Category: Ice Hockey

Washington Capitals star Alex Ovechkin, the NHL's all-time leading goal scorer, announced that his 22nd season in the league will be his last.

"My family and I decided this summer that this will be my final year in the NHL," Ovechkin, 41, said on Monday, Oct. 5 in a statement released by the Capitals. "I love this game so much, but I know in my heart it's the right decision.

"It was important for me to make his announcement before our first home game, so I have the chance to thank all the people around the game, everyone who has been important to me and my family and helped me through good times and tough losses. I wouldn't have been able to achieve everything I have in my life without them."

The announcement was made on the 21st anniversary of his NHL debut, when he scored twice.

Ovechkin, who was drafted No. 1 overall in 2004 out of Russia, holds the NHL record with 929 goals. He had passed Wayne Gretzky's 894-goal mark in the 2024-25 season and hit 900 goals in 2025-26.

After the Capitals missed the playoffs, he headed into the offseason saying he'd talk with his family about whether to return. Washington was busy, adding Alex Tuch, Jordan Kyrou, Boone Jenner and Vincent Desharnais.

Ovechkin signed a one-year contract on July 2. He will earn $1 million in salary, a $4.75 million games-played bonus (10 games) and a $3.25 million signing bonus. His contract will carry an average annual value of $4.25 million.

"I am excited about this season with my teammates, and we will do everything we can to make this year special," he said. "I am going to enjoy every moment with my family, my boys, our fans and everyone who has been part of my hockey career. See you Wednesday, babes!”

Wednesday's game will be against the rival Pittsburgh Penguins and Sidney Crosby, who entered the league at the same time as Ovechkin and are considered the greatest players of their generation.

Ovechkin makes announcement to his teammates

Ovechkin has been the Capitals' captain since January 2010 and helped lead the team to its lone Stanley Cup championship in 2018.

He made sure to announce the decision to his teammates on Monday morning.

Alex Ovechkin announced to his teammates this morning that this season will be his final in the NHL pic.twitter.com/wnnnkrIl5U

— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) October 5, 2026

Alex Ovechkin records

• Total goals: 929
• Power play: 331
• Empty net: 72
• Game winners: 141
• Overtime goals: 27
• Goalies scored on: 189
• 30-goal seasons: 20
• 40-goal seasons: 14
• 50-goal seasons: 9, tied for first

Records Alex Ovechkin still chasing

• 20-goal seasons: He's at 21 seasons, one behind Gordie Howe
• Combined regular-season/playoff goals: He's at 1,006, 10 behind Gretzky.
• Even-strength goals: He's at 593, 24 behind Gretzky.

Ovechkin also needs four more assists to break Nicklas Backstrom's team career record of 762 assists.

Alex Ovechkin faced backlash over Russian political video

As training camp opened this season, Ovechkin answered questions about his appearance in a political video for the United Russia Party, which supports President Vladimir Putin.

"They asked me to do this, and I said yes," Ovechkin said, adding, "I'm Russian and I support my country."

Ovechkin and his family spend the offseason in Russia and will go after there after he retires. He had started a social movement supporting Putin ahead of the 2017 Russian presidential election, and a picture of the two of them is the profile picture of the winger's Instagram account. Those ties drew attention after the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

"I'm for peace and love and I hope everything is going to be OK," he said at camp.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Capitals star Alex Ovechkin reveals 2026-27 season will be his last in NHL

Washington Capitals star Alex Ovechkin, the NHL's all-time leading goal scorer, announced that his 22nd season in the league will be his last.

"My family and I decided this summer that this will be my final year in the NHL," Ovechkin, 41, said on Monday, Oct. 5 in a statement released by the Capitals. "I love this game so much, but I know in my heart it's the right decision.

"It was important for me to make his announcement before our first home game, so I have the chance to thank all the people around the game, everyone who has been important to me and my family and helped me through good times and tough losses. I wouldn't have been able to achieve everything I have in my life without them."

