Explore every episode of the podcast Isles Fix Podcast Network

It’s a Quick Fix featuring Joe Buono (@IslesFix) and former VP of Communications for the Islanders, Chris Botta (@ChrisBottaNHL).

In this episode, Joe and Chris react to “Clean Out Day” interviews with players and GM Mathieu Darche following the bitterly disappointing end to the Islanders’ 2025-26 season. We dig into Darche’s comments defending his in-season trades, which he says helped the team but didn’t lead to team success. Based on his comments, the big changes some expect may not come with a roster that has few spots open, and several contracts that will be hard to move.

Later, we discuss the treatment of Anders Lee this season, and the type of deal Darche may make to have the captain return and play his 1,000th game in an Islanders uniform. Plus, Barzal and Ritchie say they’re centers, Bridgeport loads up for the post-season, and reasons to be optimistic about next season.

It’s a Quick Fix featuring Joe Buono (@IslesFix) and former VP of Communications for the Islanders, Chris Botta (@ChrisBottaNHL).

In this episode, Chris and Joe didn’t dance around it — Mathieu Darche’s decision to fire Patrick Roy with just four games left in the season and immediately bring in Peter DeBoer is as stunning as it gets. In the middle of a playoff push, with everything still technically in front of them, the Islanders didn’t just tweak — they detonated.

The Islanders are spiraling, losers of four straight, watching their playoff position slip while other teams gain ground. Darche felt like he had no choice — that something, anything, had to change to spark a response. But this wasn’t just about the next four games. This was about control. Darche inherited Roy. He didn’t hire him. And now, at the exact moment where the season can still be salvaged, but failure is a real possibility, Darche makes the move that he owns.

Good Morning, Islanders Country.

It’s a Quick Fix featuring Joe Buono (@IslesFix) and former VP of Communications for the Islanders, Chris Botta (@ChrisBottaNHL).

In this episode, Joe and Chris react to the team’s inexcusable loss to the Chicago Blackhawks, which has the Isles back outside of a playoff spot, and the fanbase once again doubting whether they’ll have enough to find their way back in. We get each of their predictions for where the Islanders will be at season’s end.

Throughout the show, they take questions from social media on Mathew Barzal’s lack of effort on the game-changing goal, whether Patrick Roy’s longevity as coach will be impacted by the way the season ends, and Mathieu Darche’s calculated gamble that hasn’t quite worked out.

Good Morning, Islanders Country.

It’s a Quick Fix featuring Joe Buono (@IslesFix) and former VP of Communications for the Islanders, Chris Botta (@ChrisBottaNHL).

In this episode, Joe and Chris dive into an honest and nuanced discussion about the Islanders’ move to acquire Brayden Schenn, unpacking why the trade is far more complicated than a simple “win or lose” transaction. The two examine the deal from several angles, including the perspective of the new Islanders GM, Mathieu Darche, the players in the room, and the fan base trying to make sense of the cost and timing. Joe and Chris walk through the reasoning behind the move, the price paid to land an aging middle-six center, and why opinions around the Islanders community remain divided.

At the center of the conversation is Darche’s decision-making. As Joe and Chris explain, the easiest path would have been to stand pat when the asking price climbed too high. Instead, Darche chose conviction. The trade reflects a calculated decision to reward the current roster and show belief in the group already competing for the Islanders.

Rather than risk looking back with regret about not doing enough, Darche acted boldly and aggressively, making a move that signals intent. The episode explores whether that kind of conviction is exactly what Islanders fans have been hoping to see from the front office—and what it could mean for the team moving forward.

Good Morning, Islanders Country.

It’s a Quick Fix featuring Joe Buono (@IslesFix) and former VP of Communications for the Islanders, Chris Botta (@ChrisBottaNHL).

On this episode, Chris and Joe discuss how the magic and joy of this season have created an unexpected feel around the franchise and put the Islanders and GM Mathieu Darche in the position to be aggressive at the trade deadline, with the Islanders linked to multiple targets before Friday’s trade deadline.

Chris and Joe discuss the buzz around Vancouver’s Connor Garland, Jordan Kyrou, and some other names, while assessing the type of deal and price that it would cost to add to a roster that could make some noise this post-season. Plus, we talk about the Islanders’ soaring attendance (is it all due to Matthew Schaefer?) and take questions from our followers.

Good Morning, Islanders Country.

It’s a Quick Fix featuring Joe Buono (@IslesFix) and former VP of Communications for the Islanders, Chris Botta (@ChrisBottaNHL).

