New York Islanders Thanksgiving Things To Be Thankful For
The New York Islanders are in a great place as the calendar hits Thanksgiving in 2020. While Islanders fans across the world celebrate the holiday, let’s take a look at some things to be thankful for.
Barry Trotz
“You’ll have to go through the (bleeping) Island,” Trotz told the Washington Capitals after he received his Stanley Cup ring on Nov. 26, 2018. “I’m going to try and do the same thing on the Island. We’ve got lots of work to do to hopefully have the same memories on the Island as I always will with you guys.”
Barry Trotz is a legend. And that legend is the head coach of the New York Islanders. Trotz has led the Islanders to four playoff series victories over the last two season and is just getting started.
Scott Mayfield’s Contract
Scott Mayfield has one of the best contracts in hockey. Garth Snow was not a perfect general manager, but this extension was ingenious. Mayfield’s $1.45 million cap hit over the next three years is as good as it gets.
Not only is Mayfield locked up for cheap, but he is a great player too. He skated for almost 20 minutes a night last year (19:57 of ice time per game) and brings elite size and strength to Trotz’s blueline.
Mathew Barzal’s Speed
Mathew Barzal is the franchise cornerstone. When Snow traded defenseman Griffin Reinhart to the Edmonton Oilers for the 16th and 33rd picks in the 2015 NHL Draft, it turned the organization around. He already has had countless iconic moments as the leader of the Islanders.
However, his speed is what makes him unique. He won the fastest skater competition at the 2020 NHL All-Star Skills competition, completing a lap around the ice in 13.175 seconds. In games, he is even better. Barzal could go down as one of the most dynamic skaters ever when his career comes to an end.
Mitch Korn and Piero Greco
Robin Lehner and Thomas Greiss won the William M. Jennings Trophy as the goalies with the fewest combined goals allowed in 2018-19. Semyon Varlamov had a surprisingly successful first season on Long Island. And now, Ilya Sorokin is here and the crease is his to take.
The Islanders have a strength in net. Their dynamic duo on their coaching staff is a big reason why. Mitch Korn and Piero Greco combine to form a sensational tandem and will continue to bring success to this team.
Johnny Boychuk’s Heart and Soul
On Saturday, Oct. 4, 2014, the Islanders franchise changed forever. In another amazing move by Snow, the Islanders acquired Johnny Boychuk for two second-round draft picks.
Boychuk perfectly represents the New York Islanders. From that day forward, the Islanders were a respected hockey team again. They have been the fifth best team in the Eastern Conference since 2014, behind only Boston, Tampa Bay, Pittsburgh and Washington. While Boychuk’s career may be over, his impact will never be forgotten.
John Tavares Leaving
On July 1, 2018, the Islanders dodged a bullet. John Tavares left the only franchise he had ever known and signed with the Toronto Maple Leafs. Since then, the Islanders have been on the rise and the Maple Leafs have plummeted.
Tavares is not an elite player anymore. He has drastically hindered Toronto’s plans for their future and has contributed to a losing culture. And fans up north already regret ever signing Tavares.
Has the past-his-prime, playoff-failing “captain” John Tavares and his franchise-crippling, nightmare boat-anchor contract finally worn his welcome in a city that desperately needs a leader who is *actually* worthy of the crest he so undeservedly bears? Our panel discusses next: pic.twitter.com/hMfINhbwmj
— Active Stick (@TheOakLeafs) November 25, 2020
Adam Pelech
Like Mayfield, Adam Pelech has a wonderful contract too. But over the last few seasons, he has emerged as not just one of the best players on the team, but one of the best players in hockey.
Pelech is a true, lockdown, number-one defensive defenseman. This team will go as far as Pelech can take them.
A Winning Culture
Lou Lamoriello is good at what he does. He has built a culture unmatched in sports and this is something all New York Islanders fans should be thankful for this Thanksgiving.
From Scott Malkin and Jon Ledecky, to Lamoriello, to Trotz, to Korn and Greco, to the players on the ice, this organization is special. And the fanbase could not be happier.
