Quick Fix: The Bitter End

Quick Fix: The Bitter End

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 react to “Clean Out Day” interviews with players and GM Mathieu Darche following the bitterly disappointing end to the Islanders’ 2025-26 season. We dig into Darche’s comments defending his in-season trades, which he says helped the team but didn’t lead to team success. Based on his comments, the big changes some expect may not come with a roster that has few spots open, and several contracts that will be hard to move. Later, we discuss the treatment of Anders Lee this season, and the type of deal Darche may make to have the captain return and play his 1,000th game in an Islanders uniform. Plus, Barzal and Ritchie say they’re centers, Bridgeport loads up for the post-season, and reasons to be optimistic about next season. 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: Easter Sunday Shocker

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 didn’t dance around it — Mathieu Darche’s decision to fire Patrick Roy with just four games left in the season and immediately bring in Peter DeBoer is as stunning as it gets. In the middle of a playoff push, with everything still technically in front of them, the Islanders didn’t just tweak — they detonated. The Islanders are spiraling, losers of four straight, watching their playoff position slip while other teams gain ground. Darche felt like he had no choice — that something, anything, had to change to spark a response. But this wasn’t just about the next four games. This was about control. Darche inherited Roy. He didn’t hire him. And now, at the exact moment where the season can still be salvaged, but failure is a real possibility, Darche makes the move that he owns. 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: Down The Stretch

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 react to the team’s inexcusable loss to the Chicago Blackhawks, which has the Isles back outside of a playoff spot, and the fanbase once again doubting whether they’ll have enough to find their way back in. We get each of their predictions for where the Islanders will be at season’s end. Throughout the show, they take questions from social media on Mathew Barzal’s lack of effort on the game-changing goal, whether Patrick Roy’s longevity as coach will be impacted by the way the season ends, and Mathieu Darche’s calculated gamble that hasn’t quite worked out. 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: 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]