UNDERRATED: Can Ilya Sorokin & New York Islanders PROVE The Athletic WRONG and EXCEED Expectations?

The New York Islanders face skepticism as The Athletic projects major regression—can Peter DeBoer's system and rising stars defy the doubters? Gil Martin examines what Anders Lee’s departure, lack of firepower, and reliance on Ilya Sorokin mean for the Islanders’ playoff hopes, while spotlighting Cal Ritchie, Matthew Schaefer, and the coach’s impact on defensive structure. Key topics include Scott Mayfield shifting to a potential seventh defenseman role, Alexander Romanov’s off-season transformation, and the critical need for a revitalized power play. Plus, Gil Martin previews the final preseason battles against the Rangers and Devils, debates fan poll results on Bo Horvat vs. Mathew Barzal, and celebrates Garry Howatt’s gritty legacy. Can the Islanders turn disrespect into motivation and prove the experts wrong as the new season dawns? All this and more on today's Locked On Islanders Podcast with Gil Martin. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Butcher Box If you're looking for an easier way to get great meals on the table, give ButcherBox a try. Go to https://ButcherBox.com/LOCKEDONNHL to get $20 off your first box, plus your choice of free ribeye, new york strip, or filet mignon in every box for a year — with free shipping always. Talkiatry Head to https://Talkiatry.com/LOCKEDONNHL to complete the short assessment and get matched with an in-network psychiatrist in just a few minutes.  Odoo Great organizations win because operations matter. And that’s why you should get Odoo. Try for free today at https://Odoo.com/lockedon. Indeed Now, you can speed up your hiring process with a $75 Sponsored Job Credit. Just go to https://indeed.com/podcast right now and support our show by saying you heard about Indeed on this podcast. Terms and conditions apply. KALSHI Today's episode is brought to you by Kalshi. For a limited time, Download Kalshi and use code Locked On to get $25 when you trade $25. Kalshi. Trade what’s next. FanDuel This season, FanDuel is making the excitement go beyond what happens on the field with the all-new FanDuel Rewards Club, featuring exclusive offers, surprises, and more. Every week, check the FanDuel app to see what’s waiting for you or visit https://FANDUEL.COM  to get started.  FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms… 🎧 https://link.chtbl.com/LOIslanders?si... Locked On NHL League-Wide: Every Team, Fantasy, Prospects & More 🎧 https://linktr.ee/LockedOnNHL And follow the show and Gil Martin on Twitter where he'll share the latest news on your New York Islanders and will talk with fans like you. On Twitter:   / lockedonisles   and   / icewarsnyrvsnyi   #Islanders #NYIslanders #NHL