NY Islanders: Eyes on Isles Podcast: Sniffing The Playoffs

In the latest edition of the Eyes on Isles Podcast, Joe Buono (@IslesFix) and Andy Francess (@AndyFrancess) reunite after a week away from each other. Who was to blame for last week's missed show? You can listen and decide, but we're moving on.

The co-hosts discuss the Islanders controlling their own destiny and debate the line combinations as the team gets healthier and searches for the right mix. When JG Pageau returns to the lineup, it will move someone out of the regular lineup. Simon Holmstrom is a candidate, but he and Pageau played well defensively together earlier in the season. Meanwhile, Josh Bailey was skating back on the top line on Monday. Could he be a candidate to lose his spot in the lineup with the emergence of Hudson Fasching and the return of Cal Clutterbuck, or is he destined for a top-six spot regardless?

Later the two break down whether the change in the Islanders' play was solely a reaction to the Barzal and Pageau injuries or if Lane Lambert adjusted his coaching style. Was it more the coaching or the players focusing on the things they should have been focused on all along? Which is worse? That they thought they could win the other way for 50+ games or that the players were not putting in the type of effort necessary to win games consistently?

Plus, Andy explains who his "sniffers" are and the perpetual nose sculpture that is on its way to his studio. Then Joe tips his hat to the Hockey Night in NY telecast for a first-class production, and with Shakira attending games, do fans want the Islanders to become a "big market" franchise? The business side of things wants more A-list celebrities and newsworthy pop culture moments at games, but that does run counter to the way much of the fanbase views the franchise.

Take a listen. Enjoy!