If Anders Lee never does another thing for the Islanders, which has become a startling possibility, he can know that his team and its fans always will owe him huge thanks for an unforgettable season.
In his own quiet way, the first-year captain helped make the 2018-19 Islanders much more than we all thought they would be. Along with the obvious improvements — notably the defensive scheme, goaltending, disciplined coaching and overall franchise direction — Lee’s subtle work as a leader turned a potential disaster into a heartening step.
Lee’s presence made the absence of John Tavares less palpable.