Islanders: Throwback To Kyle Okposo Game Winner And ‘USA’ Chant

Happy 4th of July Islanders fans! Today, we’ll be taking a look back at one of the more patriotic moments in team history which happened seven years ago already. It’s hard to believe that the 2014 season was that long ago, yet here we are.

Back in 2014, Team USA was preparing for the Olympics and somehow Kyle Okposo was snubbed from the roster. That year, was arguably the best season Okposo ever had in the NHL and through the first 41 games of the season, he had 15 goals and 40 points leading up to this moment.

The snub was a bit bizarre, especially when you consider how well Okposo was playing, but against the best team in the league at the time, in the midst of their dynasty era, Okposo put on a show.

He finished the night with two points, an assist and the game-winning goal, which came early into the overtime period. What would happen next is one for the ages.

During the postgame interview, the crowd was chanting “USA” in protest of the decision. You couldn’t write a better script for Okposo and it led to one of the better individual moments for an Islander in regular-season history.

The smile on Okposo’s face during the interview tells the full story. He was so happy and the fans showed their appreciation for one of the better players in the Islanders turnaround, and one of the best American-born players in the team’s history.

“You’re giving me chills right now”

It doesn’t get any better than that. Okposo would go on to finish the year with 69 points (27 goals, 42 assists) in 71 games. He’d finish his Isles career with 369 points and 139 goals in 529 games, good enough for 15th all-time.

The only American in front of him in Islanders history is Pat LaFontaine with 566 points. Enjoy your holiday Islanders fans!