On this episode, Chris and Joe dig into the Islanders’ latest trades and ask the big question: Did Mathieu Darche make the most of the market right now, and is there still another bold swing left to take? From roster construction to timing, they break down what worked, what didn’t, and what might still be coming.

They also talk about Patrick Roy coaching with real conviction—and why they firmly believe he’s a meaningful part of the Islanders’ future. Meanwhile, Matthew Schaefer keeps leaving them speechless with his off-ice performance and endlessly entertained by his media savvy, gleefully leaning into the Islanders–Rangers rivalry with subtle, knowing jabs after a season sweep of the Blueshirts.

To wrap it up, Chris and Joe zoom out to the bigger hockey picture with a conversation about Netflix’s Miracle: The Boys of ’80—and what that team, that moment, and that belief have meant to generations of hockey fans. A packed episode full of analysis, perspective, and a little rivalry-fueled fun.

It’s a Quick Fix featuring Joe Buono (@IslesFix) and former VP of Communications for the Islanders, Chris Botta (@ChrisBottaNHL).

In this episode, Chris and Joe dig into the most revealing comments yet from Islanders president of business operations Kelly Cheeseman, following his recent interview with Newsday.

Just weeks into the job, Cheeseman, who categorized himself as “a builder,” has already identified the core challenge facing the franchise off the ice: how to grow a fanbase that is aging, overly concentrated on Long Island, and increasingly sensitive to the full game-day cost of attending games at UBS Arena.

The conversation goes beyond the usual “just win more” debate. Chris and Joe explore whether success on the ice is enough on its own, or if the Islanders are finally taking calculated risks to expand their visibility across Queens, Brooklyn, and younger demographics. From parking headaches and transportation access to ticket pricing and perceived value, they break down the real barriers preventing casual fans from becoming regulars—and what Cheeseman can realistically change in the short- and long-term.

It’s a Quick Fix featuring Joe Buono (@IslesFix) and former VP of Communications for the Islanders, Chris Botta (@ChrisBottaNHL).

We’re back with our first episode during the 2025-26 season, which was our first opportunity to verbally marvel at what Matthew Schaefer has done on and off the ice for the team and the franchise. Chris and Joe discuss what’s impressed them the most about his media persona. Later, the importance of Ilya Sorokin, the Islanders’ balanced scoring attack led by Bo Horvat’s hot stick, and the initial impact of Mathieu Darche’s summer acquisitions.

Later, Chris shares his perspective on Mathew Barzal being disciplined for missing the team bus (and yes, it has happened to other Islanders before, but maybe not so publicly) and what Kelly Cheeseman means for the business of the Islanders as their President of Business Operations.

It’s a Quick Fix featuring Joe Buono (@IslesFix) and former VP of Communications for the Islanders, Chris Botta (@ChrisBottaNHL).

Chris and Joe are back to set the stage for the upcoming 2025-26 season following a successful Islanders’ summer that saw the team undergo a rapid culture reboot with Mathieu Darche as GM. There’s a new behind-the-scenes docuseries, alternate game broadcasts, player access to new media, and more to come.

They discuss how wins and losses may not define this season, but rather player development and building towards something better and more sustainable under Darche’s hybrid approach, which strategically retools the team while keeping all options on the table moving forward.

Plus, we talk about Pat LaFontaine finally getting the nod to be inducted into the Islanders Hall of Fame, the broadcast about-face that has Alan Fuehring behind the mic, and a whole lot more.

It's a Quick Fix featuring Joe Buono (@IslesFix) and former VP of Communications for the Islanders, Chris Botta (@ChrisBottaNHL).

Chris and Joe are back to set the stage for what is set to be a seminal moment in the history of the New York Islanders. The consensus is that the Isles will select defenseman Matthew Schaefer, the consensus pick, with the top pick. That should and will be enough to make it a night of celebration for the franchise, but the weeks-long buzz about what else the Islanders may do to trade back into the 1st round or make a roster-shaking move looms as well.

There will be nothing to be disappointed about if the Islanders “only” take Schaefer and then enjoy the Draft Party at UBS Arena, but the fans have been primed for something else. Whether that happens tomorrow or in the days that follow will quickly fill the void of no longer having the anticipation of pick No.1.

Plus, we talk about the evaluation phase of Mathieu Darche’s first few weeks on the job and the tricky contract negotiation he faces with Noah Dobson that may lead to a homegrown defenseman being on the move. Also, lessons from past drafts, and Chris shares memories of the days that led up to Mike Milbury’s big gamble 25 years ago in drafting Rick DiPietro.

