Articles by Jim Precourt
Blackhawks Need to End the Jeff Blashill Experiment
The Chicago Blackhawks are the third-worst team in the NHL as of Oct. 25, coming off a 2-1 win against the Los Angeles Kings, a team they should be able to beat. The Blackhawks played an overall decent game and had a solid effort for 55 minutes — the Hawks and the Kings traded places in the standings.
NY Islanders Have Been Plagued By Injuries: The Latest and Injury Report
The New York Islanders have caught the injury bug, and it is having a massive impact on the team. Apr 9, 2026; Elmont, New York, USA; Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson (95) and New York Islanders center Mathew Barzal (13) battle for control of the puck in the second period at UBS Arena.
NY Islanders Have Been Plagued By Injuries: The Latest and Injury Report
The game against the Toronto Maple Leafs on Oct. 17 turned out to be a 4-1 victory, but in terms of injuries, it was anything but. Both Matias Maccelli and Calum Ritchie suffered lower-body injuries in the contest against the Maple Leafs. Maccelli is out for two to four weeks, and Ritchie is out for four to six weeks. With Barzal already out, and those two forwards being the key to the second line, that’s a huge loss for New York.
NY Islanders Have Been Plagued By Injuries: The Latest and Injury Report
Apr 9, 2026; Elmont, New York, USA; Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson (95) and New York Islanders center Mathew Barzal (13) battle for control of the puck in the second period at UBS Arena. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
NY Islanders Have Been Plagued By Injuries: The Latest and Injury Report
The New York Islanders came into this season healthy, except for Mathew Barzal, who was ruled out due to lingering effects of a previous left knee injury that caused inflammation. The Islanders then started off the season with a loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs as they tried to figure their game out without the talented forward. They still traded wins and losses for a couple of games after. However, they finally caught wind of their game, earning a five-game point streak.
Syracuse Crunch Weekly Prospect Report: Gauthier, Pelletier, Furry Original
The Syracuse Crunch had three games in five days this past week, with two of them being on the road against the Laval Rocket and Lehigh Valley Phantoms, and one being home versus the Rochester Americans. The Crunch dropped the first game of the week, 6-1, against the Rocket; it was never really close. The game against the Americans, though, on Oct. 23, was a different story.
Evaluating the performance of NY Islanders after 10 games
The New York Islanders played their tenth game of the season against the struggling Los Angeles Kings at the UBS Arena. The Islanders lost that game in overtime, 3-2, giving the Kings their second win of the campaign, and the New York record dropped to 5-3-2. The Islanders, despite the loss, still remain in the third playoff spot in the Metro Division entering play on Oct. 24, and even if they fall out of it, they're still in the Wild Card. So, how are the Islanders doing ten games into the season?
Evaluating the Performance of NY Islanders After 10 Games
The Islanders are still without Barzal, who is recovering from left knee inflammation from a previous injury, which is hard enough for the offense. Then, in the game against the New York Rangers on October 6th, Alexander Romanov went down with a torn ACL, and an overhaul was needed for the defensive corps. In the game against the Maple Leafs on October 17th, which they won, both Matias Maccelli and Calum Ritchie suffered injuries, further plaguing the offensive production.
Evaluating the Performance of NY Islanders After 10 Games
The New York Islanders are ten games into the season; how are they doing? Oct 22, 2026; Elmont, New York, USA; New York Islanders defenseman Matthew Schaefer (48) celebrates his goal against the Los Angeles Kings with teammates during the third period at UBS Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect The New York Islanders played their tenth game of the season against the struggling Los Angeles Kings at the UBS Arena.
Evaluating the Performance of NY Islanders After 10 Games
Oct 22, 2026; Elmont, New York, USA; New York Islanders defenseman Matthew Schaefer (48) celebrates his goal against the Los Angeles Kings with teammates during the third period at UBS Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Blackhawks’ Artyom Levshunov Is Showing Drastic Improvement Original
“Hockey is fun.” From being drafted second overall in 2024 to having an adventurous 2025-26 season, having that strawberry shortcake over the summer, and now still trying to find his way in his second full NHL season, perhaps it hasn’t been all fun for Artyom Levshunov. Not a lot of things are. Levshunov has been on a roller coaster ever since he was drafted.
