It's a date that Islanders fans have likely had circled on their calendars for a long time, but Thursday will mark the first time that John Tavares returns to Long Island as a visiting player. The Islanders and Maple Leafs met once earlier this season in Toronto, but this will be the first matchup between the two teams on Long Island. It marks the long-anticipated return of Tavares, the former Islanders hero who became a villain to many when he left the team this past summer. Thursday's matchup -- which can be streamed in the N.Y. market via fuboTV (Try for free) at 7 p.m. ET -- brings one of the most intriguing storylines of the entire regular season, so here's what you need to know about the situation as the Isles and Leafs prepare to face off at Nassau Coliseum. Why is it a big deal? To put it simply, Tavares was the Islanders' most important player for most of the past decade. After being drafted first overall by the team in 2009, Tavares went on to become the captain and face of the franchise over the next nine seasons. He put up impressive numbers during his tenure with the Isles, scoring 272 goals (seventh-most in franchise history) and 621 points (fifth-most), all before hitting the age of 28. He was on pace to become an Islanders legend. But for all his personal achievements, the Isles didn't experience much team success during Tavares' tenure. They reached the playoffs just three times in those nine years, winning only one postseason series during that stretch. As the Islanders struggled in the standings once again last season, there were many questions about Tavares' impending free-agent status and his future with the club. During the season, though, Tavares maintained that he was committed to the Islanders and that his focus was on making the playoffs with New York. (They ultimately missed the postseason.) After the season, Tavares was heavily courted by interested teams, including the Islanders, during his free agency tour. New York revamped its leadership in hopes of convincing Tavares to stay, hiring head coach Barry Trotz immediately after he won the Stanley Cup behind the Capitals' bench and signing veteran exec Lou Lamoriello to lead their front office. Ultimately, despite saying several times in the past that he wanted to retire an Islander, Tavares ultimately chose the team that he felt gave him the best chance to win and signed a seven-year, $77 million deal with his hometown Toronto Maple Leafs. How will he be received? Many Islanders fans felt betrayed and spurned by Tavares' departure, especially considering his comments regarding his commitment to the team and retiring on Long Island, and have villainized the former captain for not being transparent enough throughout the process. Perhaps the eight months separating Tavares' free agency decision and this reunion in Long Island have helped to reduce the bitterness for some. But considering this "Dear John" video that was released this week in anticipation of Thursday's game, there's still plenty of animosity held by some. With that in mind, there should be plenty of boos for Tavares when he takes the ice at Nassau Coliseum on Thursday night. However, there are also a number of Islanders fans who are able to put aside their disappointment over Tavares' departure and recognize his contributions to the franchise over the past decade. Many of those fans also acknowledge that the front office didn't do enough to build a winning team around Tavares and convince him to stay on Long Island. As such, I'd expect a pretty mixed reaction from the home crowd on Thursday, though boos often tend to be a bit louder than appreciative cheers. Where are they now? The Islanders have fared surprisingly well without Tavares this season and head into Thursday's game with 79 points in the standings, tying them with Washington for the top spot in the Metropolitan division. (New York has played two less games than Washington, making them the first-place team in regards to point percentage.) Under the leadership of Trotz, the Islanders have gone from the league's worst defensive team a season ago to the NHL's top defensive squad this year. The Isles are allowing a league-low 2.32 goals against per game this season. Twenty-one-year-old Sophomore phenom Mat Barzal leads all Islanders in points this year with 51 (17 goals and 34 assists). As for the Maple Leafs, it enters Thursday with 82 points on the year, which trails Boston by a single point for second-place in the Atlantic division. The Leafs