CULTURE

Footer Column 2

Footer Legal

Footer Main

Nav Bar

OTHER

SPORTS

Subscribe, at any level, to play

Thanks for your interest in Defector Crosswords!

Become a subscriber today to get unlimited access

Thanks for reading!

Plans start at $8/month.

Subscribers enjoy unlimited, ad-free browsing.

Register to continue

Or click here to subscribe for unlimited, ad-free access!

Our gift to you: This year's post is unlocked. Register your email to get even more free articles.

Welcome to the 2025 Hater's Guide!

Just register your email:

This blog is free to read.

This is Defector, a new sports blog and media company. We made this place together, we own it together, we run it together. Without access, without favor, without discretion, and without interference.

Defector

Samer Kalaf

New York Islanders Raise Money For A Convicted Killer Because He’s A Cop

Lauren Theisen

The Islanders Swap Coaches With Four Games Left In A Playoff Chase

ELMONT, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 21: Matthew Schaefer #48 of the New York Islanders looks on against the San Jose Sharks at UBS Arena on October 21, 2025 in Elmont, New York.

Get Excited About The Islanders’ Fearless Teen

ELMONT, NEW YORK - MARCH 04: (EDITORS NOTE: This image was created using in-camera multiple exposure). The New York Islanders skate in warmups prior to the game against the Winnipeg Jets at UBS Arena on March 04, 2025 in Elmont, New York.

I Love Watching Warm-Ups

The Islanders Couldn’t Fake It For 60

Lucas Raymond celebrates his goal with his teammates

Who Wants To Be The Eighth Seed In The East?

Barry Petchesky

EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - FEBRUARY 18: Goaltender Igor Shesterkin #31 of the New York Rangers makes a save on a shot attempt by Matt Martin #17 of the New York Islanders during the first period of the 2024 Navy Federal Credit Union Stadium Series game between the New York Rangers and the New York Islanders at MetLife Stadium on February 18, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Dave Sandford/NHLI via Getty Images)

Sometimes An Outdoor Hockey Game Still Delivers

Medical staff tend to Adam Pelech #3 of the New York Islanders during the third period Montreal Canadiens at the Bell Centre on January 25, 2024 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The Montreal Canadiens defeated the New York Islanders 4-3. (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images)

If This Wasn’t A Truly Filthy Hit, I Don’t Know What Is

Kathryn Xu

Ilya Sorokin #30 of the New York Islanders makes the save on Elias Pettersson #40 of the Vancouver Canucks.

To Watch The Canucks Is To Believe In The Canucks

John Tavares On Long Island Is No Longer Outrageous

The Sebastian Aho Power Rankings: Game 5

Shayne Gostisbehere leaps onto the back of an Islanders player

The Hurricanes Won Themselves Some Wiggle Room

Jason Zucker sprays ice as he stops in front of Petr Mrazek

The Penguins And Islanders Are Having A Mid-Off

WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 10: Anders Lee #27 of the New York Islanders leaves the ice after obtaining an injury during a game against the Washington Capitals at Capital One Arena on April 10, 2023 in Washington, D.C. (Photo by John McCreary/NHLI via Getty Images)

The Islanders Came Up Small

Senators goalie Kevin Mandolese in action

The Senators Are Great Spoilers

Bo Horvat is congratulated by Mat Barzal after scoring

Don’t Worry, Bo Happy

Lou Lamoriello attends Islanders practice

Islanders GM: It’s My Fault We Suck

ELMONT, NEW YORK - JANUARY 21: &lt;&gt; at UBS Arena on January 21, 2023 in Elmont, New York. (Photo by Mike Stobe/NHLI via Getty Images)

Sebastian Aho Definitively Won The Battle Of Sebastians Aho

ELMONT, NEW YORK - MARCH 03: Head coach Barry Trotz of the New York Islanders speaks with the media prior to the game against the Vancouver Canucks at the UBS Arena on March 03, 2022 in Elmont, New York. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

Barry Trotz Takes The Fall

The Islanders Really Need To Come Home

Anthony Beauvillier celebrates after scoring

So, Do You Believe?

That Was An Ass-Kicking

Ray Ratto

Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 and Thanasis Antetokounmpo #43 of the Milwaukee Bucks celebrate the win of game seven of the Eastern Conference second round at Barclays Center on June 19, 2021 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. The Milwaukee Bucks defeated the Brooklyn Nets 115-111 in overtime to win the series.