Analyzing Matthew Schaefer’s Workload With NY Islanders Original
The New York Islanders are putting a lot on the shoulders of defenseman Matthew Schaefer; is the workload sustainable? Oct 17, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; New York Islanders defenseman Matthew Schaefer (48) carries the puck against the Toronto Maple Leafs during the first period at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: John E.
Analyzing Matthew Schaefer's Workload With NY Islanders
The New York Islanders suffered a huge loss to their blue line when it was announced that Alexander Romanov went down with a torn ACL and would miss the remainder of the season. It was a freak accident, as he did everything right going in for the check he was trying to make. Romanov just signed an extension last year that spans the next eight years at $50 million and is one of the bigger pieces of the defensive core.
Analyzing Matthew Schaefer's Workload With NY Islanders
Oct 17, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; New York Islanders defenseman Matthew Schaefer (48) carries the puck against the Toronto Maple Leafs during the first period at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Syracuse Crunch Weekly Prospect Report: O’Reilly, Pietroniro & Mercuri
The Syracuse Crunch bounced back from a rough 1-3 start to the season with a win against the Rochester Americans on Oct. 17. They got their first win on home ice in front of their fans, and evened out the rivalry at one game apiece. The Crunch were down 2-0 going into the second period, but scored four unanswered and didn’t look back. On Oct. 18, they played their first-ever game against the Hamilton Hammers, and they came away with a 4-3 victory.
Syracuse Crunch Weekly Prospect Report: O’Reilly, Pietroniro & Mercuri
The Syracuse Crunch bounced back from a rough 1-3 start to the season with a win against the Rochester Americans on Oct. 17. They got their first win on home ice in front of their fans, and evened out the rivalry at one game apiece. The Crunch were down 2-0 going into the second period, but scored four unanswered and didn’t look back. On Oct. 18, they played their first-ever game against the Hamilton Hammers, and they came away with a 4-3 victory.
NY Islanders Matthew Schaefer skates like this NHL superstar
When the puck hits the stick of New York Islanders defenseman Matthew Schaefer , fans know something exciting is about to happen. Schaefer's skating mixed with his stick-handling makes him one of the best defensemen in the NHL, and at 19 years old, he's only going to get better. It was the same story on October 10th, when the Tampa Bay Lightning made the trip up the East Coast to New York to play the Islanders at UBS Arena.
NY Islanders Matthew Schaefer Skates Like This NHL Superstar
New York Islanders star Matthew Schaefer looks eerily similar to another NHL superstar when moving on the ice. Oct 10, 2026; Elmont, New York, USA; Tampa Bay Lightning center Gage Goncalves (93) and New York Islanders defenseman Matthew Schaefer (48) battle for control of the puck in the first period at UBS Arena.
NY Islanders Matthew Schaefer Skates Like This NHL Superstar
When the puck hits the stick of New York Islanders defenseman Matthew Schaefer, fans know something exciting is about to happen. Schaefer’s skating mixed with his stick-handling makes him one of the best defensemen in the NHL, and at 19 years old, he’s only going to get better. It was the same story on October 10th, when the Tampa Bay Lightning made the trip up the East Coast to New York to play the Islanders at UBS Arena.
NY Islanders Matthew Schaefer Skates Like This NHL Superstar
When the puck hits the stick of New York Islanders defenseman Matthew Schaefer, fans know something exciting is about to happen. Schaefer's skating mixed with his stick-handling makes him one of the best defensemen in the NHL, and at 19 years old, he's only going to get better. It was the same story on October 10th, when the Tampa Bay Lightning made the trip up the East Coast to New York to play the Islanders at UBS Arena.
