Talkin' Isles is the official interview podcast of the New York Islanders. Join Radio Color Commentator Greg Picker and NewYorkIslanders.com Web Content Manager Cory Wright, as they welcome special guests, alumni, broadcasters and chat about all things involving the New York Islanders.
The Talkin' Isles podcast is truly a gem in the world of sports podcasts. From the moment I started listening, I was hooked by the dynamic and engaging conversations that take place between the hosts and their guests. The interviews are not only incredibly entertaining but also provide a wealth of information that I haven't heard before. It's refreshing to hear stories and insights that go beyond what you typically find in mainstream sports media.
One of the best aspects of this podcast is the depth of knowledge and passion that the hosts bring to each episode. It's clear that they have done their research and are well-prepared for each interview. This level of preparation allows them to ask thoughtful questions and delve into topics with a level of detail that is truly impressive. As a listener, it's incredibly satisfying to hear these in-depth discussions and learn something new about my favorite team.
Additionally, the behind-the-scenes stories and shenanigans shared on this podcast are an absolute delight. Whether it's anecdotes from players or staff members, these tales offer a glimpse into the inner workings of the team during its glory days. As someone who was in high school during those Dynasty years, reliving these memories through the podcast brings back an incredible sense of nostalgia. The hosts do an excellent job of painting vivid pictures with their words, making you feel like you're right there experiencing it all over again.
While it's difficult to find any major flaws with this podcast, one minor downside is that sometimes certain episodes may focus heavily on specific eras or events in Islanders history. While this may be interesting for hardcore fans who are well-versed in team history, it might not resonate as much with newer or more casual fans. However, considering how well-rounded and diverse the content is overall, this can easily be overlooked.
In conclusion, The Talkin' Isles podcast is a must-listen for any New York Islanders fan or even just hockey enthusiasts in general. The hosts' enthusiasm and expertise shine through in each episode, making for an incredibly enjoyable listening experience. The interviews are fascinating, the stories are captivating, and overall, it's a fantastic podcast that provides a deep dive into the history of this iconic hockey franchise. Keep them coming! Let's go Islanders!
Zach Parise joins Greg and Cory for Ep. 69 of the podcast. The former Islanders winger talks about playing at Shattuck St. Mary's Prep (4:54), getting drafted by the Devils in 2003 (8:35), his relationship with Lou Lamoriello (12:49), captaining the Devils to a Stanley Cup Final in 2012 (19:25), signing with the Islanders in 2021 (25:20) and more!
Cal Clutterbuck joined Greg and Cory for Ep. 68 of the podcast. The former Islanders winger talked about his draft day story in 2006 (10:55), his reaction to getting traded to the Isles in 2013 (20:56), his memories of the 2020 bubble playoff run (39:32), his relationship with Casey Cizikas and Matt Martin (51:34), his top five pet peeves about Cizikas (53:05) his stints with MSG Networks (1:05:13) and more!
Kenny Jonsson joined Greg and Cory for Ep. 67 of the podcast. The former Islanders defenseman talked about getting drafted 12th overall by Toronto in 1993 (4:27), how he became a baseball fan (7:18), playing with his brother Jorgen on the Isles in the 1999-00 season (8:29), his reaction to getting traded to the Islanders (9:30), sending the Isles to the playoffs in 2001 (12:24) and his reflection as a member of the Islanders Hall of Fame (19:22).
Josh Bailey joined Greg and Cory for Ep. 66 of the podcast. The former Islanders forward talked about his draft day memories (5:30), the origin of the "Hey Josh Bailey" song (20:46), his OT goal against the Penguins that led to "Game One to the Island" (30:48), the 2020 bubble run (32:50) and the guys wrap up with lightning-round questions (42:33).
Darius Kasparaitis joins Greg and Cory for Ep. 65 of the podcast. The former Isles defenseman talks about his upbringing in Lithuania (1:49), the culture shock of moving to Long Island (7:43), his famous big purchase in his rookie year (9:30), playing a five-OT game as a member of the Penguins (22:06), how he got pranked as an Isles rookie (22:56), spending time on LI in his post-playing days (26:43) and more!
Two-time Stanley Cup winner and recent Islanders Hall of Fame Inductee Brent Sutter joins Greg and Cory for episode 64 of the podcast. Sutter talks about his reaction to his Isles HOF induction (1:52), his famous family upbringing (2:50), the beginning of his NHL career with the Isles (11:50), the story of his trade to Chicago (25:11), winning the Stanley Cup in Vancouver in 1982 (41:36) and more!
