The New York Islanders ride Ilya Sorokin’s hot hand as playoff race intensifies—will the team’s best player carry them to the postseason? Gil Martin breaks down the latest line shifts ahead of the crucial matchup with the Florida Panthers, shares insight on Bo Horvat, Anders Lee, Mathew Barzal, and provides injury updates. The episode spotlights Victor Eklund’s much-anticipated AHL debut for Bridgeport, the ongoing development of Cole Eiserman, and why prospect progression is key for the Islanders’ future.

Matthew Schaefer’s record-breaking rookie season takes center stage, with comparisons to franchise legends like Vladimir Malakhov and Denis Potvin. Scoreboard watching heats up as rivals close the gap, putting added pressure on the Islanders to win out. Gil previews pivotal matchups, tracks Eastern Conference standings, and lays out what the Islanders must do to clinch a playoff spot. Don’t miss this pulse-pounding analysis as the Islanders fight for their postseason lives.

All this and more on today's bonus episode of The Locked On Islanders Podcast with Gil Martin.

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Indeed
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FanDuel
Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. During the tournament FanDuel is offering$300 back in Bonus Bets every day for ten days. Visit https://FANDUEL.COMto get started — Play Your Game.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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The New York Islanders reclaim the final playoff spot with a gritty 2-1 win over the Dallas Stars. Can Ilya Sorokin’s heroics in net carry this team through the final playoff push?

Gil Martin dissects the Islanders’ defensive-first formula, driven by Sorokin’s stellar performance and timely goals from Bo Horvat and Cal Ritchie. Updates on Ryan Pulock’s injury return and Tony D’Angelo’s absence shake up the blue line, while lineup changes—like the Soucy-Pelech pairing—offer hope for stronger defensive execution. Plus, insights on Patrick Roy’s evolving strategy, power play concerns, and how recent trades impact New York’s style of play.

Looking ahead, Saturday’s matinee against the Florida Panthers comes into focus as Gil Martin previews key matchups and playoff implications. Don’t miss analysis, faceoff stats, and the Islanders Birthday of the Day—celebrating Alan Kerr’s legacy on Long Island.

All this and more on today's Locked On Islanders Podcast with Gil Martin.

Quo
Make this the year where no opportunity — and no customer — slips away.
Try Quo for free plus get 20% off your first 6 months when you go to http://Quo.com/lockedonnhl.

Indeed
Now, you can speed up your hiring process with a $75 Sponsored Job Credit. Just go to https://indeed.com/podcast right now and support our show by saying you heard about Indeed on this podcast. Terms and conditions apply.

Robinhood
You’re no longer just a spectator. Play by play. You decide. Trade Every Play with Robinhood. Now available across the U.S. Download the Robinhood app now to begin. Futures and cleared swaps trading involves significant risk and is not appropriate for everyone. Event contracts are offered by Robinhood Derivatives, LLC., a registered futures commission merchant and swap firm.

FanDuel
Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. During the tournament FanDuel is offering$300 back in Bonus Bets every day for ten days. Visit https://FANDUEL.COMto get started — Play Your Game.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The New York Islanders face critical defensive uncertainty ahead of a must-win clash with the Dallas Stars. Ryan Pulock’s game-time decision and Alexander Romanov’s potential early playoff return spark hope for a depleted blue line, but can the Isles withstand Dallas’ offensive pressure without key contributors? Gil Martin spotlights the breakdown of defensive pairings, lineup changes, and how Patrick Roy’s fast-paced system impacts high-danger chances all season.

Drama intensifies as Mikko Rantanen, linked to Romanov’s serious November injury, opts out of the matchup—raising questions about accountability and NHL Player Safety. The episode covers Rantanen’s controversial history, the Islanders’ lack of response, and the playoff implications of tonight’s showdown. With vital points on the line, can New York capitalize on Dallas’ setbacks and secure their position in the postseason race? Don’t miss Gil Martin’s insightful analysis of roster moves, injury updates, and strategies shaping the Islanders’ playoff push.

All this and more on today's bonus episode of the Locked On Islanders Podcast with Gil Martin.

Quo
Make this the year where no opportunity — and no customer — slips away.
Try Quo for free plus get 20% off your first 6 months when you go to http://Quo.com/lockedonnhl.

Indeed
Now, you can speed up your hiring process with a $75 Sponsored Job Credit. Just go to https://indeed.com/podcast right now and support our show by saying you heard about Indeed on this podcast. Terms and conditions apply.

Robinhood
You’re no longer just a spectator. Play by play. You decide. Trade Every Play with Robinhood. Now available across the U.S. Download the Robinhood app now to begin. Futures and cleared swaps trading involves significant risk and is not appropriate for everyone. Event contracts are offered by Robinhood Derivatives, LLC., a registered futures commission merchant and swap firm.

FanDuel
Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. During the tournament FanDuel is offering$300 back in Bonus Bets every day for ten days. Visit https://FANDUEL.COMto get started — Play Your Game.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.