NY Islanders Matthew Schaefer Skates Like This NHL Superstar
Oct 10, 2026; Elmont, New York, USA; Tampa Bay Lightning center Gage Goncalves (93) and New York Islanders defenseman Matthew Schaefer (48) battle for control of the puck in the first period at UBS Arena. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
What the Blackhawks Gain From Connor Bedard’s Return
Chicago Blackhawks general manager Kyle Davidson has preached building his roster like the Carolina Hurricanes and even the Florida Panthers, aspiring to have their level and play of hockey, and who doesn’t? Those two teams have won the Stanley Cup the past three years. The Blackhawks, on Oct. 10, just so happened to find out that it’s easier said than done, as they lost 5-1 to the Hurricanes in a game that wasn’t necessarily close.
What the Blackhawks Gain From Connor Bedard’s Return
Chicago Blackhawks general manager Kyle Davidson has preached building his roster like the Carolina Hurricanes and even the Florida Panthers, aspiring to have their level and play of hockey, and who doesn’t? Those two teams have won the Stanley Cup the past three years. The Blackhawks, on Oct. 10, just so happened to find out that it’s easier said than done, as they lost 5-1 to the Hurricanes in a game that wasn’t necessarily close.
Syracuse Crunch Weekly Prospect Report: Dominic James, Jakob Pelletier, and Mads Sogaard
The Syracuse Crunch are four games into the season, and they aren’t off to an ideal start, as they’re starting the campaign 1-3-0. They’re coming off a heartbreaking 3-2 loss to the Belleville Senators on Oct. 10, where the Senators scored with 25 seconds left to net the game-winner. There have been a lot of moving parts for them when it comes to the lineup and some goaltending struggles that have hindered them, but it’s still not the start they wanted.
Syracuse Crunch Weekly Prospect Report: Dominic James, Jakob Pelletier, and Mads Sogaard
Pelletier is going to have to keep on feeding Abruzzese, as Abruzzese isn’t afraid to get in there and score goals. Pelletier’s playmaking and vision on the ice are one of the main catalysts of his game (although he can score goals, too). Mads Sogaard The Crunch brought in a whole new goaltending core for the 2026-27 season in Mads Sogaard and Olivier Rodrigue. The two new netminders have split the starts throughout the first two weeks, with each of them having two.
Why Mathew Barzal Will Help NY Islanders' Offense Reach New Level Original
The return of Mathew Barzal soon will help the NY Islanders reach their potential on offense. Mar 26, 2026; Elmont, New York, USA; New York Islanders center Mathew Barzal (13) controls the puck in the first period against the Dallas Stars at UBS Arena. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect The New York Islanders’ offense has been struggling the last couple of years.
Why Mathew Barzal Will Help NY Islanders' Offense Reach New Level
The New York Islanders' offense has been struggling the last couple of years. It was one of the main reasons the Islanders missed the playoffs last season, as they failed to qualify by eight points (four games). They couldn't find the back of the net. The Islanders finished 25th in goals for per game in 2025-26 at 2.79, despite being tied in fifth place with the Carolina Hurricanes with goals against per game at 2.88.
Why Mathew Barzal Will Help NY Islanders' Offense Reach New Level
Mar 26, 2026; Elmont, New York, USA; New York Islanders center Mathew Barzal (13) controls the puck in the first period against the Dallas Stars at UBS Arena. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Blackhawks Should Be Worried About Weak 2027 NHL Draft Class Original
The Chicago Blackhawks have had 11 first-round picks since Kyle Davidson was brought in as general manager in 2022. The list is headlined by Connor Bedard, Anton Frondell, Artyom Levshunov, and Frank Nazar. Last season, the Blackhawks didn’t make a first-round selection, as they traded the fourth-overall pick to the Buffalo Sabres for defenseman Bowen Byram.
3 NY Islanders Defenders Who Need To Step Up Without Alexander Romanov
The New York Islanders got hit with difficult news, as defenseman Alexander Romanov has been sidelined for the rest of the season with an ACL tear. It happened midway through the third period in a freak accident, where Romanov did everything right going in for the check. Romanov just signed a seven-year, $50 million contract extension last year to stay in Long Island. New York traded the 13th pick in the 2022 NHL Draft to the Montreal Canadiens for the talented defenseman.