The announcement was made on the 21st anniversary of his NHL debut, when he scored twice.

Ovechkin, who was drafted No. 1 overall in 2004 out of Russia, holds the NHL record with 929 goals. He had passed Wayne Gretzky's 894-goal mark in the 2024-25 season and hit 900 goals in 2025-26.

After the Capitals missed the playoffs, he headed into the offseason saying he'd talk with his family about whether to return. Washington was busy, adding Alex Tuch, Jordan Kyrou, Boone Jenner and Vincent Desharnais.

Ovechkin signed a one-year contract on July 2. He will earn $1 million in salary, a $4.75 million games-played bonus (10 games) and a $3.25 million signing bonus. His contract will carry an average annual value of $4.25 million.

"I am excited about this season with my teammates, and we will do everything we can to make this year special," he said. "I am going to enjoy every moment with my family, my boys, our fans and everyone who has been part of my hockey career. See you Wednesday, babes!”

Wednesday's game will be against the rival Pittsburgh Penguins and Sidney Crosby, who entered the league at the same time as Ovechkin and are considered the greatest players of their generation.

Ovechkin makes announcement to his teammates

Ovechkin has been the Capitals' captain since January 2010 and helped lead the team to its lone Stanley Cup championship in 2018.

He made sure to announce the decision to his teammates on Monday morning.

Alex Ovechkin announced to his teammates this morning that this season will be his final in the NHL pic.twitter.com/wnnnkrIl5U

— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) October 5, 2026

Alex Ovechkin records

• Total goals: 929
• Power play: 331
• Empty net: 72
• Game winners: 141
• Overtime goals: 27
• Goalies scored on: 189
• 30-goal seasons: 20
• 40-goal seasons: 14
• 50-goal seasons: 9, tied for first

Records Alex Ovechkin still chasing

• 20-goal seasons: He's at 21 seasons, one behind Gordie Howe
• Combined regular-season/playoff goals: He's at 1,006, 10 behind Gretzky.
• Even-strength goals: He's at 593, 24 behind Gretzky.

Ovechkin also needs four more assists to break Nicklas Backstrom's team career record of 762 assists.

Alex Ovechkin faced backlash over Russian political video

As training camp opened this season, Ovechkin answered questions about his appearance in a political video for the United Russia Party, which supports President Vladimir Putin.

"They asked me to do this, and I said yes," Ovechkin said, adding, "I'm Russian and I support my country."

Ovechkin and his family spend the offseason in Russia and will go after there after he retires. He had started a social movement supporting Putin ahead of the 2017 Russian presidential election, and a picture of the two of them is the profile picture of the winger's Instagram account. Those ties drew attention after the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

"I'm for peace and love and I hope everything is going to be OK," he said at camp.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Capitals star Alex Ovechkin reveals 2026-27 season will be his last in NHL

Washington Capitals great Alex Ovechkin made it official on Monday.

The 2026-2027 season will be his last one in the NHL.

Ovechkin first shared the news with the rest of the Capitals in the locker room, telling the team “this is going to be my last year,” and that it was important to him and his family that his Washington teammates knew the news first:

Alex Ovechkin announced to his teammates this morning that this season will be his final in the NHL pic.twitter.com/wnnnkrIl5U

— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) October 5, 2026

Ovechkin then shared a lengthy statement on social media, noting that he wanted to share the news before Washington’s first home game of the season, which comes on Wednesday night when the Capitals host the Pittsburgh Penguins:

From the #Gr8: pic.twitter.com/KXVdGYUs5j

— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) October 5, 2026

Ovechkin has appeared in both of Washington’s games this season, a win on Friday night over the Carolina Hurricanes and a loss on Saturday to the Tampa Bay Lightning. He notched an assist in Friday night’s win, racking up nearly 13 minutes of ice time, while he played almost 14 minutes in the loss to Tampa Bay on Saturday.

