Elite Sports NY editor Justin Weiss explains why he’s thankful for the New York Islanders.
It’s been a rough start to the 2016-17 campaign.
However, a wise fellow once said, “It doesn’t matter if the glass is half empty or half full… Be grateful that you have a glass, and there is something in it.”
There’s no better time to reflect on that principal than the present, on Thanksgiving Day. Between the bickering and ranting, take a couple of seconds to look at the larger picture.
That’s what I did:
I’m thankful for John Tavares
This spring, as fans moaned about the Islanders’ Game Four loss to the Florida Panthers, I asked a random stranger an earnest question: will I live to see my team win a playoff series?
Thanks to Tavares, my prayers were answered. The captain netted two colossal goals in Game Six — one in the final minute of regulation and the other in overtime — to lift the franchise to its first second-round birth in nearly two-and-a-half decades.
There’s still a feeling of pandemonium every time I replay the spectacle.
http://youtu.be/mPhAZ3c-yaY
I’m thankful for the players
They’re underachievers, but something else, too: awesome people.
It’s exhibited when Travis Hamonic mentors despondent children, when the team skates with visually impaired kids, when Anders Lee encourages a bunch of students never to give up.
??? @91Tavares #IslesCommunity pic.twitter.com/f4QjrJld6f
— New York Islanders (@NYIslanders) November 17, 2016
.@ledpipe08 and his skating buddy are flying out there! ⛸⛸ #IslesCommunity pic.twitter.com/i23aOoF7Dt
— New York Islanders (@NYIslanders) November 17, 2016
Bails and Brady became fast friends today. ? They're the last ones to leave the ice. #IslesCommunity pic.twitter.com/S89HoincKu
— New York Islanders (@NYIslanders) November 17, 2016
Seeing those smiles. This is what it's all about. #IslesCommunity pic.twitter.com/ECwPwgzAfV
— New York Islanders (@NYIslanders) November 17, 2016
Today was fun.. Thanks to all the kids that came out and skated today! pic.twitter.com/9qRPGGUITp
— Scott Mayfield (@scottmayfield2) November 17, 2016
Great job skating with @zeeker11! ⛸? #IslesCommunity pic.twitter.com/wFdSoYViKu
— New York Islanders (@NYIslanders) November 17, 2016
Hammer's skating buddy is a fast learner! #IslesCommunity pic.twitter.com/r173fid0Nk
— New York Islanders (@NYIslanders) November 17, 2016
“That’s awesome,” SportsNet’s Elliotte Friedman wrote about the team’s outreach. I agree.
I’m thankful for the memories
Unfortunately, I haven’t witnessed a banner raising.
But I have seen my fair share of awesome moments. I remember listening to Wade Dubielewicz‘s famous poke check on the radio. I recall Frans Nielsen‘s nifty shootout moves. I appreciate attending ten games a season at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum.
Some memories never fade.