Former Islanders forward and Stanley Cup Champion Kyle Okposo joins Greg and Cory for Ep. 63 of the podcast. Okposo talks about being recruited by J.P. Parise during prep school (3:26), getting drafted by the Isles in 2006 (8:10), the 2013 playoffs against Pittsburgh (21:17), his fond memories of the Coliseum (24:47), his relationship with Josh Bailey (38:00), winning the Stanley Cup with Florida in his final NHL season (45:36) and more!
Former Islanders forward Steve Webb joins Greg and Cory for Ep. 62 of the podcast. Webb talks about his unique path to his hockey career (3:26), playing minor league hockey in Kentucky (18:08), his early Isles tenure (22:07), living in the "frat house" with the Islanders (36:07), the 2002 playoffs (40:50) and more!
Former Islanders center and four-time Stanley Cup Champion Bob Bourne joined Greg and Cory for Ep. 61 of the podcast. He talks about why he wanted to be an Islander (5:55), the 1975 playoff run (7:00), the closeness of the team in the mid 70's (10:50), the buildup to the dynasty days (16:30) repairing the Stanley Cup in his garage (18:52), his famous end-to-end goal against the Rangers in Game Five in 1983 (20:45) and more!
Former Islanders defenseman Mark Streit joined Greg and Cory for Ep. 60 of the podcast. Streit talks about growing up in Switzerland (1:49), his NHL Draft story (12:19), the Islanders' 2013 playoff run (21:57), signing with the Islanders in 2008 (15:53), playing for Team Europe in the 2016 World Cup of Hockey (27:49), his watch company (31:41) and more!
Three-time Olympic Gold Medalist and SportsNet Analyst Jennifer Botterill joined Greg and Cory for Ep. 59 of the podcast. She talks about winning a National Championship - and scoring the clinching goal - for Harvard in the 1999 (6:06), preparing for the 1998 Nagano Olympics (8:30), broadcasting the Islanders on MSG Networks (14:09), her role on Hockey Night in Canada (19:13) and her excitement for the PWHL (22:40).
Do you have a question for a Talkin' Isles guest? Submit your question through the Acrisure Fan Advantage for a chance to be featured in a future Talkin' Isles episode!
Former Islanders winger Matt Moulson joined Greg and Cory for Ep. 58 of the podcast. Moulson talks about scoring in his first NHL game (13:32), becoming an Islander in 2009 (15:58), scoring two goals in 'Fight Night' vs the Penguins (21:08), his four-goal game in 2011 (23:14), the 2013 playoff push (26:59), scoring in the 2024 Alumni Classic (37:23) and more!
NHL Insider and 32 Thoughts Co-Host Elliotte Friedman joins Ep. 57 of the podcast. Elliotte talks about his career start in broadcasting (2:08), his impressions of the Islanders growing up (4:17), interviewing Al Arbour (6:42), covering the 2002 Islanders-Maple Leafs playoff series (9:45) while wrapping with a game of word association (11:55).
Pat LaFontaine joins Greg and Cory for Ep. 56 of the podcast. The Hall of Famer talks about growing up in St. Louis (1:52), getting drafted third overall in 1983 (12:59), participating in the 1984 Winter Olympics in Sarajevo (15:07), his five-point performance in his second NHL game (18:40), scoring the game-winner in the Easter Epic (24:52), Northwell Presents The Park at UBS Arena (34:20) and more!
Former Islanders forward Dave Scatchard joins Greg and Cory on Ep.55 of the podcast. He talks about his junior days with the Portland Winterhawks (1:35), being drafted by the Vancouver Canucks 42nd overall in 1994 (6:54), his trade story to Long Island (23:08), the special team bond in 2001-02 (30:49), the 2002 playoff series against Toronto (36:28) and more!
Former Islanders forward Richard Park joins Cory and Greg on episode 54 of the podcast. Park talks about growing in LA (1:55) and moving to Toronto at 13 to pursue hockey (3:20), the legacy of Jim Paek (7:11), playing for the Islanders (23:54), scoring two goals in the Dubie poke check game (34:50), winning the Bob Nystrom Award (39:55) and more!
