Kelly: The fans voted, the design is in, and the Islanders have a brand new third jersey for the season. But that's not the only thing we're breaking down today.
Gary: And we've got your questions on the biggest roster battles, the goaltending situation, and a little bit of fun. Let's get into it.
Kelly: Welcome back to the Beatline Podcast Network, Islanders Nation! I'm Kelly, and as always, Gary is here with me. Today is a mailbag episode, so we're answering your questions.
Gary: And we've got a lot to cover. From the new jersey to the center logjam, and everything in between. Let's dive right in.
Kelly: First up, we're going to talk about that third jersey, then we'll get into the roster battles, and we'll end with some quick takes and a fun hypothetical. Stick with us.
Kelly: Alright, let's start with the big news. The Islanders announced the fan-voted third jersey winner: 'Navy Lighthouse.' Gary, what do you think of the design?
Gary: It's a great concept. The fans clearly wanted something that pays homage to the lighthouse and the team's identity. It's a bold move to let fans decide, but it paid off.
Kelly: Absolutely. And we have a question from Sarah in Rochester: 'Will the new third jersey be worn for specific games or is it a full-time alternate?'
Gary: Typically, third jerseys are worn for select games throughout the season. The team will likely announce a schedule of when they'll wear it. It's a special occasion jersey, not an everyday thing.
Kelly: So when we see it, it'll be a treat. Next question from @IslesFanMike: 'With the new jersey, why did the team also launch a fan design contest for 2027-28?'
Gary: That's interesting. It seems like the organization is embracing fan involvement. They probably want to keep the momentum going and maybe even create a tradition of fan-designed jerseys.
Kelly: It's a smart move to engage the fanbase. Now, let's talk about the preseason bold predictions grading. We made some predictions a few days ago. How are we looking?
Gary: Well, we predicted the Islanders would finish top three in the Metro. Right now they're sitting sixth, but it's still early. We also predicted Calum Ritchie makes the opening night roster and Varlamov gets traded. Those are still in play.
Kelly: So no egg on our faces yet. Good. Let's take a question from Marcus in Denver: 'With the defenseman market resetting, how does that affect the Islanders' blue line?'
Gary: That's a great question. The market is going up, but the Islanders have a solid core with Pelech, Pulock, and Romanov. They're locked in. It might affect future contracts, but for now, they're set.
Kelly: So no panic there. Let's move on to the roster battles. We have a question from Jenna in Patchogue: 'Who wins the backup goaltender spot between Vanecek and Varlamov?'
Gary: That's a tough one. Sorokin is the clear starter, but the backup role is up for grabs. Varlamov has experience, but Vanecek might be the future. I think Vanecek gets the edge, but it's close.
Kelly: We predicted Varlamov gets traded, so that would open the door for Vanecek. Let's see how it plays out.
Kelly: Alright, let's dive into more roster questions. This one's from @LighthouseLarry: 'With all the centers on the roster, who gets moved to the wing?'
Gary: That's the million-dollar question. You got Barzal, Horvat, Pageau, Cizikas, MacLean, Ritchie, Schenn, and Palmieri. Someone has to shift. I think Palmieri and Schenn can play the wing, and Ritchie might start on the wing to ease him in.
Kelly: We predicted Ritchie makes the roster. Where do you see him fitting in?
Gary: He could be the third-line center, but Pageau is there. Maybe they ease him in on the wing on the third line. He has the skill to adapt.
Kelly: Another question from Nicole in Farmingdale: 'Will Matias Maccelli get a top-six wing spot like you predicted?'
Gary: I think so. He's a skilled winger who can create offense. With the center depth, he could slot in with Barzal or Horvat and provide that scoring touch.
Kelly: Let's talk about the blue line. We have a question from @BlueLineBen: 'Which defensive pairings look best for opening night?'
Gary: Pelech and Pulock are a lock as the top pair. After that, Romanov could pair with Mayfield or DeAngelo. There's a lot of competition, but I think Romanov and Mayfield bring stability.
Kelly: What about the young guys like Matthew Schaefer and Isaiah George?
Gary: They're the future, but they might need a little more time. If they impress in camp, they could push for a spot, but the veterans have the edge.
Kelly: So the blue line is deep. Now, a question from Tom in Ronkonkoma: 'Who wins the last forward spot on the roster?'
Gary: That's a battle between guys like Foudy, Luff, and Chaffee. They're all fighting for a bottom-six role. I think Foudy's speed gives him an edge, but it's wide open.
Kelly: It's going to be a competitive camp. Let's take a quick break and come back with some fun questions.
Kelly: Welcome back. Time for our fun hypothetical. This one comes from @IslesInsider: 'If you could pick one current Islander to take a penalty shot in a Game 7, who would it be?'
Gary: That's easy. Barzal. His hands and speed make him deadly in a one-on-one situation. He's got the moves to beat any goalie.
Kelly: I'd actually say Horvat. He has a heavy shot and a quick release. In a pressure situation, you want someone who can just rip it.
Gary: Can't argue with that. Let's do a lightning round. We'll give quick takes on some hot topics. First up: Who's the most underrated player on the roster?
Kelly: I'm going with Casey Cizikas. He's the heart and soul of the fourth line, and he does so much that doesn't show up on the scoresheet.
Gary: Good pick. I'd say Adam Pelech. He's a shutdown defenseman who doesn't get enough credit. He's the anchor of that top pair.
Kelly: Next: Over or under 95 points this season?
Gary: We predicted 95-100 points. I'm going over. This team has the goaltending and defense to be competitive.
Kelly: I'm with you. I'll take the over.
Gary: One more: Will Barzal hit 90 points?
Kelly: I said it earlier, and I'm sticking with it. Career-high 90 points. He's due.
Gary: I think it's possible. With the right line mates, he could do it.
Kelly: Alright, that's our mailbag for today. Quick recap: We talked about the new jersey, the goaltending battle, the center logjam, and we made some bold predictions.
Gary: Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review the show. Share it with your fellow Islanders fans.
Kelly: And as always, let's go Islanders!