Last season, Ovechkin surpassed the great Wayne Gretzky on the NHL’s all-time goals list, scoring the 895th goal of his career in a game against the New York Islanders in April. He currently has 929 career goals, making him the only player in NHL history to reach the 900-goal mark.

Where will Ovechkin stack up among the all-time greats? Download the new SB Nation app, join our NHL community, and share your thoughts!

Washington Capitals great Alex Ovechkin made it official on Monday.

The 2026-2027 season will be his last one in the NHL.

Ovechkin first shared the news with the rest of the Capitals in the locker room, telling the team “this is going to be my last year,” and that it was important to him and his family that his Washington teammates knew the news first:

Alex Ovechkin announced to his teammates this morning that this season will be his final in the NHL pic.twitter.com/wnnnkrIl5U

— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) October 5, 2026

Ovechkin then shared a lengthy statement on social media, noting that he wanted to share the news before Washington’s first home game of the season, which comes on Wednesday night when the Capitals host the Pittsburgh Penguins:

From the #Gr8: pic.twitter.com/KXVdGYUs5j

— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) October 5, 2026

Ovechkin has appeared in both of Washington’s games this season, a win on Friday night over the Carolina Hurricanes and a loss on Saturday to the Tampa Bay Lightning. He notched an assist in Friday night’s win, racking up nearly 13 minutes of ice time, while he played almost 14 minutes in the loss to Tampa Bay on Saturday.

Last season, Ovechkin surpassed the great Wayne Gretzky on the NHL’s all-time goals list, scoring the 895th goal of his career in a game against the New York Islanders in April. He currently has 929 career goals, making him the only player in NHL history to reach the 900-goal mark.

Where will Ovechkin stack up among the all-time greats? Download the new SB Nation app, join our NHL community, and share your thoughts!

Washington Capitals great Alex Ovechkin made it official on Monday.

The 2026-2027 season will be his last one in the NHL.

Ovechkin first shared the news with the rest of the Capitals in the locker room, telling the team “this is going to be my last year,” and that it was important to him and his family that his Washington teammates knew the news first:

Alex Ovechkin announced to his teammates this morning that this season will be his final in the NHL pic.twitter.com/wnnnkrIl5U

— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) October 5, 2026

Ovechkin then shared a lengthy statement on social media, noting that he wanted to share the news before Washington’s first home game of the season, which comes on Wednesday night when the Capitals host the Pittsburgh Penguins:

From the #Gr8: pic.twitter.com/KXVdGYUs5j

— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) October 5, 2026

Ovechkin has appeared in both of Washington’s games this season, a win on Friday night over the Carolina Hurricanes and a loss on Saturday to the Tampa Bay Lightning. He notched an assist in Friday night’s win, racking up nearly 13 minutes of ice time, while he played almost 14 minutes in the loss to Tampa Bay on Saturday.

Last season, Ovechkin surpassed the great Wayne Gretzky on the NHL’s all-time goals list, scoring the 895th goal of his career in a game against the New York Islanders in April. He currently has 929 career goals, making him the only player in NHL history to reach the 900-goal mark.

Where will Ovechkin stack up among the all-time greats? Download the new SB Nation app, join our NHL community, and share your thoughts!

This is Alex Ovechkin’s swan song, and he’s hoping to go out on top.

The Washington Capitals legend, who is the NHL’s all-time leading goal-scorer, announced Monday that he will retire at the end of the 2026-27 NHL season, which is his 22nd year in the league.

The 41-year-old Russian made the announcement 21 years to the day of his NHL debut.

“This is going to be my last year,” he told his teammates in the locker room Monday morning, as seen in a video posted by the Capitals on social media. “I’m pretty sure it’s for me, for my family, it’s very important for you guys to know first. It’s sad, but it is what it is. We have a f–king unbelievable team this year and 82 games left. Let’s make the playoffs, let’s have fun and enjoy the moment, because, you know, times fly. For young guys who, first year or experienced guys, remember that moment and enjoy that time.