rank top-ten in both goals per game (fourth) and goals against per game (eighth) and, despite some struggles with consistency, are considered one of the most dangerous and explosive teams in the league. Tavares has fit in very well in his first season with Toronto and he's currently second on the team in points with 68. His 36 goals on the year lead the team, with 29 of those tallies coming at even-strength. He's projected to finish the year with 47 goals, which would be the first time in his career that he's hit the 40-goal mark. All things considered, both sides are in a pretty great spot as we head into this long-awaited reunion. What are they saying? Islanders coach Barry Trotz: Toronto Maple Leafs coach Mike Babcock: Tavares himself:<doc-sep>Islanders fans flocked to NYCB Live's Nassau Coliseum for the Islanders' game against John Tavares and the Toronto Maple Leafs on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019. It's Tavares' first game back at the Coliseum since leaving the Islanders in free agency on July 1, 2018. Islanders fans cheer after a goal in the first period against the Maple Leafs at NYCB Live's Nassau Coliseum on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019. Islanders fans cheer after a goal in the first period against the Maple Leafs at NYCB Live's Nassau Coliseum on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019. John Tavares of the Maple Leafs warms up before a game against the Islanders at NYCB Live's Nassau Coliseum on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019. Patrick Dowd of Bay Shore holds a banner in reference to former New York Islander John Tavares, who will be playing for the Maple Leafs in his first game back on Long Island against the Islanders at NYCB Live's Nassau Coliseum on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019. Fans pose for a photograph in front of a banner in reference to former Islander John Tavares, who will be playing for the Maple Leafs in his first game back on Long Island against the Islanders at NYCB Live's Nassau Coliseum on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019. Nick Martorano of Lindenhurst poses for a photograph with a jersey of former Islander John Tavares, who will be playing for the Maple Leafs in his first game back on Long Island against the Islanders at NYCB Live's Nassau Coliseum on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019. Steven Silverman, left, of Cedarhurst and Charlie Summers of Rockville Centre pose for a photograph wearing jerseys of former Islander John Tavares, who will be playing for the Maple Leafs in his first game back on Long Island against the Islanders at NYCB Live's Nassau Coliseum on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019. Christian Forte of East Quogue poses for a photograph with a jersey of former Islander John Tavares, who will be playing for the Maple Leafs in his first game back on Long Island against the Islanders at NYCB Live's Nassau Coliseum on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019. Islanders fans arrive for a game against the Maple Leafs at NYCB Live's Nassau Coliseum on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019. Islanders fans arrive for a game against the Maple Leafs at NYCB Live's Nassau Coliseum on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019. Islanders fans arrive for a game against the Maple Leafs at NYCB Live's Nassau Coliseum on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019. An Islanders fan wears a jersey of former Islander John Tavares, who will be playing for the Maple Leafs in his first game back on Long Island against the Islanders at NYCB Live's Nassau Coliseum on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019. An Islanders fan wears a jersey of former Islander John Tavares, who will be playing for the Maple Leafs in his first game back on Long Island against the Islanders at NYCB Live's Nassau Coliseum on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019. John Tavares of the Maple Leafs warms up before a game against the Islanders at NYCB Live's Nassau Coliseum on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019. John Tavares of the Maple Leafs warms up before a game against the Islanders at NYCB Live's Nassau Coliseum on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019. An Islanders fan wears a jersey of former Islander John Tavares, who will be playing for the Maple Leafs in his first game back on Long Island against the Islanders at NYCB Live's Nassau Coliseum on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019.