Denis Potvin is excited for the New York Islanders and their fans about the team’s future while the Isles drop another against Florida.
The Islanders announced their plans to return to the Nassau Coliseum, and Denis Potvin is eagerly awaiting his return to the arena he called home in the NHL for 14 seasons.
Per Neil Best of Newsday:
“After all this,” he said, gesturing with his arm around Barclays, “it’s like going back to all the great memories. My first thought is: ‘Fort Neverlose’ opens up again! That’s really what I think. The atmosphere was one of the key things for us. Even in the ‘70s and 80s, people would comment on it.
“I don’t know why. I’m not an architect. But that’s one of the things they’re going to love. I know the players, just from reading quotes from (John) Tavares and them, that’s where home is. The practice rink’s (near) there. It’s 100 percent (positive).”
Potvin wrote Ledecky a note once he found about the approval for the Belmont arena.
Isles Make Amends with John Tonelli
The Islanders dropped their game against the Florida Panthers 4-1 on Tuesday evening, but before that, former Islander John Tonelli was invited to attend the game and drop the ceremonial puck between John Tavares and Derek MacKenzie.
It was good to see the Isles reach out to one of their most underrated players, especially one who was on all four of the Cup-winning teams.
A bridge that had seemed burned a long time ago by the organization, it was a welcome surprise to see Tonelli back in an Islander uniform and not shying away from the organization anymore.
With the Panthers victory, former Islander Head Coach Jack Capuano earned his first win against his former team.
#FlaPanthers coach Bob Boughner said Jack Capuano was "yelling a little bit more than usual on the bench tonight. He was wound up, which was good to see. I think this game meant a lot to him." #Isles
— Brian Compton (@BComptonNHL) January 31, 2018
While it was at the Isles expense, it was a well-earned win for Capuano and his defense, who held the NHL’s second-most potent offense to just a single goal.
Doug Weight was not amused with his club’s effort tonight, and it showed in his post-game presser.
“We got out-battled and the forecheck was subpar at best. They played strong and with a purpose and we did as well in the third, but it was too late.”
Doug Weight’s #FLAvsNYI postgame interview: pic.twitter.com/piaS3PzGQn
— New York Islanders (@NYIslanders) January 31, 2018
The Islanders are back in action tonight against the Toronto Maple Leafs in Toronto, with puck-drop scheduled for 7:30 p.m. on MSG+.