It's a Quick Fix featuring Joe Buono (@IslesFix) and former VP of Communications for the Islanders, Chris Botta (@ChrisBottaNHL).

You never get a second chance to make a first impression.

Mathieu Darche made a good one on fans Thursday morning as John Collins formally introduced him as the team’s new GM and Executive VP in a rare pomp and circumstance event for the organization.

Chris and Joe discuss Darche's definitive answers in his media debut, including the biggest one: Patrick Roy will return, but this time, he will be able to choose his own staff. There are also big changes coming to Bridgeport, with a renewed emphasis on a winning environment for the team’s AHL affiliate.

We discuss Chris Lamoriello’s still undecided future, Darche’s view on having the 1st pick in the draft, and the extent of the changes we should see this summer.

It's a Quick Fix featuring Joe Buono (@IslesFix) and former VP of Communications for the Islanders, Chris Botta (@ChrisBottaNHL).

Our national (Long Island) wait is over. On Friday afternoon, the Islanders named Mathieu Darche their General Manager and Executive Vice President after a one-month search for Lou Lamoriello’s replacement. “Mathieu is the perfect choice to lead our hockey operations,” Operating Partner John Collins said. “He will be given every resource available to put the Islanders first-in-class on the ice, with our business initiatives, and in the community.”

The Islanders notably stated, “will manage all aspects of the team’s hockey operations” after being granted permission to speak to Brendan Shanahan earlier this week. Newsday beat reporter Andrew Gross later posted that the Islanders will not hire anyone above Darche.

The former Tampa Bay assistant GM brings an eclectic background in hockey and business that fits the moment for the Islanders and the ownership group.

It’s a new era on Long Island. We’ll see where and how far this one takes us.

It's a Quick Fix featuring Joe Buono (@IslesFix) and former VP of Communications for the Islanders, Chris Botta (@ChrisBottaNHL).

The Islanders’ search for Lou Lamoriello’s replacement(s) has reached the one-month mark and continues to evolve. On Thursday, the team got permission from the Maple Leafs to speak to team president Brendan Shanahan. The Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (MLSE) is holding a board meeting on Thursday, and Shanahan’s future is expected to be on the agenda.

Meanwhile, Marc Bergevin and Mathieu Darche reportedly had their second interviews, but they are holding a pattern as John Collins and the rest of the Isles’ brass gauge Shanahan’s interest in coming to Long Island.

The search has been anything but boring, and it continues to unfold.

It's a Quick Fix featuring Joe Buono (@IslesFix), joined by senior prospects writer for The Athletic, Corey Pronman (@coreypronman), to break down the top prospects in the 2025 NHL Draft Class and what the Islanders should do with the No. 1 overall pick.

Corey explains why James Hagens dropped from being his top prospect last year after his freshman year at Boston College. Is there any argument for the Islanders to take him with the first pick? Plus, how did Mathew Schaefer rise to the consensus top overall pick after only 17 OHL games this season, and did Michael Misa’s massive goal-scoring season make him the top forward in the class?

We also spend time on Cole Eiserman, Cal Ritchie, and other Islanders prospects that have the Islanders prospect rankings rising for the first time in years.

It's a Quick Fix featuring Joe Buono (@IslesFix) and former VP of Communications for the Islanders, Chris Botta (@ChrisBottaNHL).

Before Lou Lamoriello was spotted in a Buffalo airport, we hopped on to discuss the latest in the Islanders GM search, which *currently* appears focused on three candidates: Mathieu Darche, Jarmo Kekalainen, and Marc Bergevin.

Bergevin and Kekalainen come with experience, but that experience comes with blemishes, the byproduct of working in a profession where you are hired to be fired. Meanwhile, Darche has the sparkling pedigree and clean slate that has him atop most fans’ lists to coincide with a new era of Islanders hockey.

We also touch on the latest Lamoriello news. If he becomes an advisor to owner Scott Malkin, that’s the owner’s prerogative, but the sooner there is certainty around what that role is and what is not, the better. And if Lou ends up in Buffalo, or somewhere else in a similar role, that may be best for all involved.

It's a Quick Fix featuring Joe Buono (@IslesFix) and former VP of Communications for the Islanders, Chris Botta (@ChrisBottaNHL).

This time, the Isles’ GM search was supposed to be different, or at least normal. They would cast a wide net, speak to a variety of candidates, and have multiple rounds of interviews. Then, they would narrow their list before choosing the new President of Hockey Operations and/or GM.

