Islesblog Podcast

Jiggs McDonald has been a NHL play-by-play announcer for more than 40 years, having been the original voice of both the Los Angeles Kings and Atlanta Flames before spending 15 seasons with the New York Islanders alongside Eddie Westfall, calling three Stanley Cup Winning teams. Having announced over 3,000 NHL regular season games, McDonald received the Foster Hewitt Memorial Award from the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1990. Although 'retired" Jiggs continues to broadcast Islanders games filling in throughout the season for Howie Rose. In Part 2, Jiggs and Joe discuss: -Jiggs' lone season of calling Mets games on SportsChannel in 1982 What strikes him as so unique and special about the Islanders during the Dynasty years - How Denis Potvin found out Mike Bossy may have had a higher salary during their career - The most memorable calls and moments from announcing Islanders games for 15 seasons - The unexpected run to the Conference Finals in 1992-93 - How soon after he "retired" Jiggs felt the pull back to the broa

Jiggs McDonald has been a NHL play-by-play announcer for more than 40 years, having been the original voice of both the Los Angeles Kings and Atlanta Flames before spending 15 seasons with the New York Islanders alongside Eddie Westfall, calling three Stanley Cup Winning teams. Having announced over 3,000 NHL regular season games, McDonald received the Foster Hewitt Memorial Award from the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1990. Although 'retired" Jiggs continues to broadcast Islanders games filling in throughout the season for Howie Rose. ​ In Part 1, Jiggs and Joe discuss: Jiggs humble beginnings in radio, from High School shows and copy writing to his first live hockey radio broadcast His audition for the expansion L.A. Kings with their Canadian born owner Jack Kent Cooke The origin of his nickname and his initial thoughts on his new moniker, "Jiggs" Going the Atlanta Flames to the Stanley Cup Champion New York Islanders for the 1980-81 season His instant chemistry with Eddie Westfall and why it was "love at first

n the latest edition of the IslesBlog Podcast, Joe Buono and Tom de Luca are joined by the play-by-play voice of the Islanders on WRHU 88.7FM. Kinger tells us what has surprised him most about the Islanders outstanding first 46 games, the impact Johnny Boychuk has made in the dressing room and why the top line has finally found it's groove. Later, Chris talks about the "Best Fourth Line Ever," Anders Lee's impressive rookie campaign and Brock's Nelson's scoring slump. Plus, questions submitted via the "Bleed Orange and Blue" Facebook Group and Chris talks about the added level of respect the Isles are receiving around the league.

Special Edition, Special Format ... We have the battle of the WFAN.com columnist. Its Friedman vs Cappellini, Cappellini vs Friedman. Will the Islanders finish in 1st place in the Metropolitan Division? Who would you want to be Halak's backup? Chad Johnson, Kevin Poulin or Martin Brodeur John Tavares will finish with more / less than 82 points this season? We all know Islanders fans want to keep both of them, but if you could only sign 1...who would you sign? Leddy or Boychuk? If you had to pick 2 of the 3 following players John Bailey will remain the LW for the rest of the season? The PK will finish better than 25th in the league Where would you rank Halak in the Eastern Conference goaltenders? The Islanders will reach the Conference Finals?

In the latest edition of the IslesBlog Podcast, Joe Buono and Tom de Luca are joined Steve Mears, co-host of NHL Live on the NHL Network. Steve talks about his time as the play by play voice of the Islanders, what he learned from Islanders broadcast team and his transition from the booth to the studio. Later, Steve explains why he feels the Isles are one the East's most dangerous teams, whether the Rangers are better now than they were last Spring and if the Penguins still have another Stanley Cup run in them. Plus, Steve gives his thoughts on the job Peter Laviolette has done in Nashville and tells us why the Islanders remind him of his hometown Pittsburgh Pirates.

Islanders Beat Reporter Arthur Staple of Newsday joins WHPC IslesNight w/ IslesBlog's Anthony Tartamella and Connor Moire

In the latest edition of the IslesBlog Podcast, Joe Buono and Tom de Luca are joined by New York Times NHL writer Allan Kreda. Allan reacts to the Islanders 7-4 matinee win over the Philadelphia Flyers heading into the All Star Break, John Tavares' hot streak, the steady play of Nikolai Kulemin and tells us if he thinks the Isles can keep their lead in the Metropolitan Division. Later, Kreda offers his opinion on the "best fourth line ever," Jaro Halak's propensity to mishandle the puck and chats about his experience hanging out with the Blue and Orange Army in Section 329.

It’s Episode 8 of PTIsles, the only video-based Islanders roundtable on the interwebz. This week, Joe Buono, Connor Moire and Brittany Sider revel in the bliss that was Tuesday night's 3-0 win over the New York Rangers at MSG and explain why John Tavares not registering a point isn't exactly a bad thing. Later, we answer viewer questions including one that asks which team we would root for if the Islanders ceased to exist! Plus, Brittany lets her feelings on the new All Star Games Jerseys heard, find out which one of our colleges didn't allow television and we update you on what you can expect from IslesBlog in 2015. Want us to answer your questions on the next episode? Use the #PTIsles hashtag to submit them. You can also listen to PTIsles on the IslesBlog iTunes Channel - Subscribe HERE

IslesBlog Podcast: MSG Analyst and former Islanders and Rangers Goaltender Steve Valiquette Talks Isles-Rangers, his playing career, goalie analytics and more with Joe Buono and Tom de Luca

It’s Episode 7 of PTIsles, the only video-based Islanders roundtable on the interwebz. This week, Joe Buono, Connor Moire and Brittany Sider look back at two very uninspiring efforts in Western Canada vs the Oilers and Cancuks, discuss whether Grabovski is deserving of getting the next shot on the top line and if Jack Capuano should win Coach of the Year, be fired or be viewed somewhere in between. Later, we take a look at the surging teams in the Metropolitan Division and discuss whether or not the Isles will be able to hold off the Rangers and Capitals in the second half. In a week where we have counted down the top 10 goals of the season thus far, we remember the best goals we have ever seen in person. One includes a milestone goal for a Pittsburgh Penguin and another we are scouring the internet for video evidence of. Want us to answer your questions on the next episode? Use the #PTIsles hashtag to submit them.

In this edition of the IslesBlog Podcast, Joe Buono and Tom de Luca are joined by the pbp voice of the Bridgeport Sound Tigers Phil Giubileo. Phil reflects on arguably the Islanders worst performance of the season in Edmonton, Jack Capuano hinting at more line changes, Michael Grabner's return and more. Later, we turn our attention to the Islanders AHL affiliate as Phil updates us on Cory Conacher's play, Ryan Pulock's injury and a very successful Star Wars promotion at the Webster Bank Arena. Finally, it's the return of "It Was Seen At The Coliseum" as Tom de Luca remembers Mike Bossy's 500th goal from January 2nd 1986.

In the latest edition of the IslesBlog Podcast, CBS Sports Radio / WFAN anchor Peter Schwartz and Joe Buono talk about the Isles latest blown 3-0 lead, the continued struggles of the backup goaltenders, not so ‘Special’ Teams and Nick Leddy’s outstanding play. Later, Peter gives his perspective on the Islanders leaving Nassau County and his experience traveling to and from Barclays Center.

It’s Episode 6 of PTIsles, the only video-based Islanders roundtable on the interwebz. This week, Joe Buono, Connor Moire and Brittany Sider react to the Isles 3-1 loss at home to the Montreal Canadiens heading into the Holiday break and try to make sense of the #IslesTwitter hysteria created by “Maintenance Days” and “Emergency Call Ups.” Later, we recall Islanders logo cameos on television and in the film and discuss the curious ticket situation for marquee games in the 2nd half of the season. Plus, find out that what Islanders present Connor Moire asks Santa for that Brittany already has in her possession. Want us to answer your questions on the next episode? Use the #PTIsles hashtag to submit them.

