The night was supposed to be all about former Islanders Captain Brent Sutter, and for the most part it was. Before the Islanders’ 4-1 win over the San Jose Sharks at UBS Arena, Sutter became the 16th member of the Islanders Hall of Fame, taking his place among the greats in the brand-new Ring of Honor.
Another name that will one day be in the team’s Hall of Fame is Brock Nelson, who added to the excitement Saturday night with the game-winning goal, a second period tally that broke a 1-1 tie. With that goal, Nelson passed both Sutter and Pat LaFontaine for fifth place on the Islanders’ all-time list with number 288.
“It’s funny it happened (Saturday). It was an incredible honor for him to be inducted,” said Nelson. “It’s pretty cool and fun to be a part of that night.”
Nelson, who will be on Team USA for the upcoming 4 Nations Face-Off, is having a solid season with 13 goals and 15 assists, fourth on the team with those 28 points. A first-round pick (30th overall in 2010), Nelson is in his 12th season with the Islanders and has cemented himself as one of the best players in franchise history.
“He’s a great pro,” said Head Coach Patrick Roy. “He’s a true Islander. He’s been here for a long time. He cares about this organization and that logo.”
Next up on the Islanders' goal scoring list is Clark Gillies, who is No. 4 with 304 - so Nelson needs 16 goals to tie Gillies and 17 to pass him. That may not happen, as Nelson is due to be an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season, and could be dealt to a contender at the trading deadline. Even if he is traded, Nelson will always be an Islander and is respected highly in that locker room.
“Nellie has been here for a long time and has been a great player here and a part of a lot of big moments,” said defenseman Ryan Pulock. “He’s been a special player in this league for quite a few years now. He’s been a staple here for quite a few years.”
The Islanders' Top 10 goal scorers list is one that includes Mike Bossy, Bryan Trottier, Denis Potvin, Clark Gillies, Sutter and LaFontaine, Anders Lee, John Tavares, and Bob Bourne around Nelson, who will one day be presented with that blue blazer that Sutter was given Saturday night that places him among the team’s all-time greats.
“I’ve been fortunate to be here for a while,” said Nelson. “I’ve played with a lot of great players. Kind of similar message that Brent had…the memories that you make with the guys is the best thing.”
It will be tough for an Islanders fan to see Brock Nelson put on another team’s jersey. He’s an Islander. But Bryan Trottier went to the Penguins, Clark Gillies had a cup of coffee with the Sabres at the end of his career, Pat LaFontaine was traded to Buffalo and John Tavares made his controversial move to Toronto.
But maybe the Islanders can get on a roll and get back into the playoff race, and they become buyers instead of sellers. There’s still some more for Nelson to accomplish in an Islanders uniform.