Thus far, it’s been anything but normal. There have been some stumbles, and on Thursday, Arthur Staple reported that Lou Lamoriello could stay on as an advisor to a new General Manager. What? How? Why?

Lamoriello, under contract until June 30th, was expected to gracefully exit and make room for a fresh face and a new direction. Now, there’s at least some consideration that the Islanders are pivoting to a most unconventional setup in the wake of not having Plan A or B pan out, or at least that’s the perception.

The idea of having Lou stick around to guide a new, young GM may sound reasonable in theory, but it’s not practical, and sounds less than ideal for Mathieu Darche or anyone else stepping into the job for the first time.

This GM search has been amusing, confusing, and befuddling, but it’s also been fascinating, and we don’t know what will come next.

It's a Quick Fix featuring Joe Buono (@IslesFix) and former VP of Communications for the Islanders, Chris Botta (@ChrisBottaNHL).

The New York Islanders beat the odds and won the NHL Draft Lottery on Monday night in a stunning franchise-altering moment. The Isles had only a 3.5% chance of winning the top pick, but their chances improved with every ping-pong ball drawn until 13 proved to be the luckiest of numbers. 7-11-12-13 Forever.

We talk about what the lottery win means for the organization, and the options in front of them with the top selection Plus, Chris shares the latest he’s hearing on the Islanders GM search, which could be wrapping up faster than expected with a shorter list for John Collins to choose from, and a decision drawing near.

It's a Quick Fix featuring Joe Buono (@IslesFix) and former VP of Communications for the Islanders, Chris Botta (@ChrisBottaNHL).

The list of potential Islanders GMs is long, very long. In the last week, fans and media alike have speculated about a wide range and variety of candidates from Hall-of-Famers, to retreads, to popular Assistant GMs, and out-of-the-box options from around the league.

For the first time, possibly in their history, the Islanders are conducting a proper search for their general manager. The man in charge of that search is John Collins, and reports indicate there’s been no shortage of interest from qualified candidates around the league. It’s now the job of Collins to sift through the chatter and the noise and decide which candidates deserve a long look.

Plus, Chris and Joe comment on the organization letting go of radio broadcasters Chris King and Greg Picker, and the backlash response from the media and fan base. Is there still time for the team to reverse course? Joe then asks Chris where he was when Lanny McDonald broke the 1977-78 Islanders' hearts in overtime, which happened 47 years ago today at the Nassau Coliseum.

It's a Quick Fix featuring Joe Buono (@IslesFix) and former VP of Communications for the Islanders, Chris Botta (@ChrisBottaNHL).

What felt inevitable to some but unlikely to others happened on Tuesday afternoon when the Islanders announced that the contract of Hall of Fame executive Lou Lamoriello would not be renewed after seven seasons as President of Hockey Operations and General Manager.

This type of change is significant for any team, but for the Islanders, it represents a seismic shift for the organization, both on and off the ice, due to how Lamoriello operated. He did things his way, and those methods instilled professionalism, credibility, and, yes, success that was missing before.

But the time was right for a change. After four mediocre at best seasons, the Islanders were not going to turn into Stanley Cup contenders over the summer. This wasn’t a one-year fix; it's now a multi-year plan, and that’s best for someone else with a fresh face, fresh eyes, and fresh ideas to take the franchise forward.

The fanbase was clamoring for ownership to show decisiveness, and that happened on Tuesday. Now, the search for the next GM to lead this organization into a new era of Islanders hockey begins.

It's a Quick Fix featuring Joe Buono (@IslesFix) and former VP of Communications for the Islanders, Chris Botta (@ChrisBottaNHL).

Some games mean more than just one loss or win - they can define a season. After last night’s embarrassing 9-2 loss to the New York Rangers at UBS Arena, fans are wondering whether the shameful loss was enough for ownership to make the changes they have been reluctant to make and turn the page this off-season.

The assumption has been that GM Lou Lamoriello will be back, but with each passing day, the moment calls for change. Head Coach Patrick Roy can defend his team’s effort all he wants, but the results are what they are. This isn’t a good hockey team, and they are further away from serious contention than they were at any point in the last four seasons.

They rode things out as long as possible, but if games like last night don’t tell you that real change is needed, I’m not sure what will.

It's a Quick Fix featuring Joe Buono (@IslesFix) and Chris Botta (@ChrisBottaNHL), the former VP of Communications for the Islanders.

It doesn’t happen often, but on Sunday, the hockey world was fixated on the New York Islanders. The game at UBS Arena served as the backdrop to history as Alexander Ovechkin surpassed Wayne Gretzky as the greatest goal scorer in NHL history, scoring his 895th goal in the second period of a 4-1 Isles win.

