Isles Fans Were Treated To One Last OT Winner At The Coliseum Yesterday
For the first time in two and a half years we had real life Islanders hockey being played at the Coliseum and it was glorious. Everything from Eberle kicking off the scoring, to Barzal getting his first of the preseason, to none other than The Captain finishing it in OT, a game that seemingly meant nothing on paper meant everything to a fanbase constantly edging closer and closer the ledge.
As far as the hockey goes it was a typical preseason game – spurts of full-paced play with a few dumb penalties mixed in. Barzal and Vande Sompel were the kids who stood out while Eberle and his new linemates in Lee and Tavares had a ton of promising moments. I find it extremely dumb to read into preseason games so take that all for what it’s worth. In reality, yesterday was less about the hockey and more about fans getting a second chance to wish the Coliseum goodbye and that they did.
Again, a preseason game.
We even got to experience an ever so rare smile out of JT after the game so let’s just say the contraction situation is improving at the moment. To be honest I’m surprised Garth wasn’t waiting by the tunnel with a contract in hand for JT to sign right after scoring the gamewinner. Gotta catch him when he’s in a good mood, Garth. Contract Extension for me one time.
Good on the NHL, the Islanders, and the people at the Coli who created a great atmosphere in a situation that could’ve very easily flopped. We Isles fans are such a fickle bunch but when we feel like throwing our support we bring the whole cavalry.
Home opener is less than three weeks away, what could go wrong in your captain’s contract year with no solidified home arena in the coming seasons? Islanders hockey,,,,, it’s bacc.