Islanders Off-Season 2015: Isles Radio Questions & Poulin Claimed

It looks like the hosts for the Maple Leafs radio broadcasts will be calling road games from a studio in Toronto.  ESPN, NFL Network and FS1 have done similar things with their own brand of broadcasting and it does seem to be somewhat of a changing trend in the sports industry.  It is an apparent decision from New Leafs GM, Lou Lamoriello to not allow broadcasters on the team’s charters for away games.  So for an organization valued at $1.3B by Forbes, it’s a curious budget cut for Toronto.

So what if anything will that mean for your New York Islanders?  Well, it’s too early to tell but Brett Yormark has promised a major announcement regarding the new radio that should be breaking very soon with all but the last few details apparently being finalized.  Whether or not Chris King will continue to call the games or if a major terrestrial radio outlet will host the broadcasts is unknown.  We don’t even know what we can expect from the new brand of Brooklyn based Isles radio.

With modern social media and alternative platforms for delivery, the broadcasting landscape has changed since your Father followed his favorite team back in the day.  Fans can now employ Radio, Streaming, Internet support, Facebook & Twitter updates or platforms like Slingbox to catch up on their favorite team’s nightly contests.

While I am a believer in Radio for those trapped in their cars or stuck at work, it is especially beneficial for fans out of the NY area who could tune into NHL Satellite Radio for their home teams local NHL broadcasts. I am sure fans have had more than enough second fiddle television coverage on MSG and sub-par radio production & exposure while trying to follow their team.  We are tired of seeking another team’s broadcast to try and follow Isles hockey on a given night.

Technology is nice, but there are a few things that I hope the new incarnation of Isles radio can still bring to its fans.

I want Chris King to remain with the call and to have a real radio outlet that will get Islanders games cleanly and clearly to fans all over the world. 

The Isles put Kevin Poulin on waivers with intentions of sending him to Bridgeport, but the Tampa Bay Lightning claimed the goaltender and released Ray Emery from his PTO. 

Poulin was the Islanders 5th round selection, 126th overall in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft.  The 25 year old seemed to be a big part of the New York’s future plans in net until he suffered a dislocated knee in the 2010-11 season that he struggled to recover from on the ice.  Poulin finished his 5 year in and out Isles career with a 18-25-3 record and seemed to be expendable after the organization acquired Christopher Gibson (Grabner trade) to play with Stephon Williams in AHL Bridgeport.

@kevinpoulin60 “So excited for this new challenge!! Thanks to the @NYIslanders and all the isles fans for the support. #HelloTampa”

Isles Notes:

The Islanders will face the Washington Capitals again on the road Sunday night.  The season opens on Friday, 10/9 against the Stanley Cup Champion, Chicago Blackhawks.


The Islanders have dropped to 2-5 on the preseason after a 3-1 loss to Washington.  Kirill Petrov scored for New York late in the game with Greiss on the bench, but rally fell short.  Thomas Hickey left the game due to injury.

Tavares, Strome & Pulock scored on Saturday against Carolina in Halifax, NS, but the Isles blew a 1-0 and 2-1 and 3-2 lead before falling to the Canes, 5-3.

Isles lose both split squad games. 5-2 to Flyers and 4-2 to NJ.

NHL Notes:

Per @NHLhistorygirl, “On this date in 1942, the Brooklyn Americans suspended operations and the NHL shrunk to six teams for the next 25 years.”