It’s one of the great accomplishments in sports history, and it happened on Long Island. Fans felt mixed going into it, questioning whether they wanted to see their team and goaltender surrender the record-breaker, but the way the day transpired, complete with a win over the league’s top team, was pretty perfect.

The fans who paid high prices got what they came to see. A 22-minute on-ice ceremony with a few light moments followed the record-breaking goal as the Islanders paid their respects to Ovechkin. We discussed the pomp and circumstance around the game, how the Islanders organization prepared for the event, the business around it, and more.

It's a Quick Fix featuring Joe Buono (@IslesFix) and former VP of Communications for the Islanders, Chris Botta (@ChrisBottaNHL).

With a bit of help from the rest of the Eastern Conference muck, the Isles have played well enough, long enough to put themselves in position for a third straight improbable close to the regular season, which will annoy and upset fans and pundits across the league - except on Long Island.

Chris and Joe reflect on a stretch of points earned and points that slipped away and talk about players that have stepped up post-trade deadline. Plus, the NHL is keeping the organization in All-Star Weekend limbo, and why Alexander Ovechkin’s trip to Long Island should be a hotter ticket than it is right now.

It's a Quick Fix featuring Joe Buono (@IslesFix) and former VP of Communications for the Islanders, Chris Botta (@ChrisBottaNHL).

It’s not a rebuild; it’s not exactly a retool either. Joe and Chris react to how Lou Lamoriello handled his business at the deadline, which doesn’t provide much insight into how he plans to handle his business over the summer if ownership still believes he is the right man for the job.

It's a Quick Fix featuring Joe Buono (@IslesFix) and former VP of Communications for the Islanders, Chris Botta (@ChrisBottaNHL).

Wednesday proved it’s a seller's market, and the Islanders hold arguably the most valuable asset. The decision to trade or not trade Brock Nelson isn’t just about one player; it’s an inflection point for a franchise that has wanted its team to stay together and stay in playoff contention season after season rather than risk taking a step back to take multiple steps forward.

Chris and Joe reflect on Nelson’s emotional night at UBS Arena and discuss how Lou Lamoriello's path could affect how his tenure as Islanders GM is remembered by segments of the fanbase.

It's a Quick Fix featuring Joe Buono (@IslesFix) and former VP of Communications for the Islanders, Chris Botta (@ChrisBottaNHL).

Cal Clutterbuck called it a “Monday-nighter,” a stale and somewhat uneventful game where neither team got much going all night.

There’s no excuse for that at this point of the season, and certainly no excuse when playing your rival with playoff position on the line after they drubbed you 5-1 on home ice less than a week ago. But alas, that’s what happened to the Islanders in their 4-0 defeat at MSG last night.

Chris and Joe provide their perspective after the team gave GM Lou Lamoriello the latest indication that, no matter how resilient the team has been, the right thing to do for the organization is to sell, and perhaps sell big.

It's a Quick Fix featuring Joe Buono (@IslesFix) and former VP of Communications for the Islanders, Chris Botta (@ChrisBottaNHL).

The signs are flashing “SELL!” after the Islanders’ fourth straight loss, a 5-1 defeat to the New York Rangers on home ice, but should it also signal the raising of the white flag on their playoff hopes? Joe and Chris react to Arthur Staple’s reality check article in The Athletic on Wednesday.

Plus, we look at comparable trade returns for Brock Nelson and Kyle Palmieri and wonder if moves could go beyond the UFAs. Later, we talk about reports of a displeased Patrik Roy at practice. Finally, Chris discusses his brief stint as a radio color analyst with long-time play-by-play announcer Barry Landers, following a “Where are they now?” article by Neil Best in Newsday.

It's a Quick Fix featuring Joe Buono (@IslesFix) and former VP of Communications for the Islanders, Chris Botta (@ChrisBottaNHL).

The Islanders failed to earn a point in their first game back from break, setting the stage for the next five games, which could determine whether they are a team fighting for a playoff spot or playing out the stretch. Chris believes that no matter what happens at the trade deadline, the focus should be on Islanders’ ownership and what they do next. Plus, Joe and Chris reflect on the massive success of the Four Nations Face-off and remember longtime MSG broadcaster and Long Islander Al Trautwig, who passed away at the age of 68.

It's a Quick Fix featuring Joe Buono (@IslesFix) and former VP of Communications for the Islanders, Chris Botta (@ChrisBottaNHL).

