New York Islanders

Puck Junk Podcast: Patrick Roy Returns to the NHL

Plus: The Upcoming NHL All-Star Game
Episode #176: January 27, 2024

In the new Puck Junk Podcast, Sal, Tim, and Clemente talk about Patrick Roy’s return to the NHL as the new head coach of the New York Islanders. They also discuss the new format for the upcoming NHL All-Star Game, if you can go to a card show without buying anything, if Fanatics will eventually make hockey cards, and more. It’s 115 minutes of hockey goodness. 

Links
The card where Topps airbrushed the Upper Deck Logo (Puck Junk)
Review: 2003-04 Topps C55 Hockey (Puck Junk)
Video: Patrick Roy vs. Bruce Boudreau (YouTube)
Video: Patrick Roy vs. Mike Vernon Goalie Fight (YouTube)
Video: Patrick Roy vs. Chris Osgood Goalie Fight (YouTube)
Video: Ron Hextall vs. Alain Chevrier Goalie Fight (YouTube)
1987 Canada Cup Game 3: An Oral History (The Hockey News)

Follow
Follow Sal Barry on X/Twitter @PuckJunk & Instagram @PuckJunk. 
Follow Tim Parish on X/Twitter @TheRealDFG & Instagram @therealdfg66.
Follow Clemente Lisi on X/Twitter @ClementeLisi. 
Podcast music by Retro Game Remix – follow them on YouTube. 

Listen
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or Transistor.

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Support 
Support this podcast and buy a shirt from the Puck Junk Online Shop. ■

The Islanders at 50: How to Own a Piece of Team History

The New York Islanders are celebrating a milestone this season. The other hockey team from New York is turning 50 and even a Rangers fan such as myself can pause to pay homage to a rival franchise.  

Founded in 1972, the Islanders immediately made an impact at the time when the NHL was looking to grow. After just two years of existence, the Isles would go on to secure 14 consecutive playoff berths. It was during that impressive run that the Islanders captured four straight Stanley Cups, dominating the league between 1980 and 1983.

The team’s 19 straight playoff series victories – spanning a time between 1980 and 1984 – remain a feat that is the envy of any North American sports team. The Islanders remain the last team of any major U.S. sport to win four consecutive championships.  

The team’s heyday, however, was followed by an era plagued by scandal, mismanagement and low attendance. The team has failed to win a division title since 1988 and went a staggering 22 seasons without winning a playoff series, a negative streak that finally ended in 2016. The team moved into a new arena last season, trading the famed Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum for the new UBS Center.

Collectors interested in Islanders memorabilia and collectables, both past and present, will focus their energies on the eight former members of the team inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame, seven of whom (Mike Bossy, Clark Gillies, Denis Potvin, Billy Smith, Bryan Trottier, coach Al Arbour and general manager Bill Torrey) were all key members of that early ‘80s dynasty.

From trading cards and autographs to more whimsical items such as music albums and bobbleheads, here are a series of collectibles you may want to add to your wish list (especially now as the holidays draw closer) to commemorate the Islanders’ milestone season.

Continue reading “The Islanders at 50: How to Own a Piece of Team History”

Puck Junk Podcast: Remembering Mike Bossy

Plus: The NHLPA Internal Investigation 
Episode #116: April 21, 2022

In the newest Puck Junk Hockey Podcast, Sal Barry and Tim Parish talk about the career of the late Mike Bossy, including his numerous career accomplishments, and some of his most-notable hockey cards. They also discuss the NHLPA’s internal investigation on its mishandling of the Kyle Beach Case, the retirement of Blackhawks announcer Pat Foley, a look back at Wayne Gretzky’s last game, and new hockey cards. 

Click to enlarge graphic to see Tim and Sal’s favorite Mike Bossy cards.

