Isles Fix Podcast Network

Quick Fix: Trusting His Gut

Good Morning, Islanders Country. It’s a Quick Fix featuring Joe Buono (@IslesFix) and former VP of Communications for the Islanders, Chris Botta (@ChrisBottaNHL). In this episode, Joe and Chris dive into an honest and nuanced discussion about the Islanders’ move to acquire Brayden Schenn, unpacking why the trade is far more complicated than a simple “win or lose” transaction. The two examine the deal from several angles, including the perspective of the new Islanders GM, Mathieu Darche, the players in the room, and the fan base trying to make sense of the cost and timing. Joe and Chris walk through the reasoning behind the move, the price paid to land an aging middle-six center, and why opinions around the Islanders community remain divided. At the center of the conversation is Darche’s decision-making. As Joe and Chris explain, the easiest path would have been to stand pat when the asking price climbed too high. Instead, Darche chose conviction. The trade reflects a calculated decision to reward the current roster and show belief in the group already competing for the Islanders. Rather than risk looking back with regret about not doing enough, Darche acted boldly and aggressively, making a move that signals intent. The episode explores whether that kind of conviction is exactly what Islanders fans have been hoping to see from the front office—and what it could mean for the team moving forward. Get full access to Isles Fix at islesfix.substack.com/subscribe [https://islesfix.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]

Quick Fix: Enjoy The Ride

Good Morning, Islanders Country. It’s a Quick Fix featuring Joe Buono (@IslesFix) and former VP of Communications for the Islanders, Chris Botta (@ChrisBottaNHL). On this episode, Chris and Joe discuss how the magic and joy of this season have created an unexpected feel around the franchise and put the Islanders and GM Mathieu Darche in the position to be aggressive at the trade deadline, with the Islanders linked to multiple targets before Friday’s trade deadline. Chris and Joe discuss the buzz around Vancouver’s Connor Garland, Jordan Kyrou, and some other names, while assessing the type of deal and price that it would cost to add to a roster that could make some noise this post-season. Plus, we talk about the Islanders’ soaring attendance (is it all due to Matthew Schaefer?) and take questions from our followers. Get full access to Isles Fix at islesfix.substack.com/subscribe [https://islesfix.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]

Quick Fix: Where Things Stand

Good Morning, Islanders Country. It’s a Quick Fix featuring Joe Buono (@IslesFix) and former VP of Communications for the Islanders, Chris Botta (@ChrisBottaNHL). On this episode, Chris and Joe dig into the Islanders’ latest trades and ask the big question: Did Mathieu Darche make the most of the market right now, and is there still another bold swing left to take? From roster construction to timing, they break down what worked, what didn’t, and what might still be coming. They also talk about Patrick Roy coaching with real conviction—and why they firmly believe he’s a meaningful part of the Islanders’ future. Meanwhile, Matthew Schaefer keeps leaving them speechless with his off-ice performance and endlessly entertained by his media savvy, gleefully leaning into the Islanders–Rangers rivalry with subtle, knowing jabs after a season sweep of the Blueshirts. To wrap it up, Chris and Joe zoom out to the bigger hockey picture with a conversation about Netflix’s Miracle: The Boys of ’80—and what that team, that moment, and that belief have meant to generations of hockey fans. A packed episode full of analysis, perspective, and a little rivalry-fueled fun. Get full access to Isles Fix at islesfix.substack.com/subscribe [https://islesfix.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]

Quick Fix: If You Build It, Will they Come?

It’s a Quick Fix featuring Joe Buono (@IslesFix) and former VP of Communications for the Islanders, Chris Botta (@ChrisBottaNHL). In this episode, Chris and Joe dig into the most revealing comments yet from Islanders president of business operations Kelly Cheeseman, following his recent interview with Newsday [https://www.newsday.com/sports/hockey/islanders/islanders-ccwkumdq]. Just weeks into the job, Cheeseman, who categorized himself as “a builder,” has already identified the core challenge facing the franchise off the ice: how to grow a fanbase that is aging, overly concentrated on Long Island, and increasingly sensitive to the full game-day cost of attending games at UBS Arena. The conversation goes beyond the usual “just win more” debate. Chris and Joe explore whether success on the ice is enough on its own, or if the Islanders are finally taking calculated risks to expand their visibility across Queens, Brooklyn, and younger demographics. From parking headaches and transportation access to ticket pricing and perceived value, they break down the real barriers preventing casual fans from becoming regulars—and what Cheeseman can realistically change in the short- and long-term. Get full access to Isles Fix at islesfix.substack.com/subscribe [https://islesfix.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]

Quick Fix: Best of Both Worlds

It’s a Quick Fix featuring Joe Buono (@IslesFix) and former VP of Communications for the Islanders, Chris Botta (@ChrisBottaNHL). We’re back with our first episode during the 2025-26 season, which was our first opportunity to verbally marvel at what Matthew Schaefer has done on and off the ice for the team and the franchise. Chris and Joe discuss what’s impressed them the most about his media persona. Later, the importance of Ilya Sorokin, the Islanders’ balanced scoring attack led by Bo Horvat’s hot stick, and the initial impact of Mathieu Darche’s summer acquisitions. Later, Chris shares his perspective on Mathew Barzal being disciplined for missing the team bus (and yes, it has happened to other Islanders before, but maybe not so publicly) and what Kelly Cheeseman means for the business of the Islanders as their President of Business Operations. Get full access to Isles Fix at islesfix.substack.com/subscribe [https://islesfix.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]