Isles Remember: NY Islanders at the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics

Speed Kills

Michael Grabner had an absolutely exceptional Olympic tournament in 2014. Not only did he lead his Austrian team with five goals in four games, but he also was tied for first in the entire tournament in the goals category. The only other player to sit atop the leaderboard with Grabner was America's Phil Kessel, who needed two more games to get to five goals. Grabner's six total points in four games landed him first in the Olympics in points per game, with 1.50.

Three of Grabner's goals came in a matchup against Team Finland, who ended up winning a bronze medal. A hat trick against one of the world's top hockey nations is an impressive feat, especially considering Tuukka Rask was between the pipes for Fins. Ultimately, Finland ended up winning the game 8-4.

Vanishing Vanek

Thomas Vanek also represented Austria, as the pair of Grabner and Vanek finished 10th of 12 teams in the Olympic tournament. Vanek wore the "C" for Austria as the captain for his home nation. Even though he was having a great year alongside John Tavares on the top line for the Isles, he didn't have a great tournament in Sochi. Vanek had 49 points in 57 games at the time of the Olympic break, but ended up finishing with just one assist and no goals for Austria. He would end up being traded to the Montreal Canadiens by the Isles at the trade deadline shortly after these games.