3 NY Islanders Defenders Who Need To Step up Without Alexander Romanov Original
These three New York Islanders defenders need to step up with Alexander Romanov out for the year. Oct 6, 2026; New York, New York, USA; New York Islanders defenseman Matthew Schaefer (48) controls the puck in the third period against the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden.
3 NY Islanders Defenders Who Need To Step up Without Alexander Romanov
The New York Islanders got hit with difficult news, as defenseman Alexander Romanov has been sidelined for the rest of the season with an ACL tear. It happened midway through the third period in a freak accident, where Romanov did everything right going in for the check. Romanov just signed a seven-year, $50 million contract extension last year to stay in Long Island. New York traded the 13th pick in the 2022 NHL Draft to the Montreal Canadiens for the talented defenseman.
3 NY Islanders Defenders Who Need To Step up Without Alexander Romanov
Oct 6, 2026; New York, New York, USA; New York Islanders defenseman Matthew Schaefer (48) controls the puck in the third period against the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
3 Takeaways From Blackhawks’ 4-3 Loss to Sabres Original
The Chicago Blackhawks trotted into Buffalo to play the Sabres after losing 5-2 to the Vegas Golden Knights and getting embarrassed by the Utah Mammoth, dropping the game 6-0. The Blackhawks needed to prove something to themselves; prove that they’re way better than they’ve played. They came into the game with a second challenge — trying to do that without Connor Bedard or Bowen Byram in the lineup. A bad turnover by Patrick Kane in the offensive zone led to the game-winning goal from Jiri Kulich.
NY Islanders' Emil Heineman Could Be Poised For a Big Year Original
New York Islanders forward Emil Heineman could be in for a big, breakout season. Sep 30, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; New York Islanders forward Emil Heineman (51) celebrates with team mates at the bench after scoring a goal against the Toronto Maple Leafs in the third period at Scotiabank Arena.
NY Islanders' Emil Heineman Could Be Poised For a Big Year
Sep 30, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; New York Islanders forward Emil Heineman (51) celebrates with team mates at the bench after scoring a goal against the Toronto Maple Leafs in the third period at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
The Blackhawks Need to Address Their Defensive Problems Original
The Chicago Blackhawks went to Utah to face the Mammoth after getting smacked around by the Vegas Golden Knights and losing 5-2. Things didn’t change at all, and the Blackhawks played a worse game than they did in the season opener, losing 6-0 to the Mammoth. The Blackhawks didn’t show up at any point during the game. They just looked like they weren’t interested in playing any hockey throughout the whole 60 minutes.
Blackhawks’ Woes From Season Opener Should Raise Concern
The Chicago Blackhawks, on Sept. 29, had their season opener against the Vegas Golden Knights. The Blackhawks met a motivated Golden Knights team after losing the Stanley Cup Final last season; playing in front of their home crowd, they were gobsmacked, losing 5-2. There’s no way around that it was an ugly game. While the Blackhawks are without Connor Bedard, there’s still no excuse to come out as flat-footed as they did in the first period.
Blackhawks’ Woes From Season Opener Should Raise Concern
The Chicago Blackhawks, on Sept. 29, had their season opener against the Vegas Golden Knights. The Blackhawks met a motivated Golden Knights team after losing the Stanley Cup Final last season; playing in front of their home crowd, they were gobsmacked, losing 5-2. There’s no way around that it was an ugly game. While the Blackhawks are without Connor Bedard, there’s still no excuse to come out as flat-footed as they did in the first period.
2026-27 Season Is Incredibly Important for the Blackhawks & Kyle Davidson
This upcoming season for the Chicago Blackhawks is the most important one they have had in a long time. The season starts on Sept. 29 when they go to Vegas to play the Golden Knights, a team that just recently made it to the Stanley Cup Final; it will be no easy feat, especially without Connor Bedard. The 2026-27 campaign is so important because this should technically mark the end of the five-year rebuild.