“It seems like yesterday I was here my first year and right now this is my 22nd year. It goes like this [snaps fingers.]

“It’s hard, but let’s enjoy it and let’s do some special thing this year.”

Alex Ovechkin announced to his teammates this morning that this season will be his final in the NHL pic.twitter.com/wnnnkrIl5U

— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) October 5, 2026

Ovechkin’s teammates gave him a round of applause when he was done speaking.

In a separate statement released by the team, Ovechkin — who led the Capitals to their first and only Stanley Cup win in 2017-18 — said he decided with his family over the summer that he’d retire at season’s end.

“I love this game so much, but I know in my heart it’s the right decision,” he said. “It was important for me to make this announcement before our first home game, so I have the chance to thank all the people around the game, everyone who has been so important to me and my family and helped me through good times and tough losses. I wouldn’t have been able to achieve everything I have in my life without them. I am excited about this season with my teammates, and we will do everything we can to make this year special. I am going to enjoy every moment with my family, my boys, our fans and everyone who has been part of my hockey career. See you Wednesday, babes!”

Ovechkin broke Wayne Gretzky’s goals record in April 2025 against the Islanders and currently has 929 career regular-season goals, along with 759 assists. He has nine 50-goal seasons and 14 40-goal seasons.

His 77 career playoff goals are 12th-most all-time. If the Capitals were to make the playoffs this season (they did not last season) he could get into the top-10, as he trails 11th-place Jaromir Jagr by one and 10th-place Jean Beliveau by two.

Ovechkin’s prolific career has been pockmarked by his support for Russian president Vladimir Putin. That came under scrutiny last month after he appeared in a Putin campaign video.

“I want the peace and love for everybody,” Ovechkin told ESPN on Sept. 17. “It doesn’t matter who you are, American, Russian or Ukrainian. I hope everything’s gonna be good and everything’s gonna be done soon.”

Regarding Putin’s invasion of Ukraine, Ovechkin said: “I’m not in politics. I can’t say who’s right and who’s wrong.”

Elliotte Friedman reported some news on Saturday night that will eventually create a big change in the National Hockey League. According to Friedman, the top insider in the game, Simon Edvinsson prefers to be traded away from the Detroit Red Wings. 

Saturday Headlines:

Edvinsson "prefers" trade although DET's desire is to sign him...Barkov...Oilers...coaches warned about interactions with officialshttps://t.co/koTYiu5bCr

— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) October 4, 2026

This is going to be a tough blow to the Red Wings organization in a long line of them. After a summer filled with drama, mostly surrounding former captain Dylan Larkin (who is still with them), they now have to consider honoring the request of a young player whom they thought would be a core piece of their puzzle.

Detroit doesn’t even have a full-time general manager to deal with these things. Shawn Horcoff is the interim, and it’s on him to be the decision-maker for the time being. He may end up the full-time guy if he works out these issues correctly, so there is pressure on him as an individual as well. 

Edvinsson is a young defenseman who hasn’t yet blossomed into a star, which is his potential, but he is already a great young top-four guy. He’s the type of defenseman who is good for any partner because of his ability to defend and transfer the puck up the ice. Whatever the team needs from him, he can provide. 

Simon Edvinsson prefers a trade from the Red Wings. pic.twitter.com/ThYbzxDUZf

— JFresh (@JFreshHockey) October 4, 2026

Wow! Simon Edvinsson prefers a trade, according to @FriedgeHNIC. pic.twitter.com/3hahd8S6FK

— Rono (@RonoAnalyst) October 4, 2026

He can’t continue to make progress in his development as a 23-year-old playing the hardest position in the sport without playing games, which is currently happening due to a contract stalemate. The now-fractured relationship plus the turmoil around the team are the key reasons for this trade request. 