Islanders legend Ed Westfall joins Greg and Cory for Ep. 53 of the podcast. The first Isles captain talks about the 1972 Expansion Draft (1:57), how he became the Islanders first captain (4:20), representing the Isles as their first All-Star (24:52), the 1975 playoff run and the Kate Smith story (26:36), playing his whole career without a helmet (36:19) and his reaction to having a rank named after him on LI (52:07).
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Former Islanders forward Tom Chorske joins episode 52 of the podcast. Chorske talks to Cory and Greg about: playing for Lou Lamoriello and winning a Stanley Cup with the Devils in the early-to-mid 1990s (11:10), playing with Alexei Yashin (17:27), being road roommates with Zdeno Chara in his rookie season (24:35), his penalty shot goal on Patrick Roy (28:55), work with United Heroes League (31:20) and more!
The New York Islanders (5-6-3) take on the Vancouver Canucks (11-3-1) in the second outing of a four-game Western swing. Bo Horvat is returning to Vancouver for the first time with the Isles, while Matt Martin is expected to return to the lineup after sitting out on Monday. Former Islander Anthony Beauvillier also shares memories of his time with the team.
The New York Islanders (5-5-3) kick off a four-game Western road trip against the Edmonton Oilers (3-9-1). The Isles are looking to snap a four-game winless skid (0-3-1), while Kris Knoblauch makes his NHL head coaching debut for the Oilers. Adam Pelech is a game-time decision, while Julien Gauthier is expected to draw into the lineup for the first time since Oct. 21.
The New York Islanders (5-4-3) take on the Washington Capitals (6-4-2) on Saturday, Nov. 11 at UBS Arena. Adam Pelech (DTD, lower body) will miss the contest, while Pierre Engvall is back in after missing Thursday as a healthy scratch. Saturday is also Military Appreciation Night at UBS Arena.
The New York Islanders (5-3-3) take on the Boston Bruins (10-1-1) on Thursday, Nov. 9 at TD Garden. Bo Horvat is a game-time decision and Adam Pelech is expected to play after taking a maintenance day on Wednesday. The Bruins lead the Eastern Conference with 21 points and are averaging the fewest goals against per game (1.92) in the league this season. The Islanders are also hosting the team's first ever Moms' Trip.
New York Islanders and MSG Networks statistician Eric Hornick joins episode 51 of the podcast. Hornick talks about how Jiggs McDonald helped him break into the business (7:48), how Jean Potvin made him part of the 1982 Stanley Cup parade (11:42), working with Jiggs McDonald, Howie Rose and Brendan Burke (15:30), how he keeps track of all the Isles stats (19:22), the skinny on his blog, The Skinny (22:50), the It Happened at the Coliseum t-shirts (29:35) and more!
The New York Islanders (5-2-3) host the Minnesota Wild (4-5-2) on Tuesday, Nov. 7 at UBS Arena for the first of two meetings between the two teams. Scott Mayfield is expected to play, while Bo Horvat and Adam Pelech are considered game-time decisions. Semyon Varlamov riding a two-game shutout streak and is expected to be between the pipes for New York. The Islanders will face Marc-Andre Fleury in net for Minnesota.
The New York Islanders take on the Carolina Hurricanes for the first time since last year's playoffs. The Isles are riding a four-game point streak (3-0-1). Defenseman Adam Pelech will not play Saturday as he deals with a lower-body injury. Saturday is also Hockey Fights Cancer night at UBS Arena. Greg Picker has all that and more in the Talkin' Isles Morning Skate Report.
The New York Islanders (4-2-2) are taking on the Washington Capitals (4-3-1) at Capital One Arena on Thursday, Nov. 2. Scott Mayfield skated with the team for the fourth straight day and is a game-time decision, per Head Coach Lane Lambert. The Capitals are without Nicklas Backstrom and Nic Dowd but still present a stiff test for the Islanders in the first of four games of the season series.
The New York Islanders (4-2-1) return home to host the Detroit Red Wings (5-3-1) on Monday, Oct. 30. Scott Mayfield participated with the team for morning skate, but is expected to miss his seventh consecutive game. Casey Cizikas is set to play his 753rd game as an Islander, which will surpass Mike Bossy for ninth on the all-time games played list for the club.
The New York Islanders (3-2-1) are in Columbus for their second road game of the season to take on the Blue Jackets (2-2-1) on Saturday, Oct. 28. Scott Mayfield is will miss his sixth consecutive game, while Semyon Varlamov is expected to make his second appearance of the season. The Blue Jackets are armed with Johnny Gaudreau, Boone Jenner and Zach Werenski, but are without Patrik Laine in the lineup.