<doc-sep>UNIONDALE, N.Y. — It had been 242 days since John Tavares signed a seven-year contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs. It had been 242 days since he left New York and Islanders fans behind. They did not welcome him back with open arms. "I expected it was coming," Tavares said. "No one has walked in my shoes so I know that and I tried to be open and honest. Obviously, no one has to like my decision but I just tried to explain what it is and how I got to that point. So, it is what it is. I made my decision. I moved forward so just going to try and go out there and play. " The atmosphere inside the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum was intense. Chants resonated throughout the Old Barn from the moment Tavares hit the ice for warmups as fans expressed their dismay with Tavares' decision to leave. "I thought the energy was spectacular in warmup, at the start of the game," Maple Leafs coach Mike Babcock said. "The whole thing. You must be a real special player, a real special person for them to honor you like that because they only boo if you're important." DEADLINE WINNERS & LOSERS Blue Jackets, Golden Knights go big; Flames go home empty-handed The booing continued during a video tribute in the first period that was shown on the Jumbotron, completely drowning out the audio. To his credit, Tavares watched the entire presentation along with both benches and acknowledged the crowd after. "They’re obviously a passionate fan base," noted Zach Hyman, who scored the Leafs' lone goal in a lopsided 6-1 loss. "Would rather play in a game like that than a game that’s quiet. It’s good for us, it’s a good learning experience. This is what playoff hockey is like, it’s loud, fans are in your face, it’s passionate, it’s exciting. We were embarrassed tonight but we’ll learn from it." Every Maple Leaf who spoke postgame, including Babcock, said the team wanted to win the game for Tavares. Unfortunately, the team was on the second night of a back-to-back and came up short as turnovers and poor puck management in the neutral zone plagued it. "We really wanted it for John," said Justin Holl, who suited up for only the third time this season. "He’s a huge part of our team and a great guy, so this was one that we really wanted. It’s disappointing but at the same time it’s one game in a season of 82, so it’s just time to bounce back." Sporting News provided updates from John Tavares' first game back on Long Island. Maple Leafs vs. Islanders: Score, highlights (All times Eastern) 9:50 p.m. — During Tavares' postgame presser, a fan can be heard yelling into the tunnel, "John, you suck!" 9:39 p.m. — Robin Lehner, Brock Nelson and Casey Cizikas earn stars of the night. Lehner throws a puck and his stick into the crowd. Fans chant "MVP" during Cizikas' postgame interview. Final: Islanders 6, Maple Leafs 1 9:34 p.m. — Fans chanting, "Let's go Islanders." 9:32 p.m. — Fans chanting, "Na-na-na-na, na-na-na-na, hey hey hey, goodbye." 9:30 p.m. — The fans' creativity on the Island knows no bounds. Ruthless Islanders fans chant “It’s your bedtime” and “Where’s your jammies?” during the third period of Tavares' return to Long Island pic.twitter.com/GWqYdf66Il — Brady Trettenero (@BradyTrett) March 1, 2019 9:21 p.m. — Fans came dressed. 9:15 p.m. — Fans possibly chanting, "Who's your daddy?" 9:14 p.m. — GOAL. Jordan Eberle with time behind the net feeds a crashing Brock Nelson, who buries it. Fair to say, the Islanders are showing John Tavares they definitely don't need him. A quick reminder, though: The Leafs are on a back-to-back and down two defensemen. Islanders lead 6-1. 9:13 p.m. — Fans are cheering, this game is pretty much over. 9:02 p.m. — GOAL. The Islanders extend their lead as Nick Leddy scores. Islanders lead 5-1. End of second period: Islanders 4, Maple Leafs 1 8:41 p.m. — Johnny Boychuk pinches Mitchell Marner skating down the boards and Marner's skate comes up and clips Boychuk. The defenseman immediately grabs his neck and skates off. 8:40 p.m. — GOAL. Scramble in front and Valtteri Filppula sends the puck over Sparks. Competing "We don't need you" erupt. Islanders lead 4-1. 8:32 p.m. — Coliseum erupts; not for a goal, but for The Karate Kid himself, Ralph Macchio. May have been the biggest roar of the night. 8:30 p.m. — Fans chanting, "We don't need you." 8:29 p.m. — GOAL. Casey Cizikas, short-handed, steals the puck from Tyler Ennis above the circle on the boards, skates down and beats Sparks five-hole. Islanders lead 3-1. 