What to think and who to believe? Insider news, rumors, and flat-out guesses will take shape two weeks before the next Isles game, giving us plenty of time to ponder and ruminate about the team's direction and, more specifically, which Lou Lamoriello is inclined to take them. Chris provides his latest report on Lou’s spot in the organization and contract overtures to Brock Nelson.

Later, Joe and Chris address the Noah Dobson rumors. Could he be available, and should the Islanders be listening? Plus, what are the season ticket views on selling off, and what is the excitement level surrounding the 4 Nations Face-off?

It's a Quick Fix featuring Joe Buono (@IslesFix) and former VP of Communications for the Islanders, Chris Botta (@ChrisBottaNHL).

The worst-case scenario was confirmed on Monday as Mathew Barzal is out indefinitely after blocking a shot off his knee in the closing minutes of Saturday’s win at Tampa Bay. The loss of Barzal significantly dampers the good vibes surrounding this team. Should the injury alter Lou Lamoriello’s approach come the trade deadline? Chris and Joe discuss whether the GM’s mindset should shift, knowing they’ll be without one of their star players in the long term.

Despite the tough news, we find time to reflect on the team’s improbable seven-game winning streak and Ilya Sorokin's elite play. The only thing predictable about the remainder of the season is that it will be unpredictable.

It's a Quick Fix featuring Joe Buono (@IslesFix) and former VP of Communications for the Islanders, Chris Botta (@ChrisBottaNHL).

The Isles are making their run, and as injuries mount, GM Lou Lamoriello made a pair of shrewd moves to give his veteran core a fighting chance at remaining in the playoff picture. We discuss the mutual moments of desperation that brought Tony DeAngelo to Long Island and why he should be on his best behavior.

Plus, the Islanders made an under-the-radar trade for D Scott Perunovich that Blues fans are convinced will come back to haunt them. We also discuss what an extension for Brock Nelson would look like, retro night at the Coliseum in 2007, and more.

.It's a Quick Fix featuring Joe Buono (@IslesFix) and former VP of Communications for the Islanders, Chris Botta (@ChrisBottaNHL).

Almost every team in the NHL goes on a run at some point.

The good teams, the great teams, and most of the time, even the bad teams. The Islanders have won 5 of 7 but will need a longer, sustained run to climb over the several teams standing between them in a playoff spot with nine games remaining before the February break.

Chris and Joe discuss whether the Isles have a run in them and what that would do to Lou Lamoriello’s thinking in the coming weeks. Plus, grading Patrick Roy after one year and Mathew Barzal’s ‘alleged’ comments about empty seats.

It's a Quick Fix featuring Joe Buono (@IslesFix) and former VP of Communications for the Islanders, Chris Botta (@ChrisBottaNHL).

With former captain and Stanley Cup champion Brent Sutter set to be inducted into the Islanders Hall of Fame on Saturday night, Chris and Joe closely examine the Isles Hall of Fame candidacy of other alums potentially worthy of the honor.

Should Glenn ‘Chico’ Resch be the next to go in? What’s the delay in celebrating Pat LaFontaine's career? What about the player he was traded for, fellow Hall-of-Famer Pierre Turgeon? Does Ziggy Palffy’s stardom during the franchise’s dark days warrant consideration, and did Josh Bailey do enough, long enough, to be a clear Islanders Hall-of-Famer?

Chris has ideas on how Hall-of-Fame nights can be re-imagined and how to honor the remaining “core of the four” that don’t have their own plaques.

It's a Quick Fix featuring Joe Buono (@IslesFix) and former VP of Communications for the Islanders, Chris Botta (@ChrisBottaNHL).

In this episode, Chris and Joe question why the team will travel with 12 forwards rather than make a call-up with Hudson Fasching and Simon Holmstrom not making the trip to Vegas. Plus, Arthur Kaliyev was claimed off waivers by the New York Rangers; why wasn’t he wasn’t worth a flyer for the Isles?

Later, we’ve all been impressed with Thomas Hickey’s seamless transition to the broadcast booth. Could another transition be in his future one day? We discuss the management case he’s making himself without trying to do so.

It's a Quick Fix featuring Joe Buono (@IslesFix) and former VP of Communications for the Islanders, Chris Botta (@ChrisBottaNHL).

We jumped on soon after the Islanders’ 5-4 OT win in Boston (a win Chris saw coming!) as Bo Horvat became the first NHL player with a shorthanded goal and an overtime goal in the same game since March 8, 2023 (JT Miller (VAN vs ANA).

