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New York Islanders

Islanders Notebook: Nelson Tying Historic Mark, The Passing of Jean & More

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New York Islanders

As of March 16, the New York Islanders sit 19 points out of a playoff spot but have played significantly better hockey as of late. Their 4-3 shootout loss to the Washington Capitals on Tuesday showcased a strong effort, an Islanders like effort, but their inability to hold a lead, specifically against a playoff talent, signified the issues that still surround this season’s New York Islanders.

After a three-game win streak that created some unrealistic playoff hope, the best stretch of hockey the Islanders had played all season, fans were hit with the reality again that the Islanders while playing better, were a ways away from where they needed to be. “Close, but no cigar” is the expression that comes to mind. (NYI Hockey Now)

The most consistent forward all year for the New York Islanders has been 30-year old scorer Brock Nelson, who netted his 24th goal of the season Tuesday night, his fifth goal in his last six games. Although it will not be talked about enough, that goal actually has some historic significance.

With his 24th of the season, he netted career goal no. 192. Why does that matter?

That’s the same number of goals that former NHLer Pat Hickey scored throughout his 11-year NHL career. Hickey, a 30th overall pick back in 1973, held the record for most goals by a forward selected at that number.

Now Brock Nelson, with his next goal, will hold the record for most goals by a forward selected 30th overall in NHL history, a number that will keep rising for as long as Nelson plays in the NHL and continues to score goals. (NYI Hockey Now)

The loss for the Islanders on Tuesday was not the worst thing to happen to the organization, as the team announced that former Islander Jean Potvin, the brother of Denis Potvin, who captained the Islanders to four straight Stanley Cups, passed away at the age of 72.

Although Jean did not play as prominent a role in the New York Islanders success of the late ’70s, early 80s, he was a part of what made the Islanders special.

Jean won two Stanley Cups, back in 1982 and 1983. Our thoughts and prayers to his family, his friends, and anyone who felt a connection to him as a player and as a person. (NYI Hockey Now)

 The New York Islanders continue on their road to the end of the regular season with a meeting in NYC, to face the New York Rangers on Thursday, St. Patrick’s Day for the second meeting of the season.

The first meeting came on Nov. 24, a 4-1 loss while the Islanders were going through their COVID hell.

Then, the Islanders continue with their weekly back-to-back situations with a Saturday matinee against the Dallas Stars before a Sunday matinee in Philadelphia against the Flyers.

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