Welcome to IFAN - The Ultimate New York Islanders Podcast
Welcome to IFAN - The Islander Fan Audio Network! As the premier New York Islanders podcast, we bring you the latest scores, team updates, current events, and exclusive guest interviews. IFAN is committed to delivering the most accurate, in-depth, and honest coverage of the New York Islanders, ensuring our listeners are the most informed fans around!
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In this power-packed episode, Steve and Ray go full throttle into the New York Islanders’ 2025 draft class. Who’s the next breakout star? Which late-round pick could surprise everyone? They dissect every move, every pick, and every potential game-changer. The boys then take a closer look at GM Mathieu Darche’s bold vision for the team’s future. From strategic trades to culture-shifting decisions, Darche is leaving his mark—and Steve and Ray are here to break it all down with sharp analysis and insider insight.
Special Feature: Chris “Knuckles” Nilan Joins the Show! Former NHL enforcer and host of the Raw Knuckles Podcast, Chris Nilan sits down for an unfiltered, emotional, and unforgettable interview. He shares raw stories from his days throwing punches on the ice, opens up about personal battles off it, and offers a perspective on hockey that’s as gritty as it is inspiring.
Whether you're a die-hard Isles fan, a hockey history buff, or just love a good story—this episode delivers.
Recent Episodes
The boys start by recapping the Florida Panthers’ dominating 5-1 victory over the Edmonton Oilers in Game 6—a win that secured their second consecutive Stanley Cup. T
By analyzing Florida’s balanced construction and relentless forechecking, the duo unearths lessons for the Islanders—highlighting how a well-rounded team approach can overcome a star-studded, top-heavy opponent.
With the first overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, the Islanders are poised to select Matthew Schaefer—a dynamic left-shot defenseman touted for his two-way play and ability to anchor a young blue line. However, the conversation doesn’t stop at Schaefer. The buzz swirling on social media and across the league points to a tantalizing possibility: drafting local hero James Hagens, the Long Island native and Boston College standout.
Ray and Steve weigh in with their opinion.
Former Rangers and Islanders GM Neil Smith joins the discussion, adding a layer of historical and front-office wisdom.
Steve and Ray unpack the significance of hiring Matthieu Darche as the Islanders’ new General Manager and Executive Vice President. Coming from a successful stint with the Tampa Bay Lightning—where he helped secure two Stanley Cups—Darche brings an invaluable mix of operational savvy and championship pedigree.
Securing the first overall pick in the upcoming 2025 NHL Draft gives the Islanders a rare chance to redefine their roster around a potential cornerstone player. Steve and Ray explore some of the top prospects and assess which talents could best serve the franchise’s long-term ambitions:
talent is undeniable, questions about his physicality and consistency add an extra layer to the debate over his readiness for the NHL stage.
In a particularly moving segment, former Islanders head coach Ted Nolan shares insights from his new book, Life in Two Worlds. His narrative is as much about personal growth as it is about professional evolution:
Ray and Steve dive into the implications of a leadership change at the top of the Islanders’ hockey operations. With the departure of Lou Lamoriello on the horizon, they explore the various directions the organization could take—whether it’s hiring a seasoned veteran with a track record of playoff success or someone with fresh ideas to re-tool the team for a more modern era. The discussion breaks down notable candidates and the challenges they face, such as aligning with the existing roster and capitalizing on upcoming assets like high draft picks, while weighing the legacy and potential pitfalls of past leadership.
In an unexpected twist, the Islanders’ improbable draft lottery win has the team sitting at the top of the draft board. Ray and Steve analyze what this means for the club’s future, breaking down the first-round options available. They detail the top prospects on the board, discussing their strengths, potential upside, and how each might fill crucial gaps in the current lineup. Beyond simply being a numbers game, the conversation elaborates on how the right pick could synergize with the new leadership’s vision, acting as a cornerstone for rebuilding a competitive team in a short period of time.
Adding another rich layer to the discussion is former Madison Square Garden President Bob Gutkowski. In this episode, Gutkowski brings not only his seasoned perspective on team operations and management but also shares insights from his new book, Gut Punch.
Ray and Steve dissect the seismic firing of GM Lou Lamoriello, uncover the fallout following the cancellation of beloved radio broadcasts, and spotlight minority owner John Collins and his evolving role within the franchise's hockey operations.
NY Post columnist Phil Mushnick sits down with the brothers and offers a trenchant critique regarding the impact of Lamoriello's departure, and the current state of the team as well as the negative impact of"wokeness" within the sports media industry.
S1 E4 - Playoff Hopes Slipping with Current Slide, Interview with Islanders Organist Paul Cartier
Ray and Steve paint a vivid picture of the Islanders' current struggles and future uncertainties. The team's post-deadline record, marred by a five-game losing streak, has cast a shadow over their playoff hopes. While some players, like Pierre Engvall, have stepped up with notable performances, others have faced criticism for their lack of impact, such as Anthony Duclair. The offseason should bring significant changes, but with GM Lou Lamoriello silent about a potential overhaul to infuse youth and address the team's shortcomings, will we be subject to yet another boring and dismal Islanders season next year?
Adding a nostalgic touch, their interview with Paul Cartier, the Islanders' legendary organist, highlights his enduring contribution to the team's atmosphere over decades. Cartier's journey from a young fan to a beloved fixture at Islanders games is a testament to his passion and dedication.
S1 E3 - POST DEADLINE SPECIAL EDITION Featuring Man in the Stands - Eric Altstadter
The boys offer their reaction to the moves and non-moves made at the trade deadline, attempt to analyze the inner workings of Lou Lamariello's brain and interview this show's "Man in the Stands", long time season ticket holder and Booster Club member, Eric Altstadter.
S1 E2 - Trade Deadline & WFAN's Peter Schwartz
This episode Steve and Ray recap the Four Nations USA-Canada Finale, take a deep dive into the Islanders' current payroll and salary cap situation as well as ponder possible directions the team could take with their myriad of options at the trade deadline. Special guest Peter Schwartz talks about his fan journey with the team, and gives his personal insight into what the Isles should do at the deadline and beyond.
Our first crack at bringing you the best, deepest and most honest coverage of the new York islanders. We cover the Four Nations Tournament, spotlight Brock Nelson, discuss the upcoming trade deadline along with our exclusive "Man in the Stands" interview with longtime season ticket holder Joe Lucatorto. Tune in for of this and more!
