The 2016-2017 New York Islanders season began with what could be best described as a nervous anticipation for fans. The team was just coming off of their first playoff series win in over 20 years but saw some of their core players walk in free agency.
There’d be no easing into life as an Islander with both big free agent acquisitions Andrew Ladd and Jason Chimera being thrust right into the Islanders/Rangers rivalry on day one.
As every Rangers game, the hype was at its peak. The season was a blank slate, the outcome of this game would set the tone for the next 81 after it.