One team that may be interested in a player like Edvinsson is the Chicago Blackhawks. The Hawks have a lot of interesting young defensemen, but none of them have grown into a legit number one. They likely wouldn't have traded for Bowen Byram if one of them stood out early in their career. 

Now that the Blackhawks do have Byram, there is more room for development lower in the lineup. Edvinsson is someone who is already a proven NHL player with the ceiling of a star. Like most young players at that position, his offense is a bit ahead of his defense, but his defense has been solid too. 

Edvinsson has experience playing with a star like Moritz Seider. With that experience, he could play with a proven player like Byram as well. At his age, he would also fit in with a lot of Chicago's budding core, including their many young defenders. 

What would a team like the Blackhawks have to give up for Edvinsson? Well, for one, they are not even in the same conference, so there is no "rivalry tax" there. Also, the fact that this report is out in the public eye certainly doesn't raise the price. It's a nightmare situation for Detroit, but it's the fact of the matter. 

A mix of draft picks, a good young NHL defender and/or forward, and prospects can be expected in return for a player with a high ceiling like Edvinsson. With the way that the Blackhawks have defended so far this season, taking a chance like this is something to think about if the price is right. 

Visit The Hockey News Chicago Blackhawks team site to stay up to date on the latest news, game-day coverage, player features, and more.

For action-packed issues, access to the entire magazine archive, and a free issue, subscribe to The Hockey News at THN.com/free. Get the latest news and trending stories by subscribing to our newsletter here. And share your thoughts by commenting on the article below on THN.com or by creating your own post in our community forum.

Elliotte Friedman reported some news on Saturday night that will eventually create a big change in the National Hockey League. According to Friedman, the top insider in the game, Simon Edvinsson prefers to be traded away from the Detroit Red Wings. 

Saturday Headlines:

Edvinsson "prefers" trade although DET's desire is to sign him...Barkov...Oilers...coaches warned about interactions with officialshttps://t.co/koTYiu5bCr

— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) October 4, 2026

This is going to be a tough blow to the Red Wings organization in a long line of them. After a summer filled with drama, mostly surrounding former captain Dylan Larkin (who is still with them), they now have to consider honoring the request of a young player whom they thought would be a core piece of their puzzle.

Detroit doesn’t even have a full-time general manager to deal with these things. Shawn Horcoff is the interim, and it’s on him to be the decision-maker for the time being. He may end up the full-time guy if he works out these issues correctly, so there is pressure on him as an individual as well. 

Edvinsson is a young defenseman who hasn’t yet blossomed into a star, which is his potential, but he is already a great young top-four guy. He’s the type of defenseman who is good for any partner because of his ability to defend and transfer the puck up the ice. Whatever the team needs from him, he can provide. 

Simon Edvinsson prefers a trade from the Red Wings. pic.twitter.com/ThYbzxDUZf

— JFresh (@JFreshHockey) October 4, 2026

Wow! Simon Edvinsson prefers a trade, according to @FriedgeHNIC. pic.twitter.com/3hahd8S6FK

— Rono (@RonoAnalyst) October 4, 2026

He can’t continue to make progress in his development as a 23-year-old playing the hardest position in the sport without playing games, which is currently happening due to a contract stalemate. The now-fractured relationship plus the turmoil around the team are the key reasons for this trade request. 

One team that may be interested in a player like Edvinsson is the Chicago Blackhawks. The Hawks have a lot of interesting young defensemen, but none of them have grown into a legit number one. They likely wouldn't have traded for Bowen Byram if one of them stood out early in their career. 

Now that the Blackhawks do have Byram, there is more room for development lower in the lineup. Edvinsson is someone who is already a proven NHL player with the ceiling of a star. Like most young players at that position, his offense is a bit ahead of his defense, but his defense has been solid too. 

Edvinsson has experience playing with a star like Moritz Seider. With that experience, he could play with a proven player like Byram as well. At his age, he would also fit in with a lot of Chicago's budding core, including their many young defenders. 

