing veterans with eye-popping stats. Can his all-around dominance lift the team to new heights as the postseason looms?
Gil Martin spotlights Schaefer’s 57-point surge, his leadership in plus/minus (+19), and critical role in both power play and even-strength scenarios. Updates from Thursday’s practice reveal line tweaks, injury statuses for Anders Lee and Simon Holmstrom, and head coach Patrick Roy’s selection of Ilya Sorokin as starting goaltender for the Flyers showdown. Key matchups, lineup strategies, and the Islanders’ path to securing a playoff spot are front and center, with an eye on how Schaefer’s aggressive style and “shoot-first” mentality influence teammates like Mathew Barzal. Don’t miss this statistical breakdown and playoff insight for Islanders fans eager for a strong finish.
All this and more on today’s bonus episode of the Locked On Islanders Podcast with Gil Martin.
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14 Comments
Good show. Thanks Gil. Let's go Islanders
We already know all this !!! The team terrible
that is all fine and dandy with 48 yet isles still aren't a good team, a fringe playoff team at best. too many old guys, slow cones on d, and useless bums. isles need the equivalent of 48 up front to begin to become an elite team. until them it all rides on 30.
You know what other elite defenseman didn’t throw so many hits? Nicklas Lidstrom… who came in at the age of 21, not 18.
Hey Gil do you think Romanov could play his off side n be staybat home n provide Schaefer that solid physical protection n presence in our D zone? I like Pulock n him but I like the idea of what Boychuk brought to Leddy for Romanov there. What's your opinion?
Thank god they won lottery draw to get him thankful for that
Once in a generation talent
We have kits if you'd draft picks in minors to surround him get more
Go isles go
Lock him up Cmm 12,year deal for 120milluin dollars
Trade anyone above age 32fir more youngsters
I Thank The Hockey 🥅 gods everyday for winning the draft lottery! Thankful for our New GM Darche! Thankful that Darche stuck to the consensus overall number 1! Schaefer was sent to The Islanders 🙏! Schaefer is a surreal surprise 😳! Hands down should be the Rookie of the Year! Owners better start saving up their spare millions for Schaefer’s pay day. I long for the day to see Schaefer, Aitcheson Ritchie, Eklund , Prokhorov on the ice! 2 to 3 years if not sooner! Gamzin will eventually be mentored by Sorokin. Will Eiserman be part of that mix being he was a Lou pick. I don’t know if true but heard Eiserman is a bit difficult and not exactly sure what that technically means. From Friedman Who I feel is fairly reliable that Lee is set to test the free agent market. Not sure how true but perhaps Darche doesn’t want to give the years Lee Seeks. To be determined. Nothing is exciting UFA wise and would not sign UFA just for the sake of it. Hope Eklund makes the Team! Would love to see Aitcheson make the team! Would or could Palatt and Duke get traded? Even for late round picks? Could Palms get traded? I would like to see 2 younger players have a spot in the regular lineup if possible. I see a D of Schaefer, Pulock, Pelech, Romy, Aitcheson, and Tony D with Mayfield as number 7 unless he could be traded but that is not likely. Not sure what will happen with Boqvist possibly not qualified as I feel Shabby will not be qualified either. Darche does have options at the draft and I don’t think 🤔 he will hesitate to make deals if it makes sense! Must win 4 if not 5 of the next 6 to grab a playoff spot. We can’t depend on teams fighting for a spot to continue to lose as we have been lucky 🍀 these teams have not been winning either. Goooooo Islanders
Pat should try letting the Swedes play on the same line with Brayden Schenn. Put Barzel back with Horvat and let Ritchie join them. Let Lee play with Pageau again.
Hi, Gil. How are you? Matthew Schafer's been PHENOMINAL this season. Hear from you later, Gil. Now LGI 🏒 🔵 🟠