It was worth the wait.
The New York Islanders were the second-last team to begin their NHL season, but they delivered for their home opener on Saturday night with some early delight, some middle-section heartache, and a late winner to knock off the Buffalo Sabres, 3-2, in regulation.
Through the nuance of their usual schedule vs. the new era in Elmont, it was the Islanders’ first time opening their season with a home-ice win since 1995, when the 1995-95 season didn’t start until January due to the first lockout.
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Brock Nelson opened the season’s goal account early, formally kicking off Brocktober just under six minutes into the opening period.