Weird Islanders: The Podcast! - Episode 43 - Chris Osgood (with guest Michael Paul Smith)

Islanders Anxiety: A New York Islanders podcast

Joined again by podcaster and actor Michael Paul Smith, we remember when the Islanders were gifted two time Stanley Cup champion goalie Chris Osgood, who helped their quick transformation in the early 2000’s.

The late 90’s Detroit Red Wings and Islanders were barely playing the same sport. One was the best team of its era and the other was all but dead in the water. But after making splashy trades for centers Michael Peca and Alexei Yashin, the Islanders - now owned by billionaire Charles Wang - were in position to take advantage of the Red Wings having to put Osgood on waivers after they signed Dominik Hasek. With “Ozzy” giving them the best netminding they had seen in years, the Islanders emerged as a force and rolled into a classic playoff series against Toronto.

Mike, Mike and Dan talk about where they were when they heard about Osgood’s acquisition (shoutout to Cheesecake Factory) and how wild it was to see such a respected, decorated player wearing the blue and orange. Well, at least some blue and orange... with Osgood’s mismatched pad set-up being just as memorable as the team he played on. We talk about how quickly he fell into the Islanders mindset, how his trade away a year later let the air out of an exciting run and how Osgood remembers his short time on Long Island (Spoiler: it’s occasionally painful).

Thanks again to Michael for coming on again. It’s always great catching up with him. Listen to his hilarious sketch comedy podcast Ted and Michael Read Sketches into Microphones wherever you get your podcasts.

Don’t forget about our live event at the brand new Offside Tavern in NYC on March 30th at 4 pm. Bring your Weird Islanders jerseys, shirts and swag because we want to hear your stories for a live podcast to be released soon after.

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Visit our friends:

• Vintage Ice Hockey for t-shirts, hoodies and jerseys with hundreds of classic hockey logos, and our Al Arbour and The Island merch which benefit dementia research. Use the code ANXIETY20 to save 20% off an order of two items.
• The Pinot Project has a Rosé, a Pinot Grigio and a Wine Enthusiast Best Buy Pinot Noir, all under $15 a bottle. Available at local wine stores and UBS Arena.
• Visit Lighthousehockey.com for the most up-to-date Islanders news and discussion.
• Islanders Anxiety podcasts are part of the Fans First Sports Network (@FansFirstSN).

Our theme is "Knuckles" by Björn Falk. Hear more of his music on Spotify and at Bandcamp.

Drum sfx via Zapsplat.com.

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