2026-27 Season Is Incredibly Important for the Blackhawks & Kyle Davidson
This upcoming season for the Chicago Blackhawks is the most important one they have had in a long time. The season starts on Sept. 29 when they go to Vegas to play the Golden Knights, a team that just recently made it to the Stanley Cup Final; it will be no easy feat, especially without Connor Bedard. The 2026-27 campaign is so important because this should technically mark the end of the five-year rebuild.
Kevin Korchinski Should Be in the Blackhawks’ Opening Night Lineup
The Chicago Blackhawks have quite the logjam when it comes to defensemen. They’re coming off a decent preseason, going 2-1-1, and the kids who needed to perform well did, for the most part. One of the defensemen who performed well was Kevin Korchinski, who’s on a ticking clock when it comes to earning himself an every-night spot in the lineup. One who did not was Sam Rinzel, who struggled whenever he was on the ice.
NY Islanders trade for Brayden Schenn may prove to be a mistake
The New York Islanders are heading into a better future one step at a time. They just named Bo Horvat, whom they got via trade from the Vancouver Canucks, their captain after he decided to sign an eight-year contract to stay with the team. Matthew Schaefer was surprisingly handed to them after the lottery balls fell their way in the 2025 NHL Draft. General manager Mathieu Darche made it a point when he came in to rebuild the prospect pool that was broken down by past leadership, and he did.
NY Islanders Trade for Brayden Schenn May Prove To Be a Mistake
The New York Islanders are heading into a better future one step at a time. They just named Bo Horvat, whom they got via trade from the Vancouver Canucks, their captain after he decided to sign an eight-year contract to stay with the team. Matthew Schaefer was surprisingly handed to them after the lottery balls fell their way in the 2025 NHL Draft. General manager Mathieu Darche made it a point when he came in to rebuild the prospect pool that was broken down by past leadership, and he did.
NY Islanders Trade for Brayden Schenn May Prove To Be a Mistake
The New York Islanders acquisition of Brayden Schenn was not a good one. Sep 22, 2026; New York, New York, USA; New York Islanders center Brayden Schenn (10) chases after the puck in the second period against the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect The New York Islanders are heading into a better future one step at a time.
NY Islanders Trade for Brayden Schenn May Prove To Be a Mistake
Sep 22, 2026; New York, New York, USA; New York Islanders center Brayden Schenn (10) chases after the puck in the second period against the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Breaking Down Oliver Moore’s Contract Extension With Blackhawks Original
The Chicago Blackhawks followed suit with the current trend of paying players now based on what they could be to save money in the future with the rising salary cap. The Blackhawks and Oliver Moore agreed on a five-year, $21.25 million deal with a $4.25 million average annual value (AAV) that will begin next season. What does this mean for the Blackhawks and Moore? Moore was selected with the 19th overall pick in the 2023 NHL Draft.
Positives & Negatives From the Blackhawks’ 4-3 Overtime Preseason Win Over Wild
The Chicago Blackhawks regulars got their first taste of preseason action against the Minnesota Wild on Monday night, although without newly acquired Patrick Kane, who was scratched. The Blackhawks faced the Wild’s younger squad, who are trying to gain experience and make the jump to the NHL. Last night’s contest was the second between the two teams. On Saturday, both teams played their second group, and the Wild won 3-2 in overtime.
Positives & Negatives From the Blackhawks’ 4-3 Overtime Preseason Win Over Wild
The Chicago Blackhawks regulars got their first taste of preseason action against the Minnesota Wild on Monday night, although without newly acquired Patrick Kane, who was scratched. The Blackhawks faced the Wild’s younger squad, who are trying to gain experience and make the jump to the NHL. Last night’s contest was the second between the two teams. On Saturday, both teams played their second group, and the Wild won 3-2 in overtime.
Breaking Down the Most Intriguing Roster Battle for NY Islanders Original
The New York Islanders are coming into this season with high hopes after just missing the playoffs last year. There are arguments to be made that they’re actually ahead of schedule in their rebuild. The majority of that is due to them jumping nine spots in the 2025 NHL Draft Lottery and getting the opportunity to select Matthew Schaefer first overall.
Show More
loading
Actions
Is this you?
As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.Get in touch with Jim
Contact Jim, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack