Isaiah George Talk On Hockey Night in New York New York Islanders [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-york-islanders/] prospect Matthew Maggio [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-york-islanders/latest-news/new-york-islanders-matthew-maggio-shot-rick-kowalksy-adam-oates-rookie-camp] had a heck of a rookie pro season, quickly becoming a fan favorite due to his grit, his highlight-reel goals, and his Casey Cizikas-like energy. Maggio's 16 red lights were second amongst the Bridgeport Islanders in 2023-24, showing incredible promise in 61 games, adding 11 assists. Maggio's strong play carried over into rookie camp and training camp, as it was clear he put in the work during the summer months to be better equipped for his second camp with the team. But, since Maggio had gone back to Bridgeport for his second AHL season, he's struggled mightily to continue where he left off. Through his first 24 games of the season, being healthy scratched too often in a league meant for development, he had just one goal with seven assists. The chances were there most nights, but not the results, and if Maggio wanted to put himself on a list as a potential call-up if the Islanders move a few players at the 2025 NHL Trade Deadline, he would need to turn his ship around, quickly, coming out of the Christmas Break. It looks like Maggio took advantage of the mental break because he put on a show against the Springfield Thunderbirds (St. Louis Blues AHL affiliate) on Saturday night after being healthy scratched the previous two games. In what was a back-and-forth affair, Maggio recorded his first two-goal game since Feb. 18 of last season, adding two assists for his first four-point night of his professional career. With Bridgeport down 3-2 in the second, Maggio's first of the night tied the contest at 3-3 after he sniped blocker side from the top of the left circle: Then, with the game knotted at 4-4, Maggio's second of the game broke the deadlock when he sniped yet again, putting the puck in the same spot from distance. Just this time, the release came just inside the right circle: This goal served as the game-winner. Maggio's first assist, a secondary one, came on Liam Foudy's opening tally in the first before earning his second secondary assist on Foudy's second of the game to close out the second period. It's incredibly easy to overlook Maggio, a 5'11 forward who was taken 142nd overall in 2022. There's no question that his underwhelming start to this season makes that even easier. However, the two shots Maggio showcased for goals and his playmaking ability, along with the emotion he tends to play with each shift, make him a player who could be trusted in a bottom-six role at the NHL level. But, like every young player, he must consistently demonstrate his multi-dimensional skillset if he hopes to become an NHLer someday. It can't be easy being scratched the way he's been scratched, but if he can overcome that mental hurdle and be better because of it in the long term, Maggio can be an effective hockey player for the Islanders if he makes good whenever that opportunity arises.