Show Notes and Links:
Career in Cards: Mike Bossy (Puck Junk)
The NHLPA Report Regarding Union’s Response to Kyle Beach (PDF) 
Why Blackhawks Loaned Kyle Beach to a Team in Sweden (Third Man In)
Pat Foley’s Legendary “Bannerman!” Call (Video)
NHL Network Opens Upper Deck Hockey Cards (Video)
Marshawn Lynch Drives the Seattle Kraken Zamboni (Video)
Wayne Gretzky Final Game Last Moments (Video)

Follow Sal Barry on Twitter @PuckJunk & Instagram @PuckJunk. 
Follow Tim Parish on Twitter @TheRealDFG & Instagram @therealdfg66.
Podcast opening and closing music by Jim “Not the Goalie” Howard.

Subscribe to the Puck Junk Hockey Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Stitcher, Podchaser, PocketCasts, Castbox , Castro,
Overcast, TuneIn and SoundCloud.

Love hockey? Join the Puck Junk Facebook Group and subscribe to Puck Junk on YouTube. 

Support this podcast and buy a shirt from the Puck Junk Online Shop. ■

Snap Shots: Mike Bossy Passes Away

This week was a mix of highs and lows for the world of hockey. Legend Mike Bossy passed away, the NHLPA released its internal investigation into its handling of Kyle Beach, and a longtime play-by-play announcer made his final call. But a first-overall pick also made an impressive debut and women’s hockey might take a giant step forward next year. It’s all recapped in this week’s edition of Snap Shots. 

Continue reading “Snap Shots: Mike Bossy Passes Away”

Snap Shots: Hockey World Reacts to Russian Invasion of Ukraine

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine was on all our minds last week. Naturally, talk about the war found its way into hockey circles. Hockey is a global sport. Many of the game’s best players are from Russia, and there are numerous international hockey tournaments, from the annual World Junior Championships and World Championships, to the quadrennial Winter Olympics which just recently took place. 

In a life-and-death situation like this, that can impact hundreds of thousands of lives, athletes and sportswriters cannot just “stick to sports.” That said, several prominent current and former NHL players spoke out about the war in Ukraine and what it could potentially mean for Russian hockey players. 

Other hockey news this week includes two players reaching career milestones, another player having his jersey number retired, and the passing of one of hockey’s all-time great builders. 

Continue reading “Snap Shots: Hockey World Reacts to Russian Invasion of Ukraine”

Snap Shots: Bruins Honor Willie O’Ree

Good morning and welcome to Snap Shots. This week, we’ll take a look at two players who had their numbers retired, a pay bump for hockey players, and a “pissing match” between an NHLer and a journalist.

Continue reading “Snap Shots: Bruins Honor Willie O’Ree”

Blake’s Takes: Career Resurrections and Milestones

In this week’s column, I’ll highlight two of my favorite players that have resurrected their careers this season. There were also a few notable milestones reached last week that I want to write about. Get ready for another great column and let’s have a great week.

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Blake’s Takes: Coyotes in Search of a New Home

Welcome back to my column. One day late but better late than never. This week, I’ll lead with the Arizona Coyotes on the verge of homelessness after this season. I’ll also share my thoughts on one NHL coaches’ quest for new work as well as a few player milestones.

Happy Tuesday!

Continue reading “Blake’s Takes: Coyotes in Search of a New Home”

Blake’s Takes: Auston Matthews Named NHL 22 Cover Athlete

It’s been a slower few weeks around the NHL and hockey community. It gives me some time to catch up on a few of the major stories that dominated headlines over the last week or two. This week, I’ll address a few notable extensions, EA Sports’ NHL 22 cover star, and unfortunate death in the hockey community.

Let me know your thoughts in the comments.

Continue reading “Blake’s Takes: Auston Matthews Named NHL 22 Cover Athlete”

Blake’s Takes: Stalemates in the Conference Finals

I’m back after a week off and we’re right in the thick of the Conference Finals. Both series are nearing their end as both matchups have given us amazing hockey. This week, I’ll take a look at both matchups and the four teams that are still alive.

I’ll also share a few of my favorite stories from across the league, including two notable extensions and one fun and inclusive hire in the Pacific Northwest. Happy Tuesday!

Continue reading “Blake’s Takes: Stalemates in the Conference Finals”