Which Islanders Veterans Contribute Most to Their Culture
Over the past few years, the New York Islanders have developed a culture that they have been missing for a long time, perhaps since their cup run in the early 80s. The culture is built around cohesion on and off the ice, a commitment to systems and defensive play, plus a team-first mindset. This culture may seem relatively new, as if it came solely at the hands of Barry Trotz and Lou Lamoriello, but it wasn’t created out of thin air. The team had a group of leaders and veterans that made the seemingly dramatic culture change much easier. These are some of the veterans that contribute the most to the Islanders culture, in no particular order.
Anders Lee
Named the captain to start the 2018-19 season, Lee has been an Islander since 2013. He has been an invaluable member of the Islanders whose presence was greatly missed in the playoffs last year. Nobody demonstrates what it means to be an Islander like the 31-year-old. His leadership has manifested itself visibly on and off the ice since he became captain, a responsibility that he humbly accepted and proved to be worthy of. His work ethic is matched by few and his energy is contagious. He never puts himself above the team and seems to be happier when his teammates score or make a big play than when he does. Nobody epitomizes what it means to be an Islander than Lee.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ud2F5P-sEc
Josh Bailey
An alternate captain and the longest-tenured Islander, Josh Bailey has quietly gone about his business as a leader in the organization. He leads by example and plays a smart game in all three zones, and his play has only improved during the Trotz era.
Matt Martin
“Some guys might want their old teams to fail, I guess. I’m not that way. These guys are all my friends still. I want to see them succeed in the worst way. If the Leafs can’t win the Stanley Cup, then I want the Islanders to win it. Heck, if we’re out, I’d probably be in the stands at Barclays in a Casey Cizikas jersey. I made Long Island my home.” – Matt Martin while a member of the Toronto Maple Leafs
Tough guys like Matt Martin may be a dying breed in the NHL, but he is the epitome of an Islander. He broke into the league over 10 years ago, coming from the Sarnia Sting of the OHL. He leads all active Islanders in penalty minutes and is always willing to fight in defense of his teammates and his organization. Martin has been an Islander for most of his career. Although he spent two years as a member of the Toronto Maple Leafs, he was a Leaf in name only. He has always been, and will always be, an Islander at heart.
Casey Cizikas and Cal Clutterbuck
The Islanders’ fourth line is recognized by many as the best fourth line in hockey. Is it because of their raw talent or skills? Not at all. They are generally recognized as the hardest workers on the team and their forecheck is deadly. No other Islanders’ line in recent memory has been capable of turning the tides of a game with just one shift. They regularly kill penalties, block shots and throw big hits in order to generate life when there seems to be none. Along with Martin, Casey Cizikas and Cal Clutterbuck have made immense contributions to the organization ever since they first donned the blue and orange.
Conclusion
The Islanders have countless veterans and three former NHL captains on their roster including Zdeno Chara, Andy Greene and Zach Parise – plus Lee, of course. They have some of the best coaches in the National Hockey League. They have numerous other older players not listed above, as well as younger players that contribute to their culture. If they are able to pass this culture on from year to year, they should be a force to be reckoned with for decades.
