When it comes to underappreciated New York Islanders, Thomas Greiss deserves his own chapter. The German goaltender joined the team in 2015 and spent five seasons on Long Island, often serving as the 1B option in net — yet delivering 1A-caliber performances when it mattered most.
Greiss never sought the spotlight, but he quietly became one of the most dependable goalies in franchise history. His calm demeanor and technical efficiency made him the perfect complement to more aggressive, high-energy netminders. In 2018-19, he was part of the Jennings Trophy-winning tandem with Robin Lehner, helping the Islanders lead the league in goals against, a remarkable turnaround after they had been dead last the season before.