What would a team like the Blackhawks have to give up for Edvinsson? Well, for one, they are not even in the same conference, so there is no "rivalry tax" there. Also, the fact that this report is out in the public eye certainly doesn't raise the price. It's a nightmare situation for Detroit, but it's the fact of the matter. 

A mix of draft picks, a good young NHL defender and/or forward, and prospects can be expected in return for a player with a high ceiling like Edvinsson. With the way that the Blackhawks have defended so far this season, taking a chance like this is something to think about if the price is right. 

Visit The Hockey News Chicago Blackhawks team site to stay up to date on the latest news, game-day coverage, player features, and more.

For action-packed issues, access to the entire magazine archive, and a free issue, subscribe to The Hockey News at THN.com/free. Get the latest news and trending stories by subscribing to our newsletter here. And share your thoughts by commenting on the article below on THN.com or by creating your own post in our community forum.

Elliotte Friedman reported some news on Saturday night that will eventually create a big change in the National Hockey League. According to Friedman, the top insider in the game, Simon Edvinsson prefers to be traded away from the Detroit Red Wings. 

Saturday Headlines:

Edvinsson "prefers" trade although DET's desire is to sign him...Barkov...Oilers...coaches warned about interactions with officialshttps://t.co/koTYiu5bCr

— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) October 4, 2026

This is going to be a tough blow to the Red Wings organization in a long line of them. After a summer filled with drama, mostly surrounding former captain Dylan Larkin (who is still with them), they now have to consider honoring the request of a young player whom they thought would be a core piece of their puzzle.

Detroit doesn’t even have a full-time general manager to deal with these things. Shawn Horcoff is the interim, and it’s on him to be the decision-maker for the time being. He may end up the full-time guy if he works out these issues correctly, so there is pressure on him as an individual as well. 

Edvinsson is a young defenseman who hasn’t yet blossomed into a star, which is his potential, but he is already a great young top-four guy. He’s the type of defenseman who is good for any partner because of his ability to defend and transfer the puck up the ice. Whatever the team needs from him, he can provide. 

Simon Edvinsson prefers a trade from the Red Wings. pic.twitter.com/ThYbzxDUZf

— JFresh (@JFreshHockey) October 4, 2026

Wow! Simon Edvinsson prefers a trade, according to @FriedgeHNIC. pic.twitter.com/3hahd8S6FK

— Rono (@RonoAnalyst) October 4, 2026

He can’t continue to make progress in his development as a 23-year-old playing the hardest position in the sport without playing games, which is currently happening due to a contract stalemate. The now-fractured relationship plus the turmoil around the team are the key reasons for this trade request. 

One team that may be interested in a player like Edvinsson is the Chicago Blackhawks. The Hawks have a lot of interesting young defensemen, but none of them have grown into a legit number one. They likely wouldn't have traded for Bowen Byram if one of them stood out early in their career. 

Now that the Blackhawks do have Byram, there is more room for development lower in the lineup. Edvinsson is someone who is already a proven NHL player with the ceiling of a star. Like most young players at that position, his offense is a bit ahead of his defense, but his defense has been solid too. 

Edvinsson has experience playing with a star like Moritz Seider. With that experience, he could play with a proven player like Byram as well. At his age, he would also fit in with a lot of Chicago's budding core, including their many young defenders. 

What would a team like the Blackhawks have to give up for Edvinsson? Well, for one, they are not even in the same conference, so there is no "rivalry tax" there. Also, the fact that this report is out in the public eye certainly doesn't raise the price. It's a nightmare situation for Detroit, but it's the fact of the matter. 

A mix of draft picks, a good young NHL defender and/or forward, and prospects can be expected in return for a player with a high ceiling like Edvinsson. With the way that the Blackhawks have defended so far this season, taking a chance like this is something to think about if the price is right. 

Visit The Hockey News Chicago Blackhawks team site to stay up to date on the latest news, game-day coverage, player features, and more.

For action-packed issues, access to the entire magazine archive, and a free issue, subscribe to The Hockey News at THN.com/free. Get the latest news and trending stories by subscribing to our newsletter here. And share your thoughts by commenting on the article below on THN.com or by creating your own post in our community forum.

Mike and Dan recap the Islanders’ first two games of the season, including an emphatic and historic home opening win over the Devils, as well as bring forth the first Master Leaf Theatre of a new year.

The Islanders went into the season with some bad vibes. The postseason was long and disappointing, even the new guys on the roster felt stale and the GM tried to bullshit the fanbase by talking about how much he “tried” to make meaningful changes. It didn’t feel better after a blah 2-1 loss in Toronto, of all places, in Game 1. But Game 2 was different – with a cascade of goals, solid all around play and the first NHL tally for “The Agent of Chaos” Victor Eklund, who also got a happy birthday singalong, it was a party for everyone in blue-and-orange. Suddenly, the future seems bright again for what feels like the first time in years.

We hope to keep the good times rolling into Week 2, with games against the rising Rangers, beatable Blackhawks and litmus test Lightning on the horizon. These games will give us a true indication of what this team and season will be like for the next… [checks notes]… 82 games?

Of course a game against the Leafs means a new edition of Master Leaf Theatre for the new year. This one needs almost no introduction before it goes off the rails biblically (literally). We also have rookies skipping optional skates with their coach’s blessing, more detail on a goal song than anyone will ever need and a computer masquerading as a man all the way to one of the most powerful seats in the land. It’s an epic kick off to a fan favorite bit that keeps on giving.

Thanks again to everyone who came to either Zofia’s Hideout on Wednesday or the game on Saturday (or both) and stopped by to say hello. We really appreciate the face-to-face meetings and kind words. Our next meetup at Zofia’s will be on Tuesday, Oct. 27. More info to come.

REFERENCES:

• Islanders’ Kirill Marchenko pursuit came up short, but Mathieu Darche isn’t done taking big swings – The Athletic
• Opinion | Rebuilt Maple Leafs turn the page and inspire faith (in defeat, but still) on opening night – Toronto Star
• Maple Leafs ‘look like a new team’ in emotional opening loss – Sportsnet
• Why the Maple Leafs changed their goal song … again – The Athletic
• Joshua Clipperton, CP – Twitter

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Mike and Dan recap the Islanders’ first two games of the season, including an emphatic and historic home opening win over the Devils, as well as bring forth the first Master Leaf Theatre of a new year.

The Islanders went into the season with some bad vibes. The postseason was long and disappointing, even the new guys on the roster felt stale and the GM tried to bullshit the fanbase by talking about how much he “tried” to make meaningful changes. It didn’t feel better after a blah 2-1 loss in Toronto, of all places, in Game 1. But Game 2 was different – with a cascade of goals, solid all around play and the first NHL tally for “The Agent of Chaos” Victor Eklund, who also got a happy birthday singalong, it was a party for everyone in blue-and-orange. Suddenly, the future seems bright again for what feels like the first time in years.

We hope to keep the good times rolling into Week 2, with games against the rising Rangers, beatable Blackhawks and litmus test Lightning on the horizon. These games will give us a true indication of what this team and season will be like for the next… [checks notes]… 82 games?

Of course a game against the Leafs means a new edition of Master Leaf Theatre for the new year. This one needs almost no introduction before it goes off the rails biblically (literally). We also have rookies skipping optional skates with their coach’s blessing, more detail on a goal song than anyone will ever need and a computer masquerading as a man all the way to one of the most powerful seats in the land. It’s an epic kick off to a fan favorite bit that keeps on giving.

Thanks again to everyone who came to either Zofia’s Hideout on Wednesday or the game on Saturday (or both) and stopped by to say hello. We really appreciate the face-to-face meetings and kind words. Our next meetup at Zofia’s will be on Tuesday, Oct. 27. More info to come.