8:27 p.m. — Leafs back on the power play. 8:21 p.m. — At the whistle, pushing and shoving. Justin Holl with the facewash on Cal Clutterbuck, who throws a punch and rips Holl's helmet off. No penalties. Chippiness level elevated. 8:17 p.m. — Goal is waved off. Wes McCauley (of course) with the dramatic pause before saying "offside" and the crowd erupts. 8:17 p.m. — Hold on, the goal is being reviewed. Looks like Hyman may have been offside. Islanders lead 2-1. 8:15 p.m. — GOAL. Mitchell Marner skates across the ice in the offensive zone, drawing both defensemen to him and leaving Zach Hyman all alone for the easy goal. Hyman's second of the night. Game tied 2-2. 8:14 p.m. — Tavares almost scores off his leg as Scott Mayfield cross-checks him 8:10 p.m. — "Let's Go Islanders" chants erupt. 8:09 p.m. — GOAL. Brock Nelson feeds the captain Anders Lee who scores easily past a diving Garret Sparks. The Old Barn erupts. Islanders lead 2-1. The @NYIslanders captain gives the home team the lead after a sweet dish from Brock Nelson!!! #Isles pic.twitter.com/aCzrtUcWuF — MSG Networks (@MSGNetworks) March 1, 2019 8:07 p.m. — Tavares behind the goal line takes a couple of cross-checks from ex-teammate Mat Barzal. 8:02 p.m. — The answer is "No". Tavares lines up for faceoff deep in own end to boos.<doc-sep>The boos drenched John Tavares the moment he emerged from the tunnel and stepped out on the ice for warm-ups. Then a fan threw an Islanders jersey at him on the way off. When the game began, the boos from Islanders fans echoed throughout the Coliseum every time he touched the puck. And then there were the chants from the loud, hostile crowd: “We don’t need you.” “You’re a li-ar.” “JT sucks.” Subscribe to Newsday’s sports newsletter Receive stories, photos and videos about your favorite New York teams plus national sports news and events. By clicking Sign up, you agree to our privacy policy. The Metropolitan Division-leading Islanders beat Toronto, 6-1, on Thursday night, keeping Tavares off the scoresheet, and the fans showed no mercy toward the former captain as he returned for the first time against his old team. He wasn’t expecting a loving, welcome-back embrace. “No one’s walked in my shoes,” Tavares said. “I know that. I tried to be open and honest. Obviously, no one has to like [it].” A video tribute rolled during a stoppage about midway through the first period. The highlights appeared from Tavares’ nine years with the Islanders, clips of his on-ice work, his hospital visits, his interactions with kids. But the soundtrack was drowned out by a mix of boos and chants, including one not fit for print. The tribute closed with the words “Thank You John” on the screen. More loud boos. “Obviously, it would be nice to take a moment to recognize, but obviously they have their feelings,” Tavares said. While the fans didn’t appreciate the video tribute, Tavares did. “Obviously, he made an impression on the fan base,” teammate Patrick Marleau said. “If they didn’t care, they probably wouldn’t do anything.” This return had been anticipated since July 1, when Tavares bolted as a free agent for the team of his childhood dreams. He made the point clearly that day by posting a photo on Twitter of himself as a kid sleeping between a Maple Leafs sheet and blanket. Tavares asked the Islanders not to trade him at the deadline last February. Throughout last season, he sounded as if he hoped to re-sign. So when he decided to go play near where he grew up on a seven-year, $77 million deal, the fans felt led on and abandoned. “As I’ve said, it was probably the hardest decision I’ve ever had to make in my life and obviously it took me some time to do it because of how difficult it was, and I wasn’t really sure what I really wanted to do until I obviously made the decision,” Tavares said. He had a message for the Islanders’ fan base: “I loved it here and gave it everything I had.” Tavares gave the Islanders 272 regular-season goals and 11 playoff goals, including the double-OT clincher in the first round against Florida in 2016. The 28-year-old center is having another big season, contributing 36 goals and 32 assists for Toronto, which sits third in the Atlantic Division. “The reality is he’s not a kid,” coach Mike Babcock said. “I don’t know whether he’d tell you or not, but he’s happy with what he’s decided to do, and it’s all part of life.” While Tavares has moved on, he hasn’t forgotten what it meant to him to be an Islander. “It meant the world to me,” he said. “I took a lot of pride in playing here and being an Islander and being the captain and doing everything I could to help this team get to where we wanted to get to. Unfortunately, we didn’t accomplish that. They are nine years I’ll never forget, a big part of my life and a big part of who I am, too.”<doc-sep>
Not even the angriest among the sellout crowd of jilted fans on Thursday night at NYCB Lives Nassau Coliseum likely could have imagined it going so well for their Islanders. Ex-captain John Tavares made his first return to his former home rink after bolting via free agency for a seven-year, $77 million deal with his hometown Toronto Maple Leafs. The miserable homecoming had less to do with booing and often-profane chants and all to do with how well the Islanders played. Helped by a three-goal second period, the Islanders thrashed the Maple Leafs, 6-1, before a deafening roar from 13,917. I think we kind of expected a little bit of that, center Mathew Barzal said of the charged, playoff-like atmosphere. I didnt think it was going to be like that. It was something Ive never played in before. It was one of the coolest moments of my life, said goalie Robin Lehner, who made 34 saves. Im going to remember this for a long time. I go out in warmups and I always listen to music and try and get into the game. But I couldnt hear it. It was so loud during warmups. It was a crucial win for the Metropolitan Division-leading Islanders (37-19-7). They moved two points ahead of the second-place Capitals who will visit on Friday night after opening this five-game homestand with a 3-1 loss to the Flames on Tuesday night. Subscribe to Newsday’s sports newsletter Receive stories, photos and videos about your favorite New York teams plus national sports news and events. By clicking Sign up, you agree to our privacy policy. It marked the Islanders second dominant performance against the Maple Leafs after a 4-0 win at Toronto on Dec. 29. The teams will play in the Islanders home finale on April 1. The atmosphere was definitely up there, said Casey Cizikas, whose goal gave him a career-high 18. Thats what you strive for in the playoffs. You want home-ice advantage because you want atmospheres like that on your side. Garret Sparks made 31 saves for the Maple Leafs (39-21-4), who beat the visiting Oilers, 6-2, on Wednesday night. The fans showed their spirited displeasure in many ways. Some plastic snakes were hurled onto the ice during warmups, and there was loud booing every time Tavares touched the puck. The Maple Leafs arrival on the ice was preceded by We Dont Need You chants fans held signs saying the same as well as less-wholesome screaming. As Tavares left the ice after warmups, an Islanders jersey was thrown at him. Some fans wore Islanders No. 91 jerseys with Tavares nameplate replaced by, among others, Traitor and Pajama Boy. Outside, some Tavares jerseys were burned in garbage bins. Another fan ran over a Tavares jersey with an SUV. I did expect it was coming, said Tavares, who had five shots on goal in 17 minutes of ice time. No one has walked in my shoes. I know that. I tried to be open and honest. Obviously, no one has to like it. Not even a classy tribute at 9:59 of the first period, which was drowned out by booing and cursed chants, mollified the crowd. Tavares skated a lap after the 90-second video highlighting his nine seasons with the Islanders, including his community work, and raised his stick in appreciation to the crowd as players from both teams tapped their sticks in respect. That only brought a JT Sucks chant, followed by Youre a Liar. They could have maybe given him a round of applause, Cal Clutterbuck said. He put everything he had into winning here. But I understand both sides. The Islanders led 4-1 through two periods after a potential Maple Leafs equalizer was overturned on an offside challenge. Anders Lee made it 2-1 off the rush at 4:49, and after Zach Hymans potential goal was waved off at 7:12, Cizikas shorthanded goal made it 3-1 at 13:40. That brought the loudest We Dont Need You chant. Valtteri Filppula pushed it to 4-1 at 19:00 and Nick Leddys slap shot made it 5-1 just 33 seconds into the third period (Cizikas originally got credit for the goal). Nelson scored at 8:41 and the crowd chanted Whos Your Daddy? Tavares was on the ice for both first-period goals as Hyman made it 1-0 at 13:33 and Anthony Beauvillier tied it at 16:16 off a three-on-one rush.