Islanders Notebook: Remembering Bossy, Palmieri’s 2nd Half, Bellows Bid

It’s been a whirlwind on the island the last few days. Waking up to call Friday morning that New York Islanders legend Mike Bossy had lost his battle with cancer was the last thing anyone wanted to hear, despite knowing that he had not been doing well. Hug that special someone a little harder during this holiday weekend.

Mike Bossy 1957-2022; Islanders Legend Passes Away

My dad introduced me to hockey when I was young, and it was love at first sight. Mike Bossy’s play in the late ’70s, and early ’80s is what got my dad to love the sport.

I never got to see Mike Bossy play. But it didn’t matter. When you saw his highlights, when you looked over at his no. 22 hanging in the rafters, you immediately felt some kind of magic. It was like watching a superhero movie and then wanting to be that superhero.

Here is my piece on the life and legacy of Mike Bossy.

Mike Bossy 1957-2022; Islanders Legend Passes Away

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Mike Bossy, his family, and his friends during this difficult time.

Palmieri’s 2nd Half Success, Eberle Script Continued

The panic that set in 30 games into the 2021-22 season regarding Kyle Palmieri was a bit extreme. Palmieri had battled an injury and never got comfortable during the first half from hell, for many Islanders. But with the four-year extension over the summer, it left a sour taste in the mouths of many fans to see the 31-year-old struggling the way he was.

But, a quick comparison to former Islander Jordan Eberle, and how his season fared after he signed his extension following the 2019 playoffs, Kyle Palmieri would be just fine–if he showed something in the second half of the season.

And he did as he has continued to follow the Eberle script.

Palmieri’s 2nd Half, Eberle Script Continued

Rosner: Bellows Taking Advantage on Barzal Line, Let it Ride

Although there are only a few games remaining in the 2022-23 regular season, New York Islanders forward Kieffer Bellows is making the most of his newfound chance. Thanks to lackluster play by Oliver Wahlstrom, Bellows has played the last two games alongside Mathew Barzal and Zach Parise.

Despite struggling with one another a few months back, Kieffer Bellows seemed ready this time, being in the right spots positionally, reading the play, and helping to create space for his linemates. Not only that, but he continued to play his physical brand of hockey.

The pending RFA will more than likely be back with the New York Islanders next season, and at just 23-years-old, it’s not time to give up on Bellows. But it’s about consistency, as it is with every other play, and right now over two games he’s playing a consistent brand of hockey.

Until Bellows gives head coach Barry Trotz a reason to take him off the Barzal line, he should remain there–even if it’s for the rest of the season.

Rosner: Bellows Taking Advantage on Barzal Line, Let it Ride

Chara Scores 1st Goal of Season, 21-Year Gap

Where were you 21-years ago?

I was in daycare and did not know what hockey was. While I was busy playing with probably Star Wars action figures, Zdeno Chara was lighting the lamp in the NHL for the New York Islanders.

This season, after 21 year away from the island, the 44 now 45-year-old Zdeno Chara returned to Long Island on a one-year deal, his last in the NHL.

It may have taken 73 games, but Zdeno Chara scored his first goal of the season on Thursday night in the 6-3 losing effort against the Pittsburgh Penguins.

It ended not only a 108-game goal-scoring drought but it was also his first goal for the New York Islanders in over 21 years.

Chara Scores 1st Goal of Season, 21-Year Gap