Islanders Anxiety: A New York Islanders podcast
Sports:Hockey
Mike and Dan kick off another season celebrating short-time Isles with ESPN's Greg Wyshynski discussing Alexander Semak, a notable Devil and forgotten Islander.
From his inclusion as part of the Devils' wave of Russian imports to his career high 37-goal season, Semak was an important player in that team's evolution from pretty good to Cup contender. But he was traded to Tampa Bay just before New Jersey won its first championship, then was traded again to a fisherman-clad Islanders team in abject disarray and going nowhere. Despite a GM firing, a skeptical, temperamental coach and a woefully deficient lineup that piled up losses, Semak somehow had a decent season of 20 goals. Then just as quickly as he arrived, he was gone, with a snarky soundbite from his coach an another (bonus) ex-Devil in his place.
Greg tells us how Semak helped the Devils during a formative time, and how fans lost track of him as they tasted Cup glory without him. The three then dissect Semak's lone Islanders season including his varied linemates, some of his more notable goals and the dreadful campaign the franchise experienced. Along the way, they cover the evolution of Lou Lamoriello, White Castles of New Jersey, the sick joys of dangerous arena parking and, somehow, Jean-Claude Van Damme. It's a headfirst dive into a brand new season of Weird Islanders so let's get deep.
Thanks again to Greg for coming on and giving us a ton of his time. You know where to find him.
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Islanders Anxiety - Episode 262 - We Saw It Coming
Weird Islanders: The Podcast! - Episode 36 - Taylor Beck, Christopher Gibson and the "Big" Trade that Wasn't (with guest Arthur Staple)
Islanders Award Winners: Billy Smith and Roland Melanson, Jennings Trophy, 1983
Islanders Anxiety - Episode 261 - A Confusing Time to Be Optimistic
Islanders Award Winners: Mike Bossy, Calder Trophy, 1978 (Part 2)
Islanders Anxiety - Episode 260 - Still on the Rails
Islanders Award Winners: Mike Bossy, Calder Trophy, 1978 (Part 1)
Islanders Anxiety - Episode 259 - Good, Bad and Resilient
Islanders Award Winners: Mark Fitzpatrick, Masterton Trophy, 1992
Islanders Anxiety - Episode 258 - Apologies To That Gentleman
Islanders Award Winners: Al Arbour, Jack Adams Trophy, 1979
Islanders Anxiety - Episode 257 - My Favorite Thing and My Least Favorite Thing
Islanders Anxiety - Episode 256 - My Mind is Clean
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