Mathew Barzal of the New York Islanders celebrates with Cal Clutterbuck after scoring against the Tampa Bay Lightning in Game 4 of the Stanley Cup semifinals at Nassau Coliseum on June 19, 2021. Credit: Getty Images/Rich Graessle
Let’s be honest, dear reader: There are more people on Long Island who care passionately about the Mets or Yankees than about the Islanders.
But this also is true: The Islanders have not been this well-positioned in nearly 40 years to capture the attention – and support – of New York-area sports fans who do not normally follow them, or hockey in general.