New York Islanders shock New Jersey Devils with a dramatic 3-2 overtime win—are the Isles finally finding consistency on their road trip? Gil Martin spotlights Mathew Barzal’s clutch OT goal, Ilya Sorokin’s stellar goaltending, and Bo Horvat’s scoring surge as key factors in the Islanders’ evolving identity. The team’s resilience, defensive improvements, and smarter road play raise hopes of a playoff push, even as familiar penalty troubles persist.
Insights include Matthew Schaefer’s standout performance drawing comparisons to NHL legends, discussion of the Pageau-Holmstrom line struggles, and Patrick Roy’s ice time adjustments for Tony DeAngelo. The episode covers potential trade scenarios for Jean-Gabriel Pageau, Anders Lee, and Mathew Barzal, and teases the Islanders’ roster decisions ahead of tough matchups against Vegas. Can New York continue this momentum and close the gap with the league’s elite? Find out in this fast-paced analysis and interactive mailbag.
All this and more on today’s Locked On Islanders Podcast with Gil Martin.
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27 Comments
You're right, Gil. Our defence is getting better helping out Sorokin, who in turn has also turned up. We play a fast paced game, so it is perhaps understandable it caused some issues. We also get plenty of rushes in most games, that has been key to scoring. Not only gave New Jersey their first loss at home, but also first time they lost in OT. One would have thought that NJ had the momentum and we a bit down from the 4.7 sec goal, but we dug deep and Barzal did his magic at a moment where it was almost a chance for NJ to score.
Can't wait until Shabanov returns. I think it will add another dimension to our game with yet another excellent skater and stickhandler. Keep being impressed with Heineman what he also brings physically to our game. And also think Ritchie does well. Still some players I'd like us to get rid of and see if we can get one player that lifts us further.
What an exciting win last night! I cheered so loudly after the Barzal goal, the neighbors were pissed lol
I’m just fed up with these last seconds tying goals by opposing teams over the last couple years! Maybe I recall selectively, but when the Devils tied it up with five seconds let, I immediately thought here we go again, another overtime or shootout loss! Thankfully, this time it didn’t end up that way!
Whoooo Hooooo Baby! Are we finally finding our Consistency? We will find out which team shows up on this road trip against some of the best teams out West. Hopefully the Boys get Excited about winning! Great effort hopefully it continues! On a side note Keshawn is tearing it up! Cole should be back from injury this weekend. The future is bright with Darche at the helm! Just seeking a harder, bigger, stronger, tougher 4 th line! Really want to see Gatcomb and Gleb V on the 4 th line! With Shabby set to return what will Darche’s chess ♟️ move be? Will Ritchie stay or will he go? Who is on the Move?
Great win on the road against a great team! Need to see more plays like that from Barzy, Great start to the road trip. LGI
I compare goalies to starting pitchers in mlb. Takes them 5-6 starts into the season to get going. I think sorokin just went theough that phase. He was outstanding last night. He will be good rest of season.
It seemed to me that Pulock had lost his edge, thinking it was bleeding into Pelech's play. Then they put him with Scjaefer and they looked great, and Pelech looked like shit with DeAngelo. Hmm
Killed the penalties that absolutely had to kill (against a really good power play) and got a big power play goal on their one opportunity. Not everything is fixed but it was nice to see the special teams have a hand in a win rather than being the reason for a loss.
New to being an Islanders fan. Have been watching their games lately and really like this team.
This locked on podcast is so much better than previous team podcast i followed. Nice job Gil.
Good morning team! Gil, I had an early curtain call this morning so only got to watch the first 2 periods. I was pretty happy with the team's performance at that point. This morning, when I checked the score, I was happy to see we won in OT. When I watched the highlights, I couldn't believe we gave up that goal to bring the game to OT. It's great that we won, please don't get me wrong. Would have loved to do it in regulation, and maybe even get that empty net goal. Like you said yesterday, this is going to be a difficult road trip. Now we travel west, and have a couple of hard games right off the bat. Is it too much to ask if we could come away with half the points from this road trip? Who knows what can happen if the team plays similar to last night. Great show again, Gil. Everyone, have a great day! See you all again tomorrow. Until then.. Let's Go Islanders!!
Good 🌅, Gil. How are you? The Islanders beat the 👿 at the 🥌, and in OT, too. The Islanders were smart about this win, especially on the road. Ilya Sorokin had some high danger chances, but he came thru. I'm glad the Islanders didn't crack under pressure. Barzy got the OT winner. Overall, THE ISLANDERS GOT THE JOB DONE Hero, Barzy for scoring the GW. 🐐, community effort for giving up the tying goal late in regulation. The season is still young. Hopefully, THEY'LL GET IT TOGETHER ON A CONSISTENT. I agree with you, Charles. While Schafer's a defenseman, I can't see him being compared to Gretzky. Denis Potvin and Bobby Orr, YES. Wayne Gretzky, NO WAY. By the way, how did Schaefer do at his Garden Party Saturday 🌙? I think Matheiu Darche is playing it by ear right now, and I understand that. HAPPY 🎂, MICHEL BERGERON. He scored 2 goals and 2 helpers in a blowout win over CO. Hear from you later, Gil, but before I go, you're right about one thing. Trots did coach those dreaded Rangers, but not for long, and I slander fans forgave him. Michael only forgave Fredo to keep up appearances, because after he disowned Fredo, he told Neri that I DON'T ANYTHING TO HAPPEN TO HIM WHILE MY MOTHER'S ALIVE. Well, WE ALL KNOW WHAT HAPPENED AFTER THAT. Furthermore, Gillies was Luca Brasi, Tonelli and Nystrom were both Clemenza, and John Taveras to 3 turncoats, Paulie Gatto, for throwing Vito in front of 5 bullets,vthe abusive 🐷, Carlo Rizzi for setting up Sonny. Killing Carlo was personal for Clemenza because Sonny was his godson, and Fredo, well you know the ⛵ ride. Now, LET'S GO ISLANDERS'.
We have some tough west coast matchups on the horizon,fingers crossed
Gil does it make any significant difference for you or locked on if i listen on spotify vs youtube?
A 2-0 start to this road trip is great … the next 5 are going to be a HUGE test!
I have mixed emotions about win now or look to the future. I've always had a strong opinion that teams should always try and win! You play ur best and let the chips fall where they may. I hate when teams intentionally tank! That's why I love the lottery opposed to the way the nfl does it. Fans always deserve their teams best effort. Especially as you get older u wanna see ur teams have success because u just never know!? With the way Pague is playing its gonna be tuff to see him go. He's quickly becoming a fan favorite and you can tell he loves his teammates. But if he does get traded I understand. But like I said before, teams should never tank on purpose. Its classless and unsportsmanlike in my opinion. And not fair to us older fans. LGI
I like how Patrick is not afraid to make changes and is not locked into the same lineup and lines. Happy for Barzal winning the game on defense and offense in OT.
Nice win! But we have to lock it up and not give up the tying goal with 5 seconds left in the game. This has been the "Leit Motif" for quite some time. Shut them down and win in regulation. Heineman with a nice kiss pass to palmieri who finds Barzal over the blue line. Another two big points. However, I still want a top 5 pick in this summer's NHL draft. And I want to move many of the vets. At least Sorokin looks much more confident with his fellow countryman as his goalie coach. I heard many Islanders fans cheering every time we scored last night. Nice to see the fan base invade the opposing team's arena and make our presence felt. Next time, try the schnitzel at Red's Bier Garden. Not too shabby.
Love the show Gil, thanks for always doing the fanbase a very solid.
Gm Gil. Horvat is scoring at a torrid pace is such a welcome sight. Knock those penalties down with the accompanying PK goals and this team IS going to win more games.
I like that they killed all the penalties after giving up the early PP goal. bad giving up the late goal. But getting the OT goal. Specially making Hughes pay for trying that poke check in Isles end. They need to keep these speedy teams back a little on their heels. And they did get 1 PP goal themselves. I am not expecting miracles out west. But if they could win 3 of 5 that would be awesome.
Schaefer has that mcdavid burst when he feels like pushing it. Definitely stands out. It’s Impressive how he maintains that speed with the puck.
Was a bit upsetting blowing the lead with 4 seconds left in regulation. Would have been nice to get a regulation win and to lower Sorokin GAA, but we will take the win. I felt the isles could have held the puck against the boards for the last few seconds. Florida does a great job with that strategy. We had 3 isles trying to block that last shot. That puck definitely had eyes. Would have like to see an islander laid out to block that shot. Thinks your right Gil, Isles need to look long term. We need to move out some veterans even though it will hurt us short term. Guys like pageau and Lee. Deep draft 2026, this is the time to do it would love to see Horvat take the C if Lee is moved. Exciting times. LGI
Anyone old enough to remember the Z-100FM parody of "Safety Dance" that was called "Devils Dance" when the Devils were awful back in 83 and 84?
Sorokin was terrific!!
I would love 3-2 in the next 5, going to be a challenge , but 6 out of 10 would be ideal.
Darche has re energized this team I believe it just seemed like the players didn't like playing for Lou anymore and it wasn't fun for them. Barzal did mess up before the Canes game but he took his punishment and didn't cry about it.
Gallant for Bday of the day?