Joined by Pitchfork managing editor and Islanders fan Matthew Strauss, we remember the short and unmemorable but indicative tenure of Austin Czarnik. Joining the Islanders after productive stints in Boston and Calgary, Czarnik looked like he would be a fine depth piece or perhaps more for a roster that would be hit hard by injuries, Covid and bad luck. Even after he was lost on waivers to the NHL's (now second) newest team, he would find his way back to Long Island in a rare move by Lou Lamoriello. And although his final totals aren't much to write home about, Czarnik would come to personify a very weird brief time period in recent Islanders history. Matthew tells us why Czarnik still fascinates and haunts him, how rare he is among current former Islanders and how Billy Joel helped change the sound of heavy metal (yes, for real).Subscribe to our Patreon! Plans start as low as $2 a month and patrons get ad-free episodes of the shows, bonus podcasts, written posts, discounts and much more.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.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices