Islanders left wing Anthony Beauvillier celebrates his goal against the Florida Panthers during the first period in Toronto on Aug. 7, 2020. Credit: AP/Chris Young
Are the Islanders having fun yet? Well, yes, now that you mention it . . .
That is exactly what it looked like they were having on Friday as they brushed aside the Panthers, 5-1, to conclude a 3-1 series win in the qualifying round and advance to the more traditional, 16-team NHL playoff tournament.
But just to drive home the point, their best player in the series was seen on the bench with the following message written on the grip of his hockey stick: HAVE FUN.