In the latest edition of the IslesBlog Podcast, Joe Buono is joined by former Islanders Defenceman Darius Kasparitis. Kasparitis was drafted 5th overall by the Islanders in the 1992 NHL Entry Draft and his personality, hip checks and agitating ways made him a fan favorite in his 5 seasons on Long Island. In 1996, Kasparitis was traded to Pittsburgh Penguins where he would find playoff success before playing briefly with the Colorado Avalanche and finishing his career with the New York Rangers.

It’s Episode 5 of PTIsles, the only video-based Islanders roundtable on the interwebz. This week, Connor Moire is back with Joe Buono and Brittany Sider as the trio talk about Josh Bailey's heroics, give their pick for best win of the season and try to figure out what's wrong with the Isles league worst penalty kill. Plus, we discuss what it would take to acquire Edmonton's Taylor Hall and Brittany decides if she would rather have the mumps over Jaro Halak. Want us to answer your questions on the next episode? Use the #PTIsles hashtag to submit them.

In this edition of the IslesBlog Podcast, Joe Buono and Tom de Luca talk with NY Daily News Islanders reporter Stephen Lorenzo on the team snapping their three game losing streak, criticism of Jack Capuano, John Tavares’ under whelming production and where he predicts the Isles will finish at the end of the season. Later, in "It was seen at the Coliseum," Tom de Luca remembers the 400th goal of former captain Bill Guerin's career.

In this edition of the IslesBlog Podcast, Joe Buono talks with Matt Saidman, Isles reporter for LIB Magazine and FiOS 1 News Long Island about Saturday's blown 3-0 lead at home against the Blues, the reliable play of Thomas Hickey, the thinning blue line, unfounded trade rumors and more. Also, in "It Was Seen at the Coliseum" Tom de Luca looks back at an 8 goal night highlighted by a Zigmund Palffy Hat Trick.

In the latest edition of the IslesBlog Podcast, Joe Buono and Tom de Luca chat with New York Post columnist Mike Vaccaro about the recent report of a possible Barclays opt out, hockey coverage in the media, Tavares as the face of New York Sports and his favorite franchise memories growing up on Long Island. Later, Bridgeport Sound Tigers play by play voice Phil Giubileo talks about the great play of Kevin Poulin, Ryan Pulock’s rocket shot and David Leggio’s play that has received over 1 million YouTube views. Plus, Tom de Luca remembers the Islanders team with the most points in franchise history. Joe, Tom and Mike discussed: The report of an Barclays Center opt out clause Where he was on during Game 6 on May 26, 1980 Media coverage during the Dynasty Years His love of Chico Resch and Clark Gillies How the move to Brooklyn will impact media coverage Why John Tavares remains his choice for the face of New York Sports Joe, Tom and Phil discussed: The strong play of Kevin Poulin in net The possibility of Ryan

In the latest edition of the IslesBlog Podcast, Joe Buono is joined by former Islanders Defenceman Rich Pilon who played parts of 12 seasons with the Isles from 1988-1999. Pilon was drafted by the team in 1986 and made his debut two years late at age 20 during the 1988-89 season. He was part of the 1992-93 team that beat the Washington Capitals and the 2x defending champion Pittsburgh Penguins to advance to the Eastern Conference Finals.

In this edition of the Isles Blog Podcast, Joe Buono features Paul Cartier, longtime New York Islanders organist who has been playing at the Nassau Coliseum since the early 1980's. Paul has also been the organist at Yankees Stadium since 2004. Joe and Paul discuss From Hofstra student to Islanders organist The playing of the Islanders Theme and "Let's Go Islanders" The Fans version of "The Chicken Dance" and other classics Playing at Yankees Stadium compared to The Coliseum His friendship with the legendary Bob Sheppard Favorite Islanders from the Dynasty Years Memories of the NVMC The move to Brooklyn and hockey at Barclays Center