REFERENCES:

• Islanders’ Kirill Marchenko pursuit came up short, but Mathieu Darche isn’t done taking big swings – The Athletic
• Opinion | Rebuilt Maple Leafs turn the page and inspire faith (in defeat, but still) on opening night – Toronto Star
• Maple Leafs ‘look like a new team’ in emotional opening loss – Sportsnet
• Why the Maple Leafs changed their goal song … again – The Athletic
• Joshua Clipperton, CP – Twitter

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Subscribe to our Patreon! Members get ad-free episodes of all our shows, bonus podcasts, written posts, discounts and much more. Or follow us for free to get announcements and our weekly release calendar. Try a free 7-Day trial of our Country Club tier to sample what we offer.

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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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Please subscribe, download, rate, review or spread the word about Islanders Anxiety, Weird Islanders: The Podcast! and all of our podcasts any way you can. All of it helps to raise the show’s profile and maybe could get us another fancy sponsor to sell out to in the near future. Leave us a five star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

All Islanders Anxiety podcasts are available on:

• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify
• Amazon Music
• Audible.com
• I Heart Radio
• YouTube and YouTube Music
• And everywhere podcasts are found

Mike and Dan recap the Islanders’ first two games of the season, including an emphatic and historic home opening win over the Devils, as well as bring forth the first Master Leaf Theatre of a new year.

The Islanders went into the season with some bad vibes. The postseason was long and disappointing, even the new guys on the roster felt stale and the GM tried to bullshit the fanbase by talking about how much he “tried” to make meaningful changes. It didn’t feel better after a blah 2-1 loss in Toronto, of all places, in Game 1. But Game 2 was different – with a cascade of goals, solid all around play and the first NHL tally for “The Agent of Chaos” Victor Eklund, who also got a happy birthday singalong, it was a party for everyone in blue-and-orange. Suddenly, the future seems bright again for what feels like the first time in years.

We hope to keep the good times rolling into Week 2, with games against the rising Rangers, beatable Blackhawks and litmus test Lightning on the horizon. These games will give us a true indication of what this team and season will be like for the next… [checks notes]… 82 games?

Of course a game against the Leafs means a new edition of Master Leaf Theatre for the new year. This one needs almost no introduction before it goes off the rails biblically (literally). We also have rookies skipping optional skates with their coach’s blessing, more detail on a goal song than anyone will ever need and a computer masquerading as a man all the way to one of the most powerful seats in the land. It’s an epic kick off to a fan favorite bit that keeps on giving.

Thanks again to everyone who came to either Zofia’s Hideout on Wednesday or the game on Saturday (or both) and stopped by to say hello. We really appreciate the face-to-face meetings and kind words. Our next meetup at Zofia’s will be on Tuesday, Oct. 27. More info to come.

REFERENCES:

• Islanders’ Kirill Marchenko pursuit came up short, but Mathieu Darche isn’t done taking big swings – The Athletic
• Opinion | Rebuilt Maple Leafs turn the page and inspire faith (in defeat, but still) on opening night – Toronto Star
• Maple Leafs ‘look like a new team’ in emotional opening loss – Sportsnet
• Why the Maple Leafs changed their goal song … again – The Athletic
• Joshua Clipperton, CP – Twitter

---

Subscribe to our Patreon! Members get ad-free episodes of all our shows, bonus podcasts, written posts, discounts and much more. Or follow us for free to get announcements and our weekly release calendar. Try a free 7-Day trial of our Country Club tier to sample what we offer.

---

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.

---

Please subscribe, download, rate, review or spread the word about Islanders Anxiety, Weird Islanders: The Podcast! and all of our podcasts any way you can. All of it helps to raise the show’s profile and maybe could get us another fancy sponsor to sell out to in the near future. Leave us a five star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

All Islanders Anxiety podcasts are available on:

• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify
• Amazon Music
• Audible.com
• I Heart Radio
• YouTube and YouTube Music
• And everywhere podcasts are found