Injuries Suck
A freak softball injury sparks a look at the New York Islanders' injury woes, from Anthony Duclair to Mathew Barzal, and why staying healthy is key for a 2025-26 playoff push.
Good Morning! A Little Housekeeping…
Before we get to why injuries suck, just a little update on this fine hump day.
During the season, I send out this newsletter before 7 AM ET every day. However, since we are now in the dog days of summer, expect it in your inbox by 9 AM ET.
Also, set your alarm for 1 PM ET — the 2025-26 NHL regular season schedules are expected to drop today!
Now, About That Injury…
I hurt my finger.
I’m a big softball guy and was out playing this past Sunday. I was fielding a ground ball at shortstop — something I’ve done countless times. I put my right hand above my glove, just like you’re taught.
The ball rolled into my glove…then ricocheted up and bent my pointer finger all the way back.
It swelled up like a balloon.
At the walk-in clinic, I explained what happened. They asked if my pointer finger was the one next to my thumb — I almost walked out. But the X-rays came back negative, and they gave me a splint.
Why It Matters (Sort Of)
The problem is, like Anthony Duclair with his groin, or Semyon Varlamov with his lower-body injury, I need that specific finger to be banging those keys.
But hey — we power through.
I feel like a true Islander: sustaining a freak injury at a not-so-ideal time.
Let’s Talk About Real Injuries
This past season was kind of insane. Beyond Duclair and Varlamov:
Mathew Barzal missed 52 games. Devastating.
Every member of the blue line missed at least one game.
Alexander Romanov missed 18 games, making it nearly impossible to find consistency.
Sure, the Isles mainly missed the playoffs because of poor special teams, but injuries played a significant part.
If they want any shot at rebounding in 2025-26, they need to find a way to stay on the ice.
Questions for the Season Ahead
Can Duclair bounce back from the groin?
Will Barzal, now moving back to center, stay safer from freak injuries?
With Varlamov undergoing long-needed surgery, will he be a more reliable backup for Ilya Sorokin?
Can Jonathan Drouin, who only played 43 games last season, stay healthy for his first year on Long Island?
That’s the hope.
Some Good News
Barzal and Bo Horvat — he got banged up at the Worlds — are both feeling good.
Varlamov’s recovery is going smoothly.
Duclair is expected to be ready for training camp.
As for Me…
Hopefully, my finger is back to form in time for the Brooklyn Memorial Cup for Alzheimer’s on July 27.
Thanks, as always, for reading.
— Stefen
ISLANDERS NEWS
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No one cares about the Islanders injuries. It’s professional hockey 🥅. Professional Sports is a creul Zero Sum Game. They lost a ton of games last year, because of defensive breakdowns and failure to produce on special teams. The speciality teams have been horrible when everyone is healthy. I think lack of talent is a bigger factor than injuries. Hopefully 🤞 that started to get addressed with Schaefer, Shabonov, Ritchie and Drouin. Also their unwillingness to engage physically. The degree of battle in front of our net was pathetic, and sure that affects the goaltending. I think with Darche evaluating every player every game, will produce everyone’s best. You half ass it I guarantee Darche is going to ship you out. The overall mindset of this team needs to be more gritty and detailed.
Sorry about your finger. What was their point in asking if your pointer finger was next to your thumb?