Islanders fans should be proud of Brock Nelson’s place in history

New York Islanders fans had something very special to cheer about on Sunday. Team USA’s Olympic gold was a fantastic feat. The American side finally got over the hump, defeating the Canadian squad that had, on two prior occasions, negated gold for the United States.

It took 46 years, but the USA is back on top. A major part of that historic American team is Brock Nelson. The 34-year-old was a first-round pick for the Islanders. The Isles picked the Minnesota native with the 30th overall pick in the 2010 NHL Draft.

Nelson went on to etch his name in Islanders’ history. And to be fair, he didn’t want to leave Long Island. It took a trade from a trigger-happy Lou Lamoriello to send him to Colorado. But to Islanders fans, Nelson will always have a special place in everyone’s hearts.

That’s why seeing Nelson win a gold medal is a special thing. It’s kind of like seeing an ex have a good life away from you. Instead of holding grudges, you can’t help but smile and feel good for them.

That’s the feeling that seeing Nelson win on Sunday evoked. It was a wonderful thing to see Nelson earn his place in hockey history. That’s something that every fan can appreciate regardless of specific team affiliations.

Horvat another reason for Islanders fans to be proud

Meanwhile, current New York Islanders star Bo Horvat was on the opposite end of the Olympic final. Horvat played a solid game for Team Canada. While Horvat hardly walked away empty-handed, there’s no question the silver medal wasn’t really much consolation.

Horvat, nonetheless, added another reason for Islanders’ fans to be proud. It’s hardly easy to win an Olympic silver medal. Heck, it’s almost impossible to make the Olympics to begin with. Considering the amount of high-end talent Team Canada had to choose from, Horvat’s inclusion in the team was enough of an honor.

For Islanders fans, instead of feeling disappointed for Horvat, it should be a cause for celebration. Horvat did his job on Team Canada’s fourth line. He played with guts and grit, just like he does for the Islanders.

It would have been nice for both Nelson and Horvat to get gold medals. Sadly, that’s not how it works. But wouldn’t the ultimate consolation prize be a Stanley Cup? Winning a Stanley Cup with the Islanders would certainly take the sting out of missing out on gold for Horvat.