IslesBlog Podcast: Former Islanders Defenceman Darius Kasparitis

In the latest edition of the IslesBlog Podcast, Joe Buono is joined by former Islanders Defenceman Darius Kasparitis. Kasparitis was drafted 5th overall by the Islanders in the 1992 NHL Entry Draft and his personality, hip checks and agitating ways made him a fan favorite in his 5 seasons on Long Island. In 1996, Kasparitis was traded to Pittsburgh Penguins where he would find playoff success before playing briefly with the Colorado Avalanche and finishing his career with the New York Rangers.
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Joe and Darius discussed:

• The transition from Russia to the United States at the age of 20
• Al Arbour teaching him how to be a professional
• His perfecting of the Hip Check and why it is not used more in the NHL
• Battles with Lemieux, Messier, Gretzky and other top players
• The 1992-93 Playoff run to the Eastern Conference Finals
• Modeling the “Fisherman” jerseys when the new logo was unveiled
• His Game 7 2OT Goal vs Buffalo in 2001 Conference Semi-Finals
• Signing with the New York Rangers as a Free Agent
• The differences between Islanders and Rangers fans
• Creating the “stick salute” that many NHL teams now use after wins at home

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