Dan SaraceniMon, November 24, 2025 at 4:01 PM UTC·3 min readMike and Dan recap a wild, emotional week in which the Islanders cap off an epic road trip in style before struggling to find their game again at home.
The gauntlet that seemed like it could sink their season instead saw the Islanders surge into a playoff berth with a tense win in Dallas and an unexpected blowout in Detroit. While the victory over the Stars took everything they had and came with casualties, the romp over the Red Wings served as a coming out party for a new folk hero. Max Shabanov went from mystery man to possible Weird Islander to a masked, rouge hero growing in confidence. A return game against St. Louis was less than triumphant, but the follow-up against Seattle got them two huge points despite exactly zero (0) goals being scored in regulation. It’s all been a bit strange but as long as they keep climbing and winning, we can keep smiling.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThe week ahead contains more tough games including one against a team that’s already roughed them up. American Thanksgiving is supposed to be the unofficial time when NHL teams show us what they can be. The Islanders have the chance over the next seven days to prove they’re for real, especially in front of their own fans.
To close this episode out, we give thanks for things we’re grateful for, like the stumbles and struggles of our enemies. The Rangers and Maple Leafs are not having much fun right now, and we turn back the clock for a fun new Master Pens Theater.
As always, we’re thankful for you all for listening and supporting us. A new episode of Weird Islanders: The Podcast! releases on Friday, and be sure to check out the Patreon that day for a cornucopia of bonus content for it.
REFERENCES
Great stuff from “Captain NO B.S.” J.T. Miller (and from Rangers Redditors)
This Auston Matthews guy seems to disappear during the season a lot, according to Nick Kyprios.
Hey, maybe this kid has somethi…nope, he’s gone. Never mind.
Master Pens Theater theme is “The Rule” by Kevin MacLeod, available at FreeMusicArchive.org.
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PLUGS!
Vintage Ice Hockey for t-shirts, hoodies and jerseys with hundreds of classic hockey logos, as well as the full line of Islanders Anxiety merch. As always our portion of those sales go directly to the Center for Dementia Research.
The Pinot Project has a Rosé, a Pinot Grigio and a Wine Enthusiast Best Buy Pinot Noir, all under $15 a bottle. Available at local wine stores and UBS Arena.
Visit Lighthousehockey.com for the most up-to-date Islanders news and discussion.
Islanders Anxiety podcasts are part of the Fans First Sports Network (@FansFirstSN).
Theme song: “Morning Haze” by Family Dinner. Hear more of their music on Spotify.
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