There was a time in my life when a loss to the Islanders use to eat away at me. I mean, really get under my skin type of stuff. Sleep was an afterthought and I used to get so annoyed I'd try to put myself straight to bed.
I don't think I've ever hated the Islanders as much as their fans hated the Rangers. It always was -- and always will be -- a little brother big brother rivalry. That's not an insult. Being an Original Six has its perks. But hatred for the Islanders when the two teams matched up always held a dark place in my heart.