The Islanders main focus on Thursday is trying to secure two points against one of the top teams in the Eastern Conference, but it's impossible to ignore John Tavares' return to Long Island.
Tavares is playing his first game back on Long Island since leaving for Toronto in free agency after nine seasons with the club. Tavares recorded 621 points (272G, 349A) in 669 games with the Islanders, leaving as the fifth-leading scorer in team history. It's an occasion that has certainly been marked on many calendars by fans and media alike.
"Obviously it'll be an emotional night for John and for a lot of people who have been on the Island for a while and Islanders fans," said Head Coach Barry Trotz, who compared Tavares leaving in free agency to himself leaving Washington. "From our standpoint we just need to, plain and simple, win a hockey game against a very good team probably on a very emotional night."
The Islanders said they've moved on from Tavares' free agency decision, especially after the first meeting back in December that the Isles won 4-0, so Thursday's game may be more about the fans, who are coming face-to-face with the former captain for the first time. Much like any breakup, sports or otherwise, the best revenge is living well and the Islanders are certainly doing that as they lead the Metro Division with 79 points.
"We've kind of already had that game," Islanders captain Anders Lee said. "As players, it's already been there, done that and we've moved on a long time ago. We have a special group in here that's done a lot of things together. All the outside stuff is going to happen. For us, we just need the two points."