The win ended a three-game losing streak and, for the time being, put a hold on the constant chatter of change that should (or will) come at some point. The way too-forgiving Eastern Conference has the Islanders somehow only four points out of a playoff spot - one game shy of the season’s halfway point. Yet, even after wins, this team is uniquely capable of making you feel they’re much further away than what the standings tell us. Maybe this was the start of something or a mere interlude ahead of an arduous road trip.

In the latest episode of “The Red Line,” Phil Farber (@PhilzFacts) and David Tuchman (@TuckOnSports) discuss what the Islanders need to do to remain in the playoff picture by the trade deadline. The team is expected to get Anthony Duclair back on Saturday night in Toronto, meaning there are no longer any excuses for them not to start stringing together much-needed wins.

It's a Quick Fix featuring Joe Buono (@IslesFix) and former VP of Communications for the Islanders, Chris Botta (@ChrisBottaNHL).

In this edition, we take a holiday stroll down memory lane and reminisce about the infamous 2003 Santa “Brawl” at the Coliseum with one of the playful perpetrators of the tomfoolery, lifelong Islander fan turned NHL betting savant and sniffer Andy Francess. But first, the trio each took turns pointing podcast fingers at what’s most responsible for the Islanders’ overall stale on-the-ice product that’s producing more of the mediocre same. As a bonus, Joe offers listeners an alternative stocking stuffer option at the top of the show.

It's a Quick Fix featuring Joe Buono (@IslesFix) and former VP of Communications for the Islanders, Chris Botta (@ChrisBottaNHL).

It’s a post-game edition, as we record minutes after the Islanders lose in a predictable yet surprising way versus the Chicago Blackhawks on Sunday. With Mathew Barzal and Adam Pelech returning, the Islanders came out flat. Although they believe they once again feel they deserved a better result, the same troubling tendencies failed them again, as they failed to build or sustain momentum in this maddening season.

It's a Quick Fix featuring Joe Buono (@IslesFix) and former VP of Communications for the Islanders, Chris Botta (@ChrisBottaNHL).

In this episode, Joe and Chris provide their instant reactions to Pierre Engvall and Oliver Wahlstrom being placed on waivers in anticipation of Mathew Barzal, Adam Pelech, and Anthony Duclair's return. Will a team claim Wahlstrom, or are there more chances for him in the organization?

Plus, Patrick Roy has a post-game reaction that can only come from a goaltender. Will the team respond positively to the criticism? Also, Chris is asked about the book he co-authored with Stan Fischler and more!

In the latest episode of “The Red Line,” Phil Farber (@PhilzFacts) and David Tuchman (@TuckOnSports) are back after one of the more disappointing performances from the team since Patrick Roy took over as head coach. Is this roster capable of excelling in Roy’s system? The guys also talk about all the candid drama surrounding Pierre Engvall and much more.

It's a Quick Fix featuring Joe Buono (@IslesFix) and former VP of Communications for the Islanders, Chris Botta (@ChrisBottaNHL).

First, a special thanks to everyone downloading and tuning into the show; the response has been fantastic. This week, alongside some heavy hockey talk hitters, we climbed to No. 14 on the iTunes Hockey Podcast charts. Awesome!

A listener asked Chris on X about the Islanders’ minority owner, John Collins, who runs the team’s business operations. Given that it’s been a decade since Scott Malkin and Jon Ledecky first became minority owners, we thought it was a good time to reflect on all they’ve accomplished and what’s still to come on and off the ice in the short and long term.

It's a Quick Fix featuring Joe Buono (@IslesFix) and former VP of Communications for the Islanders, Chris Botta (@ChrisBottaNHL). The Islanders “won the weekend” by securing three out of a possible four points, but they’ll have to show a lot more late in games to change the course of a season plagued by third-period collapses. Chris and Joe discuss the subtle changes in how the team spoke about their struggles ahead of Saturday night’s win vs. Buffalo.

Plus, Pierre Engvall was a healthy scratch again, leading us to wonder whether we should ever expect anything different from the perplexing forward. Also, Anders Lee shows he still has much more left than naysayers thought.

In the latest episode of “The Red Line,” Phil Farber (@PhilzFacts) and David Tuchman (@TuckOnSports) are back to breakdown how the Islanders managed to blow three straight games when holding a third-period lead. A lousy week has given the naysayers fuel to start a conversation about trading off key pieces weeks, if not months, before it needs to happen.

It's a Quick Fix featuring Joe Buono (@IslesFix) and former VP of Communications for the Islanders, Chris Botta (@ChrisBottaNHL). The Islanders have played better than expected given the circumstances, and the recent five-game point streak (3-0-2) has fans back invested in the season and being disappointed and missed opportunities, including a disappointing loss to Seattle on Saturday afternoon. That’s a good thing.

