Looking Back Three Years Ago

Rob McGowan on Sun, 2012-09-30 11:42

Approximately three years ago, the Islanders debuted their 2009 first round pick, John Tavares in their season opener against the defending Stanley Cup champs, the Pittsburgh Penguins.

In the second period, Tavares would pick up a loose puck that had last been touched by both Matt Moulson and Trent Hunter and would roof a backhand over Marc-Andre Fleury to give the Isles a 2-1 lead.

Since then, Tavares has gone on to score 83 more goals and likely several hundred more before his career is over as he currently has 202 points in 243 NHL games.

Unfortunately, fans will have to continue waiting to see him score goal number 85 due to the lockout. But for now, we can look back three years ago and remember the excitement that was running through everyone's veins knowing that the franchise's first number once center in years had finally arrived.

(You may have to refresh the page in order for the videos below to appear.)

And if this video isn't enough to get your adrenaline running, watch this one as well. You don't have to be an Islanders fan to appreciate it. In fact, there's hardly any Isles clips in it. But if you are a hockey fan, it will almost bring tears to your eyes and definitely send chills up your spine as it reminds you why the game of hockey is unmatched by any other.

And why this lockout hurts the fans more than anyone else that is involved.

Sometimes when there is so much negativity surrounding the game, with all of the focus on labor issues and CBA discussions practically getting nowhere, we need to just sit back and watch and remember why, as fans, we care so much.

-Rob McGowan

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