Eyes On Isles
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Islanders Zach Parise is going to go off against Minnesota isn’t he?

By Michel Anderson|
BRIDGEPORT, CONNECTICUT - OCTOBER 02: Zach Parise #11 of the New York Islanders skates against the New Jersey Devils during the second period in a preseason game at the Webster Bank Arena at Harbor Yard on October 02, 2021 in Bridgeport, Connecticut. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
BRIDGEPORT, CONNECTICUT - OCTOBER 02: Zach Parise #11 of the New York Islanders skates against the New Jersey Devils during the second period in a preseason game at the Webster Bank Arena at Harbor Yard on October 02, 2021 in Bridgeport, Connecticut. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

We all know things didn’t necessarily end well between the Minnesota Wild and current New York Islanders Zach Parise. The veteran was slowly frozen out of the squad before eventually being bought out of his contract.

A move that we know did not sit well with Parise. With the Islanders traveling to Minnesota later this week (Sunday), Parise was asked about his return and, well, his answer sounds like someone who’s going there looking to make people regret their decision.

New York Islanders Zach Parise is motivated

Arthur Staple had the quote that made the round on Twitter on Wednesday:

I know that tweet doesn’t directly say “I’m going there to prove them wrong”, but you can easily interpret what Parise is going for here. And look, you don’t need to interpret what Parise is going for here. Hear the worst come right out of his mouth.

Make sure you notice the snicker/laugh before he delivers the “I didn’t leave on my own” part:

Remember, much of the offseason, Parise was emotional every time he was asked about how things ended with the Wild. And it’s hard to blame him. He went home, spent nine pretty productive years there (400 points in 558 games), and was bought out. When he eventually returned to Minnesota as a visitor we knew it was going to be a big deal for him.

Parise has played well for the Islanders so far in the year. He might not have a point to his name yet, but he’s playing a strong defensive game and turning defense into offense. A big plus in a Barry Trotz system.

But with the Islanders traveling to Minnesota on Sunday, and with Parise’s comments in the build-up, you have to think that he’s going to have a big game for the Isles and will certainly find a way to work himself onto the scoresheet.

The entire offseason has been building up towards this moment for Parise. The fans in the stand will undoubtedly welcome him and certainly celebrate the nine years he spent there. But Parise will be extra motivated to show the decision-makers that they made the wrong call.

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