New York Islanders Top 10 Goals of 2015-16: Number One
The Eyes on Isles staff got together to reflect on the New York Islanders season and compiled the top 10 goals of the year. Each of these goals were important for some reason, we’ll rank them and tell you why. Here’s number one:
The New York Islanders were coming off an amazing double overtime win in Game 5. The Islanders would have an opportunity to close out the series on home ice in Game 6.
The Isles came out amped up and looked to have the momentum in the first period. Although they were unable to find the back of the net. With just over a minute remaining in the opening period the Florida Panthers’ Jonathan Huberdeau scored.
This seemed to take the wind out from beneath the Islanders. Despite a good start the Isles found themselves down a goal after the first period.
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The score would remain the same through the second period and into the third period. Throughout the third period thoughts of having to play a Game 7 on the road were creeping into your mind. The doubt grew larger and larger with each second that ticked off the clock without a goal.
Were they really going to blow this game and the series? The Islanders were forced to pull their goalie. They would need a miracle. With 54 seconds to go in the period John Tavares came in untouched off the bench found a loose puck that Roberto Luongo should’ve covered up and tapped in possibly the easiest goal of his career.
For the third time in six games we were headed to overtime.
Just like Game 5 this game saw double overtime. If smoking takes years off your life I’m curious to know how many years watching playoff hockey takes off your life because the entire series was a nail biter.
The Islanders kept getting chances off Luongo but he wouldn’t let the puck go through. Luckily for the Islanders Thomas Greiss was just as good. The Islanders backup stood on his head the entire series.
At this point we are passed the halfway point of the second overtime period. By this time I nibbled my finger nails down to a nub and was watching through my fingers as I couldn’t bear it anymore.
A pass from Game 5 hero Alan Quine sent Kyle Okposo into the zone. He left the puck for Tavares who ripped a shot from the circle. Luongo knocked it away, but Tavares followed his own rebound, swooped behind the net and then it happened…
For the first time in 23 years the New York Islanders were headed to the second round of the playoffs.
Honestly who else but John Tavares, the savior of the franchise. From day one he knew his role as the “chosen one”and he’s never once shied away from it. He’s shown extreme loyalty to the organization over the years.
This was something out of a Hollywood script. The savior, puts the team on his back and single handedly wins the game for his team.
Not only was this a big goal due to the fact that it signified the first time the Islanders escaped the clutches of the first round in 23 years, but also because it would be Howie Rose’s final call as the New York Islanders broadcaster.
What a way to go out.
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