Plus, Chris reacts to the announcement that Brent Sutter will be inducted into the Islanders Hall of Fame and provides the backstory on how the HOF came to be and who was supposed to be the first player inducted.

In the latest episode of “The Red Line,” Phil Farber (@PhilzFacts) and David Tuchman (@TuckOnSports) are back to discuss why the Islanders are playing better without Mathew Barzal, what the lines could look like when everyone is healthy and takeaways from their first Western Canada games of the trip.

In the latest episode of “The Red Line,” Phil Farber (@PhilzFacts) and David Tuchman (@TuckOnSports) are back to discuss how, despite their struggles, the Isles are suddenly an easy-to-cheer for an injury-riddled team of underdogs.

It's a Quick Fix featuring Joe Buono (@IslesFix) and former VP of Communications for the Islanders, Chris Botta (@ChrisBottaNHL). The worst was confirmed on Saturday as the New York Islanders placed All-Star forward Mathew Barzal on long-term injured Reserve (LTIR) and defenseman Adam Pelech on Injured Reserve (IR).

The Islanders will have to tread water without key pieces for the next 1-2 months. The Eastern Conference is forgiving, but an already slow start had them in a disappointing position after emphasizing a fast start throughout camp. They'll have to rely on their goaltending even more and have the healthy part of their veteran core step up in Barzal's absence.

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🔗 Islanders suffer devastating injury blows with brutal Mat Barzal, Adam Pelech updates by Ethan Sears, New York Post “The Islanders sorted through the injury wreckage and won’t like what they found. The laundry list of injuries for the team, which comes into Sunday’s clash with the Rangers at Madison Square Garden at 4-5-2, looks all the worse after getting some clarity on the timeline for the players hurt on their trip to Columbus and Buffalo.”

🔗 Islanders lose Mathew Barzal, Adam Pelech for four-to-six weeks by Andrew Gross, Newsday “The Islanders’ lineup will be missing Mathew Barzal and defenseman Adam Pelech, two of its top players, for the next four to six weeks, president/general manager Lou Lamoriello announced on Saturday before the team practiced at Madison Square Garden.”

And we leave you with this ….Bryan Trottier on the cover of Goal Magazine (h/t RealIsles Pride)

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In the latest episode of “The Red Line,” Phil Farber (@PhilzFacts) and David Tuchman (@TuckOnSports) are back and trying their best to maintain a hint of positivity despite the Islanders’ offensive struggles.

The Isles lost the identity line and now don’t appear to have an identity, at least not yet. The defensive structure has been better, and the possession stats are solid, but the quality of shots and their repeated inability to score has been hard to overcome. Plus, the coach can’t settle on the bottom six, and players and the roster’s depth players aren’t making the most of their opportunities

It’s a special Isles “Quick Fix” podcast episode featuring former Islanders’ VP of Communications Chris Botta, who, as many of you know, was among the original Islanders blog/podcast/video personalities. For years, I refreshed Islanders Point Blank multiple times daily at home or the office. Later, I would watch him and Brian Compton debate and answer questions from the SNY studio during an episode of Islanders Interactive. It was a must-watch for Isles’ fans.

With that as context, it’s pretty cool that I’ll be chatting with him throughout the year in this format. I hope you enjoy his often unique and unfettered opinions as much as I do. Throughout the year, we’ll get together at inflection points of the season when there is something of substance to talk about either on or off the ice, and this week seemed like the perfect time to start.

In the latest episode of “The Red Line,” Phil Farber (@PhilzFacts) and David Tuchman (@TuckOnSports) are back ahead of the start of the 2024-25 season.

The Isles made more changes than they get credit for this off-season, and with Patrick Roy behind the bench for his first full season, there is excitement that this team can move beyond being a fringe playoff team and become a contender.

In the latest episode of “The Red Line,” Phil Farber (@PhilzFacts) and David Tuchman (@TuckOnSports) are joined by draft guru and Lord of Fantasy hockey, Cam Robinson (@Hockey_Robinson), the Content Director at Elite Prospects Rinkside (@EPRinkside). Robinson breaks down a draft that may be deeper than people are giving it credit for, and some of his favorite players.

They talk about Lou Lamoriello gaining an extra 2nd rounder by moving back in two spots, which players may still be on the board when the Islanders are on the clock at No. 20 (provided they keep the pick), and the current outlook on some of the team’s more highly regarded prospects.