Islanders Jean-Gabriel Pageau scores in his first game (Highlight)

Everyone hated the trade for Jean-Gabriel Pageau. But the New York Islanders knew what Pageau could be a good addition and in game one he proved that.

Three picks, including a first-round pick, was what it took to secure a trade for Jean-Gabriel Pageau from the Ottawa Senators. The New York Islanders were willing to pay that price for the center who was having a career year.

The price may have been a little steep, but the Islanders were bringing in a 200-foot player that could slot in on line three and give a sense of balance to their roster. It was a cunning move by the Isles.

But yet, all anyone wanted to focus on was Pageau’s career-high goal totals and shooting percentage. No one thought that Pageau could step up and create offense with the Islanders. They were wrong.

First Game Goal

The Coliseum was buzzing for Pageau’s first game on the Island. In his first shift on the ice fans regaled him with his now-famous rendition of “Olé, Olé, Olé”.

In the second period, the Islanders were doubling the Rangers in shots but were down 2-0 thanks to some stellar goaltending from Alexandar Georgiev. And then, at the 17:04 mark of the second, a

Ryan Pulock

shot takes a weird bounce and finds Pageau in the right spot at the right time. As you can imagine, Pageau doesn’t make a mistake for his 25th goal of the year and first as an Islander.

It was destiny, wasn’t it?

After being traded from his hometown club for a big return toa team looking to compete for a championship, his first game is a rivalry game at the Nassau Coliseum. It’s a big day and Pageau stepped up.

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Again, no one expected Pageau to come in and provide much offense for the Islanders. But in his first game with his new team he’s picking up right where he left off in Ottawa. You know Lou is smiling from ear-to-ear.

*Edit: I originally incorrectly stated it was Shesterkin and not Georgiev in net.