Episodes
The Islanders are on a 4-1 stretch, and Matt Watling is happy with the team's defense, but not so happy with Lane Lambert's usage of Aatu Raty. Also on the show, why a .500 road trip is not good enough, Puck Headlines and Best Bets for a Thursday slate.
Published 01/05/23
Published 01/05/23
With a chance to end the road trip 2-1-2, Matt accepts the Islanders' ability to tread water on the five-game trip. Also, Stefen Rosner of NYI Hockey Now joins the show to chat about his favorite media dinners, Mullet Arena, Ilya Sorokin's recent play and more. Plus, Matt's locks are back!
Published 12/22/22
Ilya Sorokin has struggled through his last four games, and Matt tries to make sense of it. Also on the show, how the Isles' recent stretch has left fans wanting more, Bo Horvat to the Islanders and Puck Headlines. Plus, Matt's red-hot Best Bets!
Published 12/15/22
After a brief hiatus, Matt is back to break down the Islanders' horrid defense and why the NHL should've given the Vezina to Ilya Sorokin yesterday. Also on the show, Puck Headlines, which teams are most likely to fall out of their current playoff spots, Best Bets and more!
Published 12/08/22
The Islanders' comeback win over Columbus kept Matt satisfied despite being shut out 2-0 by the Coyotes. Matt addresses the Islanders' offense and if it can keep pace as a top-5 unit in the NHL. Also on the show, Greg Wyshynski of ESPN joins Matt to chat about the Islanders, the Metro division and Taco Bell. Plus, Top 5-Bottom 5, Matt's red-hot picks and more!
Published 11/17/22
The Islanders came back from down 3-1 in back-to-back games, but is that a good thing? Matt breaks down the last week of play, including historic wins vs. the Flames and Rangers. Also on the show, a trip around the NHL with Puck Headlines and Top 5, Bottom 5, plus the week ahead provides the Islanders a chance to truly dominate the opposition.
Published 11/10/22
The Islanders are riding a four-game win streak and it's been the speed and resiliency that really stands out for Matt. Also on the show, what the gutsy performance vs. Chicago showed, Puck Headlines and more.
Published 11/03/22
The Islanders took down the Rangers minutes before recording the podcast and saving the Islanders from a winless week. Matt breaks down the week that was, chat with Stefen Rosner of NYI Hockey Now and has a take on Josh Bailey and where he stands in Islanders' history. Also on the show, Top 5 Bottom 5, Puck Headlines and Matt's favorite Halloween candy.
Published 10/27/22
Matthew Watling dives into the new wrinkles the Isles have shown this season, the league at-large and hears from Lane Lambert and Oliver Wahlstrom. Also on the show, former Islanders' beat writer and ESPN Radio's Alan Hahn checks in.
Published 10/20/22
Matthew Watling debuts the new show and shares a little bit about his Islanders' history and what brought him to Bleav. Later, he dives into a season preview for the Islanders with two potential outlooks for the team, explains who the most important Islander is going to be and shares his Top 5 and Bottom 5 teams heading into the season.
Published 10/13/22
The Islanders are really struggling on and off the ice. With a 5-8-2 record, they are last in the Metropolitan Division – not only that, they have seven players with COVID-19, two with serious injuries and a new arena to get comfortable with. The season is 15 games young, but we must ask the question: are the Islanders in trouble? I analyzed this dilemma with Drive4Five contributors Jacob Beekman and Jack Kobil, who encouraged fans to always believe and stay positive, but simultaneously...
Published 11/24/21
UBS Arena is like a... football stadium? The biggest issue in getting the building ready is... cleaning up the trash? Parking lots right next to... communities? Yeah, there is a lot we do not know about UBS Arena. However, Newsday columnist Neil Best joined me to discuss it all. He shared his perspective – including all they things he learned on his exclusive tour Wednesday – and told Islanders' fans what they can expect at the home opener Saturday night. So, if you are interested about UBS...
Published 11/18/21
You do not want to miss this. I spoke with Newsday Investigative Reporter Jim Baumbach about UBS Arena and Nassau Coliseum – and he had a lot to share. Listen to this episode to find out why the hotel and shopping center at UBS Arena are not set in stone, why Nassau Coliseum is not paying rent and why the no tailgating and no honking rule at UBS Arena might actually be strictly enforced. Once again, this is a must-listen, so don't miss it! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and...
Published 11/17/21
It is time to talk about the things Islanders' fans are debating most: Zdeno Chara. The 44-year-old defenseman has played every game for the Islanders this season, but many feel there are better options in the organization. I spoke with two special guests – Jake Basile and Andrew Gagnon – who discussed whether Chara should be an everyday player. What do you think? Be sure to listen to this episode so you can make your decision! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California...
Published 11/03/21
The Islanders' season has been a roller coaster. They started off with two tough losses before earning an important win in Chicago Tuesday night. Christian Arnold covers the Islanders for New York Islanders Hockey Now and he knows a lot all about this team – inside and out. On Episode #6 of Bleav in Islanders, we discussed his background, his experience on the beat and all the big storylines – from Ilya Sorokin, to Oliver Wahlstrom, to Zdeno Chara, to UBS Arena. Don't miss it! See Privacy...
Published 10/21/21
What is the #PelechPosse? This phenomenon is taking the Islanders' fanbase by storm, showing steadfast support for Adam Pelech as he grows into one of the best defensemen in the NHL. Not only that, a group outing is being planned, so if you want to find out more information about this special day, this is the episode for you! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Published 10/13/21
You know him as Sign Guy. But behind the sign is a man, one who has a family, friends and many unique talents. On the fourth episode of Bleav in Islanders, I spoke with Patrick Dowd to go over his philosophies in life, his passion for the Islanders and his expectations for the team this season. If you want to learn more about the fan known around the fanbase, this is the show for you! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at...
Published 10/06/21
New York Islanders beat writer for Newsday Andrew Gross has known Lou Lamoriello for over 20 years. On the third episode of Bleav in Islanders, we discussed what exactly makes Lamoriello tick – from his strict rules, kind heart and ambitious goals. If you want to learn more about the man who runs the Islanders, this is the show for you! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Published 09/17/21
On the second episode of Bleav in Islanders, I sit down with Pittsburgh Penguins beat writer for The Athletic Josh Yohe to discuss the Islanders-Penguins rivalry. We will go over all the big moments – including playoff series from 2021, 2019, 2013 and 1993, plus Sidney Crosby's return from his concussion and Fight Night. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Published 09/15/21
On the first episode of Bleav in Islanders, I grade the Adam Pelech, Kyle Palmieri, Anthony Beauvillier, Ilya Sorokin and Casey Cizikas extensions, discuss Zach Parise's fit with the Islanders and predict who will replace Nick Leddy as the second-pair left-handed defenseman. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Published 09/08/21
As the Islanders embark on their Drive4Five, join me on my new podcast, Bleav In Islanders, to discuss every moment of the journey.
Published 09/03/21