Ruslan Iskhakov Excelling in Bridgeport & Bo Horvat Trade Lessons
Welcome to the THW New York Islanders Substack newsletter, with all the latest from our team of Islanders writers.
In today’s edition, we look at prospect Ruslan Iskhakov’s strong play with the Bridgeport Islanders and look back at the Bo Horvat trade to see what lessons we’ve learned.
Plus, how did the Islanders perform in their back-to-back games versus the Canucks and Kraken?
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Now, on to the good stuff…
Islanders’ Prospect Iskhakov Is Finding His Scoring Touch
November 12, 2023 by Mike Fink
The Bridgeport Islanders were struggling to score and find offense of any sort against the Springfield Thunderbirds on Nov. 11. That is, except for Ruslan Iskhakov. He scored both of the Islanders’ goals including the overtime winner to give them a much-needed 2-1 victory.
The goals weren’t just impressive, but they particularly showed how Iskhakov can pick apart an opposing goaltender. Even when a goaltender is having a great game, he can find the back of the net with his accurate and effective shot. More importantly, the two-goal game signaled that Ishkakov’s scoring ability could take him and the Islanders to another level.
Canucks vs. Islanders: 5 Lessons From the Bo Horvat Trade
November 15, 2023 by Mike Fink
The New York Islanders faced the Vancouver Canucks recently. The team was in the middle of a four-game Western road trip, and this marked the first time that Bo Horvat faced the Canucks since the blockbuster trade during the 2023 All-Star Break.
The deal had a significant impact on both the Canucks and Islanders last season, and it will shape both rosters for years to come. It was clear that Horvat would be traded, but the move was still shocking, given the timing, the return, and for Horvat himself. He spent nine seasons with one franchise and suddenly was asked to move across North America to a new city and team.
It’s still too early to declare one team a winner, even though both teams have benefitted from the deal. That said, the trade has had a tremendous impact and can provide many lessons and insights into how teams can manage something similar.
6 Takeaways From Islanders’ Back-To-Back vs Canucks & Kraken
November 17, 2023 by Mike Fink
The New York Islanders entered the back-to-back against the Vancouver Canucks and Seattle Kraken on Nov. 16 and 17 hoping to earn at least two points if not more. They found a way to earn those points but in a disappointing fashion. The Islanders lost to the Canucks 4-3 in overtime and then the next night lost by the same score to the Kraken in a shootout.
The two points allow the Islanders to move to 5-6-5 on the season, keeping them in seventh place in the Metropolitan Division but only a few points behind the New Jersey Devils, Pittsburgh Penguins, and Philadelphia Flyers. The problem is that despite earning points, the Islanders have a seven-game losing streak and don’t look like a good team, largely because of their undisciplined play.