In the latest episode of “The Red Line,” Phil Farber (@PhilzFacts) and David Tuchman (@TuckOnSports) are back and trying their best to convince you that there are still hints of positives despite the Islanders’ offensive struggles.

The Isles lost the identity line and now don’t appear to have an identity, at least not yet. The defensive structure has been better, and the possession stats are solid, but the quality of shots and their repeated inability to score has been hard to overcome. Plus, the coach can’t settle on the bottom six, and players and the roster’s depth players aren’t making the most of their opportunities.

Subscribe to Isles Fix, your only daily New York Islanders newsletter.

t’s a special Isles “Quick Fix” podcast episode featuring former Islanders’ VP of Communications Chris Botta, who, as many of you know, was among the original Islanders blog/podcast/video personalities. For years, I refreshed Islanders Point Blank multiple times daily at the office for his latest article. Later, I would watch him and Brian Compton debate and answer questions from an SNY studio during an episode of Islanders Interactive.

With that context, it’s pretty cool to chat with him throughout the year in this format, and I hope you enjoy his unique and unfettered opinions as much as I do. Throughout the year, we’ll get together at inflection points when there is something of substance to talk about either on or off the ice, and this week seemed like the perfect time.

Subscribe to Isles Fix, your only daily New York Islanders newsletter: islesfix.substack.com

In the latest episode of “The Red Line,” Phil Farber (@PhilzFacts) and David Tuchman (@TuckOnSports) are back ahead of the start of the 2024-25 season. The Isles made more changes than they get credit for this off-season, and with Patrick Roy behind the bench for his first full season, there is excitement that this team can move beyond being a fringe playoff team and become a contender.

Subscribe to Isles Fix, the only daily New York Islanders newsletter: https://islesfix.substack.com/

In the latest episode of “The Red Line,” Phil Farber (@PhilzFacts) and David Tuchman (@TuckOnSports) are joined by draft guru and Lord of Fantasy hockey, Cam Robinson (@Hockey_Robinson), the Content Director at Elite Prospects Rinkside (@EPRinkside). Robinson breaks down a draft that may be deeper than people are giving credit for, including some of his favorite players.

They talk about Lou Lamoriello gaining an extra 2nd rounder by moving back in two spots, which players may still be on the board when the Islanders are on the clock at No. 20 (provided they keep the pick), and the current outlook on some of the team’s more highly regarded prospects.

In the latest episode of “The Red Line,” co-hosts Phil Farber (@PhilzFacts) and David Tuchman (@TuckOnSports) reflect on a season of ups and downs and talk about potential next steps for the franchise. After recapping what went wrong in the closer-than-it-appeared series against Carolina, the boys talk about the cost of the Isles’ goaltending moving forward, Noah Dobson’s next contract, and how the team can get better.

Subscribe to Isles Fix, your only daily New York Islanders newsletter: https://islesfix.substack.com/

In the latest episode of “The Red Line,” co-hosts Phil Farber (@PhilzFacts) and David Tuchman (@TuckOnSports) the boys feel vindicated and revel in the fact that, although there were moments of doubt, they were ultimately proven right about the playoff fate of the New York Islanders.

In this episode, the boys celebrate by talking about the job Patrick Roy did to turn around this season. They talk about all the things that went right during the playoff push and how Semyon Varlamov became the team’s savior, the difficult first-round match-up against the Carolina Hurricanes, and a lot more.

Subscribe to Isles Fix, your only daily New York Islanders newsletter: islesfix.substack.com

In the latest episode of “The Red Line,” co-hosts Phil Farber (@PhilzFacts) and David Tuchman (@TuckOnSports) can’t believe they’re talking about an Islanders team that controls their own playoff destiny with four games left to play after a 4-2 win over the New York Rangers, their fifth straight win.

In this episode, the boys talk about the strong play at 5-on-5, but a penalty kill that is still scary. Plus, the sensational play of Semyon Varlamov, the need to stay aggressive with the lead, and Peter Laviolette and Rangers fans whining after the loss on Tuesday night at UBS Arena.

Subscribe to Isles Fix, your only daily New York Islanders newsletter: IslesFix.Substack.com

In the latest episode of “The Red Line,” co-hosts Phil Farber (@PhilzFacts) and David Tuchman (@TuckOnSports) are lowering the white flag, at least for now, after three wins in their last four games have the Islanders one point out of a playoff spot heading into tonight’s game in Columbus.

In this episode, they discuss Simon Holmstrom’s strong performance vs. Chicago, whether Roy should ride Varlamov or Soorkin, the upcoming schedule, Barzal, and Horvat finally getting back together, and Noah Dobson’s prolonged slump.

Subscribe to Isles Fix, your only daily New York Islanders newsletter: islesfix.substack.com