Islanders' Huge Matchup vs. Blue Jackets & an Awful November
Plus, who should prospect Eetu Liukas look to emulate as a player?
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Welcome to the THW New York Islanders Substack newsletter, with all the latest from our team of Islanders writers.
In today’s edition, we have a piece that looks at how vital the team’s upcoming game against the Columbus Blue Jackets, figure out just how bad the team’s November was, and look into Eetu Liukas’ potential.
Finally, what are the 10 worst moments in Islanders franchise history? We have an article on that.
It would be great if you’d share the THW Islanders Substack with your friends and family so that they can subscribe and enjoy all the latest.
Now, on to the good stuff…
Blue Jackets & Islanders Are Heading Into Must-Win Territory
December 7, 2023 by Mike Fink
It goes without saying that the upcoming game between the Columbus Blue Jackets and the New York Islanders will be a tense one. Specifically, both teams enter this game with much uncertainty about the head coaches, Pascal Vincent and Lane Lambert.
It’s still early and a lot can change from now until the end of the season. That said, this game feels like a must-win for both teams.
Islanders’ 4 Worst Months Under Lamoriello
December 1, 2023 by Mike Fink
The New York Islanders had a November to forget. They went 5-5-4 and looked like one of the worst teams in the Eastern Conference while doing so. The Islanders had a seven-game losing streak, blew multiple leads in the third period — none more notable than the Nov. 28 collapse to the New Jersey Devils — and played undisciplined and poor defensive hockey.
The rough month was one of the worst under general manager (GM) Lou Lamoriello’s tenure. It certainly felt like the worst one for the fans but where does it fall compared to the other rough patches?
The Islanders, more often than not, have been a steady team under Lamoriello but some months have nearly derailed (and one did) promising seasons. So let’s look at the four worst months since the start of the 2018-19 season, beginning with a unique month where the Islanders didn’t play a lot of games for reasons that weren’t in their control.
Islanders Prospect Eetu Liukas Should Emulate These 3 Skaters
November 21, 2023 by Mike Fink
The Bridgeport Islanders defeated the Providence Bruins on Nov. 19 with a 3-1 victory that snapped a three-game losing streak. The big storyline was that the Islanders finally returned to the win column, a big sigh of relief and a sign that this team could climb out of last place in the Eastern Conference.
That feeling of relief was clear from forward Eetu Liukas, who helped fuel the victory by scoring his first goal at the American Hockey League (AHL) level. “It felt really good. It took a while but it feels good” Liukas said postgame with a sense that the monkey was off his back and now, his season along with the Islanders, who are 5-9-1, can rebound.
Islanders’ 10 Worst Moments in 50-Year Franchise History
November 20, 2023 by Mike McEnaney
As their 50th anniversary season celebration occurred in 2022-23, the New York Islanders recalled all the amazing moments that have happened since their inaugural season in 1972. With four Stanley Cup championships and dozens of stars to have worn the blue and orange, there is no shortage of wonderful memories. But how about the not-so-wonderful ones? Don’t we all need to spend a little time getting knocked on our butts to truly appreciate our times in the sun?