New York Islanders Have Last Laugh As John Tavares Exits Playoffs

After John Tavares left the New York Islanders for the Toronto Maple Leafs they were considered the favorites to win the Stanley Cup. They are now done in the first round for the third year in a row.

If before the season started you told me that the New York Islanders would go farther in the playoffs than the Toronto Maple Leafs I would’ve laughed right in your face. The Leafs were considered favorites since landing their savior on July 1.

The Islanders, on the other hand, couldn’t have been written off more. Yes, the Islanders had Lou Lamoriello and Barry Trotz but there wasn’t enough talent on the roster to compete, everyone believed. Well, nobody told the Islanders that.

They embarrassed the Maple Leafs, once in their own building and a second time in John Tavares’ return to Long Island. That was enough for me. As an Islander fan, we went through a lot this past summer it was nice to get those two nights where we felt like we got a little revenge.

If we only knew that it would only get so much sweeter. The Islanders haven’t played hockey in over a week, they swept the Pittsburgh Penguins, who is arguably the best team of the 2010’s. While John Tavares’ Maple Leafs took a first-round exit for the third year in a row.

Now, Toronto, Tampa Bay, Nashville, Calgary, and Winnipeg are home. Everyone’s darling is out and it’s anyone’s game for the Stanley Cup. As of yesterday, the Islanders were still the favorite to take home the Stanley Cup.

From doomsday scenario on July 1, to about as good as it gets on April 24. What a season.

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