My 3 favorite Brendan Burke moments as NY Islanders play-by-play announcer

Game 1 to the Island

The aforementioned moments were an example of Burke taking the time leading up to a consequential event in franchise history to compose the perfect setup for puck drop. He found the right words and delivered them with the right tone to capture the emotions of Islanders fans. In those games, the game's result was important, but it was secondary to what was in the building.

That wasn't the case on Apr. 10, 2019, when the Islanders and Pittsburgh Penguins matched up in Game 1 of their Eastern Conference Quarterfinal. The Islanders had a home-ice advantage in a series for the first time since 1988, and the Coliseum was as raucous as ever.

Tied at 3-3 in overtime, Burke had his first signature playoff call with the Islanders.

"2-on-1 Barzal and Eberle ... Mat Barzal ...IN...waits...back-hand...he hit the post...THEY SCORE!

"Josh Bailey! Game One to the Island!"

It was only five words, but it was the perfect example of less is more. "The Island" was a turn that Barry Trotz has early during his Isles' tenure as head coach. It has continued to be referred to by the fanbase in the years to come, in part because of Burke's memorable Game 1 call.