The New York Islanders’ elimination stings, but the glass could — and should — still be viewed as half-full.

Wait ‘til next year …

Haven’t we heard that one before? Like every season since the Isles last hoisted Lord Stanley’s Cup, which was, wait for it, wait for it … more than three decades ago.

For the new generation of New York Islanders fans, myself included, this certainly stings. Sure, we didn’t expect the Isles to win the Cup, but let’s be honest here: there’s zero chance of winning it all if you don’t at least make the big dance.

It was a valiant effort, no doubt, and we appreciate that. When everybody counted this team out, they came back — repeatedly — and nearly shocked the hockey world by going dancing in the postseason. But at the end of the day, this team fell short of their preliminary goal, and that stinks. Like really, really stinks.

Sure, there’s much to look forward to. Joshua Ho-Sang absolutely dazzled in his well-documented, albeit brief, stint. Skaters like Anthony Beauvillier and Scott Mayfield looked like the real deal. And of course, there are the European netminders, Ilya Sorokin and Linus Soderstrom, who should be between the pipes sooner rather than later.

But that doesn’t mean it doesn’t sting. For a franchise that made its first trip to the second-round in more than two decades last season, this feels like a step in the wrong direction.

But at the end of the day, as a fan, as a supporter, as a believer, there’s much to be proud of. There’s always much to be proud of, assuming you’re willing to look at the glass as half-full rather than half empty.

This offseason should bring with it tons of important questions: Is Garth Snow done? How about Doug Weight? At what cost should the team take to bring back John Tavares? Will Travis Hamonic get traded?

There’ll be plenty to analyze over the summer. But for now, I’m going to be recognizing this team’s efforts. They may have fallen short of their ultimate goal, but I’m still proud to be a fan.