The New York Islanders (2-2-1) look to snap a three-game winless streak as they welcome in the Ottawa Senators (3-3-0) on Thursday, Oct. 26 at UBS Arena. Mathew Barzal and Noah Dobson carry four-game point streaks into Thursday's tilt against a Senators team on a two-game losing skid. The Islanders will also face former teammate Travis Hamonic, who played for the Islanders from 2010-2017 and is expected to play in his 800th NHL game on Thursday.
Former Islander winger PA Parenteau joined Cory and Greg for Ep. 50 of the podcast. Parenteau talks about his days in the American Hockey League (8:00), his perspective on the Islanders-Rangers rivalry (10:52), having career-years with the Islanders (11:56) Hoppy the bunny (19:01), his relationship with Michael Grabner (20:43), playing with Kyle Palmieri on the Devils (22:57) and more.
The New York Islanders take on the Colorado Avalanche on Tuesday night and are looking to snap a two-game winless streak. Simon Holmstrom is expected to draw back into the lineup on a new-look line with JG Pageau and Oliver Wahlstrom, while Scott Mayfield is expected to miss a fourth-straight game. The high-octane Avs are 5-0-0 to start the season and Tuesday pits the Isles home-ice advantage against Colorado's 14-game road winning streak.
The New York Islanders travel to Buffalo to take on the Sabres at Keybank Center in the second half of a back-to-back set. Semyon Varlamov is expected to make his season debut between the pipes for New York. The morning skate report has all you need to know ahead of the Islanders' first road game of the season.
The New York Islanders host the New Jersey Devils on Friday night at UBS Arena. Scott Mayfield will miss his second consecutive game, with Samuel Bolduc skating in his place for a second straight game. The morning skate report has everything you need to know to get set for the Islanders' first Metropolitan Division matchup of the season.
The New York Islanders host the Arizona Coyotes at UBS Arena on Hispanic Heritage Night. Scott Mayfield is out, Samuel Bolduc is in and Matt Martin will suit up in his 900th game. The morning skate report has everything you need to know to get set for Tuesday's tilt.
The New York Islanders kick off the 2023-24 season on Saturday night against the Buffalo Sabres at UBS Arena. A new season calls for a new podcast, and the morning skate report has everything you need to know to get set for Saturday's home opener.
Former Islanders goaltender Cory Schneider joins Greg and Cory for Episode 49 of the podcast, after announcing his retirement from professional hockey in September. Schneider talks about playing hockey at Boston College (3:19), getting drafted in the first round by the Canucks in 2004 (7:33), his reaction to getting traded to the Devils (22:12), backing up at Nassau Coliseum (26:00), joining the Islanders organization in 2021 (32:59) and his 27-save win against the Devils in 2022.
Former Islanders goaltender Thomas Greiss joins Cory and Greg for episode 48 of the podcast. Greiss talks about his upbringing in Fussen, Germany (3:36), his first season with the Islanders in 2015-16 (8:15), his 47-save performance in Game 5 against the Panthers in 2016 (11:41), the 2020 NHL Bubble Playoff run (21:08),his perspective on retirement after 14 NHL seasons (24:46) and more.
Former Islanders defenseman Adrian Aucoin joins episode 47 of the podcast. Aucoin talks about, playing on the 1994 Olympic team (6:15), breaking into the NHL with Vancouver (10:25), playing with Pavel Bure, Alex Mogilny and the mid-90s Canucks (12:45), averaging nearly 30 minutes a night for the Islanders (19:06), the 2002 playoffs against the Maple Leafs (25:55), the 2004 NHL All-Star Game and winning the hardest shot competition (29:00), playing 1,000 games (38:37) and more!
Former Islanders goalie Evgeni Nabokov joins episode 46 of the podcast. Nabby talks to Cory and Greg about playing goalie as a kid in the Soviet Union (2:00), playing minor league hockey in Kentucky (7:20), his hybrid goalie style (12:05), scoring a goal (16:51), debuting with the Islanders in 2011-12 (22:40), the run to the 2013 playoffs (27:35), his relationship with Stan Fischler (34:10), playing at Yankee Stadium (34:45) and more.
Ray Ferraro, former Islanders forward and current ESPN broadcaster, joined Cory and Greg for Ep. 45 of the podcast. Ferraro talks about his junior career with the Brandon Wheat Kings (4:30), his time playing with the Hartford Whalers (10:19) the Islanders run to the conference finals in 1993 (20:07), Al Arbour's influence (24:40), his famous pass to David Volek (34:05), his first time broadcasting on TV (43:42) and more.
Butch Goring, 4x Stanley Cup Champion, former coach and current broadcaster on MSG Networks joined Cory and Greg for Ep. 44 of the podcast. Goring talked about how he got his nickname “Butch” (1:59), winning the Calder Cup in 1971 with the Springfield Kings alongside Jean Potvin and Billy Smith (10:20), his famous trade to Long Island in 1980 (19:35), winning the Conn Smythe in 1981 for Playoff MVP (22:14), signing autographs for fans during intermissions (26:40), providing color commentary MSG Networks (40:32), and more!
Former Islanders goaltender Glenn Healy joins episode 43 of the podcast. Healy talks about playing college hockey (3:10), stories from the minors (5:10), playing with Wayne Gretzky in LA (9:45), being roommates with John Tonelli (12:50), the 1993 run (18:40), the Heals and Flats show (26:45), playing bagpipes on stage with Paul McCartney (32:32), backing up at the Coliseum (38:34) and more!
Jamie McLennan, former Islanders netminder and current analyst on TSN, joined Cory and Greg for Ep. 42 of the podcast. McLennan explained how he got his nickname “Noodles” (1:21), what he learned from being coached by Butch Goring (4:33), his roots in Edmonton and being drafted by the Islanders in 1991 (6:55), bulldozing a mascot with the encouragement of Billy Smith (10:00), stories of his Isles teammates in the early 90s (18:52), his international playing experience in the UK and Asia (30:21) and more!
Bryan Trottier, the Islanders franchise leader in points (1,353) and games played (1,123) joins episode 41 of the podcast. The Hall of Famer and 7x Stanley Cup champion (4x with Isles) talks to Cory and Greg about growing up in Saskatchewan (2:15), getting drafted in 1974 (6:37), scoring six points in a period (14:17), winning the Hart Trophy (16:25), taking the Stanley Cup home in 1980 (18:30), rooming with Mike Bossy (23:10), tying up the Easter Epic (26:27), sitting in the middle seat on the team plane (28:48) and playing guitar (33:30) more!
Freddy Meyer IV joins episode 40 of the podcast. Meyer talks to Greg and Cory about: being recruited by Boston University (3:40), playing at various levels with Rick DiPietro (6:30), playing in the AHL during the 2004-05 lockout (11:05), Dennis Seidenberg's workout habits (13:08), getting traded to the Islanders (15:45), going from Long Island to Phoenix and back (21:50), Miro Satan (30:05), coaching kids (36:50) and more!
Former Islanders defenseman Dave Lewis joins episode 39 of the podcast. Lewis talks about growing up with Bob Bourne (2:48), the 1975 playoffs (8:15) and how elephant dung played a factor (11:00), being traded for Butch Goring (19:00), the Miracle on Manchester (23:12), comparing Al Arbour and Scotty Bowman (30:40), the 2002 Red Wings (35:10), Lewis' bagel order (43:20) and more.
Former Islanders winger Mark Parrish joins episode 38 of the podcast. Greg and Cory talk to Parrish about: Minnesota high school hockey (2:05), playing with Pavel Bure in Florida (9:25), Oleg Kvasha (11:25), playing in the 2002 All-Star Game (16:20), the 2002 playoffs (20:10), living in the frat house (24:17), pranking Shawn Bates (27:20), playing in the 2006 Olympics (31:56) and more!
Former Islanders defenseman and current MSG analyst Thomas Hickey joins episode 37 of the podcast. Hickey talks to Cory and Greg about playing junior hockey in Seattle (2:30), getting drafted by the LA Kings (9:30), getting picked up by the Islanders in 2013 (20:25), Lubomir Visnovsky (26:40), his OT winners (33:00), his hit on Jonathan Drouin in 2016 (37:31) and more.
Greg and Cory talk to former Islanders radio play by play voice Barry Landers, who was behind the mic from 1981-97. Landers talks about the Long Island Ducks (2:10), becoming the Islanders radio voice (14:50), working with Jean Potvin (20:25), calling the Easter Epic (24:10), working with Bob Nystrom (29:50), mentoring Hofstra students (36:05) and more.