There will be some bad blood when the NY Islanders face the Montreal Canadiens for the first game after the break

The first decision Mathieu Darche made in his tenure with the NY Islanders is one that could shape the franchise for years to come. The decision to trade Noah Dobson to the Montreal Canadiens for Emil Heineman and two first-round picks, so far, has been a win-win for both franchises.

The Islanders will face-off against Noah Dobson for the first time

On Thursday, the first game following the Olympic break, the Islanders will head to Montreal to take on their former teammate for the first time. Though Dobson had his share of success with the Islanders, posting the best season of his career in 2023-24, finishing with 70 points (10 G, 60 A), there has been a growing rivalry between the Islanders and Habs fanbases regarding the trade. Both sides feel like they've gotten the better of the deal, crushing their former players on social media in return.

Dobson will feel some extra love from the Candiens fans that night, while there are some Islanders fans who may feel some ill will towards the former first-round pick.

Then there's the post-Olympics story. How will the Canadian fans react when the Star Spangled Banner is played before puck drop?

The Americans took home the Gold Medal at the Winter Olympics, defeating Canada 2-1 in OT in the finals, leaving a sour taste in the Canadians' mouths. Canada was surely the favorite going into the game, but it's not as if this was a guaranteed win against a stacked Team USA. The Islanders didn't have any players on the American roster, but do have Bo Horvat, who left Milan with a Silver Medal.

It wouldn't be surprising to hear a smattering of boos from the crowd, while others may honor Horvat if he's recognized for his Olympic efforts during the game. But that's what makes this game so great. Fans are passionate about their NHL teams and their national team, and they'll let you hear it when they're happy or unhappy.