UNIONDALE, NEW YORK - MARCH 04: Skating in his 300th NHL goal, Anthony Beauvillier #18 of the New York Islanders celebrates his second period goal against Jonas Johansson #34 of the Buffalo Sabres at the Nassau Coliseum on March 04, 2021 in Uniondale, New York. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
For Islanders fans who weren’t around for the glory years of the Cup era-winning teams, optimism is a tricky thing. Getting your hopes up just for them to come crashing down is something the younger generation is all too used to.
There was optimism when John Tavares was drafted, it returned again in 2014-2015 when they looked like a team that could do some damage in the playoffs, and then again in 